Climate change workshop for teachers in Amanzimtoti
Teachers from schools in the Umkomaas circuit gained knowledge on the impacts of climate change, wildfires, conservation and alien invasive plant species.
A CLIMATE change workshop was held at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre recently to equip teachers from schools in the Umkomaas circuit with the knowledge that they could pass on to their learners.
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eThekwini Municipality’s Climate Change and Biodiversity Management Department hosted the workshop in partnership with the South African Youth Climate Change Coalition, the Department of Education, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
In a statement, eThekwini said the workshop had been organised to bring some of the stakeholders together to discuss issues that surround climate change as well as nature conservation.
“The engagement focused on raising awareness and empowering teachers on climate change impacts for our region, with the hope that they will be able to spread the message among learners and inspire action within communities,” it said.
Key discussions included the impacts of climate change currently experienced in the metro, which have been experienced in the form of unseasonal heavy rains and floods. The teachers were also enlightened about the critical role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in shaping sustainable climate solutions while emphasising the need to integrate traditional practices into modern climate adaptation strategies.
The teachers were also given insights into the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act No. 101 of 1998), which regulates fire management, prevention, and control to protect veld, forests, and communities from destructive wildfires, as well as the National Forests Act (Act No. 84 of 1998), which provides for the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of forests in South Africa.
SANBI made a presentation on alien invasive plant species and the ongoing efforts to remove them. eThekwini said this was the first in a series of engagements that will take place with various sectors of society across the city.
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