Thorntree Conservancy receives prestigious award from the South African National Parks 2007
On Monday the 22nd of May Thorntree Conservancy received the Merit Award in the Category Community Contribution at the Kudu award ceremony held in Pretoria
Robert Marais receiving the award from Dr David Mabunda
The Kudu Awards event is meant to recognise contribution by individuals and institutions to conservation management at two levels, i.e. SAN Parks staff members and external role players and stakeholders in different categories
This year marks the third year for the Kudu Awards ceremony, since inception in 2005. It is a fact of a real dream coming true for SAN Parks management and staff because this event is intended to be the premier event on SAN Parks’ annual calendar of events; and it is slowly, but surely becoming one. This event is of course meant to celebrate the successes and the contributions of individuals and groups in conservation management in this country and also plays a significant role in the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, thus protecting South Africa’s most valuable national assets.. It is indeed for this reason why this event is so important to all of us in the family of SANParks. We however recognise the fact that we do not have the monopoly on conservation management as SAN Parks, but there are other role players out there like most of you who are here. It is precisely for your role in conservation that we saw it necessary to request you to come and join us in this celebration and we therefore would like to congratulate all of you.
Dr David Mabunda
Chief Executive SANParks
Thorntree Conservancy Receives Three Awards
On Saturday the 12 of May the Gauteng Conservancy Association held their AGM and annual award ceremony. Awards are given to top performing Conservancies in three Categories,
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The Four Frogs: Best wetland Rehabilitation in a Gauteng Conservancy,
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Biodiversity Award: Best Biodiversity practice in a Gauteng Conservancy ,
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Meerkat Award: Best General practice in a Gauteng Conservancy
The winners are Judged by the different working groups from the Endangered Wildlife Trust
Biodiversity Award returns to Thorntree Conservancy
Carol Donachie receiving the award
The Biodiversity Award Gold (Best Biodiversity practice in a Gauteng Conservancy) has been awarded to Thorntree conservancy for the second time .
Thorntree Conservancy is doing a great job of addressing a great variety of issues within their conservancy simultaneously. These cover biophysical, social/cultural and economic enhancement of their immediate area, by trying to sustain the balance, in addressing larger pressures rather than focussing on one species. In such a way, Thorntree Conservancy adds much more value too advocating what conservancies ultimately are all about. Wise management, care and protection of the land which has been entrusted to you for the present and future generation’s usage and enjoyment.
Thorntree Conservancy and Cullinan Conservancy received the Bronze Award
Joan Du Toit from Cullinan and Terry Scott from Thorntree receiving the bronze award
The Meerkat Award 2007 Best General practice in a Gauteng Conservancy .Both Cullinan and Thorntree Conservancy show a great variety of projects involving the surrounding communities as well as some projects aimed at children. We could not put one ahead of the other as both are deserving of a bronze
Special Commendations 2007
Thorntree Conservancy
Thorntree Conservancy applied for all three awards and is a very strong candidate in all. However, in comparing it to the other candidates in the Wetlands category, we felt they were at a distinct advantage as an already established conservancy and therefore set the criteria at a higher standard for this Gauteng Conservancy. We would like to commend their continued vigilance in protecting their wetlands, as demonstrated in the toxic waste incident described.