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Objectives
- To provide international volunteers with an opportunity to become involved in conservation issues within the Kogelberg
Biosphere Reserve and associated marine environment.
- To provide international and local exposure to the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve as well as topical conservation issues relating to urban conservation (buffer and transition zones).
- To compile a database of information through a consistent and standardised data capture process. To facilitate, through an education and awareness regime, responsible living within the Biosphere.
- To promote the tourism attractions such as the Penguin Colony and ensure the sustainability thereof.
- To provide managers with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding the management of the natural environment.
Planned Activities to Achieve Objectives:
- CVA, GAP and the GWST to pro-actively advertise and further market this program on their Web pages, etc. and therefore solicit, screen and supply volunteers.
- Program to run throughout the year.
- Volunteers subjected to training and orientation for first day. Provided by the Department of Environmental Conservation Services (Overstrand Municipality).
Post Graduate students: Data Capture
- Students assisted with developing a hypothesis, methodology as well as a research subject.
- Other volunteers assist these students in their fieldwork when required.
- Papers drafted will acknowledge the Overstrand Municipality and copies kept.
Work programme: Daily Tasks
- The Department of Environmental Conservation Services drafts a work programme that includes maintenance and small projects (soil erosion, footpaths, alien vegetation, etc.) that is to be implemented by the volunteers.
- The student employed by this department will supervise and ensure quality control.
- Public Awareness and Education Campaigns are conducted at visitor hot spots such as the Stony Point Penguin Colony. Information pamphlets, etc. on relevant topics are distributed.
- All data captured to be compiled into a short report and digitised on GIS. This data then made available to all interested and affected parties.
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PROJECT TEAM
Craig Spencer - Project Founder/Environmental Contractor to the Municipality
Thomas Peschak - University of Cape Town - Overstrand Municipality Environmental Conservation Services
Christina Geldenhuys - Overstrand Municipality – Environmental Conservation Services |
Accommodation and Facilities
Project Infrastructure:
Volunteers are required to pay R 36.00 per person per day.
Volunteers supply all personal effects, clothing, toiletries, sleeping bags, etc.
ACCOMMODATION:
Volunteers housed in the CIVIE Project house within the Betty’s Bay Nature Reserve (double story). Four large bedrooms, single bath-room, open-plan kitchen and office with computer facilities. A balcony on the top story offers a good view. Situated 5 kilometres from Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay, on the R44 main road.
- House sleeps maximum of eight adults.
- Electricity in house provided by generator.
- Water provided from borehole. Water is drinkable.
- Cooking utensils provided. Two-plate natural gas stove only.
- Large Natural gas fridge and freezer provided.
- All cutlery and crockery provided.
- Beds and mattresses provided.
- All food and drink will be purchased weekly or as required by volunteers.
- Transportation to and from the house, airport, shops, places of work, etc. is provided.
- Washing of clothes can be done by hand or at a local laundry facility.
- Project runs for a minimum of 14 days per individual.
- Flush toilet.
- Shower – cold water only.
FACILITIES
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- Computer (PC), 15” Super VGA monitor, Microsoft Office, GIS (Arc View 3.2), colour printer.
- Generator (Lister 5.5 Kva)
- House (as described above)
- Vehicle (Toyota Hilux LDV long wheelbase with canopy)
- House is furnished (gas stove, gas fridge, etc. as above.)
- One Nature Conservation Student (third year) – full time.
- Aerial photographs.
- Nikon stereo-scope (dissection microscope)
- Nursery (controlled environment for planting and growing of seeds, vegetation).
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Principles for Living in the Kogelberg Reserve
Fire Danger:
Uncontrolled fires cause extensive damage to the environment and property, therefore please do not make fires during strong winds and throw coals into the veld or along roads. Do not elave fires unattended and extinguish coals properly after a braar.
Marine Life:
Contribute to the protection of our marine life by obtaining the necessary permits and sticking to bag limiots. be aware of the regulations and make others aware.
Fauna and Flora:
Protect our environment by keeping to footpaths (not feeding the baboons (on purpose or accidentally), not picking flowers, not disturbing or haming the local wildlife.
Pets:
Be responsible and make sure your pets are under proper control to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all. Our wildlife are precious and uncontrolled dogs and cats have a negative impact on their long-term survival.
Clean Environment:
Please do not litter. Make use of the recycling bins provided in each of the towns. leave bags in rubbish bins for collection and not along the road where animals can tear them open.
Light Pollution:
Be considerate to your neighbours and avoid strong lights and use outside lights only when necessary.
Be Water Wise:
Water remains a scarce and precious resouce in the hangklip-Kleinmond area, use sparingly. Make sure taps and pipes are not leaking and reduce evaporation by only watering your garden early in the morning or during the cool of evening. Not only will you save water but your plants will also benefit more.
Noise:
Please respect your neighbours and the quiet of the area, keep noise levels down.
Emergency Numbers for HANGKLIP-KLEINMOND
Fire: 082 824 1434
Police: 028 271 3333
Ambuland and first aid: 101777
Traffic: 083 769 4720
Electricity: 0801212455
(eskom)
Water: 082 774 4581
Sea Watch: 083 212 2252 / 3
Municipality: 028 271 8100 |
What can you expect
- Voluntee Wild animals frequent the area. There are five baboon troops in the area and they have become habituated to the presence of people.
- Leopards frequent the area from time to time but are very rare. Other animals of interest include Caracal (lynx) and several small antelope species.
- An African Penguin colony is situated within walking distance from the Project house. Several other rare sea birds can also be found breeding here.
- A marine reserve is also situated within close proximity.
- There are several rivers within the area that provide good swimming in the summer.
- Sea temperatures vary between 13 and 20 degrees.
- Strong winds can be expected from time to time.
- Rainfall in winter is often over 750 mm.
- Roads are good.
- Telephone networks are available in towns.
- All towns are electrified.
- nternet café’s are available in some towns.
- The closest town is Pringle Bay (5 km).
- Private and state hospital facilities are available in Hermanus (56 km).
- Local private doctors are available in all towns.
- All towns have several pubs and restaurants.
- A pizza or hamburger meal will cost an average of R 40.00 and drinks vary between R 14.00 for a mix to R 11.00 for a beer. |
Maps
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What to pack
Each participant of this project is required to ensure that they have the following equipment and personal effects.
Toiletries: such as soap, toothbrush, hairbrush and shampoo.
Clothing: warm and cold weather clothing is required. Wet weather gear is advised for winter programmes.
Backpack: A small day pack is required as baboons are often followed on foot. Should be able to hold warm cloths, water bottle and food.
Water bottle: A one-litre water bottle is the minimum requirement.
Hat: A good sun-hat is recommended with a wide brim.
Sunscreen: At least a factor 30 is required.
Torch: As the house has no electricity, a good torch and spare batteries are required.
Walking shoes: Good hiking boots and / or walking shoes are required.
Bedding: A sleeping bag is advisable however bedding is provided
Towel: A bath towel or beach towel is required.
Spending money: It is recommended that money in the form of South African Rand is budgeted as “pocket money” for spending on additional items such as drinks, restaurant food, telephone calls, etc. |
What to take for field work
Shared items To be carried amongst the group |
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Item |
Description |
- Mobile phone with important numbers stored in directory
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Important to keep in contact with base as well as in emergencies |
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You will not always be close enough to judge the position, number, age or gender of the baboons by naked eye. Try to have at least one pair of binoculars for every two people |
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- Clipboard with laminated maps and permanent markers
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To orientate your self and ensure that you do not get lost. |
- Clipboard with data sheets and pens
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To facilitate the standardised capture of your data in the field. |
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You will need to write times on all the data sheets, and know when to radio in |
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In case of fog or staying out after dark |
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For any interesting observations or extra notes not mentioned on the data sheets |
- A water bottle (1 litre minimum)
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To quench your thirst |
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There may not always be access to a toilet, so be prepared to go bush |
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In case you get lost or have to stay out longer than anticipated |
Personal items To be carried by each person |
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Item |
Description |
Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, thick socks, hiking boots |
Recommended clothing. Remember that the weather in South Africa can change quickly |
- Thermal clothing, beanie, gloves, broad brimmed hat, sunglasses, fleece / warm top, rain jacket
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Optional clothing to pack in case of change of weather, or fog |
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Highest factor rating |
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Drinking water regularly is important as you are often exposed to the heat and are active for long periods of time |
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These will need to be packed as there may not be a chance to purchase them, and you are active for long periods of time |
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Used for storing garbage |
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Plan of the house
LEVEL 2
Fire extinguisher Windows
| Bathroom |
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| Shower |
The shower does not work and if you wish to have a hot wash, you must boil some water using the electric kettle or the gas stove. There is a large blue bucket to stand in and several other smaller buckets to pour water over you. |
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| Sink |
Use water sparingly. |
| Kitchen |
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| Stove |
The stove is gas operated. Ensure the gas bottle is attached, and turn it on. To do so on older gas bottles, you will need to turn the bolt anticlockwise, whereas on newer gas bottles you will simply need to rotate the wheel anticlockwise. Next, choose which stove element you wish to use and turn the dial underneath it anticlockwise, manually lighting the gas with a flint. When turning off the stove, remember to turn off the gas both at the stove and at the gas bottle itself, by turning the dial/wheel/bolt clockwise as far as it will go. |
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| Fridge |
The fridge is gas operated. Ensure the gas bottle is attached, and test the temperature of the fridge. Buy food accordingly. |
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| Hot Water |
There is no running hot water. If you need to wash up, you will need to boil some water using the electric kettle or the gas stove. |
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| General |
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| Securing the house |
Baboons inhabit the area, so ensure that when you leave the house the burglar bars are locked and the windows are shut – the burglar bars alone will not prevent young baboons from entering the house. |
| Electricity |
The generator is the only source of electricity, and is used to power the electric jug and lights. It can be found in the small generator room behind the house. To start it, slip the crank handle over the exposed shaft which protrudes from the front of the engine. A small lever on the crank handle should be lifted before the crank will slip over the shaft. Rotate the crank on the shaft until it catches in the grove on the shaft. Crank the handle in a clock-wise direction as fast as you can until the engine fires. The crank handle will automatically slip of when the generators starts turning on its own. The diesel tank should never run low as the generator will then suck in air and will need to be bled. If this is the case, contact the Nature Conservation Officer for assistance.
To stop the generator, pull on the short wire handle which protrudes from the top of the generator, on the right hand side. Hold in the up position until motor stops. |
| Fire Extinguisher |
The fire extinguishers are for wood, paper and live electrical fires. There is one on the lower floor and one on the top floor. |
| Rubbish |
Rubbish bags are kept in a wooden box outside the house and then deposit in the trailer at the entrance to Pringle Bay. |
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Your Feedback
So that we can do the best job possible, we need to know how you rated your experience.
Please rate from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) by circling the corresponding number.
Project
Enjoyment
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Safety
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Helpfulness of staff
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Professionalism of staff
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Development of your own
conservation knowledge
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Overall satisfaction
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Accommodation and Food
Did the house meet your expectations?
Yes / no
Did you feel safe at the house?
Yes / no
How do you rate the house?
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Suggestions for the house:
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Did the food meet your expectations?
Yes / no
Was there enough food?
Yes / no |
Other comments and suggestions on how to improve the project:
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