Friends of Silvermine Nature Area (FOSNA) has received a certificate of recognition from the City of Cape Town for their efforts in improving the local natural environment.
The certificate was presented by ward councillor Simon Liell-Cock at a meeting of Sub-council 19 held on Monday March 13 in the Fish Hoek Chambers.
Fosna chairman, Dave Balfour said they are thrilled to be recognised.
“This award recognises not only the physical contribution of the Fosna volunteers who offer their time and their energy to the maintenance and conservation of our natural environment but also serves to promote and encourage active citizenry which is increasingly important in the world,” Mr Balfour said.
He commended all those involved in Fosna activities, including those who donate funds that enable them to hire river wardens and cover some of the costs associated with alien plant control.
“These are the true recipients of this award,” he said.
Mr Liell-Cock said organisations like Fosna, who do things without asking for anything in return, are what makes a community work.
“They have contributed greatly to the beauty of Silvermine Wetlands over the years, so they deserve our appreciation and we should let them know how great their work is,” he told the Echo.
Ward councillor Aimee Kuhl nominated the conservation group for the award based on their commitment to improving a public space, and for their environmental education campaigns.
“They also fill a gap where the City cannot provide consistent funding to maintain the walkways and other infrastructure around the Silvermine Estuary. They are key partners for the City in making sure the Silvermine river estuary remains an asset to the community,” she said.
Ms Kuhl also nominated Fosna’s river warden, Christopher “Daan” Jacobus, for an ad hominem award in recognition of his commitment, over and above what is reasonably expected, to the conservation of the Lower Silvermine Wetlands.
Fosna conducts alien plant clearing sessions, documents Silvermine Nature areas flora, organises hikes, undertakes small building projects, and maintains paths in the Lower Silvermine Wetlands.
Their most recent initiative is an education and awareness programme in partnership with The Umvoto Foundation. The programme aims to engage local schools in local wetland projects, including measuring water quality, as well as regular field trips with specialist guest speakers.
The NPO are largely donor-funded and members receive no remuneration for their efforts. All funding is allocated to employing two wetland wardens, covering the costs of alien plant removal such as chemicals, equipment and the employment of some individuals.
