Monday, December 29, 2008

Proteas - Nature & Industry in SA

The Cape floral kingdom at the tip of South Africa contains the highest known concentration of plant species in the world. Table Mountain itself, in the center of Cape Town, has over 2200 plant species, more that the entire United Kingdom. The region was given international recognition as South Africa's sixth UN World Heritage site in June last year.

The protea is one of the dominant species in this kingdom, and nearly 400 of the world’s 1200 protea species are found here. According to the South African Protea Producers and Exporters (SAPPEX), the protea is a 40 million USD a year industry, with approximately 2000 hectares of land dedicated to protea farming.

OON...

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Birding in Limpopo, South Africa

Limpopo Province in the north of South Africa is an ideal destination for bird watching at all levels. Of the 950 species of birds in South Africa, the Greater Limpopo Area boasts over 600, of which 420 are resident. BirdLife South Africa is working with local residents of the area towards conservation of the diverse habitats through the development of bird routes and professional bird guides. This work aims to promote Limpopo as the Bird Paradise it is, and through conservation, support the local economy. With voiceover. Provided to AP Horizons.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Cholera on the South Africa-Zimbabwe Border

Cholera is spreading in Zimbabwe due to a breakdown in infrastructure - no water, to medical care. The U.N. humanitarian affairs office said 12,546 people (with over 600 deaths) were thought to be infected with the disease, which under normal circumstances is preventable and treatable. The capital Harare is the worst affected.

On the border of South Africa and Zimbabwe, cholera has hit over 400 people, mostly refugees fleeing hunger in Zimbabwe, hoping to find a little something - food, money - in South Africa to bring back home to their families.

(video) http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=94893&videoChannel=1

Footage: Eva Gilliam