ECO CAMP WESTERN CAPE
On the 26th to 28th of June 2023, the Green Anglicans of Southern Africa hosted a three days Western Cape (namely Dioceses of : Cape Town, Saldahan Bay, False Bay and George) regional camp at Nature Connect Conservation Centre, Zeekoevlei, Cape Town.
The Eco-camp was about learning more about Faith and the Environment, and the role of young Christian’s in response to Climate Action. Key Themes like Plastic pollution, Climate change and environmental sustainability were addressed by different speakers including Diocesan Environmental Coordinators .
“This camp was very interesting and very useful and informative, it helped in promoting environmental awareness and protection. We definitely had fun and enjoyed ourselves as we also had time for team build games, gained public speaking skills and had an opportunity to come up with youth led environmental Diocesan plans which we are to discuss with our coordinators.”By: Sivenathi Mabena
Although it was the wettest winter for 47 years! The young eco warriors were not deterred! 28 young people braved the weather to join the Eco Camp and to be learn about climate change, plastic pollution, eco system restoration and communication skills
The programme was full of laughs and learning – the Nature Connect team immediately divided them up into teams with names such as buffalo and they worked right through in those teams
Mitchelle from African Climate Activists unpacked the impact of climate change on the Western Cape – namely drought , flooding and fires which follow after drought. There are many impacts but all of them lead to challenges of infrastructure and food insecurity.
Mel Awu led an exciting interactive session on communications and each person – no matter how nervous! presented a one minute – environmental message!
Rev Deon, Coordinator of False bay, led a very informative session on the impact of plastic pollution which was eye opening and very worrying
Rev Shaun Cozett Environmental Coordinator of Cape Town led an interactive session on what the Bible says about creation care – which brought out everyone’s competitive nature! Later on they had to prepare their own biblical presentations
Morning and evening devotions focussed on Scriptures about caring for creation, led by Lucy Burgess, Bino, John Paul and Rev Rachel
We are so very grateful for the support of Rotary Club of Claremont to be able to run this camp
The final session was to prepare action plans around the themes of Climate change, Plastic Pollution and Eco-system restoration in the Diocesan Groups
