|
WELCOME TO THE FIRST NEWSLETTER FROM Helping to create an awareness of Africa through
PEACE IS SEEING A SUNRISE AND KNOWING WHO TO THANK This newsletter has replaced TALKING TRAVEL AFRICA. However it will be shorter and easier for those of you in the outlying districts to download and will let you know when the latest AFRICA TALKS is available. Due to the popularity of the e-newsletter TALKING TRAVEL AFRICA we decided to go into print in order to reach those many of thousands who either do not want to read online or do not have the facilities to read online AFRICA TALKS in print has proven to be enormously successful, with the print-run of each issue having to be increased. Due to the high cost of posting copies to meet the international demand, we have also created a website www.africatalks.co.za so people can download and print the entire paper wherever the live worldwide. Volume 2 Issue 1 is now available, both in print and on www.africatalks.co.za For more on this beautiful destination, all part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park with it’s unique eco-systems, wildlife and fabulous shoreline, read the back page of AFRICA TALKS. NEW in AFRICA TALKS this issue is the column AFRICA TALKS ABOUT WINES – and don’t forget our RECIPES FROM AFRICA. We were asked about print using paper from trees versus electricity for computers made from mining coal – which is most environmentally friendly? Driving past enormous coal mines, many open-cast with no attempt to rehabilitate the dumps, and massive power stations we wonder which is easier to replace – trees or vast and deep holes in the ground? BOOKS we reviewed in the last issue of AFRICA TALKS which are up on our website are: THE SECRET ELEPHANTS : The Rediscovery of the World’s most Southerly Elephants - by Gareth Patterson KAMCHACHA : Rhodesian Game Ranger - by Bryan Orford COOKED IN AFRICA : A Cooking Journey Through Southern Africa - by Justin Bonello
(Photo: Ian Thomson, Lower Zambezi River) AFRICA TALKS, like many others are most concerned about the building of a Protea Hotel right on the banks of the Lower Zambezi River. Concerned people managed to stop (postpone?) a similar project on the banks of the Upper Zambezi outside Livingstone in Zambia. It is hoped that with enough pressure the Protea Hotel project can be either shelved or completely re-thought in order to have a no impact on the very fragile riverine vegetation of the Zambezi River. Minimal impact is not good enough as the whole area has become This is just one of the very many messages sent to us from concerned environmentalist and nature lovers from all over the world: “If you have a passion or just a spark for one of the few remaining wilderness areas of the world, please could you kindly put in an objection - no matter how short - regarding the proposed 70 room hotel and conference centre on the Lower Zambezi River, Zambia, opposite the World Heritage Site of Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. Such a project will, due to the use of boats, lights, music, aircraft, vehicles and people disturb the wild life, as well as tourists who value the wilderness experience of this magnificent, and one of Africa’s remaining wilderness areas. This project has the potential to bring an additional 25,000 people per annum into this area. Other sites closer to Chirundu, that are less likely to have such a large impact on the wildlife and environment, would probably be far more appropriate and of more benefit to the local communities. PLEASE RESPOND! THIS IS A SERIOUS THREAT AND 14TH APRIL IS THE DEADLINE!! Comments and objections to this development should be lodged by e-mail with: The Manager, Inspectorate, Environmental Council of Zambia
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Inspector, Chirundu Border Office, Environmental Council of Zambia,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
A full copy of the Environmental Impact Statement which gives details of the development in available on hrrp://mailhost.necz.org.zm/news/comments/eis-reports/Lower-Zambezi-Lodge.html You can also read more on SAVE MANA POOLS facebook site CHEETAHS IN ANGOLA.
Visiting the 1.6 million hectare Iona National Park, located in the southwest of Angola bordering Namibia, Dr Marker says “We found nine different marking trees, very similar to what we find in Namibia and in remote places like Algeria. I found cheetah scat in the tree.” “By one of the trees, two big male cheetahs ran out. It was very exciting – there are cheetahs in Angola”. CHARGERS, SPONSORS & FRIENDS OF RHINO ARK, helping to raise funds for the protection of rhino in Kenya. The date set for this year’s UK Rhino Charge is Sunday 3rd October. The event will be held in East Sussex, Pippingford Park, England. More information on www.rhinocharge.co.ke www.rhinoark.org or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it STILL WALKING FOR CONSERVATION Do you remember we were following David Hulme and Jephita Tumwil ontheir BORDERLINE WALK around Zimbabwe raising an awareness and funds for anti-poaching? Well, we hear they have spent time at Kariba and are now heading for Kanymeba on the Mozambique Border.
DOWN THE WIRES – Snippets of news for and from Africa NAMIBIA . The Star grading system which formerly used guidelines such as the number of rooms and other facilities, has been upgraded to take into account the quality of service and the challenges of the environment in providing facilities. SOUTH AFRICA. The World Bank has recently granted US$9 million to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in recognition of it’s environmental importance and the work being undertaken to preserve this World Heritage Site. TANZANIA In the last 2 years poaching has increased in the Selous not only for elephant, but also hundreds of crocodiles are being poisoned for their skins. This leads to the death of other species such as hyena, lion, vultures and hippo. MOZAMBIQUE : Airlink and Mozambique’s privately owned TTA airline have joined to form TTA Airlink with routes from Mozambique to many more local, regional and international destinations. SOUTH AFRICA . As from 1st May all flights in and out of Durban will be through the new King Shaka International Airport, approx 35 kms north of Durban. The last flight in/out of the current Durban airport will be on Friday 30th April, 2010.
BOTSWANA . The Savute Channel is still flooding - the first time for many years. AND NOW? AFRICA TALKS is a project of:
|
ST LUCIA, ZULULAND, SOUTH AFRICA is obviously a very popular place to visit as answers to the competition on the front page of the current issue are pouring in. The winner will receive 2 nights for 2 people in a choice on Bed & Breakfast/Guest Houses that are members of the PELICAN COLLECTION 
After 30 years of civil war, Dr Laurie Marker, Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, an international research organisation based in Namibia, confirmed the existence of cheetah late March 2010. 
Our Newsletter
Letters
Hi Ian and Lesley
I had six weeks to spend in Africa, most of that time put into a package by yourselves.
I have returned to Australia and often think of my time there, so guess what? I need to come back!
Best….Gordon,
(A day from Gordon’s diary at Chitake Springs is on the back page of Vol 1 No 3)
Wishing you both every best wish!! Conservation needs your endeavours !!
Tim, Vancouver, British Columbia
Hi Africa Talks
Just a line to let you know that I absolutely agree with your philosophy; I get dozens of email newsletters every day and I delete 95% of them without reading them
Kind regards
Warren
Warren Delvin Africa Travel Co. PERTH WA 6000
© 2012 Africa Talks | Developed by: 