Green Economy Summit - 18 to 20 May 2010

12 May 2010

South Africa’s Green Economy Summit will take place from 18 to 20 May 2010 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The summit will be convened under the overarching theme: “Towards a resource efficient, low carbon and pro-employment growth path”. The summit is hosted by the Departments of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, Science and Technology as well as Trade and Industry.

President Jacob Zuma will deliver a key note address on the opening day of the summit, Tuesday, 18 May 2010.

The South African government has identified the green economy as one of the key elements in the new growth path as well as the industrial policy action plan. The South African government affirms that a global transition to a low-carbon, resource efficient and sustainable economy has a potential to create jobs across many sectors of the economy, and indeed can become an engine of development. On behalf of the economic sectors and employment cluster, the Green Economy Summit is therefore scheduled to gather valuable insights on key focus areas and issues requiring attention in the short, medium and long term.

Ministerial addresses on the opening day of the summit will be delivered by Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Economic Development, Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry, Geoffrey Doidge, Minister of Public Works and Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology.

Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Buyelwa Sonjica will cover elements of the draft green economy plan.

It is envisaged that over 500 participants from government, business, non-governmental organisations and the environmental sector will be in attendance.

For further information on the summit click on http://www.sagreeneconomysummit.co.za

Media is invited for the duration of the summit. Media accreditation is required.

A press conference will be convened on Tuesday, 18 May 2010. Details will be communicated in due course.

To confirm attendance and obtain accreditation contact:

Judith van der Merwe
Tel: 012 310 3309
Cell: 083 321 2617
E-mail: jvdmerwe@deat.gov.za

Ernest Mulibana
Tel: 012 310 3990
E-mail: emalibuna@deat.gov.za

Please note your identity document and press card is required for accreditation purposes.

For media queries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
12 May 2010

uShaka Sea World

Come nose to snout with a toothy predator in one of the five largest aquariums in the world. uShaka Sea World incorporates a unique shipwreck-themed aquarium, a 1200 seater dolphin stadium, a seal pool and penguin rookery as well as interactive activities in the dive tank, snorkel reef and touch pool.

Gaze at huge Ragged-tooth sharks, Zambezi sharks, Hammerhead sharks, giant grouper and giant guitarfish. Touch a starfish, feel a sea cucumber or be adventurous and try the Oceanwalker Experience.

Address 1 Bell Street

Contact Details +27 (0)21 328 8000

Website http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

GPS Latitude: -29.8695823875757   Longitude: 31.0440158843994

Suburbs
	Ushaka	0.3km
	Point	0.9km
	The Bluff	1.7km
	North Beach	2.3km
	Addington Beach	2.5km

 man made, entertainment, water world, dolphin park, aquarium

Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

The vast expanse of water which is the Sterkfontein Dam lies a few kilometres from the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment in the topmost reaches of the Vaal Dam catchment on the Nuwejaarspruit. The cool, fresh, deep waters are ideal for trout and other fish and it is a popular angling spot. It is the third largest dam in South Africa providing a perfect playground for sailing and other watersports. The surrounding landscape is scenically stunning - characterised by rugged mountains, lush ravines and rolling grasslands.

In this beautiful setting is the Sterkfontein Dam Reserve covering 18000 Ha. Perfect for long walks, hiking (there is a two-day hiking trail) and biking, it also offers excellent game viewing and bird watching. You can tick off oribi, reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, grey rhebuck, the bald ibis, the blue and whitebellied korhaan, the buffstreaked chat, the ground woodpecker and the sentinel. Gaze up to the sky and you could spot bearded and Cape vultures as well as Verreaux's (black) and martial eagles soaring. Secretary birds can also be spotted in treetops or stalking in the grasslands.

The precipitous ravines are populated with yellowwood, wild peach, koko, silky bark, and black bark trees as well as bush guarri. Wild grape has twined into the tree tops where they form a dense leafy canopy. Fungi and lichen nestle against living and rotten tree trunks. Mountain slopes are adorned with wild myrtle, redwood, ouhout, hush guarri, highveld protea, silver sugarbush and the scarce tree fern.

GPS Latitude: -28.4481664024905   Longitude: 29.0245056152344

Albert Falls Dam

One of the largest dams in KwaZulu-Natal, Albert Falls Dam is a popular playground for sailors, canoeists, twitchers, hikers, horse riders and fisherfolk. The dam is rated one of the best bass fishing dams in the world and an international bass fishing competition is held there annually.

The whole area has abundant bird life as well as zebra and several antelope species. Visitors can enjoy game drives at the Msinsi Reserve. In winter Otto's Bluff is worth checking out when the aloes are flowering.

Address Albert Falls Dam & Game Reserve

Map

Montagu Leidam

One of Montagu's most popular and easily accessible attractions is the Leidam with its large variety of indigenous birds. Situated in the heart of the town, it’s well worth a visit. Here you will find approximately 18 local species as well as 52 migrant species. Walk to the lei-dam at sunset and see hundreds of birds flying in to roost in the treetops.

Address North-Westerly corner of Barry and Bath street.

Contact Details +27 (0) 87 808 2332 Montagu Tourism Association

GPS Latitude: -33.7875295287596   Longitude: 20.1167821884155