Green Heritage

DEA, NGOs battle with rhino poaching

2012-01-28T22:53:00.001-08:00

By Francis Hweshe

Cape Town - The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs has revealed that 232 suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching last year.

The suspects consisted of 194 rhino poachers, 24 receivers of rhino horns, 12 couriers and two exporters. No buyers were arrested.

Deputy Director General on biodiversity and conservation in the department, Fundisile Mketeni, told MPs on Thursday that the crime was grossing about R160 billion annually.

He said that between 2009, 2010 and last year, 122; 333, and 448 rhinos were poached respectively. He projected that about 300 rhinos were likely to be poached this year.

He highlighted that the North West and Limpopo provinces have the highest numbers of poached rhinos.

Mketeni was speaking during a briefing to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs by over a dozen concerned organisations and individuals.

The organisations highlighted several problems on rhino poaching as well as proposing possible solutions.

Mketeni said that most of the poached rhino horns were destined for Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and China.

He indicated that South Africa was at various stages of signing bilateral agreements with these countries for purposes combating the crime.

Mtekeni complained about a lack of coordination between his department and its provincial counterparts as well as other related departments in dealing with problem.

He called for his department to be given centralized powers which would allow them to decisively deal with the matter.

Mtekeni said that the department should have its own officers trained along the lines of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

"We want to have our own intelligence and use it the way we want," he said, indicating that these would be able to directly pursue rhino poaching syndicates outside the country.

He said they planned to deploy their own officials at ports of entry as well as to train customs officials to help detect suspects about to leave the country.

He called for the Department of Public Works to fix, electrify and insert an electrical detection system on the fence between the Kruger National Park and Mozambique where rhino poaching activities were frequent.

Committee chairman Advocate Johnny de Lange told Mtekeni that his department could take certain powers from provincial departments and exercise them at a national level.

De Lange said that action should be taken to prevent the further killing of rhinos. - BuaNews

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Sumatran Elephants Listed as Critically Endangered

2012-01-28T22:34:00.000-08:00

Bulletin from the cause: Ban Elephant Poaching

Go to Cause

Posted By: WWF

To: Members in 26 Causes

Sumatran Elephants Listed as Critically Endangered

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species moved the Sumatran elephant from "endangered" to "critically endangered." Nearly 70% of its habitat and 50% of its population have been lost in one generation. In order to save this critically endangered species, WWF is calling for an immediate stop to the clearing of forests for plantations on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Did you know?
• The Asian elephant subspecies is only found in Sumatra, Indonesia
• There are 2,400 - 2,800 individuals left in the wild, which is about 50% of the population in 1985
• Sumatran elephants could be extinct in the wild in less than 30 years if current trends continue
• Their decline is largely due to habitat loss

Joining forces to save elephants
Sumatra has experienced perhaps the most rapid deforestation within the Asian elephant's range. Over two-thirds of its natural lowland forest has been razed in the past 25 years. In the Riau province, pulp and paper industries and oil palm plantations have caused some of the world's most rapid rates of deforestation.

Don't flush away their future
Did you know that the fastest-growing brand of toilet paper in the U.S. today, Paseo, has a direct link to Sumatran elephants, tigers and rhinos? Paseo toilet paper and tissue products are made by Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), which has cleared more Sumatran forests than any other company. WWF estimates that over the past 25 years, APP, its affiliates and suppliers have clear-cut 5 million acres of Sumatran forest wood.

Learn more about what you can do to help save the Sumatran elephant's habitat as a consumer: http://links.causes.com/s/clAxpk

Thanks for all your support,
Your Friends at WWF

Call to Action

Fundraising Project: Wildlife and Forests in Borneo and Sumatra

Donate

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Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment From Land-Based Activities

2012-01-27T06:07:00.001-08:00

South Africa welcomes the outcomes of the 3rd Intergovernmental Review Meeting (IGR3) on the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment From Land-Based Activities held in the Philippines

27 Jan 2012

South Africa welcomes the outcomes of the 3^rd Intergovernmental Review on the Global Programme of Action (GPA) for the Protection of Marine Environment from Land-Based activities that was held in Manila, the Philippines from 25 – 26 January 2012.

The Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) was adopted by 108 governments and the European Commission at a diplomatic conference in Washington DC in 1995. The GPA provides a comprehensive yet flexible framework to assist governments in their duty to preserve and protect the marine environment from sewage, physical alterations and the destruction of habitats, nutrients, sediments mobilisation, persistent organic pollutants, oils, litter, heavy metals and radioactive substances.The GPA is reviewed every five years by governments, international and regional organizations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the auspices of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Themed “Towards a Greener Coastal Economy” the IGR3 was preceded by a two day Global Conference on Land – Ocean Connections which reviewed key and emerging marine and coastal management issues and policy frameworks, to build consensus on improved coastal resources management for the benefit of coastal communities. The conference considered how coastal and marine ecosystems can contribute to a green economy taking into account the need for lower carbon inputs, more efficient use of resources, food and water security, adaptation to climate change and the need for improved water quality.

The objectives of IGR3 was to review progress made in the implementation of the GPA and identify future options for increased implementation at global, regional and national levels, to define the future programme of work for the GPA Coordination Office for the period 2012-2016 andto prepare input from the governments to the Rio +20 process concerning the contribution of marine and coastal resources towards a green economy and poverty eradication.

South Africa’s participation was led by the Department of Environmental Affairs. The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi attended the high level segment aimed at mobilising political will and renewing the commitment of governments towards further implementation of the GPA.

The major outcome of IGR3 was the unanimous agreement by governments to increase efforts to tackle key land-based sources affecting coastal water quality, namely wastewater, marine litter and nutrients.

“South Africa supports the notion that the three priority pollutants be treated as ‘resources’ with a potential to support ‘green economic growth’. We need to find ways of putting excess nutrients, wastewater and litter to good use,” said Mabudafhasi.

Governments also adopted the Manila declaration aimed at furthering the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the period 2012 – 2016, calling for the establishment of the global partnerships on the priority pollutants.

A total of 85 government representatives and the European commission attended the third session of the Intergovernmental Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities.

For media enquiries:
Peter Mbelengwa
Spokesperson for the Deputy Minister
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: mbelengwap@dwa.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
27 Jan 2012

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Stakeholder Consultative Session on Built Industry Contribution to the South African Green Economy

2012-01-20T08:55:00.001-08:00

Minister of Public Works Thulas Nxesi on the COP17 occasion of the Stakeholder Consultative Session on Built Industry Contribution to the South African Green Economy

2 Dec 2011

Programme Director,
Professional Panel Members,
MECs present,
The Executives of the Council for Built Environment,
The Executives of the Independent Development Trust,
Representatives of the South African Black Property Practitioners Association,
Representatives of the South African Property Owners Association,
Officials of the Department of Public Works,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome!

The Department of Public Works is hosting this stakeholder engagement session just two days after the official launch of the Eco-labelling project for the built environment in South Africa.

Today’s event also marks the commencement of external consultative sessions on the Green Building Framework, under the theme of “The Built Environment Contribution to the South African Green Economy”.

As the policy custodian in the growth and transformation of the property and construction industries, my role as Minister is to ensure that the Department of Public Works achieves the required intellectual engagement to move the country towards a green sustainable built environment responsive to the material conditions of South Africa and Africa.

The evolution of our societies hinge on the following:

Economic growth and transformation
Employment creation
Poverty and inequality reduction
Improved access to Health and Education
Social cohesion
Safety and security
International relations and cooperation, and
Good governance

I would want us to locate our discourse today within this context and ask how we, in the Built Environment sector locate ourselves in relation to the developmental agenda. As responsible global citizens we need to re-think policy, technology, and methods of production and develop new ways of doing business that takes into account the long term sustainability of our environment and the interrelationships between people, resources, environment and development.

These considerations and debates are necessary because the built environment has the potential to undermine our environment severely, particularly considering the effect on the quality of life and the quantity of the natural resources involved. The construction industry has therefore been recognised as a key sector to mitigate the negative effects of unsustainable economic development, based on the following two arguments. Firstly, one of the key strategies towards a low carbon economy is resource decoupling or ‘dematerialisation’ which implies using less material, energy, water and land resources for the same economic output.

Secondly, an enlightened approach to construction utilizes the life-cycle approach to construction recognising that the environmental impacts of infrastructure development begins at the point of extraction of raw materials (mining and harvesting), through the processing and distribution of components, through the building phase on site, to the building occupation and even the decommissioning, demolition and disposal phases. The life-cycle approach therefore prioritises sustainability criteria throughout the life-cycle of the building.

The trajectory towards green building

Ladies and gentlemen, infrastructure development is the backbone of every growing and established nation within the global community. The expansion of economic and social infrastructure remains the springboard from which poverty is eradicated, health services are improved upon, education expands, social-cohesion grows and wealth creation is built. I believe that this is particularly true in the present global economic slowdown. We know that the private sector is unlikely to drive economic recovery and create jobs in the present climate, so the role of government-led infrastructure development becomes crucial.

At the same time, the challenge of the 21^st century remains one of ensuring that Africa takes its place in the global development map, informed by the United Nation’s agenda on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the African Union’s socio-economic agenda. South Africa, as a developing African country, faces many of the same economic challenges as the other BRICS countries in regard to poverty, inequality and the need for redress. Redress mechanisms are clearly indicated through the Industrial Action Plan (IPAP II) and the New Growth Path.

At the same time government remains conscious of the need to ensure environmental sustainability, alongside targeted benefits for the poorest of the poor – ever cognisant of the balance that must be maintained between human advancement and environmental sustainability – as espoused in the South African National Climate Change Response Strategy White Paper. This, after all, is one of the challenges that faces this 17th Conference of the Parties.

As negotiations unfold in the heart of this city (Durban), one of the recurring themes will be the balance between satisfying economic growth and development required for a better life and increased hope for the peoples of the world, and the moral obligation of human societies, industries, and Governments to ensure that we collectively defend the environment from which we draw life and allow the same benefit to accrue to future generations.

As we grapple with these historical and consequential issues of development and climate change, we are encouraged that they also signal the growing maturity of man-kind. The vigour with which ordinary South Africans are supporting Greenhouse gas emission mitigation programmes (including the notion of a Carbon Tax) is indicative of this fact. As we move towards one of the biggest political events in the history of South Africa taking place in 2012, the centenary of the African National Congress (ANC), we need to debate what the mission of the ANC needs to be in the coming years. Perhaps it should be: to struggle for an equal society at peace with the environment within which it exists.

Towards this end, the Department of Public Works has taken decisive steps in implementing programmes that will ensure that the property and construction industries lesson their environmental impact through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating sustainable building technologies. This is of paramount importance because the built industry has major impacts not only on economic and social life, but also on the natural environment and cities in particular. Various building activities, such as the design, construction, use, refurbishment and demolition of buildings, directly and indirectly affect the environmental performance of the economy.

Consistent with this thinking, the Department of Public Works in conjunction with Indalo Yethu has undertaken to join forces to develop the South African Eco-Labelling Scheme (SANES) for the built environment, comprising both the property and construction industries. This is a South African initiative and is a direct outcome of the principles DPW identified in its Green Building Framework and shall be located under the auspices of the Department’s Green Building Programme.

Our view is that this approach: the scientific eco-endorsement of construction materials and property development processes – provides a useful tool for ensuring the balance between environmental considerations necessary to guard against climate change and the developmental agenda required for a better life for all. This process of eco-labelling will track the extraction of natural resources, which are then manufactured into final products for use in the built industry, through to monitoring the construction and disposal phases in the life cycle of a building.

The Green Building Framework

The premise that our framework moves from is the recognition that the built industry contributes heavily to utilisation of scarce natural resources, and the total of industrial Greenhouse gases (including carbon emissions) which are responsible for climate change.

Given the sector’s various subsets i.e. residential (Human Settlements), commercial (office buildings), and industrial (factories and warehouses), the construction and property industries take up significant amounts of energy and scarce natural resources such as water and timber during the construction phase and the management/operations phases. This means buildings in CBDs and industrial buildings compete directly with surrounding communities, mostly the poor, for scarce resources and also exert pressure on the power and municipal waste grid.

The Green Building Programme strives to align Government’s socio-economic development imperatives and environmental concerns, to ensure that our road to a green economy is responsive to material socio-economic conditions in South Africa and the African continent. It is our responsibility to make sure that research and development into the green economy and consequent manufacturing activities benefits our communities.

In this regard, the Department of Public Works seeks to ensure that the Green Building Programme provides a platform for home-grown industrial and research innovations which would include the development of a uniquely South African, and eventually African, Green Building rating system. Such a tool would not only align to international best practice and scientific models, but also facilitate social-cohesion, enterprise development, the creation of green jobs, and most importantly reflect African philosophy and thinking on environmental sustainability.

This will ensure that South Africa is not simply an importer of foreign ideas and manufactured products and services. The development of this tool is planned to start in mid-2012. Eco-Labelling of construction materials and property development processes will be an integral part of the development of a specifically South African Green Building Framework under the auspices of DPW.

Thus when government undertakes the greening of any of its buildings, there will be uniform norms and standards provided through the Green Building Rating Tool and Eco-labelling. Accordingly, all retrofitting of existing buildings and construction of new properties by Government will be in line with this agreed measure. The policy will be rolled out at national, provincial, and eventually at local government level.

Energy efficiency is a critical component of the Green Building Programme and innovative mechanisms will be researched to promote this goal, particularly around photovoltaic (solar power) technologies. Southern Africa, geographically, is favoured by having over 30% of the world’s best sunlight for solar power generation. It is one of the few regions where renewable solar energy can be harnessed over a full 12 month cycle, rain or shine. This would also reduce the negative impact on the environment of the current energy sources used, and also open opportunities for job creation, skills development, and positive savings on carbon emissions.

The Department of Public Works intends to lead the South African construction and property industries towards a regulated Green Building dispensation, beyond the “nice to do” concept currently in place. This is a long term project and requires partnerships amongst others with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and the Department of Trade and Industry.

In pursuing these objectives, DPW in partnership with the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will undertake an international study early in 2012 to research and compare best practices where Green Building regulations or processes have been put in place.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have made a commitment to accelerate the advent of Green Building in South Africa. As part of a consultative process, in March this year, the DPW coordinated a Government Green Building workshop to solicit suggestions for pilot Green Building projects within the DPW – drawing on best practices. Consultative processes on DPW’s Green Building Framework have commenced to engage Government and industry stakeholders. Planned road shows and workshops will be communicated to industry organisations in due course.

In Conclusion

Programme Director, the South Africa government embraces the notion of sustainable government buildings and human settlements. In December 2009, at the Copenhagen Summit, twenty-nine Heads of State and Governments reinforced the European Union’s (EU) commitment to limit global warming.

Many of the expectations placed on the Copenhagen summit in December 2009 have not been met. It made evident some of the weaknesses and limitations of current international climate policies and architecture which have failed to deliver efficient responses for limiting global carbon emissions.

There is a need therefore, to strengthen alternative approaches to dealing with climate change. We are firmly of the view that sector-based initiatives such as Eco-Labelling for the Built Industry is a correct direction to take in support of broader mitigation and adaptation measures that South Africa has committed to through international declarations and its National Climate Change Response Strategy White Paper. The latter identified DPW as a key department in its Near-Term Priority Programmes on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

As the custodian of state properties and the state’s construction programme, Public Works is the largest South African player in the property and construction fields.

As such, it has the responsibility to set industry standards and to provide leadership – including in relation to the Green Building Programme.

As part of the Department’s Green Building Programme we seek to develop a uniquely South African, and eventually African Green Building rating tool, which is in line with international best practices and also encourages innovative South African products which are sustainable and lead to the creation of green jobs.

The Department of Public Works is committed to the principles underlying the Green Economy Accord. To this effect the Department is currently developing Policy on the Green Economy and the role of Public Works.

Over the last year, we have retrofitted 1000 public buildings with energy saving devices. A further 100 buildings have been fitted with water saving technology. Over the next year we plan to fundamentally rehabilitate 70 state buildings to comply with a Green Star Rating, including state of the art water and energy saving devices, intelligent lighting and air conditioning, solar technology and roof-top vegetation.

We are very clear as Public Works that we have to give leadership in relation to the property and construction industry, as we struggle as a society, and as humanity, to shift towards sustainable technologies and to stem environmental degradation and the wastage of the world’s resources.

I thank you!

Issued by: Department of Public Works
2 Dec 2011

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Zero-emission electric cars hit Durban streets

2011-12-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

By Kemantha Govender

Durban - At least a dozen zero-emission electric cars have been doing the rounds in Durban since the start of COP17.

While South Africans will have to wait a while to purchase an electric vehicle (EV), for now they can get a taste and feel for it.

COP17 delegates are being given a chance to test drive the Nissan LEAF, named World Car of the Year 2011, and Renault Fluence Z.E. courtesy of Renault-Nissan Alliance. These vehicles are also being used to shuttle people attending the climate change talks.

BuaNews found a few minutes to test drive the vehicles. Initially, looking at a car with a steering wheel on the left hand side brought about some panic but a minute in it and it was all smooth sailing.

The cars are easy to drive (automatic) but take a bit of time to become well acquainted with the technical aspects. Highly advanced technological features offer the driver detailed maps, information about energy being used and battery recharging stations.

EVs are being sold in Europe, Japan and the US and are expected to be launched in South Africa in a few years' time.

Nissan has announced plans to launch Nissan LEAF in South Africa in 2013, subject to the successful conclusion of discussions between the government and the motoring industry on the establishment of a charging infrastructure and the introduction of customer incentives.

The EVs, which can be charged from purely renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, aim to play a critical role in reducing the impact of climate change.

Batteries in the cars can be charged at your home. Although the cars are more expensive in some countries, people who own them are assisted by government with free parking in busy cities, tax rebates and other incentives.

How often you recharge the battery depends on the driver - if the air conditioning and lights are used often, then batteries would have to be charged accordingly.

For music loving South Africans, the good news is that using your radio or CD players takes up minimal energy.

The money that is expected to be saved on petrol is another selling point of the cars. The cars are a pleasure to drive, knowing that you are not increasing the carbon footprint. It's an effortless adventure with no sounds coming from the engine or exhaust pipe.

People who are around the Moses Mabhida Stadium could test drive a Renault Twizy, an easy-to-drive commuter vehicle that can be plugged into many conventional wall sockets.

The Twizy, designed to be an antidote to the air and noise pollution plaguing some of the world's biggest cities, can be a bit strange to drive. If you are not a fan of scooters, this little vehicle may not be for you.

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance applauds what South Africa and all the nations represented at COP17 are doing to reduce the threat to our environment and standard of living due to global warming," said Hideaki Watanabe, Renault-Nissan Alliance managing director: Zero Emission Business.

"The Alliance wants to be part of the solution for a sustainable society. Our electric vehicles - which consume no fuel whatsoever - offer a real and affordable solution to drastically reducing CO2 emissions." - BuaNews

Oceans 'ignored' on COP17 agenda

2011-12-02T08:11:00.001-08:00

By Kemantha Govender

Durban - The world's oceans, often referred to as the heart and lungs of the planet, are under stress and scientists are calling for immediate action.

"Often forgotten in such discussions are the oceans and the enormous and diverse resources they provide, including food and other resources," said Dr Carol Turley from Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK.

Turley, speaking during a side event at COP17, said this was the most ignored ecosystem at COP17. Also, the potential for undiscovered biodiversity was too great to be sidelined.

In a world where food security was already under threat due to climate change, scientists feel it would be worth exploring the ocean for new sources of food.

The oceans cover nearly three quarters of the earth's surface and contain 96 percent of its living space. Oceans also provide around half of the oxygen and are becoming an increasingly relied upon source of protein for a rapidly growing population. Almost a billion people rely on protein from marine life.

But Turley said three stressors - ocean acidification, warming and deoxygenation - are producing a very worrying combination which is threatening the oceans.

A United Nations report said at least 40 percent of the oceans were 'heavily affected' by human activities. Sixty percent of the world's major marine ecosystems have been degraded or are being used unsustainably.

Ocean acidification is directly caused by the increase of carbon dioxide levels, while ocean deoxygenation is the reduction of dissolved oxygen in seawater.

The world's oceans are said to be warming as a direct consequence of increasing temperature due to the greenhouse effect.

Research indicates that many parts of the world's oceans are likely to experience more than one of the environmental stressors at the same time. Ocean warming is likely to have direct effects on the physiology of marine organisms.

Food security from fisheries will suffer even more.

"What is really missing is the joint perspective, where the full and combined effect of two or all three stressors acting as the same time is investigated," said Turley.

Policy researcher Joe Appiott said governments have included the issue around oceans on their agenda for Rio+20, which will take place next year.

There will be an Oceans Day during COP17, where leading experts will make addresses on the subject.

South Africa's Water and Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi will also make an address during the event. - BuaNews

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SA urges Canada not to pull out of Protocol

2011-12-02T01:06:00.001-08:00

By Chris Bathembu

Durban - South Africa has urged Canada to reconsider its position of not entering into a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.

"South Africa believes the climate change talks must be inclusive to assist the process of ensuring a balanced outcome to emerge from the current talks," said Environmental Affairs Minister and leader of the SA delegation to the COP 17 talks, Edna Molewa.

Reports say Canada, which has failed to meet its emissions reduction targets under Kyoto Protocol, will announce next month that it will formally withdraw from the treaty. This comes as delegates from 190 countries are currently meeting in Durban seeking a new international agreement for cutting emissions.

UNFCCC executive secretary Christiana Figueres confirmed this week that Canada had made similar threats last year to pull out from the Protocol.

Molewa said the effects of climate change were real and "already here with us". South Africa called on Canada and other developed countries to ensure that they heed the call made by the developing countries, particularly in Africa and the Small Island Developing States, who feel the brunt of climate change effects.

"The Kyoto Protocol is an important first step towards a truly multilateral rules based legally binding global emission reduction regime that will stabilise GHG emissions, and provides the essential base for international agreement on climate change involving the participation of all countries in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities," she said.

The first commitment period of the 1997 treaty is coming to an end next year and developing countries are pushing for a second commitment period, but major economies, which include the United States and Japan, are refusing to commit.

Analysts say the reluctance by Canada to sign up for a second commitment may further strengthen the position by some developed countries that the Kyoto Protocol was somehow "flawed".

The European Union has said it would agree to the new commitment to the Protocol but had placed conditions on this, including their demand for a change in the framework of the convention. - BuaNews

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NEDBANK AND ECOBANK STRENGTHEN PAN-AFRICAN ALLIANCE

2011-12-01T05:30:00.001-08:00

NEDBANK AND ECOBANK STRENGTHEN PAN-AFRICAN ALLIANCE

1 December

Ecobank Transnational International (“Ecobank”), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, and Nedbank Limited (“Nedbank”) are pleased to announce that Nedbank has provided Ecobank a $285 million three year facility in support of Ecobank’s corporate development programmes, including its recent acquisition of Oceanic Bank in Nigeria. The arrangement provides Nedbank with subscription rights which it can elect to exercise between 24 and 36 months to become a 20 percent shareholder in Ecobank. The arrangement further provides for the possibility of Ecobank establishing a reciprocal shareholding in Nedbank subject to the required approvals; a review of the geographical alignment of businesses across the combined footprint; and reciprocal board representation of one director each.

This transaction marks a critical step in the consolidation and deepening of the strategic banking alliance into which Ecobank and Nedbank entered in December 2008. The alliance has created an African Banking Champion, combining the Ecobank Group’s unrivaled pan-African footprint—spanning over 1,100 branches and offices in 35 countries— with the strengths of Nedbank, one of the big four banks in South Africa.

According to Arnold Ekpe, Ecobank Group Chief Executive, “The Ecobank and Nedbank alliance has been extremely successful so far, and as anticipated by the terms of the Alliance Agreement, the two banks have begun to discuss the possibility of integrating more tightly in order to better exploit the obvious synergies in geography, customer base and cultural affinity. This transaction is an important step in achieving this integration and also provides Nedbank with the opportunity to access the significant African growth opportunity.”

Mike Brown, Nedbank Group Chief Executive Officer commented that “deepening the alliance through this transaction is a significant step towards providing a “one bank” solution to clients, particularly to South African corporate entities increasingly doing business in Africa and achieving our vision of building Africa’s most admired bank”.

Since its formation, the alliance has made significant progress through combining forces and working together. Multi-national companies have been attracted by the alliance’s tailored banking solutions and its extensive pan-African coverage, enabling clients’ expansion activities across the continent.

In recognition of this unique value proposition, the alliance was recognised as the Most Innovative Bank in Africa in 2010 by the African Banker Journal during the IMF and World Bank Meetings in Washington.

About Ecobank:

Incorporated in Lomé, Togo, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated is the parent company of the leading independent pan-African banking group. It currently has a presence in 32 African countries, namely: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Democratic Republic), Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The group is also represented in France through its affiliate EBI S.A. in Paris. Ecobank also has representative office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and London, UK. Ecobank is listed on the stock exchanges in Lagos, Accra and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) – the BRVM. The Group is owned by more than 180,000 local and international institutional and individual shareholders. It has 10,000 employees from 35 different countries in over 750 branches and offices. Ecobank is a full-service bank providing wholesale, retail, investment and transaction banking services and products to governments, financial institutions, multinationals, international organizations, medium, small and micro businesses and individuals. Additional information may be found at www.ecobank.com.

For further information, please contact:

Ecobank Group Investor Relations
David Ellis Group Manager Investor Relations Cell: +44 771 413 6523 Email:dellis@ecobank.com

About Nedbank

Nedbank Group Limited is a bank holding company, with its principal banking subsidiary being Nedbank Limited. The company’s ordinary shares have been listed on JSE Limited since 1969 and on the Namibian Stock Exchange since 2007. The group is 53% majority owned by Old Mutual Plc, listed on both the FTSE and JSE.

Nedbank Group is South Africa’s fourth largest banking group measured by assets, with a strong deposit franchise and the second largest retail deposit base. The group provides a wide range of wholesale and retail banking services and a growing insurance, asset management and wealth management offering through five main business clusters, namely Nedbank Capital, Nedbank Corporate, Nedbank Business Banking, Nedbank Retail and Nedbank Wealth.

Focused on southern Africa, but with an aspiration to grow its business reach across the whole of the African continent, Nedbank Group is positioned as a bank for all – from both a retail and a wholesale banking perspective. The group employs more than 28,000 employees in 5 countries, with over 1000 outlets. Acknowledged for its sustainability leadership, Nedbank Group is the first and only carbon-neutral financial services organisation in Africa.

Nedbank Group’s headquarters are in Sandton, Johannesburg, while it has large operational centres in Durban and Cape Town, complemented by a regional branch network throughout South Africa and facilities in other southern African countries. These facilities are operated through Nedbank Group’s eight affiliated banks and subsidiaries, as well as through branches and representative offices in certain key global financial centres that serve to meet international banking requirements of the group’s South Africa-based multinational clients. Additional information may be found at www.nedbankgroup.co.za.

For further information, please contact:

Nedbank Group Investor Relations

Alfred Visagie

Head: Investor Relations

Cell: +27 (0) 82 855 4692

Email: alfredv@nedbank.co.za

Philips, Eskom & Durban municipality showcase new energy saving LED street lighting

2011-12-01T03:51:00.001-08:00

Press Information

December 1, 2011

Philips, Eskom and Durban municipality work together to showcase new energy saving LED street lighting

- New street lighting in Durban represents good luminance and uniformity in LED lighting; will create a more livable city with safer roads, increased security and a comfortable outdoor environment.

Johannesburg, South Africa: Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG), today unveiled a new state of the art Philips LED street lighting installation that offers a very sustainable lighting solution for the citizens of Durban. The new lighting consists of 149 LED street lights installed in 6 streets around the Durban International Conference Centre (ICC). These offer energy savings of 47,4 MWh per year or 26% compared with the older 250W metal halide (t) street lights they replace and at the same time provide superb light quality. In the future the street lights can be controlled externally raising the prospect of even more energy savings by dimming the lights outside peak times.

By installing more efficient, low maintenance, brighter street lighting on these roads, local authorities expect to improve road safety for drivers and pedestrians alike, create more attractive conditions for business and commercial life, as well as generate a more secure and comfortable outdoor environment for residents.

The new street lighting is part of a joint initiative by Philips, Eskom (the South African Energy supplier), the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the eThekwini Municipality, to demonstrate the major advances being made in energy efficient LED lighting. Research has shown that new LED lighting in general can reduce energy consumption for street lighting in cities by as much as 30%.

Andrew Etzinger, Senior General Manager for Integrated Demand Management at Eskom, says: "Like most other countries, both developed and developing, South Africa is facing an energy-constrained future and it is in Eskom's interest to partner with local authorities to reduce consumption where possible. Although we are investing in new power stations to generate enough electricity to meet medium-to long-term demand, improved efficiency is really the only practical solution to ensuring our electricity supply will be secure in the short-term".

"To this end, we are committed to using tried-and-tested technology in our energy efficiency drive and investment in a low carbon future. Local authorities which consume less energy can also limit their carbon footprint and control their operating costs. These are important motivating factors which will encourage municipalities to limit their demand on electricity supply."

"South Africa has been very proactive in recognizing that investing in energy-efficient and sustainable lighting solutions will reduce consumption and lower public and private electricity costs," says Juan van Dongen, Vice President and CEO – Philips Africa. "Philips is also committed to investing in a sustainable future by delivering the most innovative and energy-efficient lighting technology. This partnership of encouraging a shift to LED lighting solutions underscores our commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility in growth markets like South Africa".

The Philips Iridium2 street lighting solution was used for the project. This allows the local authorities to simply replace the LED light module in future when an upgrade is required without having to change the light fitting or the pole itself. Technical specs include 112 LEDs providing 21,126 lumens, a colour temperature of 5700k, 95lm/w system efficacy, 60000 hours life and a colour rendering of 68.

For further information, please contact:

Nick Kelso

Philips Lighting Africa

Telephone: +31 61003 9296

E-mail: nick.kelso@philips.com

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter

Shipping emissions must be curbed

2011-11-29T07:07:00.001-08:00

By Kemantha Govender

Durban - Shipping emissions are rising high and fast and must be tackled immediately to have a chance of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, says Oxfam International Policy Advisor on climate change, Tim Gore.

Emissions from the shipping and aviation industries are still uncapped despite the fact that ships are already responsible for three percent of global emissions - more than Germany and twice that of Australia.

In an interview with BuaNews, Gore explained that a fair carbon charge applied to all ships could be used as an incentive to get the industry to reduce emissions. But just as importantly, the funds can then be filtered through to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) - therefore making this a double dividend for climate change.

It is envisaged that based on a moderate $25/ton carbon price, $25 billion per year by 2020 could be raised.

Gore said to ensure consistency with the UNFCCC principles like common but differentiated responsibilities, developing countries should be directly compensated from these revenues.

At least $10 billion per year from remaining revenues should be allocated to the GCF.

This option has received the backing of countries like France and Germany, Bill Gates, Kofi Annan and the report of the World Bank, IMF to the G20 and is up for discussion at COP17.

At the Durban talks, Oxfam, WWF and the International Chamber of Shipping will call on delegates to give the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) clear guidance on continuing its work on reducing shipping emissions.

"We welcome the constructive engagement of the shipping industry in the search for solution to the climate crisis. Industry and civil society actors agree that shipping emissions can be regulated in a way which is fair to developing countries and could help generate the resources they need to tackle climate change," said Gore.

International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General Peter Hinchliffe said: "If governments decide that shipping should contribute to the UNFCCC 'Green Climate Fund', the industry can probably support in principle as long as the details are agreed at the IMO, with the industry's clear preference for a market based mechanism being a compensation fund linked to the fuel consumption of ships, rather than an emissions trading scheme." - BuaNews

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Press release - Melrose Arch wins SA's first Green Star Award

2011-11-07T02:16:00.000-08:00

Press release

07 November 2011

FORTY ON OAK AT MELROSE ARCH WINS SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST GREEN STAR AWARDS

Josef Quraishi – Amdec Head of Sustainability

Amdec Property Development, owners of the prestigious Melrose Arch precinct have been awarded South Africa’s first Green Star SA Multi Unit Residential Pilot certification for their new residential development Forty on Oak, which is currently under construction.

The highly sought after Green Star Award recognises Amdec’s drive to continue the development’s focus on sustainable design. Conceived back in 1996, Melrose Arch was ahead of its time, incorporating Sustainable initiatives at Precinct level and ‘this gave the project a great platform for achieving a Green Star Rating’ says Josef Quraishi – Head of Sustainability for Amdec

Early sustainable design initiatives for Forty on Oak included natural cross ventilation, grey water recycling, gas powered water heating, high performance glazing and an impressive level of recycled material content. These measures assisted the building in achieving maximum points in the Energy Component of the GBCSA rating tool. The project then tapped into the broader precinct services to deliver an integrated building management system, and high end technology plus automation to each apartment.

“During the 9-month long design process for Forty on Oak that broke ground on the 9th June 2011, the perseverance, dedication and support of Forty on Oak’s Design Team, together with the Main Contractor , has been astounding,” comments Quraishi.

“The announcement of the Green Building Council of South Africa’s (GBCSA) MUR Pilot tool gave us the opportunity to seek official recognition for the project and reaffirm our commitment to sustainable developments,” concluded Qurashi.

Future residents of Forty on Oak will enjoy a seamlessly integrated environment that supports the New Urbanism principles on which Melrose Arch is built. Amenities such as a gym, restaurants, shops, a crèche, post office, banks, a local park and commercial offices are all within easy walking distance within the secure precinct. Furthermore, Melrose Arch is perfectly positioning in the centre of Johannesburg’s up-market northern suburbs, on the green belt, adjacent to the M1 freeway and within close proximity to O.R. Tambo International Airport. On the BRT route, residents will also enjoy easy access to the Gautrain and the cosmopolitan retail hub of Johannesburg CBD.

Ends.

Further information:

The project team working on the Melrose Arch Forty on Oak development includes:

Kind regards

Jeanne Fourie
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Magna Carta Public Relations Pty Ltd

Tel: 011 784 2598
Cell: 079 884 8200
Fax to email: 086 663 9626
Website: http://www.magna-carta.co.za <http://www.magna-carta.co.za/>

38 Wierda Road West, Wierda Valley, Sandton
P.O. Box 785 381, Sandton, 2146

‘PR Agency of the Year’ (Finweek) : 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009

Resourcing the Future: Positioning Africa for Success

2011-10-29T03:50:00.001-07:00

Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande addresses the IPM Convention on Skills Development

28 Oct 2011

The Institute of People Management (IPM) will hold its 55^th National Convention at Sun City from 30 October to 2 November 2011. Held under the theme “Resourcing the Future: Positioning Africa for Success”, the Convention will bring together thousands of professionals in the fields of human resources management, as well as a wide range of experts in the field of skills development. The convention will discuss a variety of issues related to skills development in South Africa and the continent.

The Minister for Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, will address the Convention on Monday, 31 October 2011. Dr Nzimande will outline his vision and the Government’s national programme of skills development. He will also outline the latest developments in his campaign to provide a skilled and capable workforce for the economy.

Journalists are invited to attend.

The event takes place as follows:

Date: Monday, 31 October 2011
Time: 13:45
Venue: Sun City (North West province)

For further information, contact:

Muzi Khumalo
Cell: 072 288 5340
Tel: 012 312 5024
E-mail: khumalo.m@dhet.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Higher Education and Training
28 Oct 2011

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World Bank grants loan to Eskom

2011-10-29T03:48:00.001-07:00

Pretoria - Power parastatal Eskom has been granted a $250 million loan (about R1.9 billion) for its Eskom Renewables Energy Support Project (ERSP), said the World Bank.

The loan will help Eskom to implement two of the largest renewable energy projects ever attempted on the African continent.

It will enable the utility to build a 100megawatt, utility-scale, concentrating solar power plant in Upington as well as a 100megawatt wind power project in Sere, 300km north of Cape Town.

"The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors today approved $250 million in funding for the Eskom Renewables Energy Support Project (ERSP) to help implement the pioneering and innovative Upington concentrating solar power and Sere wind power plants in South Africa," said the Bank on Thursday.

According to the World Bank, the loan is funded by the Clean Technology Fund which promotes scaled-up financing for demonstration, deployment and transfer of low-carbon technologies with significant potential for long-term greenhouse gas emissions savings.

"Africa is beginning to grow and the problem of energy insecurity is dampening that growth. By investing in these cutting-edge, transformational solar and wind power projects, we are saying that Africa can lead the way in securing a clean energy future," said World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region, Obiageli K. Ezekwesili. - BuaNews

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How Deep is your Carbon Foot Print - ?? Emotional or Factual???

2011-10-23T05:53:00.001-07:00

This has become an very important question since so may people are jumping on the emotional band wagon of securing funds for "conservation" and "causes". We should think about the offset of user groups when opposing certain practices and life styles. What might offend you may not necessary be as bad as you imagination or personal emotion is making it out to be. What is your Carbon foot print ... it is the unseen destruction of the planet which you can not pray upon emotionally.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_footprint

"A carbon footprint has historically been defined as "the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person."[1]. However, calculating a carbon footprint which conforms to this definition is often impracticable due to the large amount of data required, which is often costly and time consuming to obtain. A more practicable definition has been suggested, which is gaining acceptance within the field:"

Many people take for granted that eco Tourism is an absolute alternative towards fishing/hunting. They forget that the food that these five star tourist consume are of a much higher production standard than that of some one with an out door leisure life style. This increase the carbon footprint not only for the production of said food source, but also the storage, transportation and preparation of said food.Their is a parallel that can be drawn between every other amenity they use. Transport to reach our country, from point a to b and even their accommodation.

All these leave a much deeper foot print than any other form of local tourist will ever leave on the planet. The sad part about fishing/hunting it is an emotional visual sport that really only offend the ignorant whom hardly gets involved in knowing the techniques and the person behind the activity. Cruelty against animals are always the main concern, but the highway they drive on, the golf coarse they play on or the movie they watch, is never a consideration since the evidence of cruelty to animals is only evident to those who really care about the planet.

http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/06/embodied-energy-of-digital-technology.html

So please if you are emotional about something please follow your heard and not your heart before you exploit the privacy of an innocent person.

Emotional Causes that have negative effect on the environment.

Elephant Culling - Money is the main guideline
Seal Harvesting - Environmental issues like habitat destruction is the main guideline
Rhino Hunting - Pays for the fight against poaching

The list is actually as long as the consumers needs on the planet, but the problem is we get emotional about something and force a government to intervene and then we walk away ... We leave the bill for the few user groups that really care or for the poor to suffer through the results of our five minutes of participation ...

EVIL -

The real evil is the foreign scientist that are using emotional see saw to dictate the donations that would have or could have gone to the poor and legitimate Environmental organisations.

Public invited to comment on rhino law

2011-10-08T02:43:00.000-07:00

Pretoria - Members of the public are invited to comment on the newly proposed amendments to the norms and standards for the marking of rhinoceros horn and hunting of white rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes.

Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa published the proposed amendments in Gazette No. 34650, General Notice No. 685.

The proposed amendments stipulate that the horns must be transported from the address where the hunt took place to the taxidermist or similar facility to be processed and prepared for exportation.

Currently, the provincial conservation authorities issue permits for sport hunting of rhino and an unfortunate challenge being faced in terms of the permitting of rhino hunting, is the abuse of the system by unscrupulous individuals.

"The proposed amendments are intended to address the abuse of the permit system," said Department of Environmental Affairs spokesperson Albi Modise.

"Although illegal hunting is the main threat that could impact on the survival of rhinoceros in the wild in the near future, stricter provisions relating to hunting is required to ensure processes are standardised and to reduce possible abuse of the system," he said.

He said the Department views this in a very serious light and is committed to the fight against rhino poaching and abuse of the permit system. This is evident from the numerous interventions that have been initiated to this end.

Rhino horns obtained as a result of dehorning of the rhino, which were not micro-chipped, will now have to be micro-chipped by the permit issuing authority.

Provincial authorities must keep the information relating to rhino horns on the TRAFFIC rhino horn stockpile database and the Department of Environmental Affairs must maintain the national database.

On the management of the hunting of white rhino, all rhino hunts must be strictly controlled by means of an individual Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) hunting permit issued by the issuing authority to ensure that all rhino horns can be traced to the property where the hunt took place.

If the rhino horns were not already micro-chipped, they would need to be micro-chipped on the property where the hunt took place, immediately after the hunt.

It is also proposed that rhino hunts must take place under the supervision of a conservation official, preferably an environmental management inspector (EMI) from the province concerned, subject to a permit being issued in the name of the hunter.

The official or EMI who attended the hunt must immediately after the hunt provide the Department of Environmental Affairs with information relating to the hunt and the relevant micro-chip numbers.

The CITES export permit for the white rhino trophy, which must be accompanied by a copy of the TOPS hunting permit, must be endorsed by an EMI prior to the export of the trophy.

DNA samples of rhino horns are a proposed new section in the norms and standards. This section states that DNA samples of horns must be collected when live rhino are darted for translocation, treatment and any other management purposes.

DNA samples also have to be collected from detached horns obtained through amongst others natural mortalities, dehorning, or rhino horn trophies, when such horns have to be micro-chipped.

The results of the DNA samples aim to assist enforcement officials to achieve successful prosecutions during criminal proceedings.

DNA samples must be collected by a registered veterinarian responsible for darting of a live rhino, an official from the issuing authority responsible for the micro-chipping, or the conservation official or EMI who supervises the hunt and who has been adequately trained in DNA collection.

The DNA samples must be sent to the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at Onderstepoort as soon as possible.

Any person who wishes to submit representations or comments in connection with the proposed amendments to the norms and standards is invited to do so within 30 days of the date of the publication of the notice in the Gazette.

Comments must be sent to: By Post to: The Director-General: Environmental Affairs, Attention: Ms Magdel Boshoff, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001 or they can be faxed to: (012) 320 7026 or e-mailed to mboshoff@environment.gov.za. - BuaNews

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Minister Molewa to launch National Marine Week

2011-10-07T02:09:00.001-07:00

Minister Molewa to launch National Marine Week and Oceans Monitoring Buoy at Elands Bay Hotel, Western Cape

7 Oct 2011

Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa, MP, will, on Monday, 10 October 2011, launch the annual National Marine Week awareness campaign under the theme: “Changing Climate, Changing Oceans, Changing People.”

As part of the awareness campaign and government commitment to understanding the impacts of climate change and the threats posed to coastal communities by oceans, Minister Molewa will also launch an oceans processes monitoring buoy system at Elands Bay on the West Coast of the Western Cape.

The buoy will play a significant role in climate research in the ocean environment as it will measure ocean temperatures and currents in order to better understand the effects of climate change on our oceans and therefore enable coastal communities to be better prepared to deal with adverse conditions.

The emerging impacts of climate change and other factors are making South Africa’s coastline more susceptible to natural hazards, such as storm surges and rising sea levels. The coastline is also exposed to and threatened by pollution.

It is therefore important to monitor the marine environment and provide predictions of change. To this end the department’s Oceans & Coasts branch has developed an oceans monitoring buoy system that monitors key oceanographic processes.

Between 2011 and 2012 the department will deploy, along the South African coastline, a range of new equipment on and around the coast of South Africa covering the coastline, shelf waters, the deeper continental slope environment, very deep offshore regions and coastal weather systems.

These will include four locally designed and manufactured real-time coastal monitoring buoys (known as Data Buoy) ― two deployed in KwaZulu-Natal, one in the Tsitsikamma National Park, and one at Elands Bay.

Media is invited. Please confirm attendance by Friday, 7 October 2011.

Details of the event:
Date: 10 October 2011
Time: 10h00
Venue: Elands Bay Hotel, Western Cape

Enquiries:
Zolile Nqayi
Tel: 021 819 2423
Cell: 082 898 6483
E-mail: znqayi@environment.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
7 Oct 2011

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WINNERS OF 2011 NEDBANK CAPITAL GREEN MINING AWARDS ANNOUNCED

2011-10-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

07 October 2011

WINNERS OF 2011 NEDBANK CAPITAL GREEN MINING AWARDS ANNOUNCED

The winners of the sixth annual Nedbank Capital Green Mining Awards were announced at an awards presentation held at Nedbank's head office in Sandton last night.

The Awards were launched in 2006 and aim to recognise and celebrate the important contribution that responsible, sustainable and environmentally aware mining and mineral beneficiation make to the economic development of South Africa and Africa.

The winning projects for 2011 are:

Environmental Category: Anglo American Thermal Coal's Gypsum Housing Project (Joint Winner); BHP Billiton's Turning Employee Benefits Into Company Profits -Ongoye Forest Project (Joint Winner)
Socio-Economic Category: Anglo American Thermal Coal's HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme (Joint Winner); Kumba Iron Ore Sishen - Mine's UGM Wellness Clinic (Joint Winner)
Sustainability Category: Kumba Iron Ore - Sishen Mine's Rural Research Project.

The runners-up in the Socio-Economic Category were First Quantum Minerals -Kansanshi Mining Plc's Conservation Farming Project and Anglo American Thermal Coal's Science, Career Guidance and ICT Resources Centre. No awards were made in the Limited Resources Category.

According to the panel of adjudicators, the joint winners in the Environmental Category both demonstrated innovative approaches to addressing different environmental challenges.

"The Gypsum Housing project deals with wastes generated directly from mining activities while the Ongoye Forest project tackles existing environmental degradation. Both projects illustrate how real socio-economic benefits can be derived through implementing creative solutions to environmental issues," the judges said.

In the Socio Economic Category, the judges said the joint winners demonstrated excellence around technical planning, care of people, recognition of parties' interests to solve problems collectively, depth of partnerships and the positive contribution mining can make to address HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa.

"The projects both provide excellent illustrations of how the mining industry can rise to the HIV/AIDS challenge," said the judges.

Commenting on the winning entry in the Sustainability Category, the judges said it was an outstanding example of how a mine's long-term needs have been fully aligned with development planning needs at a national, provincial and local level.

"Environmental responsibility, socio-economic development and sustainability are absolutely core to the ongoing success and positive impact of the mining industry in South Africa and throughout Africa," said Peter van Kerckhoven, joint head of Resources Finance at Nedbank Capital, stressing that Nedbank promotes environmental, cultural, social and economic sustainability throughout its operations and activities.

"By taking steps to minimise their environment footprint, uplift communities in the area where they operate, and place a major emphasis on sustainability, many mining companies are taking their corporate responsibility outcomes to a higher level than ever before."

Nedbank was the first African Bank to sign the Equator Principles (an international standard on responsible lending), and became South Africa and Africa's first carbon neutral financial organisation in 2009. It renewed its carbon neutral status in 2010. The bank is continually driving its position as South Africa's caring bank through its commitment to climate change and sustainability initiatives. This will be reiterated through their support of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 17) to be held in Durban from 28 November - 9 December 2011.

Ends

Issued on behalf of: Nedbank

Sizwekazi Jekwa

Senior Communications Manager

011294 1306

Sizwekazij@nedbank.co.za

Green Cab helping to shrink the carbon footprint - media release

2011-09-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Green Cab helping to shrink the carbon footprint

Immediate Release 23 September 2011

A Cape Town based company is breaking new ground in eco-tourism after becoming South Africa's only carbon-neutral transport service.

Green Cab provides the country's first cost effective green tourism transport solution by using modified vehicles which use environmentally friendly fuels.

Shuttle, taxi and tour services for tourists, locals and conference delegates are done using vehicles that have been converted to run on both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and a B50 blend of Biodiesel (used cooking oil).

LPG's percentage reduction in harmful emissions as compared to petrol include: 75% less carbon Monoxide; 85% less Hydrocarbon; 40% less Oxide and Nitrogen and roughly 10% less Carbon Dioxide. Biodiesel reduces the latter between 30 – 50%.

These lower-carbon options provide clients with an opportunity to mitigate their carbon emissions in the fight against global warming.

Most of Green Cab's vehicles are supplied by Hyundai SA because it was the only vehicle manufacturer in SA willing to extend warranties on new vehicles once they were converted to run duel –fuel. Their growing fleet is made up of Hyundai Elantras, Hyundai 9 seater people carriers and a 19 seater Mercedes Sprinter mostly used for daily tours and shuttling conferencing delegates.

Conference packages are tailor made and include welcome desks at airports for the delegates and transfers to and from hotels and conference venues.

Green Cab offers delegates the opportunity to calculate their carbon footprint based on air and land travel and will issue them with certificates regarding this.

Green Cab will also assist the companies hosting the conference to offset their carbon emissions by organising for them to fund a community based green energy project such as installing a solar heater at a school. Companies are then issued with a "Green Transport Certificate", certifying that the transport component of the conference was Carbon neutral through the off-setting of the emissions.

Green Cab is run by the "Green Ladies", a group of women who have pooled their expertise in order to start a green transport revolution in South Africa.

Proving that their business is a success, Green Cab took top honours in the 2010/2011 in the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur Award (ETEYA) competition by emerging as the provincial winners for the Western Cape.

Western Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde said: "Our economy is built on the energy and sustainability of our entrepreneurs and in the tourism industry the emphasis is on responding to demand in a sustainable manner. The Green Cab initiative speaks to growing tourism responsibly and on behalf of the Western Cape tourism industry I would like to commend their efforts."

The "Green Rail and Ride" shuttle offers tourists the opportunity to travel by train from Cape Town to Simonstown, enabling them to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery, and then continue to Cape Point on the Green Bus. Tickets for the whole tour can be purchased at Cape Town Station. Taxi journeys and airport transfers are also available. Information and booking procedures can be found on the Green Cab website or on www.webtickets.co.za.

Alive2green, is South Africa' leading sustainability focused media company. Gordon Brown has degrees in economics and law, 17 years' experience in media and is a GreenStar Accredited Professional. Gordon has been involved in sustainability since 2002 when he launched Progress magazine to coincide with the Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable Development.

More information including pricing is available at www.thegreencab.co.za

For additional information and interview requests, please contact:

Candi Matavele at 011 506 7300 and visit www.transportandmobility.co.za

Unique ID Text: meropasignature20110816

Regulations for Energy Efficiency Savings

2011-09-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

16 Sep 2011

The Department of Energy has today released the Tax Allowance for Energy Efficiency Savings regulations for public comments.

These regulations provide for an allowance for energy efficiency savings. This stipulates that any company holding a certificate which proves the energy savings are genuine, may submit that certificate to South African Revenue Service and claim the allowance. The regulations will be released for public comment for a period of sixty days from today.

National Treasury has in the past few years become increasingly concerned about the environment and to this end commissioned a report on environmental policies being pursued in government departments.

Since that time it has been promoting policies directed at mitigating the impacts of climate change. As the major cause of greenhouse, gas is through the production and use of energy, the reduction of energy use will generally result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the most common ways in which governments internationally influence energy and climate policy is through taxation, and the main instrument for this is the Income Tax Act of 1962.

In 2009, Treasury introduced a number of measures, mainly in the form of tax allowances to promote investment towards environmental ends, to improve the technology, infrastructure and design employed by companies in the building of their facilities and plants.

Section 12L of the Income Tax Act specifies that the Department of Energy will write a regulation that specifies how the energy savings certificates will work and within which institutional framework.

These regulations are designed to enable the Section 12L of the Act to be accomplished. This is done through the establishment of an institutional framework and a methodology that includes the issuing of energy saving certificates and the issuing, on behalf of South African Bureau of Standards, of a standard that will be employed for the Measurement and Verification of Energy Savings from projects undertaken by companies wishing to benefit from the tax allowance.

The energy savings have to be proven by means of a measurement and verification report undertaken by a body accredited by the South African National Accreditation System that is also registered with the South African National Energy Development Institute. This agency must first receive all applications from companies wishing to undertake all such energy savings projects before they can proceed.

The Income Tax Act stipulates that any company that has benefitted from the allowance may benefit from any other South African energy savings scheme in the same year.

Enquiries:
Thandiwe Maimane
Cell: 083 645 7837

Ndivhuwo Khangale
Cell: 082 465 6090

Issued by: Department of Energy
16 Sep 2011

The retro buz word overwhelming the Social network scene is Work From Home. Most of these involves malty level marketing and you have to buy your starter pack so one person upstream can earn some commission. Its cool of you are an aggressive consumer of Herbal Dietary products, but it sucks if the market is saturated and you are at the bottom of the food chain. For those of us there is always direct marketing.
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ZWF Quotation to be remembered by all of todays conservation departments

2011-09-11T22:24:00.001-07:00

ZWF Quotation to be remembered by all of todays conservation departments, especially the need for specialist knowledge, trained manpower and money, and we look to other nations to co-operate with us in this - would be nice if this message got through !!

Late Julius K. Nyerere, Arusha Manifesto, 1961

“The survival of our wildlife is a matter of grave concern to all of us in Africa. These wild creatures amid the wild places they inhabit are not only important as a source of wonder and inspiration, but are an integral part of our natural resources and our future livelihood and wellbeing.

In accepting the trusteeship of our wildlife we solemnly declare that we will do everything in our power to make sure that our children’s grand-children will be able to enjoy this rich and precious inheritance.

The conservation of wildlife and wild places calls for specialist knowledge, trained manpower and money, and we look to other nations to co-operate with us in this important task – the success or failure of which not only affects the continent of Africa but the rest of the world as well.”

Late Julius K. Nyerere, Arusha Manifesto, 1961 — with Tim Condon at Zululand Wildlife Forum.

Update on rhino poaching numbers and protection initiatives

2011-09-07T13:56:00.001-07:00

Posted by Ben van den Berg on June 16

Dear supporter and member of Protect the Rhino Cause,

I think it is time that I provide a quick update regarding the state of rhino poaching and the initiatives that are underway to protect the rhinos if Africa.

Firstly, allow me to thank every one of the 7,383 that supports this cause, for your interest and support of this cause. With your support we managed to grow the membership of this cause to the where it is today. A special word of appreciation to every-one who made financial contribution, WWF will certainly ensure that the contributions are appropriately applied.

Rhinos are still being poached at an alarming rate in South Africa. It still makes news headlines at least once a week, when we hear about another poaching incident. Up to the 6th of June, 173 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa. This equates a rhino killed every 20 hours, more than 1 per day.

There many initiatives that attempt to contain the poaching onslaught, which I hope will begin to show an decrease in the number killings in Future.

Many media groups got involved and are trying their best to raise awareness about rhino poaching. Especially Jacaranda FM and Talk Radio 702 are leading the awareness drive. Thank you to those involved, your voices reach millions of ears, which will make a difference. Eye Witness News (the news engine of radio 702) does a sterling job in this regard. Here is a link to their web site that cover news clips about poaching incidents and protection initiatives. http://www.ewn.co.za/AdvancedSearch.a...

The South African Police Services, the SA National Defense Force and SA National Parks board, and many government departments are now more involved in the attempt to curb poaching. All these organisations established an entity called the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure. Their primary focus is protect the rhinos against poachers. SANDF deployed troops on the border between the Kruger National Park and Mozambique and there were a number of incidents where the soldiers killed poacher that crossed the border from Mozambique to poach rhino. Read more about his: http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php...
We all hope that the focus and dedication of this organisation will be successful in their attempts to protect the rhinos.

In conclusion, please continue to invite your friends and contacts to join and support this cause. Every little bit awareness does make a difference. Awareness results in pressure on governments and private organisations to step up to the expectations of the country and the world, to meet their obligation to protect the nature and wildlife.

I hope to see thousands of your friends as members of this cause, in the near future. If every one of us recruit just 1 of our friends in the next month, the group will double in numbers. Come on, lets grow this cause to the biggest support group in the cyber world, for the protection of rhinos.

All the best until next time.
Ben

Spread the word. Every invitation counts:

Statement by Minister Edna Molewa on the ongoing scourage of rhino poaching

2011-08-29T23:26:00.001-07:00

29 Aug 2011

The ongoing scourge of rhino poaching in our country is an area of great concern to this government and ordinary South Africans.

South Africa has a proud track record of successful rhino conservation and has the highest number of white rhinos on the continent. At the end of 2007 South Africa had conserved 35% of Africa’s black rhino in the wild and 93% of the continent’s white rhino.

We would like to urge all our communities to work with our law enforcement agencies and Game Parks Authorities to stop this looting of our national treasures.

Rhino poaching is a crime that is undoubtedly fuelled by a thriving black market trade in rhino horn. Since January this year, a total of 279 rhinos have been poached, with 169 of them in the Kruger National Park.

The intensification of our anti-rhino poaching activities has seen 155 suspects arrested in relation to rhino poaching activities this year. Of these arrests, 65 were for rhino poaching related activities in Kruger National Park. For this I must commend the work of the 300 rangers and SANParks investigators, our security cluster departments among them being Defense, SAPS and State Security, who are at the forefront of fighting and preventing poaching.

Although the National Prosecuting Authority has dedicated prosecutors working on the rhino poaching cases, those who are operators in the field of rhino conservation and South Africans at large, who bear the brunt of this scourge, feel that cases take a long while before being concluded and also that the rate of prosecutions are still too low.

Cooperation with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority is however being enhanced and we could soon have a prioritisation of the rhino cases.

Together with our various stakeholders, we have developed a holistic approach to tackle rhino poaching.

The investigations and intelligence gathering of rhino cases is overseen by a National Joints Operation structure (NatJoints) and the National Strategy for the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros and rhino horns in South Africa is being implemented by both the NatJoints and the interim National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit (NWCRU) across the country. We continue to strengthen our biodiversity enforcement and monitoring capacities to ensure compliance with our biodiversity legislation.

We commend the cooperation between enforcement units such as the SAPS organised crime units, the HAWKS, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, INTERPOL and The National Prosecuting Authority. The work done by South African National Parks in coordinating the NWCRU and finding innovative ways to fight this scourge is commendable.

The anti-poaching ability of the Kruger National Park has been increased by approximately 57 rangers in the last year. We also welcome the return of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to monitor the 350 kilometres of national border in Kruger National Park and other country borders.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recently commended our efforts as a country in curbing rhino poaching and the scourge of illegal trade in rhino horn at its sixty-first (61st) meeting of Standing Committee held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The CITES Standing Committee noted that rhino poaching and illegal trade in rhino horns is a phenomenon which is also occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Mozambique, Nepal and Zimbabwe.

South Africa's experience and interventions measures in fighting the illegal trade were well received and other member states affected by the same problem were encouraged to follow suit. CITES further appealed to consumer states to further improve controls and enforcement relating to the illegal trade in rhino horns.

The need for cooperation with Vietnam and Mozambique, among other countries is a priority for us. The Vietnamese delegation led by their Vice Prime Minister visited South Africa recently and we agreed to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding on wildlife trafficking. In September this year, we are expecting a Vietnamese technical delegation to specifically discuss wildlife management.

The relationship with Mozambique has to be strengthened to assist in the anti poaching and other wildlife crime issues. In a recently held bilateral security meeting between Mozambique and South Africa it was suggested in the Committee on Public Security that operations on anti rhino poaching should be elevated to a priority for both countries and that a cross border strategy for the safety of wildlife be developed within the next six months.

I am also considering additional measures that I aim to implement to arrest this scourge of poaching in our country. It is my intention to also engage with the various provincial Environment MECs to look at the possibility of placing a moratorium on the hunting of rhinoceros. This is one of a number of measures I am contemplating to further strengthen interventions to ensure that our rhino populations are conserved.

Before exercising my power in terms of section 57(2) (a) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (Biodiversity Act) I will consult with the MECs and follow a clear consultation process as prescribed in the Act.

Currently, the provincial conservation authorities issues permits for the sport hunting of rhino and an unfortunate challenge we are facing, in terms of the permitting of rhino hunting, is the abuse of the system by unscrupulous individuals.

Illegal hunting and the abuse of the permit system may be the main threats that could impact on the survival of rhinoceros in the wild in the near future.

To address the abuse of the permit system, the MEC’s and I recently approved the amendment of the norms and standards for the marking of rhinoceros horn and hunting of white rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes.

Among others, these amendments will include the following:

Provincial conservation officials must supervise rhino hunts and while attending these hunts the identity of the hunter must be verified.
The official that attends the hunt must provide the Department of Environmental Affairs with the permit number, the information on the back of the permit and the microchip numbers.
Official must take DNA samples after the hunt.

As promised the three studies that the department is undertake will further inform the process going forward. The dehorning possibility impact study has been initiated and will be concluded within the next three months. The Terms of Reference for the two other studies, i.e. the feasibility study to determine the viability of legalising trade in rhino horn in South Africa; and the global competitive market research assessment study, have been advertised and the closing date for proposals is 2 September 2011.

We will continue to work with all our communities, provinces, game parks authorities, counterparts at sub-regional and regional levels and internationally including through CITES structures.

To view the briefing documents click on the links below:

Rhino poaching statistics
Interventions to address illegal killing of rhinos

For media enquiries, contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
E-mail: AModise@environment.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
29 Aug 2011

Renewable energy Independent Power Producer (RFP)programme

2011-08-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

29 Aug 2011

The Department of Energy cordially invites members of the media to the Independent Power Producers bidders (RFP) media briefing session scheduled for 31 August 2011. The Director-General, Ms Nelisiwe Magubane, will update the media on the state of the RFP programme.

Details are as follows:
Date : Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Time: 09h30 for 10h00
Venue: The Trevenna Campus, 75 Corner Mentjies and, Schoeman Street Sunnyside, Pretoria

NB: Please note that paid parking is available at the dti Campus (opposite Trevenna Campus).

Please RSVP by 30 August 2011 at 14h00 to:
Johannes Mokobane
Tel: 012 444 4612
Cell: 082 7663674
E-mail: johannes.mokobane@energy.gov.za

Enquiries:
Ndivhuwo Khangale
Tel: 012 444 4610
Cell: 082 465 6090
E-mail: ndivhuwo.khangale@energy.gov.za

Thandiwe Maimane
Tel: 012 444 4256
Cell: 082 450 8591
E-mail: thandiwe.maimane@energy.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Energy
29 Aug 2011

NEDBANK TO INVEST R9 MILLION IN SA’s CRITICAL WATER CATCHMENT AREAS

2011-08-29T02:43:00.001-07:00

NEDBANK TO INVEST R9 MILLION IN SA's CRITICAL WATER CATCHMENT AREAS

29 August 2011 - Further embedding its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Nedbank Group is to invest R9 million in an innovative Water Balance Programme, an initiative by WWF South Africa. Water is widely acknowledged as South Africa's scarcest resource and the one that will be the most impacted by climate change. Nedbank's increased focus on water is a key part of their climate change response strategy and underpins the urgent need to tackle climate change impacts as will be addressed at COP17 in Durban later this year.

WWF estimates that around 98% of South Africa's freshwater supplies are currently allocated and that demand will outstrip supply by 2025, jeopardising economic growth that is vital for ongoing socio-economic development.

"Through our provision of water infrastructure funding, our 20-year involvement with The Green Trust and our own sustainability initiatives, we have invested in a range of water-related projects in line with our water stewardship programme, which addresses water scarcity, water quality and access to water. This new multi-million rand investment raises our water stewardship efforts to a much higher and more impactful level," said Mike Brown, Nedbank's CEO.

Dr Deon Nel, head of WWF's Biodiversity Unit, said that WWF has identified the availability of water and the health of water provisioning catchments as one of the most critical challenges facing South Africa.

Nedbank's investment will fund the removal of alien invasive species, which is estimated to release more than 550,000 kilolitres of water a year, back into two of SA's high priority water catchment areas.

Following its achievement of becoming Africa's first carbon neutral financial organisation in 2010, water is the next step in Nedbank's sustainability journey. A 17% reduction in its own water consumption over the past two years is further evidence of this commitment.

"Nedbank is making an investment, in proportion to its operational water use, into WWF's Water Balance Programme. The programme encourages water users to take ownership of South Africa's common water challenge by going beyond reducing their own water consumption to also making an investment back into water provisioning ecosystems," explains Nel.

"This substantial investment links high level commitments (such as the CEO Water Mandate) to tangible on-the-ground outcomes in some of the highest water yield ecosystems in the country. In addition to increasing water supply, these investments into WWF's water programmes will also improve water quality, create jobs and contribute to climate change adaptation and resilience."

Several critical water catchments are recognised in South Africa as the country's 'water factories' based on the high water yield of those catchments. WWF has identified five nodes in which these catchments lie and where the programme will focus its broader water stewardship efforts. These are the upper reaches of the Berg and Breede catchments, the Garden Route from George to Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape; the Kouga in the Eastern Cape; the Umgeni in KwaZulu- Natal and the Enkangala Grasslands in Mpumalanga. Nedbank's R9 million investment will contribute towards work in the latter two catchments.

"When one considers that approximately 3,300 million kilolitres of water is trapped by invasive alien species in South Africa – equating to around 7% of the country's water run-off – it's easy to understand how important this investment is in improving water security in our country," said Brown.

Importantly, he added, this massive amount of water is being prevented from replenishing the water ecosystems upon which our country's environmental integrity is dependent. It is vital for this water to be freed up to improve water availability in a water-stressed country.

In addition, this initiative supports and complements government's work in this area through its Working for Water Programme.

Valuable spinoffs also include job creation and support for farmers who show further commitment to environmental sustainability. "Water, energy and food security are inextricably linked and it is a pleasing addition to the programme that we can support the agriculture sector through this work too. We are enthusiastic about this next step in our sustainability journey and hope this encourages other corporates to play their role in making things happen," states Brown.

Ends

* Alien invasive trees and plants are those that have been introduced to the country – such as black wattle – and then out-compete indigenous species and pose a direct risk to biological diversity, water security, ecological functioning of natural systems and productive use of agricultural land.

Notes to the Editor

Nedbank's water stewardship strategy addresses water scarcity, water quality and access to water. Current activities include:

Nedbank, through the Green Trust, has been involved in several projects aimed at combating threats to South Africa's fresh water supply. These projects include the Enkangala Grasslands Project, the Kouga River Valley Rehabilitation Project and flood simulation for the Pongola floodplain.

Nedbank earlier this year became the first South African bank to become a signatory to 'The CEO Water Mandate', a programme fostered by the United Nations Global Compact, the world's biggest corporate responsibility initiative. The CEO Water Mandate is a public-private partnership mainly focused on developing strategies and solutions to contribute positively to the emerging global water crisis. In addition, Nedbank is also a voluntary participant in the Water Disclosure Project.

Nedbank's Corporate Social Investment arm, the Nedbank Foundation, last year provided funding for the distribution of hundreds of 90-litre Hippo Water Rollers to mainly rural communities in Mpumalanga (450) and the Eastern Cape (also 450), enabling them to collect and transport water across various types of terrain. The Foundation also funded the sinking of boreholes for some communities.

Nedbank Capital has played a major funding role in various water infrastructure projects, such as the Mooi-Mgeni Transfer Scheme in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands; the Vaal River Eastern Sub-Augmentation Project; the Komati Water Scheme Augmentation Project and the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation Programme. It has also acted as arranger and sub-underwriter to the Roodeplaat Temba Water Services Scheme, and as adviser to the South African government on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II.

Nedbank Group's commitment to Sustainability

In 2009, Nedbank Group became the first financial services organisation on the African continent to achieve carbon neutrality. Not only did this achievement cement the group's reputation as a bank committed to environmental issues, it also signalled the beginning of the next stage of Nedbank Group's ongoing sustainability journey.

While its 'green' commitment is a core element of this journey, the group takes an integrated approach that combines the four pillars of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability to ensure that its sustainability efforts deliver the broadest possible benefits for all its stakeholders, the environment, and the communities in which it operates.

In addition, Nedbank donates money on behalf of its Green Affinity clients to The Green Trust, a two-decade-long partnership between Nedbank and WWF-South Africa. Nedbank clients do not pay a premium for enabling donations to The Green Trust; service fees for Nedbank Green Affinity accounts are the same as those for standard Nedbank banking accounts. Rather, Nedbank Green Affinity donates money on behalf of its clients, based on clients' financial activity.

The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated and enhanced by the many awards earned by the group, as well as its inclusion and participation in an array of indices and environmental initiatives, including:

• Dow Jones World Sustainability Index membership – the world's premier performance benchmark for companies in terms of corporate sustainability. Included for the fifth year. One of only 25 banks worldwide and three companies with primary listings in South Africa to be included on the index (only SA Bank). 2010: 78% (2009: 77%).

• JSE SRI Index – inclusion since 2004.

• South African Carbon Disclosure Project Leadership Index – 2010, the group recognised as a leader in the performance category and placed third in the disclosure category.

• CDP's Water Disclosure Project – 2010 voluntary participant.

• Global 1000 Sustainable Performance Leaders Index – Ranked 284th (third highest

• SA company).

• Financial Times – 2010, Emerging Markets Sustainable Bank of the Year for Middle East & Africa.

• Equator Principles – first African bank signatory.

• WWF-SA Conservation Partnership.

• Ernst & Young Excellence in Sustainability Reporting – award of excellence received.

• UNEP FI – signatory to official Statement on Climate Change.

• Signatory to the Cancun Communiqué.

• Climate Change Leadership Awards – 2010 joint winner Financial Services Sector.

• Nedbank is the first company in South Africa to be awarded a Green Star 'as built' rating for Phase 2 of its headoffice complex.

• 2011 Nkonki Integrated Reporting Awards – Nedbank won the Finance Sector and was placed 2nd overall.

Nedbank is represented on:

• Climate Neutral Network

• UNEP FI African Task Force

• UNEP FI Banking Commission

• UNEP FI Human Rights Work Stream

• UNEP Water & Finance Initiative Work Stream

• United Nations Global Compact - 'Caring for Climate' Programme

• National Business Initiative Advisory Committee on Climate Change

• National Energy Efficiency Accord

• Banking Association of South Africa: Sustainable Finance Committee

• UNISA Climate Change Advisory Committee

• CEO Water Mandate

Issued by:

Mpho Sebelebele

Nedbank Group Communications

011 294 4274 / 082 528 3432

mphoseb@nedbank.co.za

Shireen Ramjoo

Jenni Newman Public Relations (Pty) Ltd

011 506 7358/ 079 452 5386

shireenr@jnpr.co.za

********************
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the names of the Nedbank Board of Directors and Company Secretary.
[ http://www.nedbank.co.za/terms/DirectorsNedbank.htm ]
This email is confidential and is intended for the addressee only.
The following link will take you to Nedbank's legal notice.
[ http://www.nedbank.co.za/terms/EmailDisclaimer.htm ]
********************

Workshop on Climate Change Impacts on African Coastal Communities

2011-08-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

26 Aug 2011

The Department of Environmental Affairs will host a workshop on Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Communities from Monday, 29 August to Wednesday, 31 August in Cape Town.

The workshop, attended by delegates from various African coastal countries, will look at climate change, sea level rise and storm surges in the African coastal countries. The main objective of the workshop will be to creating a platform for African coastal nations to exchange ideas on how do we deal with present level of risk and how to respond to changing future conditions through joint programmes.

The following topics will be covered over the three days:

Climate and climate change
Sea level rise
Storm variability
Risk and Impacts
Warning system: current and future
Current reflection of risk and response in governance
Social dimensions on risk and vulnerability.

The workshop is open to the media

Details:

Date: 29 to 31 August 2011
Starting time: 09h00
Venue: Lagoon Beach Hotel, Milnerton, Cape Town

To attend please confirm with:

Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
Tel: 021 819 2423
E-mail: znqayi@environment.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
26 Aug 2011

Minister Edna Molewa to address the media on the continued incidents of rhino poaching

2011-08-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

26 Aug 2011

Edna Molewa, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs will on Monday, 29 August 2011 brief the media on the increasing incidents of rhino poaching and measures taken to address this scourge.

The rhino population in South Africa was on the brink of extinction in the early 1960’s. At the end of 2007 South Africa conserved 35% of Africa’s black rhino in the wild and 93% of the continent’s white rhino. But the successes are overshadowed by the illegal wildlife trafficking, which is worth billions annually and is considered to be the third most lucrative criminal trade in the world, ranking closely behind drugs and human trafficking and leading the arms smuggling trade.

Minister Molewa will be joined by Dr David Mabunda, Chief Executive Officer of South African National Parks (SANParks).

Briefing details (the Minister will be in Cape Town)

Date: Monday, 29 August 2011
Time: 10:00
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Cape Town

There will be a video link to GCIS Auditorium, 1^st Floor, Midtown Building, Cnr Prinsloo and Vermeulen Str, Pretoria CBD

To RSVP contact:

Ernest Mulibana at (012) 395 1770 / EMulibana@environment.gov.za or
Lucky Sindane on (012) 310 3198 / LSindane@environment.gov.za
Roopa Singh on 082 225 3076 / RSingh@environment.gov.za

For media queries contact:

Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
26 Aug 2011

Face the reality, stay optimistic and keep our focus

2011-08-25T23:42:00.001-07:00

Speech by Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism at a High-Level Stakeholder Meeting with CEOs in the Tourism Industry, Sheraton Hotel

25 Aug 2011

Face the reality, stay optimistic and keep our focus

I appreciate your presence here this morning, and look forward to a very candid and productive discussion. To me, it is always very important that we make time to meet face to face: government, industry as well as the broader tourism community. Your presence here this morning once again testifies to the strength of our common resolve to build this outstanding industry in this remarkable country.

Together, we have built an excellent team South Africa. By taking hands over the last two decades, and in particular so in the run-up to and during the FIFA World Cup, we have crafted a vision, built a strong global brand presence, and constructed lasting infrastructure that only bodes well for our future growth.

But these are also demanding times. Many of our tourists travel here from international markets that experience unrelenting economic strain. I know that it shows in some of your bottom lines and that some of you are gripped by a sense of anxiety when you look at industry-wide occupancy rates. And even though occupancy is a relative number and should be read in the context of the industry’s massive capacity expansion over the past few years, I can understand your sense of unease about investment decisions that had been made before you knew that the worst financial crisis since the 1930s was about to make itself felt.

And yet, we have defied the global trends. In 2010, the World Cup spared us the worst impacts of the post-recession hangover. And even if we discount those impacts, we have bucked all international trends with impressive growth in arrivals.

Nevertheless, we also understand that the economic recession has changed our market place in fundamental ways, and that the path to economic recovery will take us through an unfamiliar landscape, with a global shift in the geo-political and economic centre of gravity.

Above all, our consumers’ mindsets are different to what they were in the ‘good times’. Travellers have changed their travelling behaviour, they are travelling for shorter periods, and many are trading down. In our traditional markets, many consumers prefer to travel closer to home, and long-haul destinations have to work harder than ever to convince tourists that they offer value for money.

This is all part of a story that is unfolding globally. It is not unique to South Africa. Even though global tourist arrival growth saw a return to positive territory, with year-on-year growth of some 7% in 2010, the sources and nature of growth have shifted.

The global recovery in arrivals is a multi-speed recovery. The traditional markets in Europe and America have stagnated, and emerging markets are the new driving forces. In the first quarter of this year, South America and South Asia led the charge with double digit growth. That contrasts sharply with the approximately 3% growth in traditional markets over the same period. In 2010, emerging economies also led the rebound in international tourism spend: Compare, for example, the increase of 22% in outbound expenditure from China, to the modest 3% from the United States of America (USA), and 2% from Germany.

At the same time, the return of value lags behind the recovery of volume. In 2010, when we witnessed 7% growth in arrivals globally, we also saw tourism receipts increasing by only 5%. This confirms what we have been observing here at home: People simply are spending less, and are more price-conscious. This is true for many markets, but especially so for some of our bread-and-butter markets, such as the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany. Our competitor destinations are feeling the same heat and occupancy is under pressure in various destinations.

In January, both the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicted slower albeit positive growth in 2011. IATA forecast headwinds in leisure travel to continue for up to another three years, especially from Europe and America, as well as a mid-cycle slowdown in passenger numbers in the latter part of 2011.

The uneven economic recovery, the stagnating growth in middle classes in the United States of America (USA) and Europe, and the new growth in emerging markets are well recorded. The big-picture trends are clear: We are dealing with a multi-speed recovery driven by the emerging markets.

Let me illustrate this with an example from the aviation industry: In the UK, they have been struggling for years to get approval to build one more runway at Heathrow, but, in China, over the last five years, they have built 45 new airports, with another 52 in the pipeline for the next decade. This is the story of our traditional markets reaching maturity, and new markets emerging. By 2014, Asia is expected to have an additional 360 million airline passengers, with 310 million from China alone. China’s outbound tourism is expected to double by 2021.

The fact that the growing middle-income countries will become important source markets in the future does not render our traditional markets insignificant, and income per capita in these markets will still overshadow that in the emerging markets for some time to come. Yet, we cannot ignore that the meaningful long-term growth potential lies in Asia, Latin America and Africa.

I am aware of the debate in some parts of the industry about where we should invest for future growth. I know there are competing views on how we should spread our resources between domestic and international tourism marketing; between our bread-and-butter markets, Africa and the emerging markets. But, for me, this is not an ‘either/or’, but a definite ‘as well as’. It is about balance and hedging against change and uncertainty. We should aim for both: protecting existing market share as well as penetrating new markets where we see long-term growth potential.

Colleagues, by pointing out the global realities, my intention certainly is not to cause despondency. But it is vital for us to comprehend where we are and what still lies ahead. The World Cup acted as a temporary buffer, postponing the pain, as it were. Now, with the Eurozone under extreme pressure and the USA stagnating, the pain in our traditional markets could endure for quite some time, and we will have to fight harder than ever for every inch of the market out there.

Under these circumstances, we have two choices:

We can complain bitterly; point fingers; seek scapegoats; play the blame game; revert to short-termism; try to find quick fixes; let out the ‘detail devil’ to wreak havoc with our industry.

Or we can face the reality, stay optimistic and keep our focus on the bigger picture; not drown in doom and gloom; see this as a chance to build and develop our sector and make some positive changes; prepare for the long haul, and do so sustainably.

We can, and should, have forthright debates on pricing, our value-for-money proposition, brand alignment, coordination across government and industry, the mix of leisure, business and events tourists, and the different balances to be struck in our international portfolio. We also need to ask ourselves, from time-to-time, how we can improve the data that inform our decision making, though I must hasten to add that we work with only the best available statistics, which are aligned with international classifications, and that we have been applying consistently for many years. It is good that we continue to track global trends diligently and engage in a very constructive discourse. However, ultimately, we must stay the course and keep our eye on the ball.

We cannot allow, or afford, large numbers of rooms standing empty, which brings me to domestic tourism.

While we face some pressures in some global markets, let us apply our minds to creative and innovative ways to get South Africans to travel; expose them to our amazing offerings, and build a generation of tourists that will carry us into the next decade. This investment in a value-conscious domestic tourism market should not be about short-term cash flows, but about creating an upstream reservoir for future growth. It should be about building the next generation of tourists that will help ensure long-term financial sustainability for our sector.

From government’s side, we are committed to building a culture of domestic tourism as a mainstay of sustainability. With domestic tourism contributing over 70% of our country’s tourism volume, the domestic market has to be one of our key focus areas. But we cannot do it alone. Government and industry will have to work in tandem to market our offering creatively and price it competitively if we are to achieve our National Tourism Sector Strategy’s target of 54 million annual domestic trips by 2020.

So, working in tandem, what should the respective roles of government and industry be? From the outset, I have promised a ‘light touch’ – not to over-regulate; not to abuse legislation pertaining to supply-side registration, and so on. This is a creative industry that needs more competition and less regulation. And we are living up to our promise.

From government’s side, we have a very clear understanding of our responsibilities in terms of promotion, and I believe SA Tourism is doing a sterling job. They spend their money well. Through their excellent board, many of you, many of the best people in our industry, contribute their expertise for the common good. South African (SA) Tourism follows a rigorous process in identifying and prioritising our target markets, without fear or favour, and without any political intervention. I want to commend the management of SA Tourism, those of you in industry who serve on the current board, and those who will join the board once it is reconstituted next year, for their selfless contributions.

But, let me return to the balance of industry-government responsibilities. Besides government playing a facilitative role, driving international branding and marketing, investing in public infrastructure, addressing airlift issues, to name but a few, we need industry to ensure that the price and product remain competitive – and compatible with our agreed positioning. In this respect, I must also commend industry: Our tourism success story of the past decade is your success story.

It is in this context that I would like to warn against those periodic outcries for stronger government intervention that I have noted. Beware of what you wish for: Once you invite government to intervene in a sector, the balance will not be easily restored. There is no instant on/off switch.

Our understanding of this balance has found expression in the National Tourism Sector Strategy and the proposed new Tourism Act. The Director-General will brief you on this legislation in a moment, and it goes without saying that we set a high value on your inputs as we finalise the legislation. Likewise, as we have done in the past when we joined hands to achieve the adoption of the soon-expiring airlift strategy that triggered the phased liberalisation of our air space, we will have to take hands again as we work in collaboration with our colleagues in other government departments to review this strategy and give expression to the ‘use it or lose it’ principle.

Let me conclude. I know it is tough out there, but let us not panic in this age of uncertainty and volatility. Let us keep our eye on the long-term strategy, and deal with the immediate obstacles and challenges in a level-headed way. We have all made major investments in this industry and sector – public and private. Now is no time for dithering. If there is a global economic storm, we have no choice but to put our heads down and, together, aim for the eye. That does not mean we just ride out the storm. It does not mean business as usual. No, not only must we keep our vessel seaworthy, but we also need to ensure that, once calm seas return, our vessel is stronger than ever before. So, while some of our traditional markets bleed due to global forces beyond our control, let us agree to address our weaknesses, explore opportunities, and do at least three things right:

Firstly, let us work together, in innovative ways, to capture every inch of our market share in the evolving market place. Let us seek new sources of value, and serve our visitors better than ever before. Let us stay on the offensive.

Secondly, let us continue to invest in markets that will deliver value in decades to come, maintaining a careful balance in our portfolio, aimed at consolidating core markets and developing future ones. And let us build domestic tourism, not only as a mainstay of sustainability, but also as a legacy for our own people.

And thirdly, let us continue to understand that our shareholders at the top of the pyramid are not our only stakeholders. Let us continue to invest in our greatest asset, our people. While continuing to build a generation of tourism ambassadors committed to service excellence, let us also in these trying economic times fight for each and every job, each and every small entrepreneur, and each and every service provider in our supply chain. When we pass through the eye of the storm and emerge on the other side stronger than before, we need everyone, and I mean everyone, at our side.

Thank you.

Enquiries:
Trevor Bloem
Tel: 082 771 6729
E-mail: Bloem@tourism.gov.za

Ministry of Tourism
Melene Rossouw
Tel: 082 753 7107
E-mail: mrossouw@tourism.gov.za

Natasha Rockman
Tel: 076 429 2264
E-mail: nrockman@tourism.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Tourism
25 Aug 2011

Official visit to Mozambique by Minister of Tourism

2011-08-17T22:54:00.001-07:00

17 Aug 2011

At the invitation of the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr Fernando Subana Junior, Minister van Schalkwyk led a delegation to meet his counterpart, in a run-up to the official state visit to the country by President Jacob Zuma scheduled for later in this year.

The Minister’s delegation was welcomed by the Minister of Tourism in Mozambique. The Minister also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr Aires Ali, where issues of mutual interests between the countries were discussed. The governments of South Africa and Mozambique has a history of a structural bilateral relationship and Minister van Schalkwyk commended Mozambique for constructively working with South Africa.

During its time in the country, the Minister’s delegation visited the Sports Complex of Zimpeto which consists of the All Africa Games Athletes Village and the National Stadium. They also visited the National Tourism Institute (INATUR) as well as the Joaquim Chissano International Convention Centre.

The two delegations later met to discuss various issues, including a review on the tourism aspects of the Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) projects, harmonisation of the level of services and grading packages within the region, the hosting of the All Africa Games and Festival of Africa by Mozambique in September 2011 and lastly, the issue of investment packages available in Mozambique.

During the discussions, Minister van Schalkwyk highlighted the importance to increase air connectivity between South Africa and Mozambique to unlock the potential for tourism in the region. The Minister also reiterated the importance of cooperation on regional marketing to drive tourism growth in both countries and the significance of good infrastructure which inadvertently links to various product offerings in the region.

There will be a strategic concentration of efforts on emerging markets, but without sacrificing our bread and butter traditional markets. Furthermore, we will follow a balanced approach between international, regional and domestic tourism – drawing on the strengths of each market while employing tactics to drive innovation and unearth new markets.

It was agreed between the two delegations that they will continue to foster and strengthen cooperation between the two countries by providing technical support to each other and to facilitate engagement to enhance harmonisation in respect of various tourism related aspects on a regular basis.

Enquiries:
Melene Rossouw
Tel: 021 465 7240
Cell: 082 753 7107
E-mail: mrossouw@tourism.gov.za

Natasha Rockman
Tel: 021 465 7240
Cell: 076 429 2264
E-mail: nrockman@tourism.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Tourism
17 Aug 2011

Note: by Petrus Viviers

I sincerely hope that Mozambique is capable of handling him for his methotds is notorious for en riching the rich and enslaving the poor into poverty. His methods and views even bring the middle class closer to poverty. Rely Sir stay at home and leave the other people alone they have done well with tourism to South Africa you have lost because of your views and management.

States Parties to United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea Fill Vacancy

2011-08-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

in Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf, Currently in Session

The States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea today opened its doors to fill a vacancy in the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, in the midst of that body’s annual session at Headquarters.

The Commission, a sub-body facilitating the implementation of the Convention in respect to the outer limits of the continental shelf, elected Tetsuro Urabe ( Japan) by a secret-ballot vote of 131 in favour to none opposed, with 2 abstentions. Mr. Urabe thus obtained the two-thirds majority necessary to secure his election to the vacancy, which was owed to the untimely death of Kensaku Tamaki ( Japan) on 5 April. Mr. Urabe would fill that post for the remainder of Mr. Tamaki’s term, slated to end on 15 June 2012.

Prior to the vote, the States parties observed a minute of silent prayer or meditation for Mr. Tamaki’s passing.

In other business today, Robert Eric Alabado Borje ( Philippines), Chair of the Credentials Committee of the States Parties ( Belgium, Brazil, Ghana, Norway, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Zambia), introduced a report (document SPLOS/236) in which the Committee accepted the credentials of all representatives participating in the Meeting. The States parties then approved the Committee’s report by consensus.

Often referred to as “the constitution of the oceans”, the landmark Convention on the Law of the Sea had been adopted on 10 December 1982 and entered into force on 16 November 1994. Its 320 articles and nine annexes govern all aspects of ocean space and maritime issues, from navigational rights, maritime limits and marine scientific research, to resource management, marine-environment protection and dispute settlement. The Convention established the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

The continental shelf is defined by the Convention as the “seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance” (article 76, paragraph 1). In turn, the continental margin is defined as comprising “the submerged prolongation of the land mass of the coastal State, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise. It does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof” (article 76, paragraph 3). The Convention gives coastal States sovereign rights to explore and exploit the natural resources of the continental shelf (article 77).

The outer limits of the continental shelf divide the area of seabed that falls under the jurisdiction of the respective coastal States and the international area of seabed which constitutes what the General Assembly and the Convention (article 136) declared “common heritage of mankind”. The resources of the seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction are to be managed jointly by the States parties through the International Seabed Authority (article 157 of the Convention).

The twenty-eighth session of the Commission runs from 1 August to 9 September. For additional information, visit the website of the Commission, maintained by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea: www.un.org/Depts/los/index.htm.

Department of Environmental Affairs welcomes sentencing of Silicon Smelters for contravening environmental legislation

2011-08-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

17 Aug 2011

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) today welcomed the sentencing of Silicon Smelters who were found guilty of contravening the provisions of the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act (NEM:AQA), for operating without an atmospheric emission licence.

In addition, Silicon Smelters was found guilty of contravening the provisions of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) by unlawfully and intentionally committing an act which caused or was likely to cause significant pollution to the environment.

The case was decided by the Pretoria Regional Court on 15 August 2011, after Silicon Smelters pleaded guilty and entered into a plea and sentence agreement. For the NEM:AQA, Silicon Smelters was fined two million rand (R2 000 000), half of which was suspended for five years on condition that Silicon Smelters is not found guilty of contravening any other provision of the NEM:AQA.

For the second offence, they were fined one million rand (R1 000 000), half of which was suspended for five years on condition that Silicon Smelters is not found guilty of contravening any other provision of the NEMA. In total, the company was fined three million rand (R3 000 000) and paid one-and-a-half million rand (R1 500 000) in fines at the court on Monday.

Silicon Smelters, also known as Rand Carbide, is located in Witbank and was inspected by the Environmental Management Inspectorate, popularly referred to as the Green Scorpions, on 3 November 2010. This inspection was initiated after the Green Scorpions received complaints from the public in the vicinity of the facility.

The Green Scorpions determined that Silicon Smelters was operating several of their metallurgical processes without authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act No. 39 of 2004 (“NEM:AQA”), which is unlawful in terms of Section 22 of the NEM:AQA. It was also noted that certain processes were being operated in a manner which resulted in or was likely to result in significant pollution and degradation of the environment, which is unlawful in terms of Section 28(14) of the National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998) (“NEMA”).

The manner in which these processes were conducted also failed to comply with the legislative requirements which had been in place as early as 1983. These processes included the combustion of coal and smelting of ores, which resulted in emissions containing lead, iron, manganese and nitrogen oxides. Dust emissions from the facility also measured as high as 1380 mg/Nm³, which is far higher than the legislated limit of 100 mg/Nm³.

In response to the findings, the DEA instituted criminal proceedings and also issued Silicon Smelters with a Notice of Intent to issue a Compliance Notice in early 2011.

In response to the action of the DEA, Silicon Smelters went to substantial lengths to come into compliance with the provisions of the law, including but not limited to installing and / or improving the extraction systems at furnaces, installing water sprayers for dust suppression on raw material stockpiles and construction of stockpile enclosures. The value of the completed improvements amount to nearly thirteen million rand (R13 000 000), according to Silicon Smelters.

Albi Modise, spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Affairs said, “The Department views this ruling as a victory that sets an important precedent in terms of the type of penalties that companies can face for contravening the NEM:AQA. The Green Scorpions are in the process of investigating a number of other large companies within the Highveld priority area in respect of contraventions of this Act.”

Modise went on to say that the ruling sends out a strong message to all that the department will not hesitate to enforce the law where it is clear that contraventions of environmental legislation has occurred.

Enquiries:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871

Moses Rannditsheni
Tel: 012 310 3901
Cell: 082 448 2450

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
17 Aug 2011

Nedbank Capital Launches South Africa's first Green Index

2011-07-28T01:06:00.001-07:00

Media release

28 July 2011

Nedbank Capital Launches South Africa’s first Green Index

Helping contribute towards the development of a green economy by Making Things Happen

Nedbank Capital has launched South Africa’s first Green Index which serves as a benchmark for environmentally -conscious investors. The Index has the potential to become the industry standard in measuring performance of companies with environmentally sustainable business practices.

Nedbank’s commitment to environmental preservation is illustrated through this initiative which tracks the performance of companies selected on environmental criteria primarily including carbon and climate change risks and opportunities. The Nedbank Green Index is a strategic fit with Nedbank’s desire to be a leader in the sustainability space and a key contributor to the Green Economy. It will allow clients who share Nedbank’s aspirations in the Green space to demonstrate this in their investments.

Jacoleen Simpson, senior transactor at Nedbank Capital says “We are proud to be able to launch South Africa’s first Green Index which demonstrates our commitment as a bank to deliver innovative products in the green space. Furthermore, our work on the Nedbank Green Index has shown that taking the environment into account in investing can also make sense from a financial perspective. Investing responsibly does not have to come at a cost in performance for the investor.”

The index is rules-based with a clear, transparent methodology based on objective and independent data. The index will be verified by an independent calculation agent on an ongoing basis with daily values published on data service providers such as I-net, Bloomberg and Reuters.

To ensure the objectivity of Nedbank’s Green Index, the Index is built on the Carbon Disclosure Project (“CDP”) database and the UN-register of Clean Development Mechanism (“CDM”) projects in South Africa. The CDP is an independent not-for-profit organisation, based in the United Kingdom, which holds the largest database of corporate climate change commitment and action in the world. The CDP has 551 institutional investors as signatories representing over $71 trillion in assets under management. CDM projects based in South Africa are also incorporated into the rules-based methodology as these represent demonstrable commitments from companies to reducing their carbon impact and growing the Green Economy.

The Index combines these environmental credentials, with liquidity screening criteria, to create an investable index. Unlike other South African indices currently available, it uses environmental along with liquidity criteria to select constituents and weights these constituents according to environmental performance. This distinguishes it from the JSE’s SRI Index which selects constituents based on environmental, social and governance criteria and thereafter weights constituents based on their market capitalisation.

The premise for the Index is that companies who are better positioned for a changing environment are better suited to sustain their future performance and should, over the long-run, outperform their peers. Back-testing of the Index has shown that the Index can outperform the market, as it has done for the past three years – by more than 20%. While the performance of the Nedbank Green Index in relation to the market may vary in the future, what this demonstrates is that investing based on environmental criteria does not have to cost investors in performance. In a single stroke, investors can confidently invest for their own futures and that of our planet.

The Index will provide a platform for companies to show off their green credentials and hopefully the Index will encourage other companies to implement more environmentally-sustainable business practices.

At present, the Index can be freely utilised as a benchmark for environmentally-conscious investors and it can be directly invested in by local and international institutional investors through segregated portfolios managed by NedGroup Securities. Nedbank is also in the process of gaining the necessary approvals to list an Exchange-Traded Fund over the Nedbank Green Index, which will provide easy, low-cost access for retail and institutional investors. The ETF will be the second to be launched in the BettaBeta ETF series.

Simpson concludes, “By launching this Index, we hope to expand the investment landscape in South Africa for Green products and allow everyone to invest in the future, environmental as well as financial!”

Contact Details:

Nedbank Group Communications

Sizwekazi Jekwa, Senior Communications Manager

sizwekazij@nedbank.co.za

+27 11 294 1306

+27 82 883 4231

Photography competition - Show Us Your Africa! Acacia Africa Offers Front Cover Brochure Slot To One Lucky Adventurer...

2011-07-23T08:32:00.001-07:00

Acacia Africa have a fantastic opportunity for budding travel
photographers as the winning image will be printed on 100,000 copies of
their next brochure, appearing in 20 countries worldwide. There is also
an overland tour up for grabs - the winner taking away a 6- day African
Insight overland expedition. Here's a link to the terms and conditions -
http://acacia-africa.com/Competitions.html

News release
23 June 2011

Acacia Africa Launch "Show Us Your Africa" Photography Competition

Africa is a photographer's paradise, and now travellers can put their
camera skills to good use, as Acacia Africa is offering one lucky snap
happy adventurer the chance to feature their ultimate shot on the front
cover of the forthcoming 2012 brochure.

The tour operator always goes to great lengths when it comes to be
choosing the most eye-catching image, and this year will be no
different, the short listed pictures working their way around the London
and Cape Town offices before the final vote is cast.

A highly prized opportunity, the winner will have their photo printed on
over 100,000 copies, Acacia Africa's brochure appearing in 20 countries,
worldwide. Aside from the obvious bragging rights, there's an even
bigger incentive to enter, as the star photographer will also take away
a free 6-day African Insight overland expedition worth £315pp (excluding
local payment and return flight) courtesy of the tour operator.

Heath Ashcroft, Marketing Director of Acacia Africa, comments, "Africa
tends to attract a genuinely adventurous bunch of travellers, so we're
expecting some pretty wild entries. And with numerous adrenaline fueled
locations on offer, we're not ruling out more extreme photography!"

Entrants will need to submit a high-resolution (minimum 300 DPI)
portrait photograph that captures the essence of Africa, and at the same
time attracts people to pick up the brochure. Images should be sent to
competition@acacia-africa.com. The full list of Terms & Conditions is
available to view on the Acacia Africa website.

-ends-

Acacia Africa: 020 7706 4700; info@acacia-africa.com; www.acacia-
africa.com. ATOL No. 6499 and ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED. Follow Acacia
Africa on Facebook® & Twitter®. For all press enquiries please contact
tion London on 020 8180 1614 or email media@tionlondon.co.uk.

Editors' Notes: By submitting your image for entry, and if your image is
selected to feature on the front our new brochure, you give Acacia
Africa the rights to the images, to use and reformat the photograph in
any way. The winner will be notified by email. Closing date for entries
01 August 2011. The prize, African Insight (NAI6) must be taken before
01 July 2012. Prize excludes local payment(s) and return flight. Normal
booking terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Siobhán Kindness
creative partner
020 8180 1614/020 8180 1585 (VoIP)
Skype: tionpr
YM: tionlondon

www.tionlondon.co.uk
'only words can take you there'

WHALE WATCHING onboard ADVANTAGE CHARTER

2011-07-21T05:22:00.001-07:00

Dear All

We are blessed with SUCH awesome ocean conditions at the moment….PLEASE don't let the clouds on windfinder put you off, the clients are having a great time with us, they come back SO satisfied, this will ensure so many return visitors to our town….the sightings is amazing – I wish I had a HUGE SHIP that I can just take you ALL out there so that you can also experience this, as it is amazing, and many returning from the ocean very emotional about what they saw….

We have found over many years now , that after a whale trip on ADVANTAGE we have the same family coming back 2/3 times before the end of the season in as people go home and tell their family what they have experienced.

The WHALES remain one of our biggest draw cards this time of the year. As the ocean conditions is today , tomorrow and the next day we can even take little toddlers.

We expect winds and rough seas only again by late Sunday night and next Monday, so please encourage your clients to come with us. It will be a guarantee on a return customers for yourselves and us!

HIPPO BOAT CRUISE - ……….what can I say – ALWAYS a WINNER!!!!!!

Stay in touch, we are here to assist!

Bestest Regards

Riette and Joey and the ever willing and enthusiastic Advantage Crew

ADVANTAGE TOURS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEY ARE ALSO NOW THE LEGAL boat-based-whale-watching PERMIT HOLDER IN DURBAN as well as in ST LUCIA - DURBAN details below

BEST REGARDS
Riëtte Bennett for
St.Lucia Tours & Charters t/a Advantage Cruiser CC
e-mail for St Lucia : advantage@zululink.co.za

e-mail for Durban: whalewatchingdurban@gmail.com

web : www.advantagetours.co.za - NEW UPDATED VERSION - EXCITING - PLEASE CHECK IT OUT!!!!

SEE OUR FACEBOOK SITES - ADVANTAGE TOURS SOUTH AFRICA

Tel : +27 ( 035 ) 5901259

Fax : +27 ( 035 ) 5901053

Cell for St Lucia : 083 487 2762

Cell for Durban : 082 329 9890

Box 151, St Lucia,South Africa 3936
1 McKenzie Street, St Lucia 3936, ** corner of St Lucia Supermarket ,the very first building and the very first information office as you enter the town of St Lucia after crossing the bridge , at the traffic circle find parking immediately on the right (next to PEP stores) **

our GPS co-ordinates are :: S28 22. 335 E32 24. 773 ....St Lucia Village South Africa - ST LUCIA - PLACE OF WONDER!

Click here to view Advantage's New Video on YouTube!

CONTACT US FOR THE FOLLOWING :

WHALE WATCHING ( the legal permit holder currently in St Lucia and Durban ), HIPPO & CROC BOAT CRUISES ( aboard the luxurious ADVANTAGE CRUISER ), DEEPSEA BIG GAME FISHING, iMFOLOZi /HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE TRIPS, CAPE VIDAL SNORKEL SAFARIS, TURTLE TOURS, OCEAN ADVENTURE for DOLPHINS and other MARINE MAMMALS , HORSE RIDING , KAYAKING , with experienced skipper/guides Danie, Bien and Berno and lady skipper/guides Riëtte Bennett and Natasha.

Minister lauds emerging tourism entrepreneur

2011-05-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

By Kemantha Govender

Durban - National Tourism Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, is encouraged by how small businesses are creating employment in the tourism sector.

The Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (ETEYA), which has become one of the key features at the Tourism Indaba, honours small tourism businesses around the country.

This year North West's Kagiso Legobe and his Kay 2ze Gee Tours was the winner of the coveted 2011 ETEYA.

Legobe's passion for hiking, camping and animal conservation started in high school when he joined the Animal Conservation Club.

His interest in nature conservation and tourism was sparked during hiking, camping and visits to South Africa's game parks.

After seeing the gap in the North West province for adventure-focused tour operators, he decided to start his own adventure and exploration company, which also offers learnerships to tourism graduates and gives motivational talks to school children, encouraging them to enter the tourism industry.

Legobe's company lists its number one priority as "keeping our customers delighted and satisfied".

"Small businesses, such as those involved in the ETEYA programme, are the key to our sustainability as a tourism sector and I would like to congratulate Kagiso and all the provincial finalists.

"It is certainly encouraging to witness first-hand the effects of our efforts to create sustainable businesses that are actively contributing to the growth of not only the tourism sector, but the national economy as a whole" said van Schalkwyk.

Thandiwe January-McLean, South African Tourism's CEO also hailed Legobe for his determination and commitment.

"Kagiso's passion and commitment to developing young South Africans and encouraging them to join the tourism industry is particularly encouraging, given our country's great emphasis on job creation and sustainability in the tourism sector," said January-McLean.

She added: "Kagiso has shown great determination to succeed in the competitive tourism industry and is a worthy ETEYA winner. We highly commend his efforts in carving out a niche for his business and also would like to congratulate all the ETEYA provincial finalists, who have been excellent tourism ambassadors".

Selecting an ETEYA winner is no easy task and includes a rigorous year-long judging process, which included aspects such as leadership, strategic planning, marketing, customer service, social responsibility, financial performance, facilities and appearance are taken into account.

Leboge's prize includes a R100 000 cash injection into his business and an intensive 12-month mentorship programme facilitated by Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP).

TEP Chief Executive Officer, Salifou Siddo, believes the mentorship will benefit Leboge, and businesses similar to his, to prosper into fully-functional SMME's.

"As TEP we are committed to ensuring our valued SMME entrepreneurs are effectively supported in their long-term commitments to servicing the South African tourism industry. ETEYA is a fine example of the successes and job creation opportunities that arise from successful public-private partnership aimed at benefiting the industry," said Siddo.

ETEYA started in 2001 and is an initiative of SA Tourism, in partnership with the nine provincial tourism authorities, TEP and South African Breweries.

It is aimed at developing and sustaining SMME's in the tourism sector and enhancing job creation. A recent research project undertaken by SA Tourism showed an impressive 70 percent increase in job creation opportunities were recorded by ETEYA finalists between 2001 and 2010. - BuaNews

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 08 May 2011
Title: Minister lauds emerging tourism entrepreneur

For Africa
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+27 81 342 7371

www.forafrica.co.za
www.elephantcoast.co.za
www.isimangaliso.co.za
www.stlucia.org.za

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Manuel to co-chair committee on climate change

2011-04-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

By Francis Hweshe

Cape Town - National Planning Minister Trevor Manuel has been elected as one of the three co-chairman of the Transitional Committee for the design of the Green Climate Change Fund.

He joined two other chairs, Mexican Minister of Finance and Public Credit Ernesto Cordero Arroyo and Kjetil Lund of Norway's Ministry of Finance.

Manuel, who made the announcement to the media earlier today, said his appointment happened in Mexico on Thursday night in his absence.

He said that the Transitional Committee comprised 40 United Nations representatives and reported to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The committee had three tasks which were to design the "governance arrangements of a Green Climate Fund, mobilizing resources for this fund and setting out the modalities of spending these resources".

The minister said that the committee would have to finish its obligations before the November COP 17 Climate Change meeting set for Durban.

The committee was likely to have at least four meetings leading to the COP 17 meeting.

He said that Green Climate Fund, which would be financed through carbon pricing, would be used to mitigate deforestation and open up new agricultural land in Africa among other things.

The minister said that climate change issues were not for scientists alone, and more debate was needed around the matter in South Africa. - BuaNews

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 29 Apr 2011
Title: Manuel to co-chair committee on climate change

For Africa
Internet Services
+27 81 342 7371

www.forafrica.co.za
www.elephantcoast.co.za
www.isimangaliso.co.za
www.stlucia.org.za

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Business urged to play climate leadership role

2011-04-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

By Chris Bathembu

Johannesburg - The South African government wants to use the upcoming United Nations climate change summit, scheduled to take place in Durban later this year, to convince the country's business sector to take a leading role in the global efforts to slow climate change.

Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa on Friday met with Business Unity South Africa (Busa) for a two-hour discussion on how the sector can assist government pass policies that promote green growth.

The meeting was called to assess business feelings around government's climate policy and how the sector can assist in making the Durban talks a success for Africa and other developing nations.

"We had a very fruitful discussion which touched on a whole range of issues pertaining to how business can make COP 17 a success. Based on what we have discussed, we are confident that we will be in a position to see how business can step up to the plate and help shape our policy direction," Molewa said at the conclusion of the meeting.

South Africa has committed to lower its carbon emission to 34 percent by 2020 but will need financial support from developed countries to do so. The country recently embarked on several solar and wind power programmes in a bid to fast track its green economy initiatives.

Molewa said while government would play its part in policy formulation, the role of business in ongoing efforts to mitigate global warming can never be underestimated.

"We have worked well with business on quite a number of projects and what we agreed on here is that we don't want to see COP 17 as another talk shop to discuss previous decisions taken in Mexico and Copenhagen...we have to move forward and beyond what was said there."

The UN-led negotiations have in the past been hampered by arguments about rich nations' targets to cut emissions by 2020, financing for poorer nations to adapt to climate change and to curb their own greenhouse gas emissions and the best way to deliver and manage those funds. Poor nations have also been refusing to fork out money for mitigation efforts, blaming developed nations for the current climate problems faced by the world.

But Molewa said she was confident that the talks in South Africa would not be another mudslinging exercise between superpowers such as the United States and Japan and the developing nations led by China, India, Brazil and South Africa.

Busa Deputy CEO Raymond Parsons insisted that while business supported the targets set by the South African government and the accord reached by world leaders in Copenhagen in 2009, it was imperative that climate policy direction was in line with the economic growth path announced by Pretoria recently.

"For us what is important is how we interpret those climate goals in other words how do align the climate policy with the new growth path," he said. - BuaNews

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 15 Apr 2011
Title: Business urged to play climate leadership role
--------------------

Stop!!! Whaling in the Faroe Islands - Grindadráp

2011-04-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Records of the drive exist in part since 1584, and continuously from 1709—the longest period of time for statistics existing for any wild animal harvest in the world.

As humans evolve it is important we evolve in conjunction with the planet and its needs as well as its short comings. We have to harvest resources in a manner it is sustainable to have something left for our children to enjoy. Ancient philosophies had their place and competition to stay ahead of other predators may have sparked certain traditions, but surely we are evolved enough to realize when we have accomplished superiority over other species.

Knowledge is power and slaughtering on this magnitude needs loads of specie knowledge to predict migration routes and feeding habits of the specie being hunted. With our developed brains this type of hunting is no more a challenge today as driving down to the market place and buy dinner for four.

Tvøst og spik. Black meat of the pilot whale and blubber (middle), together with dried fish (left) and potatoes.

We all know by now that Whale meat is toxic. Whether it became toxic because of pollution or have been toxic all along is immaterial. These meats are high in mercury toxins and is not fit for human consumption. The only reason a reasonable thinking mind can find why it ever had culinary value is if one go back in human history and find out why the taste for this mammal originated.

Clearly large pods of whales and dolphins posed a threat to small fishing communities in the sense of source competition. These mammals competed with fish stocks available to hard working fisherman. In those days it was relevant to eliminate the opposition, but that relevance has subsided as humans developed. Now we control the earth and all its species it is relevant that we prevent specie extinction.

Specie extinction is detrimental for human survival since Nature needs to be in perfect harmony to sustain human life on earth. It is clear that this type of hunting should not have diminished whale and dolphin populations around the world, but clearly increased pressure from modern hunting techniques by countries like Japan has brought these species to critical mass levels.

It is now time to take action and we are the last generation that can do something to stop the degradation of the planet. Please join this Facebook page so we can form an action group that can deal with this matters on grass root level.

Molewa upbeat about SA's climate talks

2011-04-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

Johannesburg - This year's climate change conference in South Africa should lead to a successful international agreement that will allow for a united global response against global warming, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on Friday.

"Our journey to Durban must facilitate a route that provides platforms for the voice of humanity to be heard in COP 17 where our negotiating mandate must strive for the world we want to live in," she said.

Molewa addressed a stakeholder summit, hosted by her department, as part of a build up to the Climate Change conference to be held in Durban later this year. The event is billed to be one of the biggest global meetings on climate change and is expected to attract delegates from 185 countries.

The minister told delegates on Friday that for the Durban climate talks to succeed, government and civil society needed to coordinate their activities and work as "team South Africa". Global warming is said to be the greatest challenge presently facing humankind, with scientist warning that rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns were expected to lead to severe devastation if something was not done.

South Africa had said in the past that it will take "nationally appropriate" mitigation action on climate change and the extent to which this would be done depended on the provision of financial resources, the transfer of technology and support by developed countries.

In 2008, Cabinet agreed on a response development programme, which led to the national climate change response policy. According to the policy, experts and authorities expect South Africa's carbon emissions to pick up at a rate of about 34 and 42 percent by 2020 and 2025 respectively, and these were expected to begin to decline in absolute terms by 2036.

Molewa said formal negotiations leading to the conference will begin in June when South Africa and its negotiating partners, that include the Group of 77 developing countries, were expected to outline their plans.

"A second aspect of our preparations is how South Africa can showcase some concrete actions highlighting successes and challenges it faced in responding to climate change," she added.

South Africa will also host a climate response expo at a venue close to the summit in December in a bid to increase awareness and to showcase sectoral climate actions and innovations.

Different government departments will also be expected to strategies on how they were helping South Africa meets its adaptation and mitigation obligations. - BuaNews

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 01 Apr 2011
Title: Molewa upbeat about SA's climate talks
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2011 Climate Change Leadership Award

2011-04-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

NEWSFLASH

The Nedbank Group has reaffirmed its status as a leading South African green bank by jointly winning the Financial Services category for twenty years of weaving sustainability into the fabric of the organisation and for their outstanding response to climate change at the 2011 Climate Change Leadership Awards in Johannesburg on March 29. The awards are sponsored by Talk Radio 702, Pick 'n Pay, the SA Post Office, LeadSA, Kulula, Avis, Food and Trees for Africa, and The Carbon Protocol of South Africa.

The Climate Change Leadership Awards (CCLA) are the first awards in South Africa to recognize, reward, motivate and celebrate South African businesses, communities, individuals, youth and schools that are taking the lead through implementing a range of activities to combat global warming. They also contribute significantly to inspiring and promoting awareness and action towards a low carbon economy, and thus a healthier society and a more sustainable planet.

"It is a great honour for us to receive this award as it recognises our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, education and responsibility," said Marco Lotz, Nedbank’s Sustainability Carbon Specialist.
Nedbank became South Africa and Africa's first carbon neutral financial organisation in 2009 and is involved in a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of climate change.

Water quality concerns at Loskop Dam

2011-03-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

Pretoria - Although there are low levels of Escherichia coli, known as E. coli in Loskop Dam, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has warned that water quality in the dam is deteriorating fast.

A two-year study of the quality of irrigation water from Loskop Dam and its effect on crop production in the Groblersdal area has shown low levels of E. coli and no detectable levels of other disease-causing bacteria.

The dam provides water to the Loskop Irrigation Board situated downstream - one of the largest irrigation schemes in South Africa.

The main crops produced in the irrigation area and analysed by the research team include fresh produce, maize, citrus, grapes and wheat.

CSIR limnologist Dr Paul Oberholster warned that Loskop Dam's water quality is deteriorating fast, with permanent blooms of cyanobacteria visible on the surface water throughout the year since 2008.

According to a research report from the CSIR and the University of Stellenbosch, to date none of these nuisance and potentially toxic cyanobacteria had been detected in the irrigation canal water or on irrigated crops.

A more immediate problem and cause for concern is the proliferation of nuisance filamentous algae, with strings up to 15 metres long, caused by the high levels of nutrient enrichment detected in the canals.

According to Oberholster, the filamentous macroalgae decrease the carrying capacity of the canals.

"Detached algae continuously drift down the canals, clogging the control gates and crop sprayers causing economical losses. The irrigation board then has to bear the costs of removing these nuisance algae," said Oberholster.

Diek Engelbrecht, chairperson of the Loskop Irrigation Board (LIB) which funded the study, said while they are relieved about the results from the study in the short term, they are still concerned as the dam's water quality problems and the causes thereof have not been resolved.

"Loskop Dam is fed by the heavily contaminated Olifants River. Over the past 15 years, the dam has had a history of isolated incidents of fish mortality, which in recent years has escalated and is believed to be linked to crocodile mortalities and a decline in the crocodile population."

Since the dam's construction in 1938, it has played an important role in supplying irrigation water to the agriculture sector.

Currently, the dam supports an export market to the European Union valued at R1 billion a year.

The LIB provides irrigation water to 16 000 hectares of agricultural land by means of irrigation channels with a total length of more than 550 kilometres. - BuaNews

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 30 Mar 2011
Title: Water quality concerns at Loskop Dam
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Nedbank pioneers Africa's the first wind powered bank branch

2011-03-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

Nedbank has established Africa’s first partially wind-powered bank branch in the area of Du Noon in the Western Cape. As Africa’s first carbon neutral financial institution, Nedbank is furthering this vision by applying wind powered technology in banking. This is one of the many green initiatives that the bank has implemented in its continuous efforts to create a sustainable model for doing business.

Powered by a Kestrel e300i 1kW wind turbine which converts wind energy into electricity, renewable clean energy is supplied to the branch and reduces the consumption of electricity from the national grid. In addition, clean energy is stored to supply the branch during any power failures, ensuring business continuity.
“As an organisation that is totally committed to championing green issues and promoting sustainability throughout our operations, we are excited about the potential for wind energy power to become a significant source of renewable energy, especially in the Western Cape where there is an obvious abundance of wind,” says Ciko Thomas, Managing Executive for Consumer Banking.

As a result of the installation of the wind turbine, this pilot site is predicted to enjoy a reduction of up to 35% in its electricity bill thanks to the production of an average of 7.8kWh of wind-powered electricity per day. In the case of a power failure the branch will continue to maintain its power through a battery tank for at least two hours. It will further save 2.7 tons of greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere every year and 2.8 tons of coal from being burned every year.

“This highly innovative wind-powered initiative is not only good for the environment, but it also cuts electricity consumption costs and reduces pressure on Eskom’s national grid network,” explains Thomas.
Significantly, wind power consumes no fuel and emits no air pollution, unlike traditional fossil fuel power sources.
“As we strive to lead as a green and caring bank we are continually looking for ways to extend this positioning and encouraging environmentally-friendly and sustainable business practices throughout South Africa.”
Nedbank became Africa’s first carbon neutral financial organisation in 2009 and maintained its carbon neutrality in 2010.

Issued by: Nedbank Group Communications
Sizwekazi Jekwa
Senior Communications Manager
011294 1306
Sizwekazij@nedbank.co.za

Nedbank goes beyond Earth Hour to fight global warming 365 days a year

2011-03-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

Nedbank once again helped to drive climate change awareness by supporting Earth Hour on the 26^th March 2011 in solidarity with millions of people across the world. As a leader in green initiatives Nedbank will be supporting Earth Hour through various activities including switching off the lights at all campus sites and various regional offices and branches, running a competition for staff and clients, and co-hosting the Earth Hour 2011 celebrations in Soweto with WWF-South Africa.

This year’s celebration took the form of a concert that took place in Orlando West, Soweto on Saturday, March 26 from 20h30 with a few local artists that dazzled the crowd including the Bala brothers , Marcus & Viccus Visser and Soweto Gospel Choir.

“As a carbon neutral bank we are cognisant of our usage of natural resources and so continue to actively try and reduce electricity usage throughout the year and encourage our customers and suppliers to do the same. This initiative further dovetails into our other initiatives that we are currently doing in going green. We further strive to ensure that most lights at sites are switched off at night with only minimum lighting being utilised for essential requirements.” says Maseda Ratshikuni, Head of Cause Marketing at the Nedbank Group.

Nedbank also encouraged members of the public to participate in the initiative by running competitions that invite them to observe Earth Hour and pledge to fulfil various energy-saving activities. The competition was aimed at encouraging all stakeholders, both individuals and businesses, to turn off their lights during Earth Hour between 20h30 and 21h30 on Saturday 26^th March 2010 and make an ongoing change beyond Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is currently the largest voluntary participation climate change initiative in the world with millions of people across the world taking part. The initiative started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Now every year, global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stand in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the day. Earth Hour 2010 was hugely successful r with a record 128 countries and territories joining the global display of climate action.

During 2010, the group cut its electricity consumption per fulltime employee by an impressive 13%. Intensive efforts are underway to further reduce this consumption.

“If we add all of our energy-saving actions together, not just for one hour but throughout the year, there will be a brighter future for everyone,” said Ratshikuni.

In continuing its efforts beyond Earth Hour Nedbank head office switches off its lights generally with minimum lighting used for security reasons only after hours 365 days a year!

Ends

Note to Editors:

Nedbank Group’s commitment to Sustainability

In 2009, Nedbank Group became the first financial services organisation on the African continent to achieve carbon neutrality. Not only did this achievement cement the group’s reputation as a bank committed to environmental issues, it also signaled the beginning of the next stage of Nedbank Group’s ongoing sustainability journey.

While its ‘green’ commitment is a core element of this journey, the group takes an integrated approach that combines the four pillars of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability to ensure that its sustainability efforts deliver the broadest possible benefits for its stakeholders, the environment, and the communities in which it operates. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated and enhanced by the many awards earned by the group as well as its inclusion and participation in an array of indices and environmental initiatives, including:

· Equator Principles – first African financial services signatory.

· Financial Times Sustainability Awards - Emerging Markets Sustainable Bank of the Year for Middle East and Africa in 2010

· The Dow Jones Sustainability Index – one of only 25 banks worldwide and three companies with JSE primary listings included.

· Global 1000 Sustainable Performance Leaders Index –third highest ranked South African company.

· UNEP FI – signatory to the official statement on Climate Change and participant in various sub-committees

Nedbank Group’s other sustainability awards, memberships, partnerships and indices include:

· The JSE SRI Index

· South African Carbon Disclosure Project Leadership Index

· Ernst & Young Excellence in Sustainability Reporting

· Carbon Disclosure Project

· WWF Conservation Partnership

· The Prince’s Rainforests Project

· The Climate Neutral Network

· United Nations Global Compact – Caring for Climate Programme

· National Business Initiative Climate Change Working Group

· National Energy Efficiency Accord

· Banking Association of South Africa: Sustainable Finance Committee UNISA Climate Change Advisory Committee

Issued on behalf of: Nedbank

Sizwekazi Jekwa

Senior Communications Manager

011294 1306

Sizwekazij@nedbank.co.za

World Water Day - March 22

2011-03-17T01:54:00.000-07:00

World Water Day is observed on March 22 since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22 as World Day for Water^[1].

This day was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Observance began in 1993 and has grown significantly ever since.

The UN and its member nations devote this day to implementing UN recommendations and promoting concrete activities within their countries regarding the world's water resources. Each year, one of various UN agencies involved in water issues takes the lead in promoting and coordinating international activities for World Water Day. Since its inception in 2003, UN-Water has been responsible for selecting the theme, messages and lead UN agency for the World Day for Water.

We all take the one thing granted. We assume it will rain again. We assume there will always be water again when we open the tap. All the assumptions we make could fail us soon. Then we will have to tap our water from the ocean, which is not only expensive, but we have also polluted this resource beyond our wildest imagination. Acid spills into water tables due to mining opp-orations is becoming all to familiar and more and more acceptable.

In Europe, where draw our labor laws from, when this happens the economy will come to a abrupt halt. In South Africa we plead stupidity and start throwing rocks at Taxi commuters. We will tear our Educational Institutions down and burn the Capital Gain Equipment we earn our living with, but we do not look out for the one thing we need to survive on planet Earth.

Not Coool at All

by Petrus Viviers -