A number of local environmental projects were nominated, as well as individuals, who have made an outstanding contribution to the environment of Mossel Bay.
Russel Mamabolo (Regional Corporate Affairs Manager at PetroSA) said that the passion, enthusiasm and commitment of each candidate is much appreciated and noted.
"Petro SA has sponsored this event for a second year in a row and has welcomed this initiative that Pinnacle Conservation has implemented. We are proud to host an event of this nature, and commend every single candidate for contributing to the pristine natural environment of Mossel Bay."
This year's awards were a collaborative affair between PetroSA, Pinnacle Conservation and the Mossel Bay Advertiser. A series of spot prizes were generously donated by various local environmental entities including: Protea Hotel; Café Gannet; Garden Route Game Lodge; White Shark Africa; Oystercatcher Trails and Point of Human Origins and PetroSA.
"The event's aim was to highlight and thank all for the good environmental work that individualsare doing to preserve our local environment, as well as to inspire more people to get involved," said Vivien Stadler from Pinnacle Conservation. "A special thanks to Cornelle Carstens, who acted as Master of Ceremonies, and the Curro Marimba Band which added a vibrant atmosphere to this gala event."
The following people were involved as judges: Colin Puren (Mossel Bay Municipality), Marcia Holm (Mosel Bay Tourism), Vernon Gibbs-Hall (Eden District Municipality), Cornelle Carstens (Advertiser) and Cape Nature.
Mr Mamabolo presented the awards in seven categories: Environmental Awareness & Education, Environmental Initiatives, Rehabilitation, Environmental Projects, Eco-tourism, Eco-youth development and Eco-warrior.
Category: Environmental Awareness and Education
Ewald Crause, well-known as 'Seevader' took the prize in this category, because of his passion for the ocean and his love for sharing his knowledge with people from all ages and backgrounds.
Category: Environmental Initiatives
The Pinnacle Point Caves, first in this category, have recently received Provincial Heritage Site status and the intention is to take it all the way to World Heritage Status.
Category: Rehabilitation
This award was given to SAPREC (Seabird and Penguin Rehab Centre) for its vital role on the Southern Cape coastline, from Witsand to Wilderness, in the protection of all seabirds. During the stranding of the vessel and subsequent oil spill outside Knysna, oiled penguins started washing up along our coastline. In total, 15 oiled penguins and one gannet were brought in and all were treated successfully with the help of Dr Frans de Graaff.
Category: Environmental Projects
Established in 2007, Eden BioFules took the first prize in this category. It collects used cooking oil from friends, households and schools, stretching as far as Beaufort-West, Heidelberg, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and back to Mossel Bay.
Previously, all the used oil in the Eden district were dumped either in the sewerage system or at landfills, but Eden Biofuels changed the scenario by collecting over 30 000 litres of used cooking oil per month.
Category: Eco-Tourism
This awarded was handed to Aquamarine Guesthouse since they take pride in the fact that they are Eco-Tourism orientated and environment friendly, with the focus on saving energy and water, while providing excellent service and value for money. Initiatives include notices to remind guests that water is a scarce natural resource, the small splash pool is refilled with rainwater from their own two 4000l rain water tanks, two large 300l heat pumps, remote controlled ceiling-fan lights, which use less electricity than air conditioners; they mostly use energy saving light bulbs and all laundry is washed and air dried.
Category: Eco-Youth Development
Ewald Crause took a second first prize in this category, based on his passion for the environment and young people. This year, he facilitated numerous excursions with more than 400 school learners, speaking and educating on a variety of topics.
Category: Eco-Warrior
Carol Walton from SAPREC was named Eco-Warrior 2013, since the SAPREC team is passionate about the saving and preservation of the endangered African penguin. This year, they have admitted 54 African Penguins to the centre, of which only three were not successfully released. They are the warriors of these endangered birds in the Southern Cape and without their facility, these penguins would have had little or no chance of survival
Aiden Beck said that it is really amazing to see how many passionate environmentalists there are in Mossel Bay, who are willing to stand up and preserve our local environment.
"It has been great being involved in setting up this awards initiative and we hope that the general public rise to the challenge to be recognised as the next Environmental Awards winner in 2014."
View more photos here.
The team behind this year's second Mossel Bay Environmental Awards, a collaboration between Pinnacle Conservation, PetroSA and the Mossel Bay Advertiser, taking a break for a photograph whilst busy with the final arrangements for last night's event. The event was hosted at the Gannet Restaurant. Photo: Supplied
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