Blog
Tribute To Solene Smith – An Unwavering Ocean Defender Of The West Coast
The Green Connection mourns the loss of Solene Smith – sister, activist, leader and spokesperson of the fishing community of the West Coast, dedicated to protecting our oceans that coastal communities, like hers, depend on. “Solene’s legacy is one of tireless activism and unwavering commitment.
Safeguarding South Africa’s Coasts: A Call to Preserve Tradition, Turquoise, and Tomorrow
In the dance between land and sea, South Africa’s coastal story unfolds—a narrative that now stands at the crossroads. Beyond the postcard-perfect views, coastlines are economic hubs. The thriving ecotourism industry not only provides remarkable experiences but also serves as a driving force for local economies. Committing to preserve our coastlines advocates for a sustainable future where tourism and the environment coexist harmoniously.
South Africa Can Not Be Following The Same Pattern Of Extractivism And Exploitation Of Fossil Fuels Amid A Climate Crisis
Shell was sent packing by the courts last year on the 1st of September 2022, in the Wild Coast Eastern Cape after the Court found that the consultation carried out was procedurally unfair due to failure to consult (or adequately consult) with interested and affected communities. The exploration right relied upon by Shell to undertake 2D & 3D seismic surveys was found to be fatally defective. This judgment has since been appealed by Shell.
To Curb The Climate Crisis And Protect Coastal Livihoods, Activists Call On The French To Stop TotalEnergies’ Offshore Exploration For Oil And Gas In South Africa
From 3-10 February 2023, The Green Connection and small-scale fishers from the West and East Coasts of South Africa travelled to Paris France – in an effort to make the French people (and other Europeans) aware that South African coastal livelihoods are under threat from the environmental impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration.
“Climate Change Is Real, And It Is High Time That World Leaders Stick To Their Net Zero Commitments!”Eco-Warrior Award Winner Raises Concern
With several offshore oil and gas exploration projects in the works and in the pipeline, The Green Connection continues to raise awareness about negative impacts that oil and gas extraction could have for coastal communities in South Africa.
Click on the link below to buy tickets
https://tickets.computicket.com/event/our_oceans_our_future/7211742
The Green Connection’s 2022 Legacy Comrades Are Ready To Take On Eco-injustice
The Green Connection Legacy Programme 2022 Award Ceremony was held on October 18 this year, with 13 young Legacy comrades receiving their award certificates for successful completion of the programme.
Green Connectors In Knysna Update Us On Their Waste Management Project
In a bid to combat water pollution in the Garden Route, late in March 2021, activists with The Green Connection’s Legacy Programme – in collaboration with Oceans Alive – started their Waste Management project in Knysna.
The Green Connection Ready For Searcher Fight, Round 2
In November, COP27 sees world leaders and other important decision-makers meet to discuss global efforts to address the climate crisis. Recent press reports have revealed that the country is the world’s 13th biggest source of climate-warming greenhouse gases and has pledged to reduce these emissions to net zero by 2050.
In Solidarity Against Offshore Oil And Gas Exploration, Impoverished Coastal Communities Will Be The Masters Of Their Own Ships
With several questionable offshore oil and gas proposals currently on the table, coastal communities – from the East to the West Coast – continue their unified struggle to phase-out fossil fuels.
Small-Scale Fishers Call For Meaningful Public Participation Processes In Their Communities
After numerous court actions to halt Shell's seismic surveys off the Wild Coast Eastern Cape (in search of offshore oil and gas), on 24 May 2022, small-scale fishers from the region called on local traditional leaders to do better at fulfilling their responsibilities as custodians of communal land extending to the ocean.
Civil Society Impatiently Waiting For Shell’s Wild Coast Seismic Surveys To Be Stopped, For Good
Since the announcement of Shell seismic surveys on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape last year, outraged communities and environmental organisations took the company to court following a flawed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and failed community consultations.
Environmental Activists Defeat An Australian Mining Company Against Extraction of Titanium In Xholobeni
After a long legal battle against the granting of mining rights to extract titanium in Xolobeni off the Wild Coast to the Australian company, Transworld Energy by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
Getting To Know Coastal Community Engagement Champion Neville Van Rooy And His Journey To Protecting The Earth And Empowering Communities
Christy Bragg spoke to Neville van Rooy about what keeps his fire burning, his interest to protecting the earth, and his travel journey.
The Importance Of Advocacy In The Face Of Intensifying Climate Change And The Battle To Transition To Renewable Energy
Since February 2022, Wongeka Xatasi, a 2022 Green Connection Legacy Programme participant, started turning over a new leaf.
A Just And Equal Society Is Possible: Ecuador Communities Win The Fight for Rights to their Land
Ecuador, a country in South America is obliged, as ruled by the country’s top court to ensure that Indigenous communities are consulted.
4 Reasons Why South Africa Should Not Invest In Gas
In January the South African government held public hearings on the Gas Amendment Bill. Why should you care? As the government itself has said, this Bill will affect every single person in South Africa.
The Battle Against Environmental Degradation Persists
From protecting the environment to ensuring the community of Port Nolloth is well informed about developments of oil and gas exploration – with a particular focus on the negative impacts it has on the environment
Karoo Activist Demand A Just Energy Transition Plan and A Frack-Free Environment
In pursuit of a frack free environment and clean energy, Warren Blouw and Danny Davidson from the Karoo–devoted eco-justice activists and alumni of The Green Connection.
Bright and Breezy Activists Take Lead In Their Communities!
Vuyiseka Mani and Zukisa Mankabane are two environmental activists on a mission to expose and address environmental injustice. Their work through The Green Connection Legacy Programme and the Eastern Cape Environmental Network continues to shine.
Bigai Fishing Community Continue To Be Deprived of Their Fishing Rights!
The struggle continues for small-scale fishers in Knysna as they constantly push back government regulations and by-laws restricting their access to the ocean via ‘privately owned property.'
Fishers and Caracals – the Voices of the Vulnerable
Today I was scrolling through my Facebook feed, as one does when procrastinating, when I came across a picture that stopped my scrolling dead in its tracks. It was a picture of a lifeless caracal kitten lying curled up on a road.
Skipper’s Licence Opens New Chances for the Fishing Community of Port St John’s
Following a gruelling five days of training programme for a skipper’s licence, Phumza Kalimashe and Ntsindiso Nongcavu from Port St Johns an now confidently stay safe in the ocean while catching a variety of fish.
4 Steps to Voting for the Right Councilor
The Green Connection strives towards empowering communities to have a voice in decision making towards sustainable local economies.
Strap in! Eco-justice Adventures, Loading…
.It hasn’t been child’s play adapting to the ‘new normal’ since Covid-19 first hit in 2020. And in a world where restrictions on movement and social interactions have become regulation