From crime hotspot to wildlife haven - A Rocha InternationalA Rocha International

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From crime hotspot to wildlife haven

A Rocha South Africa’s hardworking team of volunteers is equipping churches and communities across Cape Town and Pietermaritzburg to care for their small part of creation.

One local church became aware of violent crime affecting pedestrians using a pathway that connects the city centre to the Duzi River and surrounding park. The area had become a dumping ground and the trees alongside overrun with alien vines, making the route dark and unsafe for commuters.

A Rocha South Africa joined residents, local businesses and the Duzi-uMngeni Conservation Trust to clear the alien vegetation and litter from the pathway. Now crime has reduced and a haven has been created for wildlife and birds within the city, such as the Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii (left), spotted busily collecting food for its young during the working parties. As an inner-city park on a major river, the site also offers possibilities for environmental education in urban greening, water quality and pollution awareness.

You can read more from A Rocha South Africa in our forthcoming International News, as board member James Irlam explains how Capetonians are preparing for an uncertain climate future. A Rocha folk around the world will share their experiences of a changing climate where they live and work. Stay tuned to see how your support brings hope and creates meaningful solutions in their communities.

Photo: Carryn Leigh Smith, Pathway Rehab Project