Originally planned as a 2010 Fifa World Cup greening project, the Umgeni River Estuary Green Hub only got up and running in December last year . . . but it was well worth the wait.
Located near the river mouth, close to the M4 freeway bridge, the modern, energy efficient building opens up on to broad views of the river. Right in front of the building seven huge pelicans (local residents, it seems) while away their days, occasionally taking flight, showing off their impressive wing spans. Many other impressive birds, such as the Goliath Heron, call the river banks, reeds and sand bars of the Umgeni home.
The Green Hub is operated under the Durban Green Corridor and resourced with skilled staff and guides, a number of whom have been recruited from communities close to the Umgeni, and serves as an information centre, with plenty of activities, events and crucial environmental programmes in the pipeline. Something of a hidden gem at the moment, the centre will no doubt become an extremely popular attraction for the city of Durban in times to come.
Partnership
The Durban Green Corridor project is the result of a partnership between the eThekwini Municipality and the Duzi uMngeni Conservation Trust, supported by private companies, special interest groups, and sporting clubs and associations. Durban Green Corridor Project Manager Gary Cullen said buy-in from all these groups was key to continued success and care for this critical natural resource.
Cullen said that there were a number of aspects to the centre and the green corridor’s development. “Of course there are the activities; we were determined from the outset that this would offer attractions for all of Durban’s communities. The green corridor extends right up the Umgeni Valley and we’re busy with projects as far as Inanda Dam at the moment. With everything we’ve done, we want the communities involved, be it from a sporting perspective, working as guides, or helping clean up the river.”
Canoeing, mountain biking, scouting, orienteering, hiking, trail running, birding rock climbing and establishment of a canopy tour are some of the activities that are currently under way.
Environmental
The second part of the project is strictly environmental and involves the removal of alien invasive species (such as water hyacinth, a high profile enemy), dealing with dumping of waste and offcuts from industrial polluters, cleaning up the river and improving water quality among other things. With sports and activities embedded in communities – and with a growing sense of appreciation for the natural environment as a resource – such as Briardene, Puntan’s Hill and Johanna Road, for example, the Green Corridor team believes that a clean river will become more of a priority for all.
Then there’s the educational side of it. The Wildlife Society has been educating children about the Mangroves for years, for example, “but perhaps with this project and the activities and sports on offer we can pull it all together and offer an attractive package,” said Cullen.
The Dusi Canoe Marathon 2011 in pictures
Gabriella Pappas’s official role is as Youth Development Manager for the project. In her day-to-day operations she’s very involved with the staff who work at the centre, the guides and “River Rangers”, who’ve been recruited to ensure the safety of members of the public who make use of trails and other activities. Pappas is driving the development of cycling among girls in communities, for example, oversees localised clean-up campaigns, is planning events for the Green Hub in future (concerts and markets are just two of the possibilities) and much more.
She introduced me to Sephiwe Rakgabale, who works at the centre and is a guide. Rakgabale took me on a short walk along the Mangrove boardwalk and provided a wealth of knowledge about the local plants and animals. Passionate about his role, Rakgabale – in a short space of time – gave me a whole new insight into the functioning of this fascinating natural treasure.
“We’ve drawn in community members to work as River Rangers,” says Pappas. “There’s quite a lot of fear from the Durban community about walking alongside the river. Involving local people and giving them work is not a guarantee that there will not be any incidents, but we believe it helps if people feel included in the project, believe in its goals and want to work for its success.”
Cullen concluded: “This is a process that’s still developing, but we’re really excited. There is so much to do. As Durbanites we’ve always built our lifestyles around the beach . . . I’d love to see in 10 years’ time communities that are proud of the river and surrounding areas, for their beauty, their environmental significance and because we can have so much fun if we get out there and take advantage of all that’s on offer.”
Useful contact: Call 031 303 8476, or e-mail info@durbangreencorridor.co.za
Some of the activities on offer:
- Take a guided walk, mountain bike or canoe ride.
- Visit the Beachwood Mangrove Forest and Beach Reserve.
- Walk the Riverside Trail (4km round trip – about two hours walking time).
- Walk or bike through riverside forest vegetation overlooking the inter-tidal sand banks. Amazing array of water birds including the giant Goliath Heron, Pelicans and occasionally deep sea birds blown in by Antarctic winds.
- Fish Eagle Trail (10km 5hours walking, guided only).
- uMngeni River Bird Park.
- Selection of beautiful exotic birds from the plains and jungles of the world. Shows daily at 11am and 2pm are the highlight of this must-see attraction.
- Trails & Equipment Hire.
- Book guided tours and hire equipment for the extensive network of mountain biking, hiking, birding and canoeing trails in the Durban Green Corridor.
1 Comment
Fantastic development!! Finally we are taking back the river. The new extension to the beachfront all the way up to Blue Lagoon will further enhance this area…now if only the weekend madness here would be curbed!