Does anyone have references for green practices that we can/should use in the United States, and that would also be possible and beneficial in Southern Africa? We are developing interpretive programming in our Africa exhibit, and would like to choose stories that make sense in both regions. Any historical background on "alternative" practices in Botswana, South Africa or Zimbabwe would be helpful too.
Thanks
Vicki Searles
AZA Venezuela CAP
Chair Curator of Education
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, OH 44109
Phone - (216)635-3354
Fax - (216) 661-3312
Green Practices in US and Southern Africa
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I'm sorry, I didn't include the website page for Gardening Around The World. http://cfyn.ifas.ufl.edu/world.html.
Teresa Watkins
University of Florida/IFAS
Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
Lake, Orange, & Seminole
2350 E Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806
407-836-7570
http://cfyn.ifas.ufl.edu
Hi Vicki,
Permaculture Botswana is one organization you may want to contact. Permaculture is a local non-government organization based in Serowe, Botswana. I'm not sure of the relevance of their work to the United States, but they have been doing some wonderful work in remote areas of Botswana, assisting impoverished communities in small scale sustainable farming. They have also built composting toilets and have put on a number of skills training courses. For more information, please visit: http://www.envngo.co.bw/pages/ptb.html This website also will give you some general information on environmental NGOs in Botswana. I worked in Botswana years ago so if you would like any more information, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Caroline Jackson
Community Programs Coordinator
North Shore Recycling Program
148 East 2nd Street North
Vancouver, BC V7J 1Z6
t: 604.984.9730
f: 604.984.3563
e: [email protected]
Have you seen the article "The Man Who Farms Water" in February's "Ecologist" magazine? About Mr Phiri Maseko in Zimbabwe "proving just jow much is possible for farmers in Africa, even in times of extreme drought".
Hi Vicki,
Here is Australia we have a wonderful man called Peter Andrews who developed alternatives to the 'traditional' ways of water use in farming and agriculture, with great long term success. He has a book and DVD out now and you may wish to check www.nsfarming.com to see his work which may assist you. It is gaining attention from across the country and even at government levels.
Kind regards,
Paul Payten
GEENI - Global Ecology & Educational Networking Interface
Associate of EcoSTEPS Pty Ltd
- Sustainability Partner -
www.ecosteps.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)2 4787 5850
Fax: +61 (0)2 4787 6819
...
Dear Vicki:
My Central Florida Yards & Neighborhoods website http://cfyn.ifas.ufl.edu has the nine principles of good environmental landscaping that are the foundation of creating any habitat worldwide. I have a list of links on my "Gardening Around The World" webpage that highlight the flora and vegetation of Africa, along with their beautiful botanical gardens. African flora seem to thrive under a variety of stressful conditions in different parts of the continent which means that most xeriscaping practices along with lower maintenance are definitely in order. The African websites have contact information for you if there's not enough information on them regarding their green practices and alternative bmp's. There seem to be three out of the eighteen links that seems to be having a problem or being rebuilt, so thanks for getting me to check my site! The rest of the links are good sources of information. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
Teresa Watkins
University of Florida/IFAS
Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
Lake, Orange, & Seminole
2350 E Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806
407-836-7570
http://cfyn.ifas.ufl.edu