Environmental Resources Unit
Portfolio
The Environmental Education and Resources Unit (EERU) is located within the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of the Western Cape. The EERU functions as an independent Unit within the faculty. EERU has a 32 ha nature reserve and an indigenous nursery on campus. EERU’s main operations are the management of the veld and propagation of indigenous plants in the nursery. They also do some outreach to schools and community projects. The reserve falls within the Science department, thus supporting some of the practical work and research done by the students. The staff component consists of a horticulturist, educationist, nature conservator, conservation student, two workers and the coordinator. EERU is fast establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the fields of environmental education, indigenous greening and nature conservation. The Unit was one of the winners of the prestigious Cape Times Centenary Award, in 1996. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the conservation of the natural environment, historic precincts and buildings. The EERU has its origin in the establishment of the Cape Flats Nature Reserve (CFNR), on the campus of the University. In 1990, the EERU, incorporating the Cape Flats Nature Reserve and the Nursery was established.
The EERU has focused, over the years, on developing a successful environmental education programme, a chief component of which, has been the development of resources. The comprehensive resource collection on topical issues in the environmental field is updated regularly, so that the staff may stay informed of developments. This collection also provides students and educators with relevant materials for research. The Cultivation Complex (or Nursery), completed in 1980, has a proud history of upgrading school grounds and community landscapes through greening with indigenous plants. The Nursery of the EERU, fulfills the invaluable role of promoting the indigenous flora of the Cape Flats to communities who live there.
Training | Volunteer
Interns and volunteers are based and utilized directly at the offices of EERU which is located at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of the Western Cape.You will participate as a fully functioning member of the team and assist with projects that EERU is busy with at the time of your internship. You will also assist with the management of the veld and propagation of indigenous plants in the nursery and will definitely get your hands dirty. Interns can also get involved in Marketing and communication tasks related to the reserve and carry out research according to the projects that are happening at the time and you will also have the opportunity to be involved in the Science department. Your duties will be very varied and you will gain excellent experience in the managing of a reserve and the related Environmental, Conservation and Educational aspects and get the opportunity to interact with a very diversified team.