1. The Condition of Biodiversity In South Africa: A Report on eThekwini’s Silverglen Medicinal Plants Nursery, by Aukram Burton
One of the highlights for team members representing Metro
Louisville at WEEC 2007 was the visit to eThekwini’s Silverglen Medicinal Plants Nursery, Africa’s first medicinal plant nursery located in Chatsworth on the outskirts of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal. (L to R) Ntombi Mpunzana, Student; Joseph Razwinani, Conservationist; Nefertiti and Aukram Burton; Issac Mngomezulu, Conservationist; Brian Abraham, Horticulturalist; and Sithembiso Majoka, Conservationist. (Photo by Aukram Burton)
The 4th World Environmental Education Congress culminated with a series of scientific tours for delegates to explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of Southern Africa. WEEC 2007 delegates were able to explore the important role that indigenous knowledge plays in social and cultural change and in learning in an African context.
KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africa’s nine provinces. eThekwini is a municipality that contains Durban within its boundaries and is the original Zulu name for Durban given by King Shaka. Silverglen is located on a nature reserve next to the Umlaas River.
The nursery and the reserve are an important indigenous knowledge resource, as plants are propagated and protected drawing on traditional and cultural knowledge. The Silverglen Nursery is an example of an environmental initiative on the African continent that connects with themes of biodiversity and health featured in the 2007 Kentucky State Fair. (Photo by Aukram Burton)
