International World Tourism Day focus on biodiversity - 27 September 2010

Biodiversity can be defined as the variety of life around us - from the largest animal and the smallest plant to the whole of humankind. In Cape Town, this definition applies to the city's rich fauna and flora, as well as to our many cultures.

Tourism has an important role to play in achieving the triple bottom line of economic productivity, social wellbeing and environmental sustainability, as it is a visible and adaptable sector with the ability to add value to the communities in which it exists. South Africa is an international example of how tourism can be both profitable and sustainable as it works to provide communities with employment and skills both directly and indirectly, whilst often contributing to the conservation of animal and plant life in the regions in which it operates.

Natural assets with value seen as more sustainable

"If a natural asset can be given value it is more likely to be seen as sustainable", says Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, "and Cape Town's natural biodiversity is highly valuable as a tourism asset. It is our task to ensure that growth in tourism does not come at the expense of this heritage. Future generations must be taught to prize the natural world around us as a thing of significant value."

Cape Town Tourism's answer to the 2010 Tourism and Biodiversity theme is a project, which encourages Capetonians to remember why our City is so loved by tourists - both for its natural and man-made attractions.

Called My Cape Town, the tourism project encompasses competitions, specials, giveaways and events throughout the month in partnership with Cape Town's biggest attractions such as Table Mountain Cableway, City Sightseeing, the Two Oceans Aquarium and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

My Cape Town also engages and overlaps with Iziko Heritage Week (20-26 September) and Creative Week Cape Town, both of which explore Cape Town's cultural and social heritage, whilst bringing insight to the present.

Get involved

Du-Toit Helmbold emphasises that, "Every Capetonian needs to assist in implementing sustainable practices to extend the life of our beautiful Mother City. With our My Cape Town campaign we are saying-- experience your city, be mindful of our natural environment, and make a point of understanding your neighbouring cultures. Stay in town this long weekend, feel deservedly proud of the enormous natural and cultural wealth right here on our doorstep and help us protect our biodiversity into the future."

Here are a few ways you can help conserve our biodiversity:

• Reduce your waste
  
• Reuse materials where, and as much as, possible
  
• Recycle - especially your household waste
  
• Use less chemicals around your house and in your garden
  
• Do not waste water - think about the little things ... make sure your taps aren't leaking when turned off, turn the tap off while brushing your teeth and doing dishes, shower rather than bath.
  
• Conserve energy at home and at work by switching of all appliances not in use
  
• Use energy saving globes
  
• Make use of public transport and bicycles, especially for short journeys
  
• Learn more, get involved or donate towards proactive conservation projects

For more information go to:

• City of Cape Town (www.capetown.gov.za/environment and www.capetown.gov.za/smartlivinghandbook
• Cape Town Green Map (www.capetowngreenmap.co.za)
• Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (www.fairtourismsa.org.za)
• Greenpop (greenpop.org/)
• South African National Biodiversity Institute (www.sanbi.org)
• Wildlife and Environment Society of SA (www.wessa.org.za)
• WWF SA (www.wwf.org.za)
• WWF SASSI (www.wwfsassi.co.za)
• The Shark Spotters Programme (www.sharkspotters.org.za)

For more information on what is happening around My Cape Town weekend, go to www.capetown.travel/mycapetown.