Ingula Visitors Centre
Region
Africa
Country
South Africa
Flyway
East Africa – Central Asia flyway
Initiative
WLI Africa
About
Eskom Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme
Funding support: Eskom
Number of staff: 2
Number of visitors per year: 7 000 (temporary building, permanent building will be constructed by end of 2013
Overall aims of the centre
Increase awareness of Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme, Eskom and Ingula Nature Reserve
Description of the centre
Located at the foot of the Little Drakensberg escarpment. Approx. 12 0000ha nature reserve surrounding Visitors Centre. Mostly grassland, large wetland areas and escarpment forest. Special species include wattled crane, crowned crane, blue crane, secretary bird, Denham’s bustard, white winged fluff tail, oribi, aardvark, southern bald ibis, sungazer, protea dracomontana.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work areas
Visitors Centre has exhibitions about the power station and nature reserve. Daily guided tours are conducted. Annual World Wetland Day programme – photographic competition, school outreach programme. World Vulture Awareness Day (1 Sept) and Birding Big Day (end Nov).
We send out a monthly newsletter and participate in exhibitions regularly.
Top three successes
Wetlands Walk has been very successful, had around 130 people in 2012. This year will be 4th year.
Photographic competition has also been very successful. Third year this year. Delivers varied and high quality images for use in promotional material.
Environmental Tours: For primary school groups – very successful – hands on experience for youngsters
Top three challenges
As the Centre is located on a site where construction is going on – access is a challenge for visitors as it has to be arranged beforehand. Cannot yet fully roll-out conservation programmes due to construction.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety;Project planning.
Contact
Fifi Meyer – Head of Ingula Visitors Centre
Private Bag X10046, Ladysmith, 3370
Email: fifi.meyer@eskom.co.za
Tel. 036-3423122
Fax: 086 566 4025
Website address:
www.eskom.co.za (About electricity, Visitors Centre)