Dibanisa e.V. and Grootbos Foundation are co-operating closely with Gansbaai’s Development through Football programme.
The Grootbos Foundation, which is a Section-21 registered non-profit Foundation, was established in 2005 to run the non-profit activities of Grootbos Nature Reserve, a unique destination world-renowned for its eco-tourism in South Africa. Activities include various social responsibility and conservation projects.
The story of Grootbos and its Foundation is a good news story that’s tackling the very issues of responsible tourism and social upliftment of a beautiful nature reserve in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Situated on the Agulhas Plain in the heart of the Cape fynbos lowlands, a region of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, Grootbos Nature Reserve is under human pressures. Effective conservation of this unique natural area is only possible if it earns its keep. This will only happen if the natural fynbos and marine landscapes can reap financial returns. If natural resources can be made more accessible to the poor, everyone can then be educated about the reserve’s uniqueness and value.
One of Grootbos’ social projects is the sports project for the children of Gansbaai. The project began in January 2008, in collaboration with the Football Foundation of South Africa, to promote increased participation in sport. Dibanisa would like to join these Foundations to bring environmental education to the children and put Development through Football into practice.
Projects include:
- Growing the Future-Food Production & Life Skills Training- Training eight women per annum, about sustainable food production growing fruit & vegetables organically and beekeeping.
- Green Futures Horticultural & Life Skills training – Empowering the unemployed to learn about fynbos propagation, landscaping and conservation
- Spaces for Sport – Uplifting the local community through the Gansbaai Communal Sport Centre which will create opportunities for the previously disadvantaged.
- Future Trees – To rehabilitate the Grootbos forests after a massive fire swept through Grootbos and the surrounding area.
