Against the backdrop of the iconic Howick Falls in KwaZulu-Natal and a crisp winter morning, the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) joined the uMngeni Local Municipality in celebrating World Environment Day under the theme, ‘Our Planet, Our Responsibility’.
The event brought together schools, government departments, environmental organisations and community stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and encourage collective responsibility for protecting the natural environment.
Representing CAES were Ms Christine Cuénod of the Corporate Relations Division, Professor Trevor Hill of the Discipline of Geography, and Ms Lexia Naidoo, together with the UKZN Science Centre team.
Through the event, the team demonstrated how the diverse disciplines within CAES contribute to understanding, protecting and sustainably managing the environment. From geography and environmental science to engineering and the natural sciences, learners explored the important role STEM plays in addressing environmental challenges and creating sustainable solutions. As part of the stakeholder engagement programme, Hill also addressed the learners, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and the role that geography and the environmental sciences play in understanding and protecting our natural world.
The event provided learners with an opportunity to engage directly with science communicators from the various stakeholder exhibitions. Learners showcased their own commitment to environmental stewardship through creative songs, dramatic performances and posters that highlighted the importance of protecting the environment.
The Mayor of uMngeni Local Municipality, Mr Chris Pappas, and Deputy Mayor, Mr Sandile Mnikathi, visited the stakeholder exhibitions voicing their thanks to the participating organisations for supporting environmental education and community engagement.
The celebration featured a range of organisations working in environmental conservation and sustainability, including Disaster Management uMngeni, eWaste Africa, Ocean Plastics, GroundTruth, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Built Environment Support Group (BESG), uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Amanzi Champs and the Duzi-Umgeni Conservation Trust (DUCT). Together, these organisations provided learners with valuable insights into environmental conservation, waste management, water stewardship and biodiversity protection.
For CAES, participation in World Environment Day reflects the College’s commitment to community engagement and inspiring young people to recognise the important relationship between science, technology and environmental sustainability. By connecting learners with academics and science outreach initiatives, UKZN continues to demonstrate how STEM education can empower future generations to become responsible custodians of the environment.
Words: Lexia Naidoo
Photograph: Supplied