The Green Scene

What exactly is community-based ecotourism – a term that is bandied about so often nowadays? What does it mean, how does it work, and what are the benefits? In this episode, we chat with a Durban mover and shaker in the tourism world, Amimi Mlaba. Amimi has put the concept of community-based ecotourism into practice through his very successful ecotourism venture, iSithumba Adventures, one of the Green Corridors supported sites, in the heart of rural Valley of 1000 Hills, just 20 minutes’ drive from Hillcrest. We learn how ecotourism helps people to connect with natural areas and the people that live there and how this can support cultural and environmental preservation. Not all ecotourism is about seeing the Big 5. It is also about going into hidden, unexplored spaces to experience firsthand, learn about different cultures, and connect on a much deeper level. Green Corridors website

Iyini ngempela i-ecotourism esekelwe emphakathini – igama eliboshwe kaningi namuhla? Isho ukuthini, isebenza kanjani, futhi yiziphi izinzuzo? Kulesi siqephu sixoxa nomhambisi waseThekwini nothuthumela kwezokuvakasha, u-Amimi Mlaba. U-Amimi usebenzise umqondo we-ecotourism esekelwe emphakathini ngebhizinisi lakhe eliphumelele kakhulu le-ecotourism, i-iSithumba Adventures, enye yezindawo ezisekelwa yiGreen Corridors, enkabeni ye-Valley yasemaphandleni yase-1000 Hills, imizuzu engama-20’ nje ukusuka e-Hillcrest. Sifunda ukuthi i-ecotourism isiza kanjani abantu ukuthi baxhumane nezindawo zemvelo kanye nabantu abahlala lapho nokuthi lokhu kungakweseka kanjani ukulondolozwa kwamasiko nemvelo. Akuwona wonke ama-ecotourism amayelana nokubona i-Big 5. Kumayelana nokungena ezindaweni ezifihliwe, ezingahloliwe ukuze uzibonele mathupha, ufunde ngamasiko ahlukene, futhi uxhume ezingeni elijule kakhulu. Green Corridors website

Ever wondered how your old phone could help save the planet and support local jobs? Welcome to the world of circular economy! The circular economy is not just another trendy term, it’s a refreshing approach to closing the loop on waste and considering the environmental cost of our consumer orientated lifestyles. It’s a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. It’s good for business, good for our planet and good for our economy. In the latest episode, the team highlight how a mindset shift encourages us to change the way we consume things, recycle, repurpose and close the loop when it comes to waste. Whether it's reviving old clothes, reusing margarine or ice-cream tubs, or making more use of the growing “sharing economy”- these small changes can lead to big environmental benefits. Duncan Pritchard highlights that it's not just about keeping waste out of landfills—it's about boosting local economies and supporting sustainable practices. By opting for second-hand items or choosing local businesses, we create a ripple effect that enhances community growth. Green Corridors website

In this episode, we go on a journey to explore what ecotourism really means and why it’s more than just a day outdoors. Ecotourism is about connecting with nature in a way that respects local communities, supports the environment, and boosts the local economy. It’s an experience that combines adventure with purpose. And here in Durban, we’re lucky to have many places to try it out! Join Andiswa Dlamini, Duncan Pritchard and Sharlene Versfeld from Green Corridors to find out about some of Durban’s best ecotourism spots, in areas like the Molweni Valley, eNanda Dam and iSithumba Adventures near Hillcrest. Each site offers something different, ranging from activities like hiking, birdwatching, and canoeing to camping and fishing—all while supporting local guides and businesses. Find out more about Durban’s ecotourism activities and tours via https://greencorridors.co.za/our-work/tourism/activities-tours · Green Corridors website