WESSA - 90 Years of People Caring for the Earth

envirokids MAGAZINE

wessa MAGAZINEs

The EnviroKids Magazine was born out of an appeal from WESSA’s family members. First published as a page for young readers in African Wildlife in 1972, the magazine grew to a 4-page insert and proved so popular that in January 1980 editor Mike Nicol and his team published the first 24-page, bi- annual magazine then titled Toktokkie. During the first few months, membership climbed from 5000 to 8000 and two years later, an Afrikaans edition was released. The early 90’s saw a decline in membership and rising production costs, saw the end of the Afrikaans edition. During 1988, Toktokkie was rebranded as a thematic environmental education magazine and the name changed to EnviroKids, a 36-pager that covers a wide range of environmental topics. Today EnviroKids is one of the best resources to grow environmental awareness and sensitivity among children, and also to promote the values of caring for the earth and environment. Children love the magazine because of its interesting articles, games and competitions, and as a handy resource for school projects. Readers are invited to contribute by submitting articles of their work and some have even gone on to become junior authors and have received certificates for their articles. In 2014, EnviroKids celebrated 35 years and today it continues to inspire the young at heart of all ages. For more information, or to subscribe, contact John Wesson on 083 444 7649 or john.wesson@wessa.co.za.

Over the past 90 years, WESSA has made an enormous contribution to conservation and environmental legislation, compliance and in promoting public participation, both locally and internationally. An important part of this contribution has been the raising of issues and sharing of information through the African Wildlife, and later the Environment magazines. African Wildlife was launched in 1946 and grew to become the second- longest standing newsletter and magazine in South Africa. In 2009, after much research and partnership, WESSA was one of the founding partners in the launch of Environment- people and conservation in Africa. Environment magazine incorporated African Wildlife and brought together key conservation groups in South Africa that include: • Endangered Wildlife Trust • Cape Leopard Trust • Game Rangers’ Association of Africa • SANCCOB • Wilderness Foundation • Wildlands Conservation Trust • South African Association for Marine Biological Research In addition to providing information on WESSA’s activities and achievements, Environment also reported on the many areas in which conservation organisations are working collaboratively for the benefit of all. Environment tackled pressing conservation and environmental issues and provided fascinating, credible, authoritative, well-researched information that aimed to empower and inspire readers to take action for the good of the environment. Unfortunately, over time, the various NGO’s withdrew leading up to the final decision in early 2016 to close the publication. The final bumper issue 25 of the Environment magazine should reach members by end August 2016. With the above as background WESSA took the decision to reintroduce African Wildlife & Environment, which is especially apt as the magazine would have been 70 this year. The African Wildlife and Environment magazine will reach members, after a 5-year absence, in November this year. For more information, or to subscribe, contact John Wesson on 083 444 7649 or john.wesson@wessa.co.za.

12 | 90 years of people caring for the earth

13 | 90 years of people caring for the earth

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