WESSA Annual Review: 2022-2023

Now, let’s reflect on some of the key initiatives undertaken in 2022/2023 and their impact. It is evident that one of our central initiatives for this year was the operationalisation of our recalibrated strategy. Following the adoption of this revised strategy at our AGM in 2022, we wasted no time in moving to the implementation phase. I am pleased to report that we have already achieved numerous early wins. One such win is the successful socialisation of the strategy within our membership and among different leadership groups. This has resulted in “Educate, Advocate, Act” becoming our unanimous rallying call. At WESSA, everyone, from volunteers and membership groups to management, now speak with one voice.

“Educate, Advocate, Act” is not just a slogan but a guiding principle. Without delving into the many individual initiatives, we’ve undertaken throughout the year, it is clear that we have collectively acted upon each of these pillars. For instance, recognising that modern environmental problems de mand sophisticated solutions, we have continued to focus on education and awareness. Our initiatives have centred on pollution reduction, habitat and biodiversity preservation, and climate change mitigation. These efforts have been carried out through various projects, including our highly impactful Eco-Schools Programme. education and awareness is beyond dispute. The multifaceted nature of the environmental WESSA’s impact on environmental

WESSA

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remarkable this year, ninety-seven (97) years of dedicated service to caring for the earth. Approaching the centenary mark is an extraordinary achievement, and I want to express my admiration for the founders who, nearly a century ago, had the foresight to establish WESSA. While foresight set the foundation, it is our organisation’s agility and adaptability that have carried us through these ninety-seven years. Most importantly, it’s the people who care for the earth that have been the lifeblood of WESSA. Each of you should take great pride in your contributions, which I am confident future generations will thank you for. The reasons behind the formation of this organisation remain as relevant today as they were ninety-seven years ago, if not more so, given the multiplying and increasingly complex environmental con cerns. Furthermore, the escalating environmental pro blems demand urgent and sophisticated solutions. WESSA has risen to the occasion and having served on the board for the past five years, I have had the privilege of witnessing how WESSA continues to play a meaningful role in the environmental action space. milestone

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