Cape Town celebrated the World Tourism Resilience Day to mark the importance of sustainable and resilient tourism development. It was commemorated by getting in touch with the nature, by learning and relaxing.
Tourism contributes to economic growth, poverty reduction and environmental protection. It is a major source of income for many and developing countries. World Tourism Resilience Day promotes environmental responsibility, nature conservation, local culture and economic empowerment of communities.
Notably, the United Nations (UN) general Assembly has declared 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. In order to fulfil this, also called as, Global Tourism Resilience Day, is celebrated every year on Feb 17. Let’s explore some popular green spaces in Cape Town and know what it feels to stay in nature.
Green Point Park and Biodiversity Garden
Green Point Park in Cape Town has so much to explore. Also, the Biodiversity Garden highlights the flora of the Western Cape, while the newly completed Dome Education Centre and Experiential Education Garden will take you on an immersive, eco-friendly journey that celebrates the history of Cape Town.
Whether, one is in the mood for a picnic, outdoor exercise, a romantic walk or want to spend quality time with family, or friendsloved ones, Green Point Park is the perfect place to relax and discover something new.
Plant A Garden With Juma Art Tours
There’s a lot more to learn about green spaces of Khayelitsha with an interactive tour from Juma Art Tours. It was led by the founder Juma Mkwela. Tours here let one roll up their sleeves and make a real impact by planting their own veggie garden and creating street art.
Juma Art Tours aim to foster a positive, sustainable change in the community. The tours offer custom experiences tailored to one’s interests, located in Khayelitsha.
SEED in Mitchells Plain
SEED has its own belief that ‘everybody has the right to belong and thrive’, and they are putting that into action with programmes, which aims at creating stronger and more resilient communities.
Based at the Rocklands Resilience Hub in Mitchells Plain, SEED is on a mission to make a real difference. one of their cool innovative initiatives is the Food System Tour, which dives into the world of regenerative futures and shows people the magic of growing food the organic way.
Company’s Garden
Located at the Queen Victoria St. in Cape Town City Centre, the Company’s Garden is a green gem in the heart of the city, by offering both a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the past.
Originally that began in the 1650s to grow fresh produce for passing ships, the garden now features a blend of nature and history. It is situated next to the South African National Gallery, the Iziko South African Museum and the House of Parliament, as it is a timeless oasis amid the city buzz.
Visitors can wander along its winding paths, relax under the shade of old trees with a picnic, or enjoy the colourful flower beds. The garden is a visual treat, filled with all kinds of interesting stories.
Oude Molen Food Garden
The Oude Molen Food Garden Village is a feel-good example of the community spirit as well as sustainable living. Began by the founder Jonno Kennedy’s passion in 2022, the project has grown into a bustling urban farm that provides fresh produce and serves as a hub for education and healing.
It is a place where kids, young people and even clients from the nearby psychiatric hospital can get hands-on experience and connect with the nature. The garden by Kennedy is looked after and maintained by Kelly ad Mariette. Since then, it has become a space where education, healing and a stronger bond with nature that comes to life.
Soil For Life
The place empowers people in under-resourced communities to grow their own food, improve their wellbeing and protect the environment. Via hands-on education and sustainable farming practices, they have made a real difference, by proving that even a single seed can spark a better future.
Whether it is about teaching people how to build planter boxes or create compost, Soil For Life gives the tools and know-how to live more sustainably and becomes self-sufficient.
Well, it’s not just about food, they are also focused on building stronger communities, boosting resilience and helping people in reconnecting with the earth. In a world that is always changing, they are cultivating a greener, healthier tomorrow, one seed at a time.
For many developing countries, Resilient Tourism includes the least developed countries, small island developing states, countries in Africa and middle-income countries. Tourism is a major source of income, foreign currency earnings, tax revenue and employment.
Moreover, tourism connects people with nature and sustainable tourism has the unique ability to spur environmental responsibility & conservation.