Durban’s Ecotourism scene

In this episode of The Green Scene podcast, we are joined by KZN's legendary snake and reptile expert, Nick Evans—a man whose passion for these misunderstood creatures has helped countless people see snakes in a whole new light. Nick Evans, who’s probably saved a snake in your backyard at some point, talks about snakes in Durban and KZN. He clears up common myths, explains which species to actually worry about, and gives advice on what to do if you (or your pet) has an unexpected snake encounter. Whether you love them or fear them, this one’s a must-listen. Green Corridors website

Not everyone can live off-grid or go full eco-warrior, but small, simple changes in daily life can still make a real difference. This episode is all about easy, practical ways to be more mindful of the environment—without the guilt trips. Green Corridors website

It’s a challenge many parents today face—getting kids outdoors in a digital world. In the latest episode of The Green Scene, Andiswa Susan Dlamini chats with Sharlene Versfeld and Duncan Pritchard about practical ways to inspire a love for nature, from planting seeds to exploring local parks and beaches. The team explores how technology can also be a tool to encourage curiosity about the environment, with apps, YouTube, and other gadgets helping kids connect with the outdoors in new and exciting ways. This episode contains simple activities, creative tips, and the benefits of balancing screen time with outdoor adventures. Listen now and get inspired! Green Corridors website

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

In this episode of The Green Scene, we look into a topic that affects every Durbanite—our water supply. With water restrictions recently imposed, many residents are asking why we’re facing shortages despite frequent rainfall and, at times, even flooding. To unpack this, the team welcomes Professor Cathy Sutherland from the University of KwaZulu-Natal's School of Built Environment & Development Studies and WASH Research & Development Centre. Professor Sutherland, a geographer specialising in the relationship between social and environmental systems, helps us break down the complexities of water management in Durban. Among other things, Prof. Sutherland examines the challenges of water access in rain-rich regions, the factors impacting water quality, and steps we can take to protect it, along with some success stories from around Durban. If you live in eThekwini and wish to report a water leak, you can WhatsApp the details to 066 1149875. Green Corridors website

In this episode, we're talking about some of the incredible wildlife that lives right alongside us in Durban’s urban gardens, in our homes, and in the rest of the country. From geckos and sunbirds to bees and butterflies, we dive into their roles in our mini-ecosystems and offer tips on creating welcoming habitats for them. We also discuss common myths around pests and share responsible ways to manage them, so our gardens can thrive naturally. Join Susan, Duncan, and Sharlene as they share the benefits of coexisting with urban wildlife. Green Corridors website

In this episode of The Green Scene, the team dives into the ocean and explores the challenges we face to keep it clean, and healthy. For those of us on the coast, gazing at the sea, we may just see a lot of water, but there is SO much more beneath it. We will be chatting about this wide expanse of water, the shoreline and its importance to the planet and for our tourism in Durban, and how what happens upstream on our rivers matters… plus lots more. 00:00 Introduction to episode 2 of The Green Scene 00:27 Exploring Durban's Coastline 01:09 The Hidden Wonders of the Ocean 02:48 Spiritual Connections to the Ocean 05:35 The Impact of E. coli on Tourism 06:25 Upstream Solutions for Ocean Pollution 07:15 Collaborative Efforts for Sustainability 09:48 The Insurmountable Problem of Plastic Pollution 10:04 The Challenge to Business, Government, and Civil Society 10:19 Global and Local Perspectives on Waste Management 11:11 The Nappy Problem and Pilot Solutions 13:23 Cultural Beliefs and Waste Management 15:25 Durban's Blue Flag Status and Tourism Impact 17:04 Innovative Solutions and Community Involvement 18:39 Final Thoughts and Call to Action 20:46 Conclusion and Contact Information Green Corridors website