The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) opened its new R8 million education and visitor centre in Table View last week.
The centre creates space for Sanccob’s growing environmental education programme with an education facility overlooking the African penguins and other seabirds, the foundation said in a statement.
A souvenir shop and cafeteria will be open to the public by the end of the month and will help to support Sanccob’s conservation efforts.
The facility would be able to accommodate large groups of children as well as conferences and training workshops, said Sanccob.
“We have received generous support from local and international businesses, individuals, institutions and foundations, who have either sponsored furnishings and building materials or contributed financially to the new building. We are grateful for their support to make this project a reality and excited about the impact for our environmental education programme and improved visitor experience,” said Sanccob CEO Natalie Maskell.
Speaking at the opening of the centre, mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said: “All the efforts the City is currently making to clean up and improve the quality of our watercourses is beginning to make a difference, largely thanks to Sanccob who protect and save our seabirds. I have no doubt the impact that this facility will have on the tens and thousands of children who come through its doors and hope that it inspires many more people to consider professional conservation as a profession in the years ahead.”
The public can book a tour with Sanccob’s education department from 9am to 3pm, seven days a week. To visit with school children, corporate groups or to hire the venue, contact the centre at 021 557 6155 or email reception@sanccob.co.za.
