At West Coast Way, we believe that the environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest. It is the one thing all of us share.
Environmental Calendar Days For 2020
Tuesday 1 September: National Arbor Day
In South Africa, Arbor Day was first celebrated in 1983. The event captured the imagination of people who recognised the need for raising awareness of the value of trees in our society. #NationalArbourDay2020
Wednesday to Sunday 02 – 06 September: National Parks Week
The annual South African National Parks Week provides all South Africans with the opportunity of exploring their local National Park at absolutely no cost. #NationalParksWeek
Tuesday 15 September: International Coastal Cleanup Day
International Coastal Cleanup Day encourages people to rid beaches of the garbage plaguing beaches. Awareness is spread about preserving and protecting the world’s oceans and waterways. #InternationalCoastalCleanup
Wednesday 16 September: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
South Africa joins the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on 16 September 2020. The ozone layer is essential for life on earth, as it absorbs most of the harmful Ultraviolet-B radiation from the sun and filters out lethal ultraviolet (UV-C radiation). #InternationalOzoneLayerDay
Tuesday 22 September: World Rhino Day
World Rhino Day is celebrated on 22 September every year! This particular day provides the opportunity for cause-related organizations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their unique ways. #WorldRhinoDay2020
Sunday 27 September: World Tourism Day, World Rivers Day
World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. #WorldTourismDay2020
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world. “Rivers are the arteries of our planet; they are lifelines in the truest sense.” #WorldRiversDay
Saturday 3 October: World Habitat Day
The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. #WorldHabitatDay2020
Sunday 4 October: World Animal Day
World Animal Day can be celebrated in several different ways. One way is for people can pick up books by animal advocates such as Jane Goodall, Elisa Aaltola, Carol J. Adams, and more to educate themselves on the subject. People can also write a letter to their local newspaper or social media site to inform them of the importance of the day. Other ways in which the day can be celebrated include donating or volunteering at local shelters; adding animal-friendly elements to your yard such as birdbaths; adopting an endangered animal or even just buying your favourite animal a special treat. #WorldAnimalDay2020
Wednesday to Sunday 7 – 11 October: National Marine Week
National Marine Week is celebrated every year during the second week of October. Its purpose is to create awareness on the marine and coastal environment, the promotion of sustainable use and conservation of these resources, for the benefit of all both present and future generations. #NationalMarineWeek
Saturday 10 October: African Penguin Day
From a population of over a million in the 1920s to only 18 000 breeding pairs left – and 90 birds lost per week over the past thirty years – the African penguin could be extinct in the wild by 2030. #AfricanPenguinDay2020
Friday 16 October: World Food Day
World Food Day Make World Food Day is an international day celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honour of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. #WorldFoodDay your day – share your activities online or join the call by developing a virtual event or activity.
Saturday 21 November: World Fisheries Day
The World Fisheries Day helps in highlighting the critical importance to human lives, of water and the lives it sustains, both in and out of water. Water forms a continuum, whether contained in rivers, lakes, and ocean. #WorldFisheriesDay2020
Friday 11 December: International Mountain Day
International Mountain Day 2020 is a day to celebrate the rich biodiversity in the mountains as well as to address the threats it faces. Mountains loom large in some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. #InternationalMountainDay
Environmental Days 2021
2 February: World Wetlands Day
Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.
12 March: Plant a Flower Day 2021
This day aims to plant flowers, e.g. in your garden. Planting is the process to place a seed or plant in soil or another substrate so that it may live and grow.
22 March: World Water Day 2021
World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of freshwater. World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis.
20 May: World Bee Day
Every year on this day, the global public will focus on the importance of preserving honey bees and all other pollinators. People will be reminded of the significance of bees in providing for the needs of humanity.
21 June: World Giraffe Day
Not only is it a worldwide celebration of these fantastic and much-loved animals, but an annual event to raise support, create awareness and shed light on the challenges giraffe face in the wild.
18 July: Nelson Mandela International Day
On 18 July every year, we invite you to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in your communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better! Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change.
31 July: World Ranger Day
World Ranger Day commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and celebrates the work rangers do to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures.
1 September: National Arbor day
In South Africa, Arbor Day was first celebrated in 1983. The event captured the imagination of people who recognized the need for raising awareness of the value of trees in our society.
02 – 06 September: National Parks Week
The annual South African National Parks Week provides all South Africans with the opportunity of exploring their local National Park at absolutely no cost.
15 September: International Coastal Cleanup Day
International Coastal Cleanup Day encourages people to rid beaches of the garbage plaguing beaches. Awareness is also spread about preserving and protecting the world’s oceans and waterways.
16 September: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
South Africa joins the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on 16 September 2020. The ozone layer is essential for life on earth, as it absorbs most of the harmful Ultraviolet-B radiation from the sun and filters out lethal ultraviolet (UV-C radiation).
22 September: World Rhino Day
World Rhino Day is celebrated on 22 September every year! This special day provides the opportunity for cause-related organizations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their unique ways.
27 September: World Tourism Day, World Rivers Day
World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world. “Rivers are the arteries of our planet; they are lifelines in the truest sense.”
3 October: World Habitat Day
The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.
4 October: World Animal Day
World Animal Day can be celebrated in a number of different ways. One way is for people can pick up books by animal advocates such as Jane Goodall, Elisa Aaltola, Carol J. Adams, and more to educate themselves on the subject. People can also write a letter to their local newspaper or social media site to inform them of the importance of the day. Other ways in which the day can be celebrated include donating or volunteering at local shelters; adding animal-friendly elements to your yard such as birdbaths; adopting an endangered animal or even just buying your favourite animal a special treat.
7 – 11 October: National Marine Week
National Marine Week is celebrated every year during the second week of October. Its purpose is to create awareness on the marine and coastal environment, the promotion of sustainable use and conservation of these resources, for the benefit of all both present and future generations.
10 October: African Penguin Day
From a population of over a million in the 1920s to only 18 000 breeding pairs left – and 90 birds lost per week over the past thirty years – the African penguin could be extinct in the wild by 2030.
16 October: World Food Day
World Food Day Make World Food Day is an international day celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honour of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. #WorldFoodDay your day – share your activities online or join the call by developing a virtual event or activity.
21 November: World Fisheries Day
The World Fisheries Day helps in highlighting the critical importance to human lives, of water and the lives it sustains, both in and out of water. Water forms a continuum, whether contained in rivers, lakes, and ocean.
11 December: International Mountain Day
International Mountain Day 2020 is a day to celebrate the rich biodiversity in the mountains as well as to address the threats it faces. Mountains loom large in some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
Feature image and a selection of photos by photographer: Wicus Maritz
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.