The 24th October 2009 saw the unveiling of a new space for environmental change in the Western Cape. The Earth Centre, a collaboration between Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) and Backsberg Estate Cellars, opened as an information hub, workshop venue and learning centre. It will provide a space for sustainable development and climate change action, inspiration, education and solutions.
This cob, solar-powered building on Backsberg Estate, 30 km from Cape Town, will also form the base from which FTFA will operate in the Western Cape. Both FTFA and Backsberg have a strong environmental commitment and the Earth Centre is the product of their shared vision for visible change. Through the centre, Backsberg and FTFA hope to promote practical solutions for a world in transition. Backsberg proprietor, Michael Back says the centre will open as a “work in progress”, and that there are many exciting developments to come. Appropriately, the opening of The Earth Centre took place on the International Day of Climate Action.
The centre will operate as a resource for green living, seeking to engage with the greater community. Visitors will discover that care for the environment is easy, possible and financially viable, both on an individual and commercial level. A carbon calculator allows visitors to calculate their carbon emissions and arrange to offset them accordingly. It contains illustrations, examples of solutions, and books on climate change and environmental care.
The centre has already received interest from companies such as Woolworths and schools in the area to facilitate workshops and meetings on sustainable development and climate change.
The Cape Town International Convention Centre is keen to support the development of a model Permaculture food garden that will also be used for training. The Earth Centre project is the brainchild of FTFA's Jeunesse Park and Backsberg's Michael Back. They became friends years ago – mostly because of a common and insatiable passion for curbing climate change and promoting a responsible way of life. An exciting projecty backed by two individuals with immense environmental vision.
For more information on the centre, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call (021) 875 5141. To view Simon Back's video blog on the construction of the Earth Centre, please click here.