ABOUT SACWG  History Mission and vision Awards Special Dates Links to other environmental/crane sites HISTORY Worldwide, cranes have traditionally been revered as symbols of peace, happiness and longevity - but over the past two centuries they have suffered great losses in both number and range. This decline is echoed in all three of South Africa's crane species - the Grey Crowned Crane (vulnerable), the Blue Crane (vulnerable) and the Wattled Crane (critically endangered). (South Africa Red Data Book categories) Dramatic decline in the numbers of cranes Threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, shooting, power line and fence collisions, and the taking of chicks from the wild, resulted in a dramatic decline in the numbers of cranes. The Blue Crane, our national bird, has declined by almost 80% over the eastern parts of its range during the past two decades. In response to this crisis, a number of crane groups emerged in the late eighties and early nineties, in order to address these problems in 'key' crane areas in South Africa. At the same time the government nature conservation departments started addressing these problems and directed some effort toward crane conservation. Threats such as poisoning, shooting, overhead power line and fence collisions, and the taking of chicks from the wild, resulted in a dramatic decline in the numbers of cranes. Co-ordination of crane conservation As the focus on our cranes intensified and projects were initiated, a need arose for co-ordination on a national level. Co-ordination would prevent the duplication of work or research, and a central database would be set up to enable the various groups to tap into the vast amount of expertise available. So in 1995 after conferring with all the 'groups' and role players, the SOUTH AFRICAN CRANE WORKING GROUP (SACWG) was established as a working group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The Trust provides the group with access to a working office and infrastructure, a wealth of advice and expertise, and with EWT's influence and credibility in the conservation world, a means to raise funds. What is SACWG? SACWG is a national body whose aim is to co-ordinate and initiate crane conservation efforts in South Africa. A National Crane Habitat and Action Plan has been established and acts as a guideline for crane conservation. The group is made up of a network of regional and national crane conservation projects and working groups and is active in all 10 key crane regions in South Africa. (See attached map). A number of scientists or experts in fields, closely aligned with crane conservation have also been co-opted into the group. Building networks Beyond the borders of South Africa, SACWG is collaborating with the International Crane Foundation and the EWT's Southern Africa Wattled Crane Programme to build a network of colleagues across central southern Africa whose efforts will drive crane conservation into the future. SACWG skills and expertise will be used to develop the capacity of local biologists and social-scientists to monitor the status and distribution of Wattled Cranes and manage pro-active conservation programs. back to the top MISSION AND VISION Vision The harmonious coexistence of cranes and people on the same land. Mission The South African Crane Working Group aims to ensure the long-term survival of South Africa's three crane species and their habitats through active participation of all communities, and to co-operate with other institutions and like-minded people, for the benefit of cranes and all people. back to the top AWARDS Local and international accolades for crane conservationists 2002 Rolex Award by the Swiss Rolex Corporation Lindy Rodwell was honoured as a Rolex Lauraeate on behalf of SACWG for being a driving force behind the development of an ambitious network of conservationists in Southern Africa to ensure the survival of the Wattled Cranes. Whitley Laing Foundation Conservation Awards in 1998 and 2000 Lindy Rodwell (Networking Coordinator for the Southern Africa Wattled Crane Programme) was awarded the prestigious 1998 Whitley Conservation Award for outstanding conservation work and the Whitley Laing Continuation Award in 2000 for ongoing conservation effort. EWT Top Ten Conservationist Award in 1999 and 1998 Kevin McCann (National Research Co-ordinator of SACWG and project co-ordinator for the Eskom / EWT National Crane Conservation project) and Kerryn Morrison (HCG and SACWG fieldworker between 1995 - 1999) received the EWT Top Ten Conservationist Award in 1999 and 1998 respectively for their work on crane conservation in South Africa. Mazda Wildlife Fund's Top Ten Conservationists of the last decade Kevin McCann was once again honoured in 2000 for his contribution to conservation by being selected as one of the Mazda Wildlife Fund's Top Ten Conservationists of the last decade. back to the top SPECIAL DATES The items listed below for celebration days go hand in hand with cranes and the conservation work done by the SACWG team. This is the international year for fresh water! DAYS OF CELEBRATION CALENDAR 2 February World Wetlands Day 16 to 22 March National Water Week Monday, 7 April 2003 World Health Day Tuesday, 22 April 2003 Earth Day Thursday, 22 May 2003 International Day for Biological Diversity 1 to 7 June World Enviro Week (including Enviro Day = 5/06) Thursday, 5 June 2003 UNEP World Environment Day Wednesday, 24 September 2003 Heritage Day 27 September Tourism Day (24/09 = Heritage Day) 4 October World Habitat Day back to the top