Eastern Cape (SA): Academic theses and student research assignments are not the sort of things you would usually expect to connect you more with nature. But for three Wageningen University students recently returned from their thesis fieldwork (as part of EarthCollective’s PRESENCE initiative in South Africa) in the World Heritage Listed Baviaanskloof, the unexpected became the norm.
Japan: In April 2008, two Australian writers are leaping into a very big and exceedingly ancient pond, walking the entire length of Japan, upright and erect (at least at the start), a journey of up to six months and 3,500km. Ian is hiking solo from ‘mainland’ Japan’s most easterly point (Cape Nosappu: 43, 22′ N; 145, 49′ E) to its most westerly (Kousakibana: 33, 13 N; 129, 33′ E) ; Chris is starting at the opposite end of the country, walking from the most southerly point (Cape Sata: 30, 59′ N; 130, 39′ E) to the most northerly (Cape Soya: 45, 31′N; 141, 56′ E). Though physically and psychologically demanding, their adventures will provide two intimate, ever-changing views of Japan. At the same time, they plan to raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation which aims to eradicate preventable blindness in the developing world and amongst indigenous Australians. And, with your help at the same time, opening up many more eyes4earth.
What is nature doing for you now?