The 24th October 2009 will see 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, will open 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 will take place on the International Day of Climate Action. Following this, 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 will be available in the centre for visitors to calculate their carbon emissions and arrange to offset them accordingly. It will contain multiple illustrations, examples of solutions, and books on climate change and environmental care. Provision will be made to receive groups of school learners where the issues of climate change and environmental care can be highlighted and discussed.

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. Established in 1990, FTFA is recognised as South Africa’s leading greening enterprise. They seek to develop, manage and promote greening, climate change action, sustainable natural resource management and food security programmes. FTFA's main goals are to contribute to poverty alleviation, improve environments, share knowledge and develop skills.

Backsberg has proved itself not only as an award-winning winery, but as an environmental leader in the wine industry. They incorporate care for the environment into every aspect of life and production on the farm and have received a number of accolades for their efforts. In 2006 Backsberg became the first carbon neutral winery in South Africa, and one of only three in the world. They aggressively curb their fuel and electricity usage, offset carbon emissions annually and maintain a number of conservation programmes – having set aside 10% of their land holding for the preservation of the Fynbos biome.

The Earth Centre project is thus an exciting one, backed by two individuals with immense environmental vision. For more information on the centre, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call (021) 875 5141.

To view Simon's blog on the construction of the centre, click here