The Botanical Education Trust has announced its awards for 2012. Six successful applicants received a total amount of R123 550. They are all compelled to report back to the Trust regarding their progress within a specified period.
Mr Robert Taylor, an MSc student at Wits University, was awarded R20 000 towards investigating the population density and structure of the African Baobab (Adansonia digitata) in Kruger National Park. His work will help further elucidate the effects of climate change on seedling recruitment and adult survival.
Another MSc student, Ms Anina Heystek of Stellenbosch University, received R20 200 to study flowering patterns of certain members of the Proteaceae family in relation to the Cape Sugarbirds which pollinate them. Her work is expected to lead to land-use planning and management guidelines, which will contribute to the survival of these birds and plants in the face of habitat loss and climate change.
An amount of R20 000 was awarded to Dr Christopher Cupido of SANBI at Kirstenbosch who is carrying out a taxonomic revision of the genus Roella. Several species of this genus, which is endemic to South Africa, are of conservation concern and this work will ultimately influence conservation management and land use decisions.
Botanical artist, Ms Gillian Condy, received R1 350 to conserve a collection of Ethel May Dixie (1876-1973) water-colours. These valuable botanical artworks, which were bequeathed to SANBI in Pretoria, must be carefully preserved as they constitute part of our Country’s biodiversity heritage. They will be available for reprinting in suitable publications or used to promote conservation of our flora through exhibitions.
Awards were made to two PhD students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Melissa Glen (R32 000) and Mrs Rene Glen (R30 000), towards their taxonomic revisions. The first project will produce a classification for southern African Asclepiadinae. This work should lead to a better understanding of the conservation status of these species, many of which are known to be threatened, as well as to the description of several species new to science. The main outcome of the second project, which deals with aquatic plants of the order Alismatales, will be an “evolutionary tree” which may provide exciting and internationally significant insights into the evolution of angiosperms. It is important to note that as both these applicants are related to one of the Trustees, Dr Hugh Glen, he recused himself from the Trust meeting prior to consideration of their applications and all the 2012 awards were made entirely on merit in his absence.
A larger amount was available for disbursement than usual because a previous recipient terminated her project and returned the funds. Despite this, because awards are made only from the interest earned on donations to the Trust, only about half the total amount requested was available for disbursement and some worthy applications had to be declined. It is thus clear how important it is that the Trust obtains more income to fund additional projects.
This financial year our major donor, the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust, will match our fundraising up to an amount of R300 000. This means that any funds collected will be doubled, which is a great opportunity to increase the Trust’s capital. To date our collections stand at only R199 387, so we still need about R100 000 to utilise this to its full extent. All donations over R500 are tax deductible, provided an 18A certificate is requested. The Trustees would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have already made donations this year as per the attached list.