Durban - The Kloof Conservancy has always prided itself on being innovative and making nature accessible to all. Its latest project is the first for an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserve, and possibly a first for any nature reserve in South Africa.
Imagine the scene. You and the family are taking a stroll in the picturesque and popular Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. In the sky you spot a crowned eagle. The kids want to know more… but, somehow, you have forgotten to bring your birding book.
Don’t panic, help is at hand.
Just haul out your cellphone… No, the idea is not to call a friend for help.
The conservancy now provides reserve-specific information through the use of Quick Response (QR) Code technology. Labels placed on rocks, trees etc, at various points in the reserve, are the key.
Use the camera on your cellphone to read a label and be automatically taken to the relevant website. In this way visitors will be able to learn more about birds, trees and mammals found in the reserve.
Six trial QR Code labels have been installed on the Mpithi, Molweni and Beacon Trails, and one at the Nkutu Picnic Site.
The chairman of the Kloof Conservancy, Paolo Candotti, said “Our back-to-nature events, guided walks for pupils in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, and the Molweni River health schools project, are all examples of ways we have tried to get across the environmental message to a broader audience and work to our motto of ‘Protecting Nature’.”
While QR Code labels were introduced in the Durban Botanic Gardens earlier this year as a project to label trees, the Kloof Conservancy has taken this concept to a new level.
By offering access to the dedicated Kloof Conservancy BioGuide website, the information is specific to each area, thus making a visit more informative.
The software automatically adjusts the photographs and text to suit any mobile device. This means that you don’t have to adjust your screen text size as the wording immediately appears in a legible size and font. All you need to do is scroll up and down to read all the information.
In an endeavour to reach a new audience and broaden the appeal of the reserve, visitors can switch from English to Zulu at the tap of a finger.
The project team will monitor usage and visitor response and a further 20 labels are planned for 2015.
For more information contact www.kloofconservancy.org.za
Sunday Tribune