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L’Agulhas – South African National Parks (SANParks) is proud to unveil a new art sculpture at the Southernmost Tip of Africa in Agulhas National Park (ANP), ‘The Lesser Spotted Cape Creature’. The Euro-15 000 project, funded by Agence Française de Developpement (AFD) through the Metis Fund and supported by SANParks, was conceptualised to create a unique opportunity for the area’s youth to connect on, share and express their concerns about the climate crisis through art.

Guided by artist Hannelie Coetzee, a three-day immersive workshop was conducted to inspire young people to become environmental leaders and to promote sustainable development in the region, through the Overberg Eco-Rangers programme, a SANParks youth outreach initiative. The sculpture was then created by Coetzee and symbolized the intersection between art and science.

Audrey Rojkoff, AFD Regional Director for Southern Africa and Country Director for South Africa, said: “The sculpture is symbolic as it is located in the southernmost tip of Africa. As climate change intensifies, women and men, species are progressively migrating to the poles in search of cooler climates. The location of the sculpture is symbolic, as the Agulhas National Park will eventually become the place where all species meet and are unable to go further. We hope that the sculpture will continue to serve as a reminder for us all, including tourists, to take action to tackle climate change”.

According to SANParks Climate Change Scientist, Professor Wendy Foden, “We are thrilled to unveil this stunning sculpture at the southernmost tip of Africa. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration between different organizations and individuals who share a common vision for a better world. Being at the southernmost tip of Africa, ANP is a site of enormous global significance for climate change. We hope this sculpture will inspire people of all ages to appreciate nature’s beauty and work together to protect it for future generations.”

Coetzee said, “We are grateful to South African National Parks and Agence Francaise de Developpement for their generous support of this project, and we are excited to see the positive impact this sculpture will have on the local community and beyond.”

The unveiling ceremony was attended by several guests, including the family and friends of the Overberg Eco Rangers, as well as representatives from the Cape L’Agulhas Municipality, AFD, SANParks, Cape Nature, Overberg People and Parks programme, and the Botanical Society of Southern Overberg. The sculpture is now open to the public and can be viewed at the Southernmost Tip of Africa parking area, adjacent to the iconic L’Agulhas Lighthouse.

For more information about the Overberg Eco Rangers youth development program and other initiatives, please visit https://www.facebook.com/overbergecorangers.npc?mibextid=ZbWKwL

The project is designed to strategically engage participants in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – the blueprint for peace and prosperity.