The Enviro Facts have been developed in response to a growing need amongst South Africans for information about their environment. The Enviro Facts are 60 information, or fact, sheets covering a range of environmental issues (see list on back page). The fact sheets provide an overview, or orienting framework, for each topic or issue. They aim to be concise, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand, with a South African perspective. In addition, ideas for individual or group action towards solving a particular problem are suggested.

HOW ENVIRO FACTS ARE WRITTEN

The fact sheets have been developed in close collaboration with environmental specialists throughout South Africa. Input from educators, journalists and education resource developers, amongst others, was made possible by an initial survey to identify topics, followed by a series of workshops run across the country.

ENVIRO FACTS TO MOTIVATE AND SUPPORT

The Enviro Facts attempt to describe environmental issues in a simple way. Careful attention is given to ensuring that the information is accurate, and easy-to-understand, so as to motivate, and support, action around environmental issues.

"Further Reading." The fact sheets are short, and you will probably want to get more information on a particular topic. A list of "Further Reading" will guide you to other resources available in South Africa.

"Useful Contacts" provides addresses and telephone numbers of organisations active in each field. Some may be able to send you information brochures, or make specialist scientists available for a brief discussion, others may refer you to a local branch for assistance. Whereas many organisations are geared for supporting the public on environmental issues, some are not, so persevere until you find what, or who, you need.

"Topics for debate." Many environmental issues are contentious, and people frequently disagree with one another. Differing viewpoints, or contentious issues are often included in a fact sheet as "Topics for Debate". Sometimes the best way to come to grips with an environmental issue is through discussion and debate, and the Enviro Facts aim to support this. You might find that some fact sheets raise doubts and uncertainties, rather than providing clear cut answers - this is because clear cut answers are few and far between!

USING ENVIRO FACTS

A good way to start using Enviro Facts is to become familiar with the fact sheets "Conservation" and "Sustainable development". These provide a framework within which the issues raised in other fact sheets can be better understood. Likewise, the fact sheets "Environmental projects" and "Environmental auditing" provide useful reference points to guide action in your local environment.

People are using Enviro Facts in a variety of ways:

• They are useful for supporting pupils and students in project work - the list of Enviro Facts topics alone, provides a wealth of ideas for projects. The fact sheet "Environmental projects" suggests guidelines for teachers on setting environmental topics.

• Enviro Facts can form the basis for articles in newsletters, magazines and newspapers, or for a speech you need to present.

• Parents, teachers and youth group leaders read fact sheets to younger children, explaining tricky concepts or words as they go along.

• They can be used as part of a comprehension exercise.

• Enviro Facts are used together with other environmental education resource materials, e.g. Enviro Picture Building, (available from the Shell Education Service) Project Water, and the Hands-On booklets (available from Share-Net, address below).

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LET'S HEAR FROM YOU

During the development of the Enviro Facts, we have tried to respond to the needs of South Africans - so let's hear from you. Write and tell us how you are using the material, what aspects of the project you have found most useful, or problematic. Ideas for the "What you can do", "Further reading" and "Useful contacts" are particulary valuable. Suggestions for improvements are always welcome.

WHERE FROM

Enviro Facts are available free from Pick 'n Pay stores, or are also available from Share-Net (PO Box 394, Howick, 3290. Tel. 0332-303931) either as pamphlets or on disc, on a cost recovery basis. Share-Net also supply a range of environmental education resource materials, so it is worth asking for their catalogue which details the latest prices.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Enviro Facts Project is funded by the Southern African Nature Foundation and Pick 'n Pay. Six conservation organisations endorse the project, and have supported it in various ways: Botanical Society, Wildlife Society of Southern Africa, Natal Parks Board, National Parks Board, Endangered Wildlife Trust, and the Oceanographic Research Institute. The artwork is by Peter Stuart, and invaluable editorial support is provided by Dr. Rowe-Rowe, both of Natal Parks Board. Translation and typesetting is by Celia Mendelsohn. The project steering committee comprises Jim Taylor (Wildlife Society), Rob O'Donoghue (Natal Parks Board), Alex Craib (SA Nature Foundation) and Ann Seba (Pick 'n Pay). Over one hundred people have given, at no charge, specialist advice on the 60 topics covered. Development and production of Enviro Facts is carried out by Linda Paxton.