Towards the end of 2011, it is expected that the population of the globe will reach 7-billion. To raise awareness of global population issues, World Population Day is observed annually on July 11. This event was established in 1989 by the United Nations Development Programme in response to Five Billion Day, which took place on July 11, 1987 when the world’s population reached five billion people.

At the Maropeng Visitor Centre, the award-winning permanent exhibition not only tells visitors about humankind’s fascinating journey of evolution, but also serves as a reminder of the negative impact that humankind’s growing population has on Earth’s natural resources. In this month's newsletter, we focus on global population issues and highlight the need for conserving our planet.

Humankind is one of the biggest contributors to increasing carbon emissions which are threatening our natural resources. A focus area of the Maropeng exhibition, human mobility and urbanisation, explains that humankind’s need for shelter and material comfort is not good for the planet. We spend a staggering 30% of world energy consumption a year on lighting, heating and cooling. City centres, with their hives of economic activity, are often the hubs of high energy consumption.

According to National Geographic a mega city is made up of a minimum of 10-million people. The top five megacities in the world according to a news article published by The Huffington Post are:

• Tokyo, Japan 36.7-million
• Delhi, India 22.2-million
• Sao Paulo, Brazil 20.3-million
• Mumbai, India 20-million
• Mexico City, Mexico 19.5-million

There are no African cities on the top five list just yet, but the population of the continent is dramatically increasing. Figures from the United Nations Statistics Division, published on GeoHive, show that between 1975 and 2010, population growth has been the highest (4.64%) in Africa compared to Asia (1.72%) and South America (0.52%).

As the most mobile species on Earth, humans are able to travel from one side of the world to the other faster than the speed of sound, thanks to technological inventions. Visit Maropeng this winter to learn more about our fascinating journey from ancient hominid to modern day humans, and remember that the future of our precious Earth lies in our hands.

Winter Special until August 31

This winter, book a family getaway to the luxurious Maropeng boutique hotel and visit the popular exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor Centre as well. This special is perfect for the whole family, as you will get to relax and have some serious fun at the same time.

Book online for the Winter Special, which runs from now until August 31.

Cooper’s Cave picnic and walking tour, July 2

Join renowned palaeoanthropologist Christine Steininger for an exciting adventure in the Cradle of Humankind.  For R350 per person, you will get to spend the morning learning about evolution, exploring a cave, making stone tools and investigating a live excavation. Finish off this exciting morning with a delicious outdoor buffet picnic lunch.

Book online for July 2. Next dates August 6 and September 3.

Stargazing: Journey to the Moon, July 9

This month’s stargazing event is held on the date closest to July 20, to remember the day of the first human landing on the moon in 1969. Join Maropeng’s resident astronomer, Vincent Nettmann, as he demonstrates with a scale model of the
Apollo 11 rocket, how NASA made the first successful journey to the moon. After the illustrated talk, enjoy a delicious buffet dinner on the deck of the Tumulus Restaurant. Subject to weather conditions, you will be able to observe sky objects and the moon through a range of large-aperture telescopes.

Book online for July 9.

Maropeng Hotel accommodation special

Why not combine one of our fantastic weekend events with a sleepover at the four-star Maropeng boutique hotel? Wake up to a fantastic breakfast on the terrace as you look out onto the best views in Gauteng.

Book online for the accommodation specials on Cooper’s Cave July 2 and Stargazing July 9.

Sunday carvery lunch

Sundays at Maropeng are extra special as we host the popular weekly carvery lunch at the Tumulus Restaurant. Bring the family and feast on an endless selection of roasts, vegetables and decadent desserts. Combine your lunch with a tour of the Maropeng Visitor Centre in the morning and then spend the afternoon exploring the mysterious Sterkfontein Caves. A trip to this World Heritage Site will certainly be one to remember.

Book online for the following dates: July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.

We love giving away prizes to experience the Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng style. With our weekly competitions, you could win tickets to stargazing, Cooper’s Cave, tickets to visit Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves, as well as a weekend away at the Maropeng boutique hotel.

All you need to do is “like” the Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind Facebook page and answer a simple question.

Congratulations to our most recent winners include Padmini Bhikha, Setlhabi Isaac Lentswetshipi and Letlotlo Mmamokete Moseki.

The Maropeng website is not only a platform for telling our visitors what they need to know about us; it’s also a space where we publish exciting, educational, scientific and environmental news. Here is a list of some of the articles we have published so far this month:

• Compliments for Maropeng staff
• Maropeng tackles healthy living and global sustainability
• Maropeng celebrates World Environment Day
• Homo sapiens: We come in all shapes and sizes
• A cosy winter weekend break with Maropeng
• Winter winner: Stargazing supper and a superlative sleepover