Media Release: Reflection Summit to Focus on Climate Resilience, Sustainability and Regional Collaboration

8 June 2026

The Garden Route has experienced some of South Africa’s most damaging climate-related disasters in recent years, from the devastating June 2017 Knysna fires to recurring floods, severe storm damage, and increasing threats to infrastructure and communities.

Most recently, the region endured severe wind, flooding and coastal damage during May and June, once again highlighting the vulnerability of communities, businesses, agriculture, infrastructure and ecosystems to extreme weather events. “As climate risks continue to intensify, the need for coordinated action and improved preparedness has never been greater,” says GREF convener Cobus Meiring.

Against this backdrop, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), together with its partners and in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), will host the 2026 Extreme Weather Reflection Summit at the NMU George Campus on Thursday 2 July.

The Summit will provide a platform for experts, decision-makers, disaster management agencies and stakeholders to reflect on lessons learned from recent events and identify practical solutions that can strengthen resilience and support sustainable development in a changing climate.

The event will be preceded by training activities for disaster management teams, focusing on chainsaw operation and the clearing of biomass in areas affected by extreme weather events.

Through expert presentations, panel discussions and stakeholder engagement, participants will explore climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water security, biodiversity conservation, environmental restoration and sustainable economic development. The Summit has received strong support from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and George Municipality, both committed to strengthening regional resilience and fostering partnerships that address the realities of a changing climate.

Representatives from government, academia, business, agriculture, environmental organisations and civil society will participate in discussions aimed at developing practical recommendations to inform future planning, investment and disaster preparedness initiatives.

GREF believes that collaboration between institutions, communities and the private sector is essential to building a more resilient and sustainable future. Through the Annual Climate Change Indaba, GREF has developed a long-standing partnership with Nelson Mandela University, further strengthening the Summit’s ability to connect research, innovation and practical implementation.

Further details regarding speakers, programme content and registration will be announced shortly.

RSVP essential: louisamare@gmail.com

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think tank dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, resilience and collaboration throughout the region.(www.grefecsf.co.za)

Issued by:
Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University.

Feature Image: One of the drop-off and chipping sites for storm-damaged tree branches and green waste in George