Author: Marlene Nqumse
7 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
7 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
Please find included the Updated Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape
Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid From (SAST) | Valid To (SAST) |
| Disruptive Rain | Yellow(L2) | Bitou, Breede Valley, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam | 07/05/2021 – 10h00 | 08/05/2021 – 18h00 |
Discussion: Showers and thundershowers expected today in the southwestern parts of the Western Cape and are expected clear from the west by this evening, and spreading along with the eastern parts of the Garden Route in the afternoon persisting into late Saturday evening. Rainfall accumulation of 40mm to 50mm can be expected for this evening into Saturday evening over the Garden Route.
Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Flooding of low-lying bridges may also occur as well as potholes may develop. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.
Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
5 May 2021 Media Release: Safeguarding Wetlands and Preserving Nature’s Ability to Filter and Supply Clean Water
Media Release: Safeguarding Wetlands and Preserving Nature’s Ability to Filter and Supply Clean Water
For Immediate Release
5 May 2021
Wetlands are of immense value as it contributes to ecosystems, for instance, flood control, water filtration and security, which are increasingly important in the context of climate change. Therefore, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) seeks to enhance the conservation and management of the district’s natural wetland resources by integrating biodiversity considerations into local government planning and decision-making. Subsequently, the GRDM developed a Wetlands Strategy and Implementation Plan. These strategic documents are essential tools that enable dynamic wetland protection and management going into the future.
Wetlands are gradually vanishing around the globe, and with that, also the important ecosystem services that they provide.
OUR OBJECTIVES AND MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES RELATING TO WETLANDS
The Garden Route District Municipality recognises the complex socio-ecological interactions relating to wetland protection and has therefore adopted the following objectives and management principles:
FIVE (5) OBJECTIVES:
1 – Ensuring wetland protection
2 – Ensuring long-term sustainable wetland use
3 – Research and monitoring
4 – Climate change mitigation and adaptation
5 – Ensuring up to date spatial information and mapping
SIX (6) MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES:
1 – Maintenance of connectivity
2 – Maintenance of landscape heterogeneity
3 – Maintenance of biodiversity & complexity
4 – Maintenance of intact aquatic ecosystems
5 – Disturbance identification to guide management
6 – Maintenance of important wetland functioning
Careful management and the investment in the maintenance of healthy wetlands and the rehabilitation and restoration of damaged or degraded wetlands are critical. It will ensure the continued provision of vital ecosystem services, especially within areas where rapid environmental and water ecosystem degeneration occurs. Contributing factors to the degeneration of ecosystems include, amongst others, population density increases, unprecedented property and industry development.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICE CATEGORIES
All wetland types can be classified as high value’ ecological infrastructure’ due to the large number of ecosystem services that they provide. Wetland ecosystem services can be classified into four separate categories: ‘ provisioning services’, ‘regulating services’, ‘cultural services’, and ‘supporting services’.
Provisioning services can be described as the products one can physically obtain from wetlands and regulatory services can be described as the benefits one receives from the wetland. Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits that one can obtain from wetlands. Lastly, supporting services are the services provided that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services.
MORE BENEFITS OF KEEPING WETLANDS HEALTHY
Wetlands have been identified as storehouses of carbon. Wetlands are estimated to store more than 25% of the world’s total land area. Wetlands also contribute significantly to the water purification and filtration function of trapping a wide range of substances. Such substances include suspended sediment, excess nutrients, phosphorus, nitrogen, pesticide residue, industrial effluent, pathogenic bacteria and viruses. High concentrations of these substances are prevented from reaching groundwater supplies or surface water downstream, which results in communities being able to enjoy clean drinkable water.
IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING WETLANDS
Wetland protection goes beyond wetland conservation to ensuring that local communities within the district can continue with subsistence initiatives. This is linked to the sustainable use of wetland plants and fish to support their diets and health. Many of the plants growing within and around wetlands have natural medicinal properties and local communities harvest these plants to maintain/improve their health.
Small-scale entrepreneurs and traders in the Garden Route harvest reeds from the wetlands to make baskets and furniture, grasses for thatching and Arum lilies to sell. Fishing local fish to sell on and bait collecting (small juvenile fish, prawns, and blood worms) is common to support the local informal fishing industry.
COST IMPLICATIONS OF UPKEEPING ECOSYSTEMS
Numerous ecosystem services provided by wetlands come at no cost to a municipality, and as such, everyone has a responsibility to protect and maintain local wetlands. However, the improper management of wetlands can cause a loss of wetland area and subsequent loss of ecosystem services. This results in the municipalities having to do damage control by investing in expensive infrastructure (e.g. water filtration plants or flood barriers) to ensure the same level of service delivery is upheld. The implementation of the GRDM Wetlands Strategy and Implementation Plan is therefore critical, especially when it comes to sustainable future water security within the district.
Continued community and stakeholder collaboration and partnerships are essential in order to achieve wetland protection objectives. Due to climate change and other increasing risks, “business as usual” will not be sustainable. The municipality and stakeholders need to adapt to a new normal. One central issue that needs to be adapted is community upliftment opportunities and products/services for sustainable wetland use. Others include wetlands prioritisation and following international best practices, new technologies, and methodologies, to name a few.
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7 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
7 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape
Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid From (SAST) | Valid To (SAST) |
| Disruptive Rain | Yellow(L2) | Bitou, Breede Valley, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam, Theewaterskloof | 07/05/2021 – 00h00 | 08/05/2021 – 00h00 |
Discussion: Showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape. Significant rainfall amounts have been accumulated in the past few days, and more rainfall can be expected over the Overberg, southern Cape Winelands as well as the Garden Route Districts throughout Friday into Saturday morning. Rainfall accumulations between 20-30mm in addition to the accumulated rainfall amounts can be expected. With the thunderstorms, strong winds (downburst) over short periods may also occur as well as a small chance of hail.
Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Low-lying bridges and pooling of potholes may also occur. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Friday and Saturday morning. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.
Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
7 May 2021 Media Release: Private healthcare workers to register for COVID-19 vaccine
Media Release: Private healthcare workers to register for COVID-19 vaccine
For Immediate Release
6 May 2021
Phase 1 of the Sisonke Vaccination programme will conclude on 15 May 2021. All healthcare workers both private and public have the opportunity to get their vaccination. Remember to register on the EVDS system. https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/
Not sure if you qualify? Please see the following categories below.
Beneficiaries: Nurses (all categories), Medical doctors (all categories and specialisations), Dentists, dental therapists and oral hygienists, Clinical associates, Community health workers / liaison and development officers employed by provincial Departments of Health, Environmental Health practitioners (working for municipalities and provincial Departments of Health), Pharmacists and Pharmacist Assistants (fully registered/post-basic /basic), Radiographers, Emergency Medical Practitioners, Allied health staff (physiotherapists/occupational therapists /psychologists /optometrists /speech therapists /audiologists /biokinetics /nutritionists /dieticians), Registered occupational health staff, Clinical and medical technologists at clinical laboratory services, Clinical and medical technologists at forensic medical laboratory services, Blood Transfusion Services laboratory technicians, Staff working in forensic mortuaries, Orthotists /prosthetists/podiatrists, Alternative medicine practitioners (homeopaths/osteopaths/chiropractors), Medical/dental /nursing /pharmacy students that are on the clinical training platform, Staff working at national and provincial health departments and district health offices, Officials employed by National Port Health Authorities, Health staff at Department of Correctional Services, South African Military Health Services (SAMHS), Cleaners/housekeeping staff at health establishments and care facilities, Security services at health establishments and care facilities, Administrative staff at health establishments and care facilities, Staff working in student health services at TVETs and HEIs, Funeral workers (formal funeral homes and volunteers from registered burial societies), Registered traditional healers.
Please take note of the sites, dates and contact person for vaccinations.
The contacts below are available on weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00.
Vaccination site and dates: OUDTSHOORN HOSPITAL: 5 May
Contact person: Oudtshoorn
Sanet van Meersbergen; (044) 803 2464
Contact person: Kannaland
Maryna September: (028) 551 1010/1667/1342
Vaccination site and dates: ALMA CDC(MOSSEL BAY) 6, 7, 11,12 May
Contact person: Hessequa
Ilze Charles: (028) 713 8640
Contact person: Mossel Bay
Lida Swart: (044) 601 1915
Vaccination site and dates: PLETT TOWN CLINIC 10, 11 May
Contact person: Knysna
Carmen Grobler: (044) 302 5201
Contact person: Bitou
Girlie Lubbe: (044) 501 5100
Vaccination site and dates: GEORGE HOSPITAL 10 May
Contact person: George
Bernicois Konig: (044) 803 2079
Private healthcare workers: If you have not yet, please request your appointment through your manager or one central person from a facility in order not to have multiple people engaging from the same facility. See above contact details for persons to contact.
On the day of vaccination, you need to bring along your ID, Proof that you are a healthcare worker and Sisonke Vaccination Voucher
END
Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
6 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 6 May 2021
Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape.
Please note: The Impact Based Warning w.r.t Disruptive Rain has not been revised by SAWS meaning that the previous warning send yesterday is still valid.
Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Damaging Winds | Yellow(L4) | Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand | 06/05/21 – 01h00 | 06/05/21 – 23h00 |
Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Table Bay and Stilbaai.
Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.
Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid From (SAST) | Valid To (SAST) |
| Damaging Waves | Yellow(L1) | Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Table Bay | 06/05/21 – 01h00 | 06/05/21 – 23h00 |
Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay throughout Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Table Bay and Stillbaai on Thursday.
Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.
Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.
5 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 5 May 2021
Please find included several Impact Based Warnings for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape
Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Disruptive Rain | Yellow(L4) | Breede Valley, City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, Hessequa, Langeberg, Stellenbosch | 05/05/21 – 20h00 | 06/05/21 – 23h00 |
Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday morning spreading eastwards to the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall can be expected over the City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands (mainly central and southern) as well as Hessequa municipality from Wednesday evening and intermittently throughout Thursday, where rainfall accumulations between 40-60mm reaching up to 80-100mm in the mountainous areas can be expected. With the thunderstorms, there is a small chance of hail. Lightning will occur as well as strong winds over short periods as a result of thunderstorm downburst.
Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Thursday. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.
Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Damaging Winds | Yellow(L4) | Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand | 05/05/21 – 18h00 | 06/05/21 – 23h00 |
Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Hout Bay and Stilbaai. The wind will be at its full force from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, this is the same period when the upper air weather system will be intensifying.
Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.
Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Damaging Winds | Yellow(L4) | Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand | 05/05/21 – 18h00 | 06/05/21 – 23h00 |
Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Hout Bay and Stilbaai from Wednesday late morning continuing into Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Hout Bay and Stillbaai from Wednesday afternoon and throughout Thursday.
Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.
Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.
5 May 2021 Media Release: Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape
Media Release: Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape
For Immediate Release
5 May 2021
Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape – 5 to 6 May 2021
A cut-off low is expected to affect the Western Cape from tomorrow (Wednesday 5 May) into Thursday, resulting in widespread showers and thundershowers, strong winds, and very rough sea conditions especially from Wednesday evening, extending into Thursday.
Read more: SAWS Media Release – Medrel 4 May 2021
4 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
4 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
Please find included several Impact Based Warnings for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape
Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Damaging Waves | Yellow (L1) | Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay | 05/05/21 – 08h00 | 06/05/21 – 00h00 |
Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing considerable rain and showers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape from tomorrow morning spreading eastwards over the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Rain continues for the south coastal areas on Thursday and Friday. With this system wave, heights are expected to reach 4.0-5.5m between Cape Columbine and Stilbaai from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds 60-80km/h) is expected along the west and south-west coastal areas from Wednesday early morning spreading to Still Bay by evening and continuing into Thursday. Please note that there is high uncertainty with this system and models have not been consistent. We will continue to monitor the conditions and update warnings.
Impact: Small vessels can possibly be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. There is also a possibility of difficulty in navigation such as small vessels in a short period and steep waves. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities such as the closure of beaches for swimming can also be expected.
Instruction: Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Be aware of strong rip currents especially during spring tides.
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Disruptive Rain | Yellow (L4) | Bitou, Breede Valley, City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Stellenbosch, Witzenberg | 05/05/21 – 20h00 | 06/05/21 – 00h00 |
Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing rain and showers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday morning spreading eastwards to the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall can be expected in the Overberg, Garden Route and the City of Cape Town from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, where rainfall accumulations of between 40-60mm reaching up to 80-100mm in the mountainous areas can be expected. A further 05-10mm can be expected on Friday for the same areas. We will continue to monitor the conditions and update warnings.
Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements are possible that could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Wednesday. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.
Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Damaging Winds | Yellow (L4) | Cape Agulhas, City of Cape Town, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay, Overstrand | 05/05/21 – 18h00 | 06/05/21 – 00h00 |
Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly wind of 62-70km/h and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday late morning along the coastlines between Cape Columbine and Stilbaai, including the Cape Metropole and Overberg during the afternoon. The wind will be at its full force from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, this is the same period when the upper air weather system will be intensifying.
Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea. Some disruption to operations for small harbours and ports may occur, and also disruptions to beachfront activities are possible. Inland: strong winds will result in dangerous driving conditions, damage to settlements, falling of trees and interruptions to power lines and communications.
Instruction: Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden crosswinds if travelling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris. Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.
>>>Legal notice:<<<
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at:
044 805 5071.
30 April 2021 Media Release: Adaptive Capacity Facility Climate Resilient Human Settlements Pilot Programme to be project managed by the GRDM
Media Release: Adaptive Capacity Facility Climate Resilient Human Settlements Pilot Programme to be project managed by the GRDM
For immediate release
30 April 2021
Adaptive Capacity Facility Climate Resilient Human Settlements Pilot Programme to be project managed by the GRDM
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is one of three (3) district municipalities that were selected to be the beneficiaries of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) Adaptive Capacity Facility (ACF): Climate Resilient Human Settlements Pilot Programme. The Government of Flanders will fund this programme through its Country Strategy Paper (CSPIII) over five years. The funds will mainly be used to implement climate change adaptation projects that build human adaptive capacity.
The programme intends to select projects across three (3) typologies. These include urban settlements, peri-urban settlements, and rural settlements. These settlement typologies fall under the banner of “testing climate-resilient human settlements”.
After an extensive two-day site visit investigation by DEFF from 22 – 26 March 2021, the high fire risks within the GRDM and the threat of these fire risks to vulnerable communities were identified as a focus area for a project that will be funded as part of the programme.
The first co-creation workshop (one of three planned workshops) was arranged in Knysna to workshop possible fire resilient projects and challenges. The workshop included all the key stakeholders within the project area and the participation of some vulnerable community leaders/members.
The day before the workshop, on 23 March 2021, DEFF’s videographer visited some key fire risk areas in the Garden Route to document the conditions and challenges on the ground.
At the workshop, various presenters provided information on the project focus areas, fire risks and impacts within the GRDM, as well as current and future climatic changes and predictions on what this will mean for the fire risks to vulnerable communities going forward.
The workshop also included conveying the traumatic experiences of stakeholders such as the authorities and vulnerable community members during the 2017/18 Knysna/Plettenberg Bay fires.
Second Workshop – 23 April 2021
From 21 to 23 April 2021, the GRDM, DEFF/ACF and critical stakeholders had a fruitful second workshop to have more detailed discussions on priority interventions to be unpacked into projects. The workshop outcomes included the following priority intervention categories:
- Ecosystem-based fuel load management: To include block burning, fire breaks, alien clearing as well as an initial follow-up; fire-scaping; access /escape route management;
- Early fire detection and monitoring: cameras and towers;
- Training: Development of a training academy, train the trainer, “training – to be wildfire ready”, basic land management principles; workshops on legislative requirements.
During the two workshop engagements, all the stakeholders agreed upon the following project criteria. The GRDM will lead the project, and although the initial idea was that the interventions would be geographically focused in the Knysna area, particular emphasis will be on the areas identified as high-risk areas in the recently completed macro fire risk assessment by the GRDM.
The project will address fire risk from a climate change adaptation perspective. The project interventions must have a robust interface with human settlements (meaning that we need to consider the project interventions’ impacts on the selected human settlements, and we need to take into consideration the needs of that human settlement/s);
The project interventions will be located within an urban setting. This does not mean that the settlements need to be formal dwellings and “high-income” communities; on the contrary, grassroots communities vulnerable urban settlements will be the primary target audience. This means that informal settlements and forest communities with strong links to urban areas will be targeted.
ENDS