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Climate Change

22 May 2025 Media Release: Fire danger place Invasive Alien Plants in the spotlight

Media Release: Fire danger place Invasive Alien Plants in the spotlight

For immediate release
22 May 2025

Approaching winter fronts have the Garden Route on edge as fears of a repeat of the 2017 mega fire disaster looms as a clear and present dangerā€, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Regional environmental and disaster management agencies are in agreement that the 2017 conditions conducive to the worst fire disaster in South African history are again ready for the perfect storm.

Despite best efforts and collaboration between landowners affected by the 2017 fire disaster, Invasive Alien Plants (IAP’s) have made a comeback on the Knysna as well as the 2018 Outeniqua burn scars providing more fuel for a wild fire than ever before. Not only is Knysna and surrounds again in the path of danger, but many other areas including George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Great Brak.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association and many other entities involved with – fighting has ramped up their collective strength to deal Ā with an increasingly number of wild fires, but the core problem remains: Invasive Alien Plants on the Southern Cape landscape.

Garden Route landowners in the urban edge are especially exposed as they can only do so much in terms of safeguarding their properties by creating defendable zones, cleaning their gutters and prepare escape routes. All river systems, mountains and river corridors in the garden Route are infested with high density IAP plant growth.

Landowners are not unaware of the danger invasive plants pose, but more often than not lack the resources to do anything meaningful about it. Still, fire- proofing the Garden Route is important, and a collective effort u

Government efforts (e.g. The DFFE Working for Water Programme) to eradicate IAP growth has collapsed as a result of a lack of funding, no further investment in bio- control and limited capacity to enforce legislation.

GREF will be focusing on climate change and Invasive alien plant implications at the Annual Climate Change and Environmental Indaba in partnership with Nelson Mandela University on 27 June. At stake is not only fire risk, but hard hitting drought is looming in coming years and loss of critical bio diversity is negative for the region’s appeal as a world class destination.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and landowners, and a climate change think tank. (www.grefscli.co.za).

ENDS

07 April 2025 Media Release: Garden Route coastline and estuaries protected as the Wild Coast falters

Media Release: Garden Route coastline and estuaries protected as the Wild Coast falters

For immediate release
07 April 2025

ā€œVia the Garden Route Estuaries Forum and the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee (MCC) encompassing all layers of governmental authorities and mandated entities including SANParks, Cape Nature Conservation (CNC) and inclusive of all civil conservation bodies an effective monitoring system guarding the regional coastline and estuaries has been established, ā€ says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) and MCC Chairperson.

The functioning of these Forums are vital in order to ensure and maintain a high level of oversight preventing invaluable natural infrastructure from further decline to the point where unique coastal habitats and eco- systems completely collapse and disappear.

In contrast a recent report by the Daily Maverick on the state of the Eastern Cape Wild Coast by esteemed South African environmental practitioners and investigative journalists reflect upon ā€œEnvironmental Anarchyā€ destroying with what is no doubt one of Africa’s most precious and vulnerable coastlines. Unregulated sand mining, illegal land occupation, complete disregard for environmental legislation, corrupt traditional authorities, clearing of invaluable ancient dune forests, the destruction of wetlands as well as unbridled harvesting of all manner of marine life already impacts on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast’ s sustainability.

Until fairly recently the Garden Route boasted a much richer bio-diversity and interlinked marine and coastal habitats and eco- systems which today resemble but a fraction of what once thrived unbounded. Today the Garden Route is subjected to dense linear coastal development, commercial agriculture, mega invasive alien plant impact as well as exponential human influx with much more on the way as the Western Cape proves to be a must- see local and global destination.

The Southern Cape population prospers and continue to grow socio-economically as local market values rise along with increasing popularity from local and international tourism as the region is globally recognized as an iconic and safe destination.

The preservation of the Eastern Cape coastline should be elevated to a national priority, and it has to start with the collaboration of all governmental structures with the political will to ensure its preservation for future generations also facing challenges posed by a changing climate. The Wild Coast has the potential to be an easy match for the Western Cape environmental management success, but environmental lawlessness has to make way for responsible conservation, tourism, job creation and prosperity to follow.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and conservationists and a climate change think- tank. (www.grefscli.co.za).

ENDS

28 January 2025 Media Release: Knysna has sympathy for the people of Los Angeles

Media Release: Knysna has sympathy for the people of Los Angeles

For immediate release
28 January 2025

ā€œFor the moment overshadowed by President Trump’s inauguration, the full impact of the Los Angeles (LA) fire disaster is fast unfolding, and the hearts of the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay communities who endured a similar experience in 2017 goes out to the people of LA,ā€ says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

From the Knysna experience, trauma and loss experienced by all those who lived in the LA burn scar and the city as a whole, is something that will take time to fully manifest and much hardship lies ahead for all affected.

Fire damage done to LA is seemingly obvious but only time will tell how bad it will be for the environment given that the toxins and debris from 12Ā 000 burnt structures areĀ severe. Because of the toxins present, homeowners are currently banned from cleaning their own property. It is feared that toxins are already finding theirĀ way into the ocean through rain water running down seep lines and stormwater systems and dispersed through wind, and is expected to have a detrimental impact on marine life.

Globally experts agree that the severity of wildfires has been growing because of climate change. This has put more homes in danger.

Over time the Garden Route will burn again and again and as long as invasive alien plants on the landscape prevail, the fire danger rating will remain unnecessarily high and rapidly increase. As a result of climate change and unpredictable weather, the regional fire season is now all-year round impacting on sparse resources of those tasked with fire-fighting.

GREF would like to urge landowners at risk to clear their land of invasive alien plants and in the process prevent an imminent repeat of the 2017 Knysna disaster.

(The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a Climate Change think-tank –Ā www.grefscli.co.za).

Photo: Remains of a Knysna homestead following the June 2017 wildfire disaster – (Cobus Meiring)

19 November 2024 Media Release: COP29 focus on funding to assist the global community in dealing with a fast changing climate

Media Release: COP29 focus on funding to assist the global community in dealing with a fast changing climate

For immediate release
19 November 2024

ā€œLead by Dr Dion George, Minister of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) South Africa has sent as strong delegation to attend and contribute to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan which will be wrapping up its business on climate change this week,ā€ says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The Garden Route has already experienced the impact of a changing climate and it is important that the region focus on what measures to take to be better prepared for mitigating climate induced impacts such as loss of biodiversity, prolonged drought, floods, fire, changes in rainfall patterns, rising sea levels and sea surges.

COP29 is an annual event where the world gathers to agree on the actions to address the climate crisis, such as limiting the global temperatures rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, helping vulnerable communities adapt to the impact of climate change and achieving net- zero emissions by 2050.

Unfortunately the outcomes and gravitas of COP29 on the world stage has been overshadowed by the American elections, but COP29 is no doubt one of the most significant events on the global stage. With temperatures soaring to record levels and cataclysmic climate impacts wreaking havoc around the world, the need for urgent, transformative action to phase out fossil fuels, transform food systems and halt and reverse nature loss has never been greater.

One of the key outcomes for COP29 is to ensure that there will be sufficient funding available to enable every country with the means to make a just energy transition, slash greenhouse gas emissions and building resilient communities.

For many communities around the globe efforts to address climate change has come to late, and already thousands have been displaced by rising sea levels and millions more are facing hunger as drought, fires and floods impact on food production and food security.

Over and above the impact of climate change the South African reality is that the country is wreaking havoc on its own environment through unabated pollution at all levels, and it has to be addressed with urgency.

As much as climate change is a complex matter affecting humanity on many levels, fact of the matter is that failing to prioritize planning for it will have severe implications for future generations.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is an environmental management platform and climate change think- tank.

Photo: a fast- changing climate will have an impact on Garden Route bio- diversity and sustainable food production

29 October 2024: Media Release: Is the Garden Route better prepared to deal with disasters? Yes it is!

Media Release: Is the Garden Route better prepared to deal with disasters? Yes it is!

29 October 2024

ā€œThe June 2017 wildfire disaster, which caused immense damage to Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and surrounding areas, served as a rude awakening for Garden Route residents and authorities alike,ā€ says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

A recent open-air expo at Wilderness, featuring all relevant entities involved in firefighting and fire management in the Garden Route, showcased an impressive array of regional firefighting assets.

The Garden Route is fortunate to have world-class firefighting equipment, highly trained personnel, early warning systems, and a fully functional disaster management centre, which has repeatedly proven effective in managing not only wildfire events but also a wide range of serious disasters.

Awareness of fire risk among Garden Route communities has increased significantly since the Knysna wildfire disaster. Residents outside the urban edge are generally making serious efforts to ensure their properties are protected with fire breaks and standard precautions in place. Many residents have joined the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), whose preventative measures continue to help limit exposure to wildfire disasters.

The fuel load from unacceptably high levels of invasive alien plants on the Garden Route landscape remains the biggest threat for repeat wildfire disasters, and landowners are not doing enough to reduce its expanding footprint. Outeniqua mountain catchments, previously managed under formal plantations, have not been responsibly maintained over the past five years. The exponential spread of invasive plants over large areas continues to be a serious concern.

Ultimately, the power of nature should never be underestimated. The Garden Route’s history of natural disasters serves as a reminder that the threats posed by a changing climate are ever-present, including runaway wildfires, storm surges, floods, and drought.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think tank. (grefscli.co.za)

-END-

16 September 2024 Media Release: Ozone Day – International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Media Release: Ozone Day – International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

For immediate release
16 September 2024

Ozone Day, or formally called the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is celebrated annually on September 16. This day is commemorating the date (in 1987) of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The closure of the hole in the ozone layer was observed 30 years after the protocol was signed, but due to the nature of the gases responsible for ozone depletion their chemical effects are expected to continue for between 50 and 100 years.

The ozone layer is important as it protects earth from the harmful UV rays coming from the sun. It also helps to keep the temperature of the earth moderate byĀ reflecting the harmful sun rays which makes the life of living organisms suitable on earth.

Climate change is linked to ozone depletion as many of the same gases that are causing ozone depletion are also contributing to climate change. These gases, such as the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are greenhouse gases, absorbing some of the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, thereby effectively heating the Earth’s surface.

Conversely, changes in the climate of the Earth could affect the behaviour of the ozone layer, because the ozone is influenced by changes in the meteorological conditions and by changes in the atmospheric composition that could result from climate change. Ozone loss can also impact climate change, as ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere can create a cooling effect on the earth.

“We can protect the ozone by banning ozone-depleting substances which will allow the ozone layer to slowly recover,” said Dr Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at Garden Route District Municipality. In addition, Viljoen emphasised that a healthy ozone layer protects millions of people from skin cancer and eye cataracts, safeguards ecosystems and slows down climate change – as many ozone-depleting substances ODSs are also potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) that contribute to climate change.

Click here to read a related Facebook article.

ENDS

16 September 2024 Media Release: Explaining climate change is a challenge

Media Release: Explaining climate change is a challenge

For immediate release
16 September 2024

ā€œIt took scientists globally a very long time to convince governments to come to terms with the fact that climate change is a reality and that it is something to consider for the sake of the future well-being of communities and humanity as a whole,ā€ says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The effects of a changing climate are numerous and complex. Those charged with interpreting the changing climate for the sake of planning, experience considerable challenges in educating and informing affected communities. Present-day humanity can no longer regard climate as business-as-usual to provide a stable and consistent environment supporting life on planet Earth exactly as it has done for millennia, for it is posing many new threats.

Persistent and frequent drought, rising sea levels, severe storms and flooding, loss of vital biodiversity, and dramatic changes in rainfall patterns and volumes are but some of the issues communities must get to grips with if they are to survive and prosper entering an uncertain future.

Public communication and education hold the key to the well-being of humanity, and authorities globally must make a sustained and concerted effort to simplify the climate change message to ensure communities understand what is taking place and how they should respond in order to adapt in time to climate-related challenges.

An example of where communities suffered severely as a result of not responding to pending threats of climate change is where communities established informal settlements on Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal flood planes with deadly consequences as severe floods swept many to a watery grave and destroyed billions of Rand of infrastructure and property.

The take-home message is that governments must invest in developing and rolling out communication campaigns to inform and educate communities as climate change takes effect.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think-tank. (www.grefscli.co.za).

Photo: Storm surges, damaging winds and waves are but some of the results of a changing climate, and communication is a vital tool in educating and informing communities about potential dangers.

ENDS

30 August 2024 Media Release: Spring approaches the Garden Route

Media Release: Spring approaches the Garden Route

For immediate release
30 August 2023

ā€œThroughout the year the Garden Route was faced by significant cold fronts and certainly more of the same is on the way before the Southern Cape can say goodbye to the winter of 2024, but the natural environment is visibly wakening to spring,ā€ says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Favourable rains received throughout the year will ensure that springtime will bring all its splendour to the uniquely beautiful region with its unmatched biodiversity and splendour. Ā As incoming cold fronts decrease in number and strength and stop damaging infrastructure and the vulnerable coastline the famous Garden Route beaches will recover well in time for the approaching summer and festive season.

Tourism is one of the key drivers of the Garden Route economy and dependent on the steady influx of tourists. Comparatively to the average South African employment figure the Garden Route has a relatively low unemployment figure at below twenty percent, but it is still extremely high and pose a challenge to the region’s ability to provide an acceptable quality of life to its citizens.

Some of the general factors challenging regional prosperity is slow economic growth, insufficient energy supply and the unpredictable and damaging Ā effects of a changing climate to which the Garden Route is no exception.

Environmentally- speaking extremely high levels of invasive alien plants remain a threat to the Garden Route landscape and is something the community must address themselves as government lacks the means to address the scourge on private land.

Land owners and land managers are encouraged to comply to environmental legislation and clear their land of invasive alien plants where they can and promote the revival of indigenous vegetation. Indigenous vegetation is vital for the survival of critically endangered species such as coastal fynbos and other sensitive eco- systems, dramatically reduce fire risk and increase water security.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional environmental management and climate change think- tank.(www.grefscli.co.za).

Feature Image: Garden Route splendour adds to regional economy -JP Nel, Moontide

11 June 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Conservation and Environmental Management Entities Join Forces to Discuss Climate Change

Media Release: Garden Route Conservation and Environmental Management Entities Join Forces to Discuss Climate Change

11 June 2024

ā€œIn a collaborative effort between the Gouritz Cluster and Garden Route Biosphere Reserves, Nelson Mandela University, and several government entities including Western Cape Disaster Management, GRDM, SANParks, and Cape Nature will be gathering on Thursday, 27 June to discuss climate change,ā€ says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The theme for the 2024 Indaba is ā€œResilience in Action: Building Sustainable Communities Amid a Changing Climate.ā€

The Southern Cape is no stranger to climate-driven natural disasters. In June, the people of Knysna and surrounding areas will forever reflect on the devastation caused by the 2017 wildfire disaster, which destroyed more than 1,000 structures and claimed several lives. Since then, the region has been regularly subjected to more wildfire disasters, severe flooding, and storm surges, causing millions of rand in damages to municipalities that are already under pressure in their efforts to serve the needs of an ever-increasing population.

Importantly, conservation and environmental management entities will be looking at best practice models to ensure a more sustainable and resilient environment capable of surviving and even flourishing during a time when a changing climate will no doubt bring more wildfires, heat waves, droughts, severe storms, and floods in the coming decades, while the preservation of the region’s unique and endangered biodiversity remains critical.

The Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba will be hosted on Thursday, 27 June at Nelson Mandela University: George Campus. For more information, contact Louise Mare at louisamare@gmail.com or visit www.grefscli.co.za.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform and climate change think tank for national and regional conservation and environmental management entities.

Photo/Caption: Climate change brings about challenges as vital infrastructure regularly comes under threat during storm events.

ENDS

15 March 2024 Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan and Needs- and Response AssessmentĀ  – For Comment

Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan and Needs- and Response Assessment – Notice Number: 30/2024

Open for Comment
15 March 2024

The Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998) provides for the development of a Climate Change Adaptation master plan for the district, and through which local municipalities can develop their Integrated Development Plans.

Notice is therefore hereby given that a public participation period of 30-days will be provided for public comments and inputs on the following two Climate Change Adaptation documents, namely the:

  • Draft Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan;
  • Draft Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Needs and Response Assessment.

Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft documents for final Council approval.

The documents will be available for public review and comment from 15 March 2024 to 15 April 2024, and will be available for viewing at the following places:

  1. Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
  2. Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
  3. Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
  4. Albertinia Public Library, 2 Horne Street, Albertinia;
  5. Still Bay Public Library, Main Road, Still Bay West;
  6. Riversdale Public Library, Van Den Berg Street, Riversdale;
  7. Oudtshoorn Public Library, 3 Baron Van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn;
  8. Ladismith Public Library, 21 Queen Street, Ladismith;
  9. Plettenberg Bay Public Library; Saringa Way, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay;
  10. Knysna Public Library, Memorial Square, 2 Main Street, Knysna;
  11. George Public Library, Corner of Caledon and Courtenay Streets, Camphersdrift, George, and;
  12. Ā Garden Route District Municipality website at:
    1)Ā  https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Draft-Garden-Route-District-Climate-Change-Adaptation-Response-Implementation-Plan-2024.pdf

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  2) https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Garden-Route-District-Climate-Change-Adaptation-Needs-and-Response-Assessment-2024.pdf

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager on/before 15 April 2024 using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or PO Box 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044Ā 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Click here to open the Official Notice