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Environmental Management

1 December 2025 Media Release: GREF and NMU to Co-Host Sustainability Seminar in Gqeberha

GREF and NMU to Co-Host Sustainability Seminar in Gqeberha

For immediate release
1 December 2025

“The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU) will co-host the 2026 Sustainability Seminar at the NMU South Campus in Gqeberha. The event theme, “Building Partnerships for People, Land and Nature,” highlights the importance of collaboration in responding to environmental challenges affecting both the Garden Route and the Eastern Cape” says GREF convener Cobus Meiring.

Peter du Toit of Future iQ in Knysna will deliver the keynote presentation on “Empowering Better Climate Decisions through Science and Simulation.” His address will focus on how science-based planning and modelling can support effective climate adaptation and better long-term decision-making.

The Garden Route and Eastern Cape share extensive environmental connectivity well beyond formal boundaries. This includes marine and coastal systems, river catchments, estuaries and shared climate pressures. A major area of joint interest is the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, stretching from George to the Van Stadens River and extending into the Klein Karoo. Alongside it, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), managed from Riversdale, forms the second biosphere reserve in the region. Together, these internationally recognised areas reinforce the need for cooperative landscape-level management.

GREF, Garden Route District Municipality and NMU have maintained a strategic working relationship for many years, strengthened further by the involvement of the NMU Faculty: Life, Earth, Environmental and Agricultural Sciences. This year’s seminar continues to build on that partnership by bringing academia, conservation authorities and practitioners into a shared space for learning and planning.

SANParks will also participate, with Dr Nomvuselelo (SANParks: Social Cohesion) providing insights into the future of conservation and new opportunities for inter-institutional collaboration. The Tsitsikamma National Park, which forms part of the Garden Route National Park, is a central ecological node within the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve and reflects the region’s interconnected environmental heritage.

The seminar takes place on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at NMU South Campus. It will also mark the official launch of the Eastern Cape Sustainability Forum (ECSF), which will serve as a sister platform to GREF and help strengthen cross-provincial cooperation.

For more information, contact louiselouisamare@gmail.com.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and practitioners and serves as a regional climate-change think-tank.
More information: www.grefecsf.org.za.

23 October 2025 Media Release: Hessequa Municipality, GRDM and stakeholders clean-up beaches along the Hessequa Coastline in celebration of Marine Month

Media Release: Hessequa Municipality, GRDM and stakeholders clean-up beaches along the Hessequa Coastline in celebration of Marine Month

For immediate release
23 October 2025

The National Marine Week in South Africa is held annually from 7 – 11 October, with a broader Marine Month running from 1-31 October. The annual event aims to raise awareness about marine and coastal ecosystems through commemorative events such as coastal clean-up operations and promote their sustainable use for current and future generations.

The 2025 theme is “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” emphasizing the importance of ocean conservation.

As part of the celebrations, the Hessequa Municipality conducted a clean-up operation in collaboration with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) which coordinated the resources of the Department of Environmental Affair and Development Planning, at the Preekstoel Beach in Hessequa. Thirty (30) learners and 4 teachers from Melkhoutfontein Primary School with 10 adults formed part of the operation.

During his address, as part of the awareness session, prior to the clean-up operation, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, said: “Marine Week is not only about celebrating our coastlines; it’s about taking responsibility for them. Every piece of litter we pick up today is a small but powerful act. A bottle cap, a plastic straw, a fishing line – these might seem insignificant, but to a turtle, a seabird, or a fish, they can mean the difference between life and death. By cleaning up, we prevent waste from entering the marine food chain and protect the biodiversity that keeps our oceans alive”.

In addition, Hoogbaard highlighted that “our coastline is a shared treasure – a treasure that supports tourism, fisheries, recreation, and provides livelihoods for many families. But more than that, it is a living system – a delicate balance of plants, animals, tides, and winds. When we pollute it, we disturb that balance; when we protect it, we restore hope”.

In respect of collaborative initiatives and protecting marine conservation, he said: “As we work together today, let’s remember that marine conservation doesn’t end when we leave the beach. It continues every time we refuse a plastic bag, recycle properly, or teach someone about ocean care. It continues when municipalities enforce coastal management laws, when schools include marine education, and when each of us treats the environment not as a resource to use, but as a legacy to safeguard”.

Coastal waters are packed with life and are massively important to society from a biodiversity and food security perspective, as well as being part of cultural and natural heritage. The World Wildlife Fund in a report said that “as a country with more ocean territory than land, our rich and productive coastal waters support thousands of jobs and contribute billions of rands to the national economy each year. In terms of fisheries alone, historically we have harvested around 600 000 tons of fish a year which provides livelihoods to over 127 000 people and food security to millions.” Humanity should therefore preserve this precious resource for future generations to enjoy.

Dr Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at GRDM, advised: “Let’s celebrate our magnificent ocean – it’s the only one we have. Take your family or friends out for a beach or river cleanup or just aim to read up a bit more on our beautiful coastline”.

“Every action we take, on land or sea, has ripple effects across coasts, currents, and communities. Together, we can safeguard a healthy, sustainable ocean for all, “Viljoen concluded.

This collaborative partnership between the local Municipalities, District Municipality, Western Cape Government, and other Governmental authorities is a clear example of how Government institutions can work together and make a difference in ensuring the success of environmental projects within communities.

Tomorrow, 24 October 2025, the team, including 60 Slangrivier Primary School learners and educators, will be heading to the Witsand Beach to conclude their annual Marine Month campaign.

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15 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM plants indigenous trees at Rosemoor Home for Aged in celebration of Arbor Month

Media Release: GRDM plants indigenous trees at Rosemoor Home for Aged in celebration of Arbor Month

For immediate release
15 September 2025

This morning, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), visited the Rosemoor Home for the Aged to celebrate the importance of the trees in celebration of Arbor Month under the unified theme: “Our Forest – Our Future”.

Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, hands over the trees to Ms Jael Africa from Rosemoor Home for the Aged before planting it.

As part of the celebration, the GRDM Community Services team, led by the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, joined representatives from the retirement home to plant three indigenous trees (a Water Pear and two Spekboom) on the premises.

In addition, GRDM Environmental Management Intern, Zine Tyam, used the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of planting trees and protecting those that already exist.

MMC Hoogbaard, during his address to all present said that “The Garden Route District Municipality reiterates its commitment to sustainable practices that will secure a green and safe environment for future generations to enjoy”. Adding to these words, he further highlighted: “The GRDM is committed to planting trees and to ensuring that communities are empowered to contribute to nature by planting trees, and to share in the benefits from trees and the environment”.

In terms of the threat of climate change he said: “It is also important that we continue emphasising that climate change is the most serious threat to the existence of human beings”.  To address this threat, he advised: “We need to continue to plant trees, which can better the harmful effect of global warming and contribute greatly to the effective regulation of our environment and atmosphere”.

Hoogbaard further stated that trees can grow and survive for hundreds of years. “And once fully grown they bring many benefits to us, our children and their children; so, while we plant trees to grow and support the future, we remember those that have come before us”. In conclusion Hoogbaard stated: “We hope that the residents of the will find joy in the beauty and shade that it will provide.”

While delivering the vote of thanks, Johan Compion, Senior Manager for Environmental Health at GRDM said: “It is a privilege to know there are people that look after the environment and that this Old Age Home promise to look after the trees. He extended a heartfelt thanks to Sister Charmaine Titus, Ms Jael Africa and the entire Rosemoor Home for the Aged for welcoming GRDM and its officials to celebrate Arbor Month with them.

This collaborative initiative stands as a symbol of partnership and a step toward a greener, more sustainable future for the Garden Route district.

Why are trees important?

  • Trees are often called the lungs of the earth, because they give us oxygen and clean the air.
  • They absorb carbon dioxide, helping us fight climate change.
  • They also provide shade, fruit, medicine, and even wood for our daily use.
  • Beyond that, trees protect the soil from erosion, support birds, and wildlife; and
  • They make communities more beautiful and provide a peaceful atmosphere.

What can we do

  • Plant a tree at home, school or in the community – always make sure the roots are not invasive.
  • Care for the trees we already have.

We urge communities to spread the message of why trees matter!

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15 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM joins Knysna Municipality and others to clean up some beach areas

Media Release: GRDM joins Knysna Municipality and others to clean up some beach areas

For immediate release
15 September 2025

To celebrate International Coastal Clean-Up Day in Knysna from 11 to 12 September 2025, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) joined hands with the Knysna Municipality, the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), CapeNature, and the South African National Parks (SANParks).

Participants clean-up the Main Beach of Buffalo Bay, in celebration of International Coastal Clean-up Day.

The annual International Coastal Clean-Up Day is celebrated on 20 September 2025 every year, however this initiative is celebrated worldwide with various coastal, estuarine, river, and marine clean-up activities. According to Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM Head: Environmental Management, ‘this initiative is a meaningful approach to raise awareness on the impact of waste and littering on the Garden Route’s sensitive coastline, and why coastal and marine wildlife, birds and plants rely on a clean coastal and marine environment”.

“It inspires sustainable habits, as awareness is the first step towards change,” she said.

On Thursday, 11 September, Knysna Municipality hosted a coastal clean-up awareness event at the Hornlee Civic Hall in Knysna, where High School Tourism learners from surrounding schools were treated to awareness talks and exhibitions. Organisations, including CapeNature, the SANParks, and Knysna Tourism, collectively raised awareness to learners about the Tourism Industry, focusing on the benefits of eco-tourism and the challenges within the Sector.

Learners are educated about various marine life species during the Clean-up operation at Buffalo Bay beach.

The next day, Knysna Municipality also hosted a clean-up operation along the Buffalo Bay main beach. During the event, learners from the Rondevlei Learning Centre participated to clear the beach as they collected waste and small litter particles they came across. In rewarding them for all their efforts, the CapeNature team presented an interactive activity to them, where they had to identify marine life on the beach, and were furthermore educated on ‘why clean beaches are important’. The GRDM Environmental Management team, under leadership of Dr Nina Viljoen, furthermore spoiled them with stationery packs and snacks that were donated by the Western Cape DEA&DP.

This collaborative partnership between these participating organisations symbolises how Government institutions take hands and make a difference in ensuring the success of environmental projects rolled out within communities of the Garden Route district.

Did you know?

Rondevlei Learning Centre is established in 2019 and is a registered NPC (2024/453120/08) and PBO with Section 18A registration. Their aim is to provide stimulating forms of learning to children struggling with mainstream education.

Also read: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2025/09/01/46214/

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01 September 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality calls on residents to “Grow a Living Legacy” this Arbor Week (01–07 September 2025)

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality calls on residents to “Grow a Living Legacy” this Arbor Week (01–07 September 2025)

01 September 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) will join the nation in celebrating National Arbor Week from 01 to 07 September 2025. This annual campaign raises awareness about the importance of trees and encourages communities to plant indigenous species, conserve our natural heritage, and contribute to sustainable environmental management.

Arbor Week also highlights South Africa’s Champion Trees – some of the country’s oldest, largest, and most culturally significant trees, such as the Sophia Town Oak Tree and the Sagole Baobab Tree in Limpopo. These trees symbolize the connection between our natural and cultural heritage, which is celebrated during Heritage Month in September.

The key objectives of Arbor Week are to:
• Emphasise the importance of planting and protecting trees.
• Increase knowledge and appreciation of indigenous tree species.
• Promote sustainable and eco-friendly living practices.

Why trees matter

Trees supply oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, support biodiversity, stabilise soil, and provide both medicinal and cultural benefits. By planting and caring for trees, communities can actively contribute to tackling climate change and building a greener, healthier environment for future generations.

Restoring what we’ve lost

In the Garden Route, Arbor Week takes on even greater importance as we work to restore areas affected by the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB). First detected in George in 2018, this invasive beetle has spread rapidly and is likely present in other parts of the municipality where susceptible trees, such as English Oaks, occur. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant for signs of infestation, report sightings to their municipality, and chip infested wood to prevent further spread. Planting new indigenous trees during Arbor Week will help replace lost trees, restore biodiversity, and ensure our communities remain shaded, resilient, and beautiful for generations to come.

Community involvement

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) encourages residents, schools, community-based organisations, and businesses across the district to participate in tree planting and greening activities. Greening refers to the planting, care, and management of vegetation in urban and rural spaces — ensuring that disadvantaged areas, such as townships and informal settlements, also benefit from parks, trees, and green open spaces.

How to plant a tree
• Selection: Choose the right tree for your location — indigenous and endemic species are recommended.
• Location: Plant trees at least 3 metres away from walls, powerlines, and municipal utilities.
• Planting: Dig a 1m x 1m x 1m square hole, remove stones, and separate or mix topsoil and subsoil. Place the tree in the hole, refill with topsoil first, and water thoroughly.The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) calls on all residents to join hands during Arbor Week to create a greener and more sustainable Garden Route. Together, we can grow a living legacy that benefits both people and the environment.

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01 September 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Urging its Citizens to Join the Annual International Coastal Clean-up Celebrations during the Month of September 2025

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Urging its Citizens to Join the Annual International Coastal Clean-up Celebrations during the Month of September 2025

 1 September 2025

Annually, on the third Saturday of September, volunteers around the world take part in the world’s biggest coastal clean-up – the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) day, which will be held on the 20th of September 2025. This event encourages volunteers to clean and record trash along coastlines and other water bodies throughout the month of September, with 2025 marking the 29th year of the country’s participation in this global effort. The ICC event is also used as the platform to address issues concerning coastal pollution, as well as to stimulate change in the behavioural patterns that negatively affect the marine environment.

The ICC event has been held internationally each year since 1986, and started when communities rallied together with the common goal of collecting and documenting the trash littering their coastline. Over the years, this movement has created a family that spans oceans and country borders.

This year’s coastal clean-up efforts align with the 2025 World Ocean Day theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” which emphasises protecting the ocean to sustain life and build resilience against climate change. A major goal is to shift harmful behaviours that lead to pollution, and emphasising responsible waste disposal. Beach cleanups are important mitigation tools that helps to create an understanding of the global trash problem and encourage people to engage in solutions. Awareness is the first step to creating behaviour change!

The Garden Route District has 300 km of coastline and some of the most diverse marine environments of the world. The benefits derived from the oceans include climate regulation, waste absorption, sustenance (sea food), economic development (tourism, seafood distribution), transportation (shipping), medicine (biomedical products from marine plants and animals) and recreation (swimming, diving etc.). In addition to this, estuaries are sensitive environments, due to its ecological uniqueness, and are increasingly being regarded as important ecological infrastructure to protect and enhance given the ecological services that it provides. It is however typically in these sensitive systems where the problem of marine litter is seen to manifest itself so clearly and profoundly.

Due to human activities along estuaries and beaches (due to increasing population and urbanisation), marine litter creates one of the major threats to our beaches and marine life.  Every year thousands of tons of marine litter finds its way onto our coast, most of which ends up in our oceans with devastating effects to our sensitive marine ecosystem.

This year, the Garden Route district’s Municipalities and organisations will be embarking on various awareness campaigns, litter collection / clean-up activities on beaches, estuary and river clean-ups, educational talks and speeches. The Garden Route District Municipality would therefore like to encourage its citizens to get involved in the various activities within their areas. Citizens must unite – communities, volunteers, learners, and officials must come together to take action for the ocean.

Some important key dates to know are:

  • September 2025 – Clean-up & Recycle SA Month

  • 14–20 September 2025 – Clean-up & Recycle SA Week

  • 17 September 2025 – River Clean-up Day

  • 19 September 2025 – National Recycling Day

  • 20 September 2025 – International Coastal Cleanup (ICC)

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25 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team to Be Established

Media Release: Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team to Be Established

For immediate release
05 August 2025

“Growing concerns about an increase of fire risk exposure levels in the Garden Route have led to the establishment of a Risk Reduction Task Team (RRTT),” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The mission of the RRTT is to help prevent a recurrence of catastrophic events such as the 2017 Knysna and Plettenberg Bay wildfires, which were worsened by uncontrolled growth of invasive alien plants (IAP).

The RRTT aims to be a collaborative platform focused on strategic risk reduction and sustainable landscape management, working closely with landowners, conservation bodies, and enforcement agencies across the Garden Route.

Key stakeholders who form part of the task team will assist and encourage private landowners to reduce IAPs on their properties. Where necessary, action will be taken through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Biosecurity resources.

Awareness creation will be a central pillar of the RRTT strategy. This will include direct engagement with landowners and sustained information-sharing campaigns through traditional media and social media platforms over the long term.

The RRTT will include experts and representatives from the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management, local municipalities, DFFE, Nelson Mandela University, and GREF stakeholders.

Individuals or entities involved in invasive alien plant management, are invited to register as interested and affected parties by writing to louisamare@gmail.com.

The GREF is a climate change and environmental management think-tank. (www.grefscli.co.za).

Feature Image: Without collective action by all landowners in the Garden Route the region remains highly vulnerable to wildfire disasters.

ENDS

09 July 2025 Media Release: Climate experts agree that red lights are flashing

Media Release: Climate experts agree that red lights are flashing

For immediate release
09 July 2025

“Experts presenting at the 2025 GREF Climate Change Indaba in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University did not paint a rosy picture”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

At this point in time scientific data used to monitor climate change indicate that the meeting of targets and time frames to avert global catastrophe are unlikely to be achieved.

Already South Africa is feeling the pain as fire, torrential rain and angry seas hammer coastal provinces with increasing regularity causing death and destruction.

What is reported in mainstream media does not always portray wider implications. One example is local rural roads and infrastructure which are repeatedly damaged and not rehabilitated given slow economic growth and capacity. In many places the damage caused by floods to access roads and infrastructure isolate rural communities from the outside world and negatively affect mobility, trade, service delivery, economic prosperity and rural productivity.

The take- home massage for South Africa is that the country will have to get its act together and do so very fast. There is simply no more room for wasting sparse resources,  counter- productive policies and tolerating predatory entities hampering vital maintenance, construction, service delivery and development.

The development of resilient infrastructure and responsible environmental management must be escalated from “nice to have” to essential. Fire, floods and drought are real and present dangers. The state of South African water quality, rivers and catchments is dire and deteriorating fast. These systems are vital not only for the sake of bio- diversity conservation, but for ensuring water security going forward.

All is not lost just yet and there are promising signs that the reaching of some climate tipping points might just be averted, but nothing can be left to chance in a fast changing natural world and failure to plan ahead will no doubt have severe implications.

Issued by:
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) – a climate change and environmental management think- tank. 

Photo: Expert panel at GREF
Mr Peter du Toit, Dr Roy Marcus, Dr Anna Taylor, Mr Anton Cartwright, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, Dr Bianca Curry

ENDS

03 July 2025 Media Release: Public-Private EV Charging Partnership Launched in Garden Route

Media Release: Public-Private EV Charging Partnership Launched in Garden Route

For immediate release
03 July 2025

The Garden Route’s green mobility future is charging forward with the confirmation of a landmark public-private pledge signed this afternoon at the François Ferreira Academy. The initiative commits land and infrastructure for the establishment of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in George – one of the first of its kind in the region.

As part of this pioneering initiative, the François Ferreira Academy has donated the site for the first EV charging station to be installed by Solar Energy Africa, a leading national provider of solar power solutions. The pledge signed by Mayor Stroebel and stakeholders includes the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Africa Skills Private Training, both instrumental in the region’s economic and skills development.

This collaboration marks the first step in a broader rollout of EV charging stations strategically located along the N2 and in rural tourism nodes from Cape Town International Airport to Plettenberg Bay. The goal is to future-proof mobility in the Garden Route and beyond—supporting the transition to electric transport and enabling infrastructure for both locals and visitors.

This collaboration follows the Garden Route EV Seminar, hosted last week at Africa Skills GeorgeTech, where the growing demand for skilled artisans to support the EV sector took centre stage. The seminar explored South Africa’s evolving EV market and its impact on training, artisan development, and job creation.

The EV pledge was formally signed by:

  • Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Andrew Stroebel
  • Jessica van der Merwe, Managing Director of Solar Energy Africa
  • Phillip Harmse, Director: New Business Development of UXi Artisan Development

The Western Cape Government is actively transitioning its public transport and fleet vehicles to electric alternatives. In alignment with this, Africa Skills has already introduced EV-relevant artisan training through its work-integrated learning model and accredited electrical apprenticeships.

“This shift to electric mobility is more than just an infrastructure change – it’s a skills revolution,” said Phillip Harmse. “From battery technology and EV maintenance to solar integration and charging installation, Africa Skills is equipping young artisans to meet this fast-growing demand.”

Speaking at the seminar, Anthonie Janse van Rensburg, Acting Chief Director of the Western Cape Department of Mobility, confirmed the rollout of new EV infrastructure. “Our vision is to establish fast, efficient EV charging hubs across the N2 corridor and urban centres. This is part of our broader EV fleet migration strategy for provincial and local government.”

Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel reaffirmed the municipality’s vision: “As a global tourism hub, the Garden Route must be EV-ready. We’re embracing innovation and partnerships to make this happen.”

As demand for EV adoption increases and the national government explores limitations on internal combustion imports, the Garden Route stands poised to become a leading green mobility destination – powered by solar, driven by skilled artisans, and supported through strong public-private collaboration.

Issued by UXi Artisan Development

Enquiries Images, Soundbites or Interviews:  Jan Greyling – 082 556 8778, jan@uxi-ad.co.za

Feature Image:

FLTR: Alex Engelke (Corporate Services: UXi Artisan Development & Africa Skills, Phillip Harmse (New Business Development: UXi Artisan Development), Jessica van der Merwe (CEO: Solar Energy Africa), Andrew Stroebel (Executive Mayor: Garden Route District Municipality), Johan du Plooy (Operations Manager: François Ferreira Academy & Apprentice) and Lizelle Wessels (Corporate Services: UXi Artisan Development).

ENDS

08 June 2025 Media Release: World Ocean Day 2025: Protecting the Garden Route District’s Coastline

Media Release: World Ocean Day 2025: Protecting the Garden Route District’s Coastline

8 June 2025

World Ocean Day, celebrated annually on 8 June, is a global event focused on promoting ocean conservation and awareness. In 2025, the theme is “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”. It is a day for humanity to celebrate and support the life and the livelihood that the ocean sustains, and puts the spotlight on biodiversity and the interconnectivity between the ocean and its ecosystems.

This year’s celebration is also the second year of a multi-year action theme: “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate”. We face some of the greatest threats ever to our blue planet and all its inhabitants: the climate and biodiversity crises. It is all too clear that we need a healthy ocean for a stable climate, and we need significantly stronger local action from government authorities, corporate leaders and the public.

“For the Garden Route District, which includes amongst others local municipalities of Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, and Bitou, this day is especially meaningful. Our region covers over 300km of coastline, the district is home to rich marine ecosystems, vital fisheries, tourism hotspots, and culturally significant estuaries”, said GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel.

”Our exquisite coastline supports local economies and livelihoods, but it also faces increasing threats. Climate change, coastal erosion, pollution, and overuse of marine resources are intensifying. The GRDM has therefore responded by updating its Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme and Climate Change Adaptation Plans to include these emerging and increasingly severe challenges to guide municipalities in safeguarding the coast and improving community resilience.”

According to Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM Head: Environmental Management, “the Garden Route district, being a coastal region, is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts like sea-level rise and its effects on coastal infrastructure and the local economy”.

“The theme is therefore highly relevant to the district’s coastal environment, and highlights the ocean’s vital role and our duty to manage its resources sustainably. Citizens, municipalities, NGOs, and businesses must work together to conserve our ocean.”

The efforts within the district to conserve and protect our ocean includes the establishment of the Stilbaai, Goukamma, Robberg and Tsitsikamma Marine Protection Areas (MPAs). These MPA’s, along with the UNESCO Garden Route and Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserves, contribute to the protection of the area’s rich marine life and natural beauty.

The Garden Route District Municipality is also celebrating the World Ocean Day, and the World Environmental Month, through its Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba, which will take place on 27 June 2025 at the Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus. Among the dynamic knowledge sharing presentations which can be expected, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will share their latest Southern Oceans Research information and data analysis results, which will reveal the drastic impacts of climate change on our ocean.

Other initiatives within the district which contributes to ensuring sustainable ocean resources and ecosystems, includes the work of the Hessequa Municipality, which is taking action to prioritise estuary protection, and is actively implementing the National Estuarine Management Protocol along with the other responsible stakeholders. The Mossel Bay Municipality also is making a difference to marine conservation and the lives of the youth by working in collaboration with the IOceans Trust and community to promote sustainable practices, and to run youth marine education and conservation projects.

With the serious challenge of sea level rise and storm surges along our coastline, the George Municipality is endeavouring to ameliorate the serious challenge of coastal encroachment and coastal infrastructural and coastal sensitive area damages, due to climate change impacts, by developing Coastal Erosion Guidelines, particularly for high-risk areas such as Wilderness. The Knysna Municipality is also continuing its efforts to protect its world-renowned estuary, which has been re-designated as a global marine “Hope Spot.” The Plettenberg Bay Municipality is collaborating with the Plett Ocean Smart initiative, which is a public/private initiative with key stakeholders from the greater Plett area, with the main objective to establish awareness and safety protocols related to the ocean and other waterways throughout the Bitou area.

As a symbol of excellent water quality, safety, security, sound environmental management, and accessibility, twenty of the pristine beaches within the Garden Route district have been awarded Blue Flag Status, and three were awarded pilot Blue Flag status, in 2024 by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), in partnership with coastal municipalities and private entities. Blue Flag status beaches are classified as important bird and biodiversity Areas (IBA) by Birdlife South Africa.

These efforts all highlight the value of key organisational, stakeholder and community involvement. Public participation, sustainable resource use, and inclusive access to the coastline are central to the GRDM’s strategy. Initiatives also promote economic opportunities in coastal stewardship, especially for youth and disadvantaged groups.

Call to Action

World Oceans Day is not just about celebration—it’s about action. It is a day for humanity to celebrate and support the life and the livelihood that the ocean sustains and puts the spotlight on biodiversity and the interconnectivity between the ocean and its ecosystems.

The 2025 World Ocean Day action theme, ”Wonder, sustaining what sustains us”, reminds us of our deep connection to the sea, and how this awe is a powerful catalyst for action. It’s a call to step up, scale up, and spark real change. Whether through education, beach clean-ups, or responsible tourism, or reducing pollution at the source before it ever reaches the ocean – every effort matters. you’re not just protecting marine life – you’re also building local resilience to climate change.

As the Garden Route district faces the future, it must do so with one clear message: protecting our ocean means protecting our people, our heritage, and our shared prosperity. Let’s act together – for one ocean, one climate, one future.

Feature image: A photo of a whale enjoying the ocean (Garden Route District Municipality)

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