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Environmental Management

12 December 2024 Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders host Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George

GRDM and stakeholders host Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George

For immediate release
12 December 2024

The Garden Route District’s coastline is seen as one of its greatest natural and economic assets. “To date, however, development along the coastline have in some instances affected the free and equitable coastal access for all,” says Dr Nina Viljoen,  Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Head of Environmental Management.

Facilitators, speakers and representatives at the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George.

Although the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 stipulates that South Africa’s citizens are the rightful owners of coastal public property, with the state serving as its public trustee, Dr Viljoen said that the region is experiencing significant challenges relating to the equitable access to the coast, alongside wide-scale access restrictions.

To discuss and address these challenges, the GRDM in collaboration with government and municipal stakeholders hosted a Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop that was held at the Conference Hall of the George Local Municipality on 10 December 2024. In attendance were also activists, community representatives and fishers who participated in the discussions.

The purpose of the workshop was to engage stakeholders regarding conflict between various groups in respect of equal access to the coast. For that reason, the platform allowed stakeholders and all present to discuss these pressing issues and advocate for Government and relevant municipalities to intervene in the entire process. This interactive workshop furthermore enabled Government departments to share valuable legislative information to representatives pertaining to the understanding of the rights in terms of access for all to coastal spaces.

In his welcoming address to the delegates who attended the event, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, expressed his gratitude to all present saying that the Garden Route District’s coastline has great value and importance as a natural resource for all coastal users.

Hoogbaard highlighted that the beauty of the coastline is driving local livelihoods, the tourism economy, and it provides for diverse social recreational activities. In addition, Hoogbaard stressed that although much of the wealth is locked up in the Garden Route coast, it is however wasted due to environmentally insensitive development and poor decision making. It is for this reason that the economic and social opportunities are being missed, coastal ecosystems are being degraded and people’s property and lives are being put at risk”.

In conclusion, Hoogbaard mentioned that the GRDM therefore recognises that “we need to ensure that the sharing of benefits derived from our resource rich coastal area is managed and protected to serve the best interest of all coastal users, without compromising the ability of future generations to access these benefits”.

Coastal resources include livelihood and food resources, as well as recreational and tourism resources, and the lack of access to these resources can disrupt local coastal communities who rely on the ocean and coasts for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and well-being. These cultural practices and not having access to spiritual spaces were vastly raised by activists at the event.  At the same time, it must be recognised that coastal ecosystems are sensitive and dynamic spaces, and that its on-going functionality is central to livelihoods and prosperity. Access to the coast and its resources must therefore be optimised without negatively impacting on the natural coastal environment.

Participants of the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop at the event held on 10 December 2024 in George.

Dr Vijoen said that the coastal access legislation and provisions are to be implemented in very complicated and challenging situations, but she admits that to address this, communication and agreements between the involved parties are essential. In many cases, the problem of a lack of knowledge of the applicable Legislation seems to be the cause of some challenges.  After raising these concerns, GRDM’s Siphelele Sithole presented the GRDM’s campaign model to educate estate agents and property developers about the relevant legislation in terms of the equal access for all citizens to the coastline. Dr Viljoen in addition provided feedback regarding the public participation process and explained that all comments and submissions received during the 2nd public participation period of the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. These comments will have to be considered for inclusion in the final version of the document. Viljoen ensured representatives that it might take a lengthy period to process, but the correct processes need to be followed to ensure the desired results.

Ryan Apolles, Specialised Environmental Officer at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, shared information regarding how coastal access processes are facilitated and supported by the Western Cape Government, as DEA&DP is the lead provincial agency for coastal management in the Western Cape. Apolles stated that while coastal access provision is a municipal decision, the Department is a key role-player in building commitment and providing guidance and support to municipalities to allow them to effectively facilitate, implement, maintain and monitor coastal access. He ensured DEA&DP’s support in respect of the entire process.

Corporal Johannes Matabata, from the South African National Parks (SANParks), shared insightful information with fishermen, more specifically regarding fishing activities, permits and where to apply for permits to name a few.

During his presentation, Richard Botha, former Rescue Manager of the Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMS) and newly appointed as Provincial EMS Coordinator, shared insightful Coastal Access Safety and Awareness information to fishers present, and which are also relevant to the public. He advised fishers that identification is key to their safety while fishing, stating that hazards must be identified when a site is occupied for fishing purposes. He further presented a map indicating various danger spots of fisher-related incidents that the EMS continuously are called out to and advised that various safety aspects must be taken into consideration when planning to go fishing.

Botha also raised the aspect of the importance of self-rescue and shared practical examples to prevent drownings while fishing and he, on behalf of EMS, offered to continue conducting Awareness sessions on Coastal Safety specifically aimed at the safety of fishers. In conclusion he said: “We want to come out and rescue a person and not to conduct a search operation”. In terms of coastal access, he said: “As EMS, we do not experience problems entering the coast, however when it becomes a problem, we consult coastal property owners for easy access to particularly safe lives”.

Although activists question the credibility of processes conducted by Government in terms of equal coastal access for all, the fishing community expect government to provide feedback on the progress of the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team, the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme, as well as feedback based on their concerns.

This workshop was hosted by the GRDM in collaboration with the Department Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Western Cape DEA&DP, George Local Municipality; Metro EMS and the South African National Parks and was highly welcomed by the fisher representatives, activists and members of the public.

Did you know?

As fishers and the public, the following tips can save you from severe incidents while fishing on the coast:

  • Checking the weather
  • Wearing of proper gear, e.g. non-slip footwear
  • Fishing with a buddy
  • Have a first aid kit at hand
  • Check the area for the stability of rocks
  • Be aware of tides and swell
  • Avoid standing on the edge of rocks
  • Secure your gear
  • Watch for marine hazards, e.g. moss can make rocks extremely slippery
  • Avoid risky spots
  • And always carry a whistle

ENDS

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

“Lead 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,” 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

4 November 2024 Media Release: Illegal dumping a threat to the prosperity of the Garden Route

Media Release: Illegal dumping a threat to the prosperity of the Garden Route

For immediate release
4 November 2024

“Industrial- scale illegal dumping and littering was one of the major drivers impacting on the severity of the April 2022 Durban flood disaster when some 459 people lost their lives with billions of Rands’ damage to hard infrastructure, property and the economy”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Globally the advent of climate change enhanced the severity and regularity of flooding with storm water drainage systems and infrastructure simply not designed for such severe events. During the Kwazulu-Natal 2022 floods, the impact of storm water drainage systems blocked by waste and rubble rendered them ineffective to channel storm water. The severe flooding caused severe damage to infrastructure like bridges, roads and resulted in thousands of tons of waste washing up on KZN beaches – a disaster on its own.

All Garden Route towns are serviced weekly in terms of standard waste removal best practice but despite best efforts illegal dumping and littering prevail unabated.

The degrading impact of littering and pollution on the well- being and quality of life of communities is well documented. Changes in climate will further the damage caused by unmanaged waste and litter if social behaviour patterns do not change.

Garden Route municipalities have no choice but to spend millions of Rands, earmarked for service delivery annually, to clean illegal dumping sites and remove mountains of litter from vacant land and township borders.

Littering and illegal dumping, just like the impact of invasive alien plants have become an immense threat to not only the environment but also human safety and well- being. The degradation of water quality, river health, bio-diversity, marine and coastal environments and general quality of life of those living in the Garden Route is at stake.

Many Garden Route residents do take ownership with regular community beach and river clean-ups, and we salute all who assist the overwhelmed public services.

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

Feature Image: Children are often subjected to illegal dumping hotspots.

ENDS

21 October 2024 Media Release: Kaaimans Gorge, a lost treasure

Media Release: Kaaimans Gorge, a lost treasure

For immediate release
21 October 2024

“Paying a heavy price for development and road infrastructure, the iconic Kaaimans Gorge between Wilderness and George has lost much of its environmental and historical significance,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). The iconic gorge symbolises everything the Garden  Route represents but is subjected to the full impact of one of South Africa’s busiest highways.

Kaaimans Gorge is a vital conservation corridor linking the Indian Ocean with the Outeniqua mountains and is a marine and terrestrial biodiversity treasure chest. Periodic land- slides, the formation of erosion gullies, unprecedented growth of invasive alien plants and the damming of water flow upstream of Kaaimans Gorge collectively pushed the Kaaimans balance of nature and sense of place to a point of no return.

In addition to the above, an indigenous creeper has in less than a decade covered much of the northern slope of the Kaaimans indigenous forest. This development led to the collapse of the forest under the weight of the creeper and no doubt will cause further land-slides as dead  biomass and water-logged soils with no plant cover to keep it in check, will at some point give way to gravity.

More often than not, the environment has to give way to development and the growing needs of resource-hungry populations. If the Garden Route is to retain any of its allure as an international point of interest, those living in it should make special efforts to conserve what remains of one of the most special natural spaces on the African continent.

Garden Route river systems are essential conservation corridors which are essential to the survival of biodiversity and land owners in their catchments can contribute to their optimal functionality by clearing their land of invasive alien plants.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental management agencies and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.org.za)

Photo: Kaaimans gorge

16 October 2024 Media Release: Water security the most important need

Media Release: Water security the most important need

For immediate release
16 October 2024

“Forget about load shedding and bad roads, the lack of water security is without a doubt the most serious problem South African communities can face,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The installation of water tanks to harvest rain water from rooftops coupled with measures to reduce consumption do contribute to water security, but consistent availability is critical to all.

Dam levels in the Western and Southern Cape is presently looking good going into summer with no immediate threat to water security. The long term challenge facing the region is exponential population growth and the pressure it will put on finite water resources.

Johannesburg and Pretoria are increasingly plagued by long water outages with reservoirs running dry despite storage dams being at acceptable levels and sufficient run- off from primary catchments. The water crises facing Gauteng is serious, was entirely preventable and is the result of poor planning, failure to upgrade infrastructure and incompetence at many levels of the water management chain.

Water supply infrastructure can be fixed and it is vital that it is approached with urgency, because a more serious threat to water security is the global change in climate and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

Water security demands a holistic approach including the management of catchments and rivers free of invasive alien plants, planning and maintenance of water infrastructure, evaporation suppression and compliance by water users implementing water saving measures.

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

Photo: Supplied

ENDS

04 October 2024 MEDIA RELEASE: Garden Route District and Hessequa Municipalities Join Forces with more stakeholders to clean parts of the Stillbay beach

MEDIA RELEASE: Garden Route District and Hessequa Municipalities Join Forces with more stakeholders to clean parts of the Stillbay beach

4 October 2024

Yesterday, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with Hessequa Local Municipality, rolled out a coastal cleanup at Stillbay. The cleanup, which began at the Preekstoel Caravan Park, forms part of the GRDM’s ongoing support to local municipalities to clean areas from illegal dumping and other waste.

GRDM annually coordinates resources for these clean-up events with support from the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) and the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). This year, the GRDM secured 237 bottles of still water, 237 notebooks with pens, gloves from the Provincial DEA&DP, and additional resources from DFFE to equip the youth participants engaged in today’s clean-up.  The resources were handed over by the GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, to Cllr Hendrik Saayman, Hessequa’s Portfolio Chairperson for Development Planning.

Besides officials from the GRDM and Hessequa Municipality, today’s cleanup was supported by stakeholders including the DEA&DP, DFFE, and the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR). The collective aim was to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup by removing litter from beaches and waterways, contributing to the global effort to protect oceans and coastal environments.

During the session, Mondray Arries, Drowning Prevention Instructor from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), stationed in George, gave a brief and insightful awareness presentation on water safety, the factors contributing to drowning, and what to do if you get into trouble in the sea. He also demonstrated how to apply CPR if someone is saved from drowning and explained what steps to take after rescuing someone.

GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, delivered a brief speech at the event’s commencement, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders and highlighting the significance of the initiative. “Today, we will make a difference by removing waste from our coastline, we also help preserve our valuable marine life so that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans. This is a step in the right direction to ensure the protection of our coast and marine life,” Hoogbaard stated.

Marine Week, celebrated during the second week of October each year, complements International Coastal Cleanup Month in South Africa. These events, driven by DFFE, focus on raising public awareness about the importance of oceans and coastal ecosystems, promoting sustainable usage and conservation. Numerous coastal and river cleanups are organized across the country in September and October to commemorate these events.

Dr. Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at GRDM, extended a challenge to all residents living near oceans, rivers, or lakes to take part in their own cleanup efforts. “Grab gloves, a sun hat, and a couple of refuse bags. Head down to your local beach, riverbank, or lakeside and pick up some litter. Make it an event—invite friends or colleagues and enjoy a coffee afterwards. One bag makes a difference, especially when thousands take action,” she encouraged.

Featured image and collage: Activities during yesterday’s Coastal Clean-up in Still Bay, where volunteers worked together to remove litter and debris from the shoreline, helping to preserve the local marine environment.

The GRDM is proud to support initiatives like today’s coastal cleanup, which are essential for raising awareness about marine conservation and ensuring a healthier, cleaner environment for future generations.

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 by 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

“It 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,” 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

“Throughout 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,” 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.  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  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

26 August 2024 Media Release: Uncertain future as sand dunes are washed away

Media Release: Uncertain future as sand dunes are washed away

For immediate release
26 August 2024

“The frequency and severity of winter storms are on the increase and as sand dunes protecting infrastructure and residential properties from the ferocity of the ocean that are regularly damaged and often completely washed away, beachfront home owners have reason for concern”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Primary and secondary sand dunes covered by indigenous vegetation are considered natural infrastructure and act as vital barriers protecting the interior from incoming high tides and wave action. As much as storms and super high tides affecting coastlines and dune systems can be considered normal, it is their frequency and increased ferocity that are posing a real and present threat to hard infrastructure and properties along beaches and low-lying areas such as lagoons, river mouths and estuaries.

Along the SA coastline homeowners with valuable beach properties are concerned about the long term future prospects of their houses. Along sections of the N2 highway in the Southern and Eastern Cape the ocean recently breached the vital road a number of times leading to road closures and damage.

Sand dunes and beaches are protected under environmental legislation and landowners are not permitted to strengthen and re- enforce washed- away dune systems in front of their properties without permission from the powers that be. Still, there is no doubt that the problems and threats of rising seas and storm surges are getting worse and there is reason for concern.

Even where permissions have been granted to protect dunes from being completely washed away those interventions are expensive and need to be comprehensive in order to be effective against the power of the sea. More often than not municipalities lack the funds to build back climate resilient infrastructure with damage incurred due to flooding, landslides and high seas.

Insurance entities are well aware of where high risk properties are located and may well amend their policies over time to be able to compensate for the high levels of exposure to the elements.

Disaster management entities monitor the impact of the ocean on high risk areas and regularly issue advisory notices when strong wind, super high tides and torrential rain all join forces in creating potential threats to coastal communities and properties.

Feature Image: Wilderness beach: Beach-front properties are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and storm surges. –Photo Supplied

Issued: GREF

GREF is the premier public platform for regional environmental and conservation managers in the Southern Cape.

ENDS