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Garden Route Environmental Forum

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

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 danger”, 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  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

“Via 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, ” 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 “Environmental Anarchy” 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

11 March 2025 Media Release: Global Events Heavily Impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Media Release: Global Events heavily impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

For immediate release
11 March 2025

“When Russia invaded Ukraine in April 2022, environmentalists sounded the alarm that as the world shifted focus and resources to the war, it would have a detrimental effect on global efforts to address climate change,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Since 2022, this prediction has not only proven to be true, but the situation has worsened due to more recent events, such as the USA withdrawing from the UN Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement and halting vital funding that sustains environmental efforts globally. In Countries like South Africa few realized the scale and impact of American financial support until it was retracted overnight.

The theme for the June 2025 GREF Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba is “A Global Reassessment of Sustainable Funding Mechanisms for Environmental Projects.” The Indaba will focus on finding alternative, innovative, and sustainable funding mechanisms for environmental management.

South African conservation and environmental efforts are already suffering as government and private funding has dwindled over time due to slow economic growth and rising costs. Ironically, the environment is the bedrock of the South African economy, yet given the financial predicament, it is being forced to take a back seat.

The recent return of the SA Agulhas II research ship from its annual voyage conducting vital research in Antarctica and open oceans was a momentous occasion. However, even this prestigious South African endeavour faces uncertainty, as looming budget cuts threaten its sustainability.

The loss of American funding, particularly from USAID, will have far-reaching effects on critical initiatives such as the South African Just Energy Transition Programme (JETP), which aims to move away from fossil fuels. Many other essential conservation projects funded through American grants, including anti-poaching efforts and biodiversity conservation, are also at risk.

As the global drive to protect the environment faces increasing threats, South Africans must take responsibility for ensuring better environmental management to secure a high quality of life for all who depend on our natural infrastructure and resources.

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

Feature Image: In the face of less funding South Africans must do much more to protect the environment – Waste management

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

“For 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,” 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 12 000 burnt structures are severe. Because of the toxins present, homeowners are currently banned from cleaning their own property. It is feared that toxins are already finding their 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 – www.grefscli.co.za).

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

13 January 2025 Media Release: Garden Route environment key to its economic prosperity, but wild fires remain a threat

Media Release: Garden Route environment key to its economic prosperity, but wild fires remain a threat

For immediate release
13 January 2025

“Thousands of tourists from all over the world flocked to the Garden Route over the 24/25 holiday season to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth, and in doing so, they make a vital contribution to the regional economy,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Garden Route regional and local government and conservation bodies consistently go to great lengths to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure a well- managed environment for all to enjoy. These efforts do come at a cost for those responsible for managing the environment, but the return on investment is high and the jobs created through the tourism sector is vital to the quality of life for all those living in the region.

Easily accessible clean and safe beaches, several world class nature reserves, hiking trails through forests and mountains, picnic spots, restaurants and high standard accommodation options – all contribute to the Garden Route value proposition for tourists.

Unfortunately during the festive season, the Garden Route suffered from increasingly frequent wild fires which kept authorities busy in actively fighting and monitoring several wild fires scattered all over the region. This ever- present threat will only increase as summer temperatures are set to rise to record highs in 2025.

The devastating fires presently raging through Los Angeles is a stark reminder to Garden Route residents who experienced the Knysna wildfire disaster back in June 2017. Fact is that, as climate change shows its teeth, the danger of regional wild fire disasters are clear and present and on the increase, and in many respects, there are correlations between the factors which contributed to the ferocity of the LA and Knysna wildfire disasters.

Garden Route regional authorities and professional firefighting entities such as the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (FPA), are better prepared than ever to prevent and manage wildfires. Despite best efforts and equipment, the Los Angeles disaster showed that when nature unleashes its full fury, nothing will stop it from destroying everything in its path.

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

Photo: The scenic Garden Route is a major draw card for thousands of tourists and makes an invaluable contribution to the economic prosperity of the region.

29 November 2024 Media Release: Marine Protected Areas – an ecosystem treasure chest

Media Release: Marine Protected Areas – an ecosystem treasure chest

29 November 2024

“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and a team of specialist consultants responsible for drawing up the management plans for the Garden Route Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) wrapped up their public participation effort on 27 November and will be collating the input received into a final report going forward”, says Chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee Cobus Meiring.

Besides the demarcated Marine Protected Areas along the scenic Garden Route coastline, there are two seamounts located some four hundred kilometres offshore of Mossel Bay and two more east of Cape Agulhas. The seamounts are large submarine landforms that rises from the ocean floor without reaching the water surface and sustain invaluable marine ecosystems.

Because of their elevated position in the water interaction between seamounts and underwater currents attract plankton, corals , fish and marine animals alike. Seamounts are fish factories and their sustained survival is vital to South Africa’s commercial fisheries and future ocean economy.

Coastal Marine Protected Areas along the Garden Route coast are well controlled and monitored by the powers that be and serve as vital breeding ground for all marine life and eco- systems.

The seamounts deep in the Indian Ocean is, however, in a perilous position as South Africa no longer has the human capacity, littoral patrol and navy vessels nor aircraft capable of  monitoring and safeguarding the country’s natural infrastructural assets in the open ocean from plundering.

As the 2024/25 festive season is approaching recreational fishermen are encouraged to make sure they have their relevant permits in place, stay clear of Marine Protected Areas and stick to the rules that apply when practicing their sport. This is needed to ensure that our South African marine life has a sustainable future.

Happy fishing!

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

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

“The 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,” 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)

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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

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