An Introduction - Version 1 - GREF Stakeholder Report-back Event 2020 - www.scli.org/gref
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GREF Stakeholder Report-back Event 2020
An Introduction – Version 1
www.scli.org/gref
Western Cape Department of Presentation: The climate change portfolio of the Western Cape
Agriculture Department of Agriculture – highlights from 2014 – 2020
Contact person: Dr Ilse Trautmann,
Chief Director: Research and Climate Change Project Summary: The Western Cape Department
Technology Development, of Agriculture is managing a portfolio of projects in the climate
Department of Agriculture, change focus area. The Department completed the SmartAgri plan
Elsenburg, Western Cape in 2016 after intensive stakeholder engagements and the plan is
Contact details:
currently implemented within the Department and the sector. Four
ilset@elsenburg.com or
021-8085012 strategic focus areas were identified in the plan and our projects are
aligned to these. See www.greenagri.org.za for all the information
Projects listed/ managed: A on the SmartAgri plan, case studies and regional briefs. The plan was
portfolio of projects in agriculture evaluated earlier this year and seven recommendations to improve
with the SmartAgri plan as roadmap the plan and its implementation were identified and is currently
to resilience attended to. Projects in our climate change portfolio include
Outcomes: Climate smart resource economics, alternative crops with less water needs,
agricultural practises for increased
Fruitlook as a water management tool, alien clearing, conservation
agricultural production and resource
efficiency in the agricultural sector. agriculture research in small grains, potatoes, and planted pastures
to name but a few. Details of each of the projects, its objectives,
outputs and outcomes are available on request.
www.elsenburg.com or www.greenagri.org.za
SANParks: Knysna section of
the Garden Route National
Park
Contact person: Megan
Taplin, Manager of the Knysna
section of the Garden Route
National Park
Email: megan.taplin@sanparks.org
Feedback:
• 2020/2021 SANParks initiatives
• Buffer zone developments
• Knysna elephant research
project
• Knysna Park Forum
https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/
Oceans Research Institute Oceans Research provides and facilitates innovative and dynamic research
relevant to the management and conservation of Southern Africa’s wildlife.
Marine and terrestrial research and
conservation organisation in
Its research is interdisciplinary ranging from biological to socio-economic
Southern Africa.
studies of marine and terrestrial resource utilisation in Southern Africa’s
coastal society. Oceans Research specialises in investigating the biology and
Contact person: Dr Enrico ecology of mega-fauna, including sharks, marine mammals and terrestrial
Gennari, CEO, Oceans Research carnivores; we advise governmental and non-governmental bodies on
Institute relevant conservation issues.
Email: e.gennari@oceans-research.com
Oceans Research offers multi-disciplinary practical and theoretical training for
aspiring researchers from internship to postgraduate levels in conjunction
Feedback: with partner schools, technical colleges and universities. In addition to the in-
Tracking shark conservation house research projects, the institute provides facilities for visiting marine
in the Garden Route scientists conducting a variety of projects throughout the major marine
biomes of Southern Africa.
Oceans Research strives to divulgate its research finding not only to the
scientific community but also, and even more importantly, to the general
public, through its website, media releases, scientific and popular articles,
and documentaries.
https://www.oceans-research.com/
CapeNature Projects listed/ managed: Biodiversity Protection and Protected
Contact person: Colin Fordham Area Management encompassing biodiversity conservation through
science, compliance and effective management. Terrestrial
Contact details:
cfordham@capenature.co.za management is focussed on integrated catchment management
with strong alien clearing programmes and advanced fire
Marine & Coastal Specialist: Keith
management. This results in effective habitat protection for
Spencer
important and threatened species such as Cape Mountain Zebra
CapeNature Weekly CNC Update and Cape leopard. A network of Marine Protected Areas supports
Ms Petro van Rhyn, General broader coastal management interactions, together with partners,
Manager, Advocacy, Eco-Tourism & effectively protecting biodiversity in our estuaries and along the
Access coastline.
Project Summary: CapeNature is a public institution with the statutory responsibility for
CapeNature – Weekly external biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape. It is governed by the Western Cape
stakeholder newsletters can be viewed Nature Conservation Board Act 15 of 1998 and mandated to: promote and ensure
at nature conservation; render services and provide facilities for research and training; and
https://www.capenature.co.za/capenature- generate income. Various management systems, partnering with other role players and
weekly-bulletin. a new landscape based approach, allows integrated management to happen across
land and seascapes.
www.capenature.co.za
Working for Wetlands Objectives
Working for Wetlands is based on key interlinked concepts that ensure
Contact person: Heidi Muller, effective and sustainable wetland rehabilitation:
DEFF: Working for Wetlands • Wetland Protection, Wise Use & Rehabilitation
Provincial Coordinator: • Skills and Capacity Development
Western and Northern Cape, • Co-operative Governance & Partnerships
Natural Resource Management • Knowledge Sharing
Programme • Communication, Education & Public Awareness
Email: Combining environmental and social outcomes, Working for Wetlands weaves
HNieuwoudt@environment.gov.za together the wise use of wetlands with employment creation and poverty
alleviation. Using the rehabilitation of wetlands as a vehicle to achieve these
outcomes, the programme follows an approach that centres on cooperative
government and partnership creation with landowners, communities, civil
society and the private sector. Working for Wetlands pursues its mandate of
wetland rehabilitation and wise use in a manner that maximises employment
creation, supports small emerging businesses, and transfers skills to its
beneficiaries. In line with EPWP norms, the programme targets those groups
most excluded from the mainstream economy, with particular emphasis on
women, youth and people with disabilities.
https://www.environment.gov.za/projectsprogrammes/workingfowetlands
Southern Cape Fire Protection Objective:
Association (SCFPA)
Wildfire prevention and the protection of assets (human, ecological and economical). To
ensure that our members/landowners are prepared for the threats posed by unwanted
Contact person: Paul Gerber, General
wildfires.
Manager
Contact details: 082 805 5840; Email:
Methodology:
gerberpj@gmail.com
The SCFPA's primary objectives are to: a. Raise awareness on the above mentioned. Make use of as much as possible
(a) empower SCFPA members within media/social platforms to raise awareness.
communities to become more aware of the b. Attend farmers union, conservancy and local community meetings.
risks of fire, c. Site visits to landowners who needs advice on wildfire prevention and
(b) capacitate them to act proactively to protection of assets. Members can get one on site free consultation per annum.
reduce the hazards and vulnerability of Compliance to the NVFFA and the protection of assets are promoted.
assets, d. Basic wildfire suppression and safety training are provided to our members and
(c) allow them to act as a first response to their staff.
fire emergencies and integrated fire e. Attend various stakeholders’ meetings with the aim to improve on and
management services, coordinate wildfire suppression activities.
(d) initiate integrated fire management in
the most cost-effective way possible, and
Outcomes:
(e) advise and assist members and
authorities with regards to legal To capacitate our members/landowners to act proactively to reduce the hazards and
requirements. vulnerability of their assets.
www.scfpa.co.za
MTO Cape: Contact person: Mr Jan van Schalkwyk, General Manager: Forestry, MTO Cape Email: janvs@mto.co.za Forestry in the Southern Cape: A vital component to the well-being of the regional economy, associated value chain, century-old skills base and social welfare. Future environmetal management in Exit areas is a real concern.
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme 2020 Contact person: Dr Nina Viljoen, Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaptation, Garden Route District Municipality Email: nina@gardenroute.gov.za www.gardenroute.gov.za
Garden Route Environmental GREF Secretariat Feedback
Forum (GREF) • Development of the GREF Debate Series during the national lockdown to replace the Annual
Wildfire Commemoration event and Climate Change Indaba. The series focused on the
Contact: GREF Implementer for correlation between the effects of COVID-19 and that which is projected to be forced upon
GRDM, Cobus Meiring, SCLI & the region by climate change. The series included interviews with specialists and selected
GREF Secretariat high-profile individuals (see GREF/SCLI website for articles). A total of 24 articles were
prepared and published over a period over eight months.
Email: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za • Eco-Logic Bronze Award: GRDM and GREF was nominated for the Annual Eco-Logic
Environmental Awards that took on a virtual format and was awarded a bronze award.
• GREF Climate Change Sub-Saharan Virtual Platform for Climate Change and Disaster
The Garden Route Environmental Forum Management. As a leading municipality and capable and experienced disaster
(GREF) is a regional forum for management entity, GRDM and GREF, in collaboration with DEA&DP developed a concept to
collaboration in conservation, adaptation initiated, manage and host a virtual platform for climate change and disaster management for
sub-Saharan Africa. This is a work in progress. The concept document will be made available
and community interaction.
for input. Individuals or entities who wish to participate in this initiative can contact the GREF
Secretariat.
GREF is a public platform and think tank • The GREF/SCLI database of qualified IAP contractors has expanded in 2020 from twelve
for national, regional and local teams to close to a hundred. This growth in numbers is ascribed to the official withdrawal of
government, conservation bodies, MTO Forestry from the region and paints a dark picture as they are almost all out of work.
academics, the media, landowners and GREF, GRDM and SCLI have applied for funding to the Presidential COVID-19 Relief Fund for
land managers, active in the full spectrum funding projected over a three-year period and await approval.
of environmental matters in the region. • The GREF 2021 Wildfire Commemoration and Climate Change Indaba to be held in the week
of 7 June 2021, and to be co-hosted with DEA&DP. More information on this event will be
made available in February 2021.
www.scli.org/grefThe Garden Route Description:
This GRBR covers an area of approximately 700,000 hectares and extends from the coastline south of
Biosphere Reserve (GRBR) the George Airport, north along the eastern boundary of its neighbouring Gouritz Cluster Biosphere
Reserve, along the coastline into the Eastern Cape to include Jeffrey’s Bay and St Francis Bay. The GRBR
is located within the Cape Floristic Region along the southern coast of the country, and includes the
Japie Buckle, Board Member of the Tsitsikamma, Goukamma and Robberg Marine Protected Areas, Wilderness Lake RAMSAR site, Garden
GRBR Route National Park, the Nelson Bay Cave and the Langkloof Valley. The Garden Route National Park,
the primary core area of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, also forms part of the Cape Floral
Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site, inscribed by UNESCO in 2004.
Contact: Japie Buckle
Email: japie.buckle@vai.org.za The GRBR is divided into areas of biodiversity significance for incorporation into development
planning. The core areas cover 31% of the GRBR, with 26% being terrestrial and 5% marine. The buffer
zone accounts for 41% and the transition area 28%. There are three Marine Protected Areas and a
Ramsar Wetland site found within the reserve.
The Garden Route Biosphere Reserve
(GRBR) was recognised by UNESCO as The GRBR is both socially and ecologically rich with approx. 500,000 inhabitants and a network of
active social actors living and working within a biologically diverse natural habitat with great natural
South Africa’s 9th Biosphere Reserve in
beauty that underpins a strong tourism economy in the region.
June 2017.
In this era of the Anthropocene, the region is threatened by climate change, increasing urbanisation
and a multitude of land uses including associated waste, the spread of invasive alien species and
Chairman’s Report: unsustainable harvesting of natural resources. These threats are coupled with a burgeoning
population, high levels of inequality and unemployment, low skills levels and limited social capital.
https://gardenroutebiosphere.org.za/chairs- These social and ecological drivers threaten the sustainability of the region and have informed the
message-november-2020/ GRBR key focus areas.
https://gardenroutebiosphere.org.zaValue-added Summary
Industries pertaining
to Invasive Alien Plants: • The Value Added Industry (VAI) programme is implemented by Working
Working on Fire on Fire. It is a national program, with its own budget and staff.
• Converting IAPs into something useful: to incentivised the clearing of
Contact: Japie Buckle, Value more areas of IAPs
Added Industries “We are losing the war against the IAP in RSA”
• To get on top of the IAP problem in SA within the next 20 years, we need an
Email: japie.buckle@vai.org.za
annual budget of R12 000 000 000. Changed our strategy – incentivise the
Cell: 082 820 7083 clearing operation for landowners – Value Added Industry
• Green Building material opportunities: Housing, schools, etc. Fireproof
low-cement bio-based wood chip cement concrete buildings technology.
• Other VAI initiatives: Facilitate the conversion of IAP into biochar,
activated charcoal, fuel pellets (Holland needs 3.5 million tons/year),
furniture etc. Strong Research and Development focus.
• New developments in the export charcoal market: This can be a game
changer for landowners to get rid of IAP and cover the total cost of clearing
and rehabilitation of invaded areasKnysna Municipality
Environmental Management Summary:
Contact: Pam Booth, Manager, Knysna Municipality’s Environmental Management Department has doubled
Environmental Planning, Knysna in size in the last 12 months; taken on some new projects while growing and
Municipality and Chairperson of
the Keurbooms River Working building on established programmes.
Group
Email: pbooth@knysna.gov.za Our focus on coastal pollution and catchment management is illustrated in
Cell: 060 998 6967 both the Strandloper expedition and the Keurbooms river investment in
Feedback: ecological infrastructure working group.
• Knysna Municipality Projects and
The opportunities presented by an international pandemic will hopefully
Programmes update
• Strandloper Expedition 2020 provide further opportunities for expansion particularly in the jobs-for-
• Keurbooms Investment in
nature sector.
Ecological Infrastructure Update
www.knysna.gov.zaGouritz Corridors Project: Objective: To restore and maintain ecological corridors in the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve
The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Location: The current focus is on the enhancement of ecological functionality of the Langeberg
Reserve (GCBR) Mountains and foothills, between the Weyers River in the west, Ruitersbos Nature Reserve in the East
and centred in the Herbertsdale area.
Contact person: Myles Mander
Contact details: 082 808 0315 Partners: Local farmers, CapeNature, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, Agri Wes Kaap,
Contact person: Halcyone Muller Working for Wetlands, LandCare and other stakeholders
Contact details: 083 999 6899
Methodology/ Activities to be undertaken:
Project Description: 2019 – 2024
This is an initiative to enhance landscape scale • Conduct an ecological baseline assessment of: Mountain fynbos/ rangeland; wetlands and rivers
ecological processes along mountain ranges and
rivers associated with the Gouritz River. Corridors • Identify the ideal conditions for ecological farm assets
are landscape level ecological connections which • Joint planning with farmers to develop practical actions to:
are critical for ecological processes and for long
term survival of wild animals and plants, especially ▪ Maintain and improve ecological conditions,
in the context of climate change. The project aims ▪ Identify conservation farming techniques to improve and sustain farm enterprises
to establish landscape level strategies for effective
fire management, successful invasive alien plant • Support farmers managing their veld, rivers and wetlands through:
control and improved river and wetland health by ▪ Providing technical support for effective fire, fynbos, wetland and river management
means of growing collaboration between farmers ▪ Supporting farmers to leverage support from government and other agencies
and other landowners. By identifying and
analysing environmental threats and opportunities • Support farmers to access conservation farming know-how for government and other agencies
with farmers and stakeholders, the project aims to
assist with implementing practical and co-
operative strategies to address threats and Supporting flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jcV97y5Ww2d3fuNZasdI4mWRsbTOi4sU/view
opportunities at a landscape scale.
https://gouritz.com/portfolio/gouritz-ecological-corridor/Review of the Garden Route Description:
This project involves the review and update the disaster risk assessment (DRA) for Garden Route District
District Municipality Disaster Municipality (GRDM), in accordance with the Western Cape standardised DRA methodology.
Risk Assessment Disaster The first step in the process of preparing a disaster management plan (DMP) for a Local authority (in
consultation with other key role players) is to compile a DRA that identifies risks to which the
Management communities in the local authority area are exposed to (described in Sections 39 (2) and 53 (2) (a); (b)
and (e) of the Act). This process normally identifies many risks that must be addressed by the local
authority itself or in partnership with other role players. By ranking the risks, local authorities (with
Contact person: Francis Hoets cooperation) can develop Disaster Risk Reduction Plans (DRRPs) for those risks that are intolerably high,
Contact details: 083 285 0195 while the tolerable risks can be addressed with Disaster Preparedness Plans (DPPs).
Email: francis@dms-online.co.za DRA is a dynamic process which is influenced by various combinations of the hazard, conditions of
vulnerability and the capacity to manage processes. These processes could include urban growth,
Disaster Risk Management NPC (t/a DMS NPC), increased informal settlement density, infrastructure development and the onset of climate change. DRA
appointed by Western Cape PDMC (Department of is the first step in planning an effective disaster risk reduction programme by examining the likelihood
Local Government)
and outcomes of expected disaster events. This would include investigating related hazards and
Objective: The purpose of the project is to conditions of vulnerability that increase the chances of loss.
undertake a review and update of the DRA of the The GRDM DRA was undertaken in 2012/13, however, due to the dynamic nature of risk, the existing
GRDM. The DRA will be done in accordance with DRA needs be reviewed and updated to ensure that the disaster management plan of the municipality is
the Western Cape Standardised DRA informed by a current and credible DRA.
Methodology. The standardised DRA
methodology was developed so that all risk Methodology: Research-based methodology; Desktop research process through GIS; and Workshop-
assessments in the province conforms to a based methodology through district DRA engagement workshops.
standard and ensures that the provincial risk Outcomes: A comprehensive DRA report for the GRDM; and A concise infographic focused version of
profile can be easily updated and maintained. the report, not more than 80 pages.
The standardised DRA methodology comprises Time frame: DMS NPC will conduct the work over a period from appointment to the 28th of March 2021
of the following components: 1) Scientific based (approximately over a five month period), depending on the availability of the officials and workshop
DRA and 2) Community-based DRA. participants.
www.dms-online.co.zaThe Montagu Pass Plan – The Montagu Pass Plan - development into and around the environment of a
mountain area
Development into and
around the environment of a Mountain areas make up about a third of the area of the Western Cape Province. My
mountain area proposal [going to business and government authorities] to carefully monitor these
areas for development, the environment and tourism, has been well received.
Contact person: Prof Francois The Montagu Pass is a case in point. It is the oldest motor vehicle pass still being used in
South Africa in its original form as from 1847. Just due to this, it deserves special
Hanekom, Manager of the attention - honouring its cultural-historical value.
Montagu Pass Plan
A scientific route analysis in terms of spatio-economic guidelines binds the various
development cores together. At the north is the Herold Meander, a hamlet on a working
farm; in the south is the Old Toll House. Not only development initiatives geographically
integrated and adjoining the Pass, are taken for analysis, but also those systemically
bound by this unique opportunity are taken for analysis.
A proposal is made to define a Montagu Pass Reserve. For this a PPP [Public Private
Partnership is considered. Good cooperation is found with CapeNature, the present
custodian for this area. Activities include hiking of a wide variety - auto vehicles, back-
packing, cycling [fat and thin tyre], dogs, the handicapped [many forms], motor-biking,
nature as focus, quad bikes, wilderness trekking, and more. To this is added the
possibility that the railway-line in various usages will step into the picture.SCLI Cape Floristic Corridor Revival Project Contact person: Cobus Meiring Email: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za The SCLI Cape Floristic Corridor Revival Initiative, supported by the Table Mountain Fun, is aimed at assisting landowners and land managers in strategic Southern Cape river systems to better manage their land in order to establish/ improve conservation corridors. The initiative is to be blend in with existing conservation efforts, such as the SANParks buffer zones and expansion strategies, with input from local conservation and landowner participation bodies. Core project deliverables include the compilation of spatial information, the Core to the objective of the initiative is to development of five overarching (catchment-to-sea scale) control plans and identify hotspots in the respective rivers that three fine-scale and detailed landowner plans per corridor. Allowing are under pressure from invasive alien plants, landowners constant access to scientific input into adaptation and best practice and to assist those landowners in the models, as well as the promotion of the conservation corridors through development of Invasive Alien Plant Control communication and awareness activities, will assist in managing the Plans and advise them on best practice in environmental challenges in the region. terms of IAP eradication and herbicide assistance. https://www.scli.org.za/project-tmf-scli-cape-floristic-corridor-revival-and-training-programme/
Veld management Description:
As part of an ongoing effort to address land management issues brought about by climate change, the
Husqvarna SA Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) looks at the urgency to engage and form partnerships to
create a more sustainable natural environment.
Contact person: Divan Vermaak,
Veld management is critical in re-establishing veld back to its natural state, subsequently ensuring
Business Development, Agriculture, optimal productivity. It is aimed at eradicating invasive and encroaching plant species and it helps
Veld Management & Silent Nature, minimise overgrazing while preventing erosion. Eliminating and eradicating invasive and pernicious
Husqvarna South Africa alien plant species plays a major role in allowing natural vegetation and plants to re-establish
themselves, and also minimises the devastation of overgrazing, erosion and the potential for fires.
Email: New technology and modern equipment does, however, open up prospects for landowners and land
Divan.Vermaak@husqvarnagroup.com managers in dealing with problem plants. Whilst training and maintenance will always remain a
cornerstone of effective land management and the positive impact thereof, there are extremely effective
Tel: +27 (0) 33 846 9700 machines available to landowners that can make a vast difference to land managers and the long-term
sustainability of their land.
Cell: +27 (0) 82 811 4579
The Husqvarna Silent Nature™ is a revolutionary concept and was born as a new way of caring for parks,
gardens, landscaped areas, forests and game reserves by using high-performance battery and robotic
tools with the quiet, clean convenience of long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. These tools boast also the
necessary power and performance without needing petrol and refuelling. With no direct emissions, the
handheld battery tools are also 100% smoke-free and contribute to a “more silent and greener”
philosophy.
https://www.husqvarna.com/za/ANNOUNCEMENT
Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)
2021Cobus Meiring: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za Cell: 083 626 7619
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