Adaptation urgent in the face of climate change

GEORGE NEWS - The absolute urgency of a mindset change towards the environment, which is needed to curb the impact of climate change, was one of the main themes that shone through at the quarterly feedback session of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (Gref).

It was held on Wednesday 13 December at Fairy Knowe Hotel.

There were some reports of encouraging progress made in restoring some disturbed areas, demonstrating that it is possible if the will is there. Various experts shared their ideas and proposed solutions for environmental preservation and increased resilience.

Rate of development concerning
In his presentation Dr Arne Witt, an invasive alien plant (IAP) expert from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International, explained the importance of biodiversity by describing the intricate and delicate balances in nature, and the repercussions on its fine-tuned systems when just one species is lost or disturbed.

Witt aired concern over the rate of development in Wilderness and the Garden Route, saying that it is causing deforestation and impacting biodiversity - at a time when the world is facing the increasing effects of climate change.

Agricultural activities involving thirsty crops are on the rise in Wilderness, and with these come pesticides and chemicals that land up in and disrupt water systems and the life that they sustain.

Wilderness is located in an internationally registered biosphere reserve, yet people "legally clear complete stands" to build "mansions" and if they "stuff up" the environment, they get a light wrap over the knuckles, Witt said.

Political will is needed to adapt (local and district) government's stance on environmental issues. He concluded his presentation with a Cree proverb, "When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realise that you cannot eat money".

Giorgio Lombardi (left), urban conservancy manager of the Nature's Valley Trust, and Nelson Mandela University emeritus Prof Christo Fabricius.

Agriculture
The keynote speaker, Prof Stephanie Midgley, a specialist scientist for climate change from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (DoA), said what is achieved in the next decade in terms of adaptation will be critical.

She gave feedback on some plans that the DoA has been implementing to create greater resilience in the agriculture industry in the face of climate change.

These include the SmartAgri Plan through which the DoA has formed various partnerships that will promote climate change research, enable adaptive practices and build capacity in the agricultural sector.

She mentioned various successful engagements on climate change that were held with communities, farmers, young people and other relevant departments to spread knowledge and awareness. There have been outreaches to farmers to do risk assessments, climate change youth summits, and a large multi-stakeholder dialogue on climate disaster solutions.

One of the successful interventions by the DoA and its partners was the execution of river maintenance management plans along 1 500km of rivers in the past 10 years. This involved more than 1 200 farms.

As a result, landowners have started to take ownership of land to maintain the restored state of the land.

Memorandums of understanding have been signed with Stellenbosch University's School for Climate Studies as well as the California Department of Food and Agriculture to enhance research and capacity building in the province.

Governmental commitment
The Western Cape also became a signatory of the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) on 2 December at COP28. This is a partnership among 14 sub-national governments on five continents through which participants undertake to accelerate concrete actions with regard to climate change.

Various other speakers shone the light on the work that is being done and progress that is being made in the Garden Route towards conservation of important areas.

For more information regarding Gref, contact Cobus Meiring at cobus@naturalbridge.co.za.

Founder of SaveWild Michael von der Heyde chats with Pauline Lourens of the Garden Route Dam Action Group.