ENVIRONMENT NEWS - Together with its partners and in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the Garden Route Environmental Forum (Gref) will host the 2026 Extreme Weather Reflection Summit at the NMU George Campus on Thursday 2 July.
The summit will provide a platform for experts, decision-makers, disaster management agencies and stakeholders to reflect on the lessons learnt from the recent weather events in the Garden Route, and to identify practical solutions and support sustainable development in a changing climate.
The summit will be preceded by training activities for disaster management teams, focusing on chainsaw operation and the clearing of biomass in the areas affected by the extreme weather events.
According to Gref’s convener, Cobus Meiring, there will be expert presentations, panel discussions and stakeholder engagement, during which participants will explore climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water security, biodiversity conservation, environmental restoration and sustainable economic development.
The summit has received strong support from the Garden Route District Municipality and George Municipality, both committed to addressing the issues.
Representatives from government, academia, business, agriculture, environmental organisations and civil society will participate in these discussions aimed at developing practical recommendations to inform future planning, investment and disaster preparedness initiatives.
Further details regarding the speakers, programme content and registration will be announced shortly.
RSVP (essential): [email protected].
Meiring said the Garden Route has experienced some of South Africa’s most damaging climate-related disasters in recent years, from the devastating June 2017 Knysna fires to recurring floods, severe storm damage and increasing threats to infrastructure and communities.
“Most recently, the severe wind, flooding and coastal damage, during May and June, once again highlighted the vulnerability of communities, businesses, agriculture, infrastructure and ecosystems to extreme weather events. As climate risks continue to intensify, the need for co-ordinated action and improved preparedness has never been greater.”
He said collaboration between institutions, communities and the private sector is essential to building a more resilient and sustainable future.
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