Indaba on climate change and environment starts

GEORGE NEWS - The annual Garden Route fire commemoration and climate change indaba hosted by the Garden Route Environmental Forum is currently underway at the Council Chambers of Garden Route District Municipality in George.

District Mayor Memory Booysen during his welcoming address recalled the historic fires of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in 2017.

"This platform was established soon after those fires and ever since, it continued to grow - we have become bigger and stronger, particularly with the relevant people taking part in this initiative."

Educators, environmentalists, officials in disaster management, politicians and people from state owned enterprises are taking part.

He said the fact that there are people from various professions is an indication that the Garden Route is a resilient district.

He said that subsequent to the 2017 wildfires, other disasters such as flash floods, drought, and more fires occurred and fynbos was destroyed, the forestry industries have suffered ever since, and the economy has been affected.

"We had our own experiences with Covid-19. All of these occurrences, have led to the brainpower of this platform. When we put together our experiences and knowledge, drive and passion, we can make a difference."

View the rest of the event through the municipality’s Youtube channel.