GEORGE NEWS - The miniscule Meulen River wetland, in the middle of George's industrial area, became the focus of attention on Friday 3 February when 100 Investec delegates were given a short walk in the reeds, a chance to plant trees and to participate in a clean-up. 

They collected 50 bags of trash, and were taught about river health.

This was part of the practical implementation of Investec's climate change role in South Africa.

An intriguing insight was given into how resilient and important wetlands are. Matthew Koehurst of Greenpop and Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag) chairperson Desireé du Preez showed visitors around the area where the river has its origins.

The river is only 13km from its source in the industrial area to the coast, but on its route it has a major impact on communities like Conville, Rosemoor and Parkdene as well as on the Ballot's Bay Nature Reserve and Victoria Bay.

Enthusiasm

With the support of Gardag volunteers, Greenpop and George Municipality, Investec bankers got stuck in and planted 140 indigenous trees as part of the first step of the rehabilitation of the wetland. 

"The great enthusiasm shown by the Investec visitors, who flew in from as far away as London, Cape Town and Johannesburg, has given renewed momentum for Gardag's vision to undertake ecological restoration in the Meulen River," said Du Preez.

Coca-Cola has also pledged to support Gardag. "This is the support we were waiting for. This week we will be working on refining our strategy for getting more of the neighbouring businesses along the river on board."

Little life left in river

Freshwater ecologist and Gardag member Ferdi de Lange gave a practical demonstration of the South African Scoring System (Sass) for river health assessment and introduced the group to the miniscule river crab and other vertebrates. 

He said the river has been severely degraded and there is very little life left in the river. He hopes that after a turn-around strategy is implemented, there will be a return of the full ecosystem services provided by the wetland and the river to the adjacent communities.

Matthew Koehurst of Greenpop gave an inspired message on Friday, all in the spirit of South Africa's wetland celebration.

'Adapt or die' plea

Koehurst said the Meulen River wetland can be restored by taking immediate steps to bring about a change in behaviour from all role players. 

"We cannot go on with this 'business as usual' approach. We have to adapt a strategy of taking responsibility for what we do to our planet. The local authorities also must realise that they too have to adapt their management and enforce their by-laws and national law."

Du Preez said while the George municipal officials are giving support to Gardag's efforts, they will have to get total buy-in from management into the wetland rehabilitation.

"Our organisation is hopeful that our efforts will be recognised as a genuine quest to improve the river quality of Meulen River and other waterbodies in our city, for the impact thereof will be felt for generations to come."

She said one of the crucial aspects of rehabilitation would be to approach local schools and communities to raise awareness of the role they have to play in environmental management. 

Gardag has connected with the Year Beyond youth initiative and plans to become involved in environmental education.

The 100 delegates planted 80 indigenous trees with great enthusiasm.

Climate change needs to be factored in

Water scientist Dr Anthony Turton said in two presentations - to the general public on Thursday and to Investec on Friday - that climate change has be to be factored in when local authorities draw up their long-term planning for water usage. 

Droughts and climate change are the harsh realities that need to be acknowledged. Failing to do that would amount to poor planning. 

"Serious investors want to know that there is water security before they make their decision. With a growing population and growing pressure on the available supply of water, security will have to be provided through redundancy, which is not part of the current strategy."

Ferdie de Lange (left), freshwater ecologist, shows visitors from as far afield as London, Johannesburg and Cape Town what river creatures are still present in the Meulen River wetland, which is situated on Industrial Road, George.

'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'