GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality is hosting the annual Institute of Environment and Recreation Management (IERM) convention this year at Oubaai Hotel and Spa. The theme is 'Public spaces and places - current trends, future opportunities and global news'.

Mayor Melvin Naik will host a welcoming function on the evening of 4 September.

The IERM was established in 1936 to allow networking opportunities for municipal managers who are responsible for the management of public parks, open space and recreation facilities.

It has 1 000 members, including 100 municipalities, with the mission being to be the leading public sector organisation that promotes sustainable and integrated environmental and recreation management practices.

This year's convention will draw an estimated 70 out-of-town delegates.

A number of prominent speakers will present during the various sessions over two days.

One of the sessions, by Adelaide Chokoe of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, will give an overview of the impact the Polyphagus Shot Hole Borer has had on Johannesburg.

George Municipality will be represented by Priscilla Burgoyne, superintendent: Parks and Recreation in the Community Services Directorate, who will present on the Ten-year Plan for Parks and Playparks as drawn up by the George Municipality.

Naik said he is thrilled to welcome a convention of this stature to George. "George is well placed to receive this number of delegates from all over South Africa and we appreciate the opportunity to show off our beautiful city and surrounds."

Officials from the Parks and Recreation division have been involved in assisting with the logistics for the convention and aside from organising the venue for tree planting and clean up, they have arranged for a full day of site visits for the delegates in and around the George area, including the Botanical Garden, gardens at Kleinkrantz, Wilderness Blue Flag beach, Outeniqua Pass and Ballot's Bay.

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