Equitable coastal access in Garden Route discussed

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and key stakeholders hosted the Garden Route District coastal access task team awareness and training workshop in George on 10 December. This event highlighted pressing issues surrounding equitable coastal access in the region.

Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM's head of environmental management, emphasised that while South Africans are legally entitled to coastal public property under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act of 2008, access challenges and restrictions persist due to environmentally insensitive development.

Viljoen said these challenges must be addressed to ensure free and equitable access for all.

The workshop aimed to promote dialogue among stakeholders, including activists, community representatives, and fishers. It was an opportunity to discuss conflicts over coastal access and advocate for government and municipalities to intervene. Government officials also shared legislative insights, aiding attendees' understanding of their rights to coastal spaces.

Jobieth Hoogbaard, GRDM portfolio chairperson for community services, highlighted the importance of the coastline for livelihoods, tourism and recreation.

He expressed concern over the degradation of ecosystems and the missed economic and social opportunities caused by poor development decisions. "We must protect and manage our coastal resources for current and future generations," Hoogbaard said.

Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM head of environmental management

Key presentations included GRDM's Siphelele Sithole, who unveiled an educational campaign for property developers and estate agents about coastal access legislation.

Dr Viljoen provided updates on the public participation process for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme, emphasising the importance of including public feedback in the final version.

Other speakers included Ryan Apolles of the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, who stressed the province's role in supporting municipalities, and Corporal Johannes Matabata of SANParks, who gave guidance on fishing permits.

Richard Botha, emergency medical services provincial coordinator, provided safety advice for fishers, highlighting self-rescue measures and the need for proactive hazard identification.

Activists and fishers voiced their concerns about government processes and called for feedback on the progress of initiatives such as the Coastal Management Programme.

Despite challenges, the workshop was widely appreciated as a step toward cultivating collaboration and raising awareness about coastal access and safety.

Some of the community members who attended the workshop.