GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Did you know that the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR), which covers land and marine areas from just east of Great Brak River in the west, to just east of Jeffrey’s Bay in the east, and the Langkloof Valley north of the Outeniqua Mountains, is a designated Unesco biosphere reserve, declared so in 2017?
The GRBR is having its first AGM in Plettenberg Bay on 23 August, which will be preceded by four information sessions from 14 to 17 August.
“All stakeholders are invited to attend this first very important annual general meeting,” said Dr Steven Evans, who has been appointed interim general manager of the GRBR.
“It is important for all stakeholders to register as members of the GRBR by completing a membership application form. They must also nominate candidates suitable to serve on the GRBR board, and indicate potential directors. It is crucial for members to attend the AGM to vote for the directors, who will make important decisions regarding the future management of the biosphere reserve,” said Evans.
Members include, but are not limited to, everybody living and working in the GRBR area. These include local communities and nonprofit conservation organisations in the area, the Eden and Sarah Baartman district municipalities and the municipalities of Kouga, Koukamma, Knysna, Bitou and George.
The area falls within the Cape Floristic region and includes the Garden Route National Park, with its three marine protected areas, as well as two World Heritage Sites, one Ransar wetland of international importance, the Nelson Bay Cave and the Langkloof Valley.
The GRBR covers a total area of 698 363 ha, of which 665 885 ha is terrestrial and 32 478 ha marine area. The core zone covers an area of 212 375 ha, which includes a marine conservation area of 32 478 ha. The buffer zone covers an area of 288 032 ha, and the transition zone covers 197 956 ha.
The AGM will be held at 16:00 on 23 August at Piesang Valley hall, 7 Green Point Avenue, in Plettenberg Bay. RSVP and for further information please contact Dr Steven W Evans 082 520 3909 or stevenwe@vodamail.co.za.
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