GEORGE NEWS - Start dreaming big. That was the message of Jörn Bernhardt, a retired economist from Germany with more than 40 years' experience in non-profit organisations (NPOs), in his final presentation on Thursday 17 October to stakeholders at the Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG) in George.
Bernhardt had been visiting the garden over the past few weeks as part of a support programme by the German government in the form of their Senior Expert Service (SES). This is a skills development programme that sends skilled professionals to NPOs in developing countries to assist them with pertinent issues such as fundraising.
Bernhardt was mostly positive and said that he is optimistic about the future of the garden. But he had harsh words regarding the entrances to the GRBG. He said especially Gate 1 looks "terrible".
He showed slides of the entrances to similar gardens in New York, Singapore and Melbourne, all of which make a good impression.
Jörn Bernhardt during his final presentation to stakeholders at the Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG) in George.
Bernhardt said during his visit there was no shortage of ideas in discussions with stakeholders. According to him the GRBG needs a lot of funds. It should be a "national garden" and it should focus on education and training, including features such as a "plant of the month" every month. In his opinion the GRBG should be run as a company. Importantly, it should work together with stakeholders from the business and tourism sectors, as it is not an island in the ocean.
He suggested that GRBG should get a specific person that could help attract international funds from embassies, foundations and through twin city agreements.
The GRBG should start dreaming big and set targets. It is unique and should not be compared with Kirstenbosch. What is needed is a Garden Route Action Team that should look after the interests of not only the GRBG, but the whole of the Garden Route.
One of the entrances to the Garden Route Botanical Garden.
He also gave advice regarding the administration of the garden. He suggested that members of the GRBG should be called "Friends of the garden".
Finn Rautenbach, manager of the GRBG, told the George Herald after the meeting that the matter of the entrances is already receiving attention. "We would like people to get involved, for example an architect that can help us with a design."
Jörn Bernhardt (second from left) with, from left: Colin Ralston, a former trustee; Roger Bath, chairperson of the GRBG; and Finn Rautenbach, manager of the GRGB. Photos: Eugene Gunning
Read a related article: Constructive criticism for Botanical Garden
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