Make your vote count for biosphere reserve
All stakeholders are invited to the first annual general meeting (AGM) of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR), which became a designated United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) biosphere reserve in 2017.
The first AGM will take place in Plettenberg Bay on 23 August, and 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 can include, but are not limited to, everybody living and working in the GRBR area, which covers the 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.
Members include local communities and non-profit 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 363ha, of which 665 885ha is terrestrial and 32 478ha marine area. The core zone covers an area of 212 375ha, which includes a marine conservation area of 32 478ha. The buffer zone covers an area of 288 032ha, and the transition zone covers 197 956ha.
The AGM will be held at 16:00 on 23 August at Piesang Valley Hall, 7 Green Point Avenue, in Plettenberg Bay. To RSVP and for further information, please contact Evans on 082 520 3909 or stevenwe@ vodamail.co.za.