Riverside CID aims to give biodiversity a boost
On Friday, the Riverside CID, together with partners HL Hall and Sons, South African National Biodiversity Institute’s Lowveld Botanical Garden and the City of Mbombela, officially launched the Greater Riverside Biodiversity Initiative (GRBI).
The GRBI, born out of the vision to create a safe, future-fit, green asset founded on strong partnerships, promoting conservation, social cohesion and cultural vibrancy that drives progress through integration, entrepreneurship and dialogue, aligns with that of the City of Mbombela’s Climate Change Response Policy, and aims to stimulate the establishment and conservation of green spaces in and around the Riverside Precinct that serve everyone. These spaces will increase the city’s resilience to climate change, conserve and enhance biodiversity value and generate opportunities for true social and ecological regeneration through the establishment and conservation of sustainable and catalytic green spaces within the existing Greater Riverside greenbelt.
The GRBI has been set up as a non-profit company (NPC) to manage the clearing, conservation and activation of the green areas in the GRBI. The founding steering committee, which is in the process of becoming the board, consists of a number of experienced environmentalists and is chaired by Prof Dan Parker, the head of biological sciences at the University of Mpumalanga. Phase 1 of the initiative is located on the open spaces of part of Erf
968 and on Erf 969 Riverside Park Ext 35, situated north of the existing developments at Riverside Park.
Since breaking ground, the first priority has been to assess and rehabilitate the identified areas through the removal of alien vegetation, and open up the areas to enable the preservation and conservation.
The master planning for the GRBI envisages potential entertainment, recreational and leisure activities for the green space and could include a tea garden, coffee shop and pop-up market facilities, cycling and walking trails, a “trim park”, zip-lining and other suitable outdoor and recreational activities. In addition, research and environmental awareness/education facilities, a meditation garden and facilities for occasional events are also envisaged.
Throughout the development of the GRBI, the Riverside CID will seek to create opportunities for enterprise development, community involvement and skills development where possible. “We are very excited about the establishment of the GRBI and commencement of the clearing and clean up and look forward to continuing with our efforts to go green and keep it clean, creating an environmental gem for Riverside and the city,” said James Aling, executive director of Space Places and Partnerships, the management agent for the Riverside CID.
Every once in a while, an opportunity presents itself for a community to leave a lasting legacy. The GRBI is one such opportunity for the community of Riverside and the City of Mbombela, an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the environmental beauty and value we have with two magnificent rivers running through the Riverside Precinct and city. It is an opportunity with which organised active citizenry can collectively make a difference by conserving, preserving and opening up a network of amazing green spaces for the benefit and enrichment of the community.
Should you be interested in getting involved with this initiative please contact Shivon Wiggins on 082 441 8147 or shivon.wiggins@spandp.co.za for more information.