Conservancy optimistic about year ahead
The Great Brak River Conservancy AGM was held on Saturday, 18 May at the Greenhaven Community Hall and was well attended by approximately 30 individuals.
Scott Thomson was nominated as chairperson for the conservancy again.
At the AGM, the past conservancy year's successes, projects, and some minor difficulties were discussed.
"Big successes include that the conservancy in the past year was able to commit over R100 000 to ongoing alien invasive clearing efforts. This is important as alien invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity," said Thomson.
"As the conservancy, we are extremely grateful and appreciative of the joint efforts throughout the year with fellow conservation organisations, local businesses, and residents." According to Thomson, these relationships are important because they demonstrate the collective effort required to look after our estuaries, coastline, and trails as well as fauna and flora. Whether it's clean-ups, alien clearing or environmental awareness, community involvement and buy-in are important.
"In the new year, we aim to strengthen these relationships and are optimistic about new opportunities like that of the formation of the Mossel Bay Conservancy Forum NPC.
"We will be continuing our efforts of clearing invasives with a new project at the eastern side of the Great Brak River Estuary as well as up the Wolwedans Dam trail. In the year ahead we will also be promoting more citizen science initiatives like iNat walks where residents can get a greater appreciation of our biodiversity and contribute to our growing species list using platforms like iNaturalist.”