All on board to protect admiralty reserve
The admiralty reserve also provides dune stability and regulates natural coastal processes of sand deposition, acting as a buffer zone between the coast and human development.
The Bendigo Conservation Group (BCG) embraces any and every opportunity to protect the South Coast’s natural environment.
A scheduled talk on the admiralty reserve by Yvette Ehlers Smith, the district ecologist for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, was unfortunately cancelled recently, as Smith was unwell.
Nonetheless community members still attended to show support for BCG and the environment at a gathering at Leka’s Food and Beer Garden at B Cubed Guesthouse in Southport.
In order to maintain Bendigo’s goal of taking a constructive approach, the session was then turned into a panel discussion to find ways to solve the issues faced by the South Coast’s admiralty reserve.
More information was given to the audience, which was followed by questions and proposals to ensure the protection of the reserve.
Joan Gallagher, the chairperson of BCG, noted the complicated legality of the admiralty reserve and explained,
“We should all be very cautious with what we do and how we do it.”
The discussion also focused on working with local estate agents to ensure that both sellers and homeowners alike are fully educated on the ‘do’s and don’ts of properties in and adjacent to this area.
“We’re talking about solutions. Well, what is the problem?” asked Joan.
Members summarised the primary issue was a lack of education and awareness on behalf of the community, and including municipal entities dealing with environmental protection, as well as invasive alien plant species that opportunistically fill the spaces where the indigenous plants have been removed.
The admiralty reserve is considered a key element that supports local ecotourism and is responsible for protecting local biodiversity, particularly related to vegetation and the lateral and vertical movements of fauna. The admiralty reserve also provides dune stability and regulates natural coastal processes of sand deposition, acting as a buffer zone between the coast and human development.
Dee Dickens, a Rotarian and committee member said: “People suffer one emotion that animals don’t – guilt. And we can use that”. This comment pertains to the lack of support from the authorities who are mandated with protecting this resource, as well as the community members who are uneducated on the admiralty reserve.
Philip Christiansen, a visitor, suggested that BCG must present a concise and formalised proposal to Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality and Ugu District Municipality regarding their ideas, as well as formally invite municipal members to their upcoming meetings. This will ultimately secure a relationship between BCG, the municipalities and the community.
This first step was well received by attendees and lays the groundwork for BCG’s endeavours relating to the admiralty reserve for the year ahead. Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings, to support the BCG with its low annual subs, to volunteer time and expertise to protect the beautiful area.
Contact Joan on 083 2667953 for more information.
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