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Kromme Enviro-Trust - Looking Back on 2024
Another busy year is ending, having hosted presentational talks and supporting local school recycling initiatives, and here are some of our highlights and updates from 2024!
The Enviro-Trust is a founder member of the Greater Kromme Stewardship in association with our local wind farms. This initiative aims to create nature reserves and protected areas to safeguard the remaining biodiversity of the area.
Papiesfontein Land Invasion
One of the most important areas of biodiversity is Papiesfontein, which has been subjected to a destructive land invasion for the past two years and which we are fighting to rescue, along with other NGOs and individuals. Our ward councillors have been fantastic in their support and we have outstanding legal advice from leading environmental lawyers - the biggest issue is funding for this critical ecological battle.
ECO-KIDS
Our educational programme, ECO-KIDS, for 4-10 years has covered themes from, Plants, Compost and Recycling, through to On the Trail of the Bees and Aquatic Wonders. Some sessions, as well as members’ t-shirts and caps, are sponsored by St Francis Rotary. Johan de Wet of Roaming Lions led some sessions, and we extend our thanks to Clint’s Farmyard Nursery and Nevermind Restaurant, who allowed the use of their venues. Prizes for participation in Clean-Ups were kindly donated by Bayview Boating. Thanks also to Cheryl Reynold, Jenny de Beer, co-presenters of the programme, Marc Hanekom, John Suckling, and Julia Randals for their support.
Community Garden
We thank the volunteers who are caring for the Community Garden on Harbour Road.
We applaud the work of Edmund Elton, Dr James and Glynn Potts along with the dedicated gardeners, Dennis Titus (Potts employee), Masibulele Peaceful Mqina and Sibulele Kqweni from the St. Francis Links to cut the grass and assist in other activities. Our thanks to The Links for their support.
Two Harbours Walk
The Two Harbours Walk has again been subjected to storm damage over 2024; however, with the support of Rotary St Francis and BUCO ST Francis, we have driven forward with extensive repairs to the high points that have seen dune damage. New boardwalks have been erected, allowing safer passage for walkers. The lower sections of the coastal path that were severely damaged are subject to longerterm work and consultation to enhance their protection. We thank local residents and volunteers for their time in maintaining sections of this beautiful coastal path.
Oyster Bay Dune Field
Our lead project to have designated sections of the 16km long Oyster Bay dune field, a unique natural asset declared as protected areas on environmental and heritage grounds has continued throughout the year. Discussions with Eskom on the proposal have been positive, and consultation with the support of The Greater Kromme Stewardship continues.
Bruce’s
Bruce’s Ocean Museum & Coffee Shop continues to be a great success. We sincerely thank Nikki, Ernest and the team for their dedicated support and commitment. Planning is underway to expand the Ocean Museum in 2025.
Coastal Clean-Up
The International Coastal Clean-Up hosted in September was one of the most successful in terms of turnout. This was a timely event in light of the recent container spillage that resulted in significant container debris on our shoreline. Debris is likely to continue appearing well into 2025, and we thank everyone who attended our event and residents and businesses who have continued with the clean-ups.
Wildlife Rescue
Finally, a busy year for our Wildlife Rescue. We took calls for guidance, support and rescues of six buck and tortoises who were treated, re-located to our sanctuary, and then released onto the Links. Numerous injured birds and fledglings required hand rearing. We thank Veterinarians Narine Botha and Annelise Barker for all their support and assistance.
