A collaborative effort between Tongaat Hulett, Wildlands and the eMdloti UIP saw the community of eMdloti coming together in their numbers earlier this month. Individuals, friends, family and local business rolled-up their sleeves and got involved in the planting of some 200 indigenous saplings as a means to kick-off an environmental rehabilitation project in not only this area, but its closet neighbour, Sibaya Coastal Precinct.
A day dedicated to community building and making a positive impact on sustainable environmental reforestation, the initiative saw the re-introduction of indigenous tree species along an existing stretch of coastal forest on the northern end of Bellamont Road, eMdloti, and on the eastern border of Sibaya Coastal Precinct’s future Node Six. Local businessman Richard Gunning of uMdloti’s Kwikspar had the fires lit for boerewors rolls and much needed refreshments for what certainly made for thirsty work. Face-painting and jumping castles were a hit with the youngest members of the community, after a morning of education, digging and planting facilitated by Wildlands and their reforestation team of 20 strong.
The day which co-incided with Wildlands’ national Arbor month activities, was the first of a number of proposed eMdloti improvement initiatives by Tongaat Hulett which are still under review, and related to the overall development plan for Sibaya Coastal Precinct. According to Sibaya’s Development Executive, Sithembiso Mthembu of Tongaat Hulett Developments, “The day was a resounding success in that it was all about the start of rehabilitating existing coastal forest. Bringing the community together to take ownership of and engage more closely with their natural environment resonates deeply with Sibaya’s ethos of connecting people to things most important in life. We are encouraged by the active participation of the residents.”
Environmental partners on the day, Wildlands, took the ‘eMdloti Eco-Warriors’ lead by pre-selecting the most appropriate flora for the area which included Buffalo Thorn, White Stinkwood, Coral Tree, Natal Wild Banana, Tinderwood and Dune Poison Bush. The environmental non-profit organisation supported the event by providing planting expertise and an experienced team to assist in successfully transferring the saplings from bag to bush. According to David Moldenhauer, Wildlands’ Strategic Manager: Programmes Technical Support, “Aside from the day falling into our current Arbor month endeavours which are underway, we were only too pleased to see the alien vegetation along this stretch removed, and replaced with species that will thrive and contribute toward a healthy, sustainable eco-system for generations to come. It is also important to note that what makes the 200 trees that were planted here today unique, is that they were all nurtured and grown by Wildlands’ Tree-preneurs – community members who grow trees which they then barter with us for livelihood support items. Each of these trees has a story behind it!”
Closely aligned to the overall vision for Sibaya Coastal Precinct, the reforestation of eMdloti mirrors the environmental planning for Sibaya where up to 60% of the total 1042 developable hectares will be dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the existing natural assets to be found here.
Equal to that of Sibaya, one of eMldoti’s biggest assets is its location and the rich natural environment of forest, sea and sand. The UIP, under the direction of local resident Terry-Ann Rens, have been hard at work to see their environment not only protected but improved. Such an initiative proved to make positive inroads towards eMdloti’s ‘Safe, Clean, Green’ drive. While there is yet much work to be done, Rens says, “This was an important and memorable day in terms of environmental contribution and bringing people together. Actively greening eMdloti in this manner supports our drive to establish eMdloti as a leading eco-tourism destination in South Africa.”
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)