Recently, the BBRA received an enquiry on what the portfolio does and why it is not named conservation. In an effort to answer this, we must first explain what nature-based solutions are.
Nature-based solutions (often abbreviated to NBS or NbS) address societal challenges through actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems, benefiting people and nature at the same time. They target major challenges like climate change, disaster risk reduction, food and water security, biodiversity loss, and human health and are critical to sustainable development. [1]
This portfolio was established after a request was made to Wayne Jackson (chairperson of the BBRA), by Liezel Bohdanowicz-Scholtz. The request followed an important Kogelberg Biosphere workshop where the idea of adopting-a-system emerged. The idea centers on the custodianship of natural public spaces, where there is currently a gap in the protection of our biodiversity. Through this custodianship, we can restore modified ecosystems together, minimize, and even stop the loss of biodiversity. These spaces are often where we have seen illegal dumping firsthand as well as the negative impact of alien invasive species. This allows for further good relationships with our municipality and the Kogelberg Biosphere.
However, the most important relationships are with resident stakeholders already operating in the conservation space, and the NbS portfolio always aims for a positive collaborative approach where all stakeholders can work together to reach the same goals. In Betty’s Bay, we are appreciative of the efforts already in action by some of the various conservation-focused organizations and groups such as: the Betty’s Bay Conservancy (BBC), their Penguin Pal initiatives, and waste clean-up events; Betty’s Bay Baboon Action Group (BBBAG) for always providing and promoting solutions; the selfless crew from Fight for Fynbos who rescue plant species from sites that are due to be developed; BOTSOC for educating us; and of course, the Hackers for their consistent work in the management of invasive species. It will never be the BBRA’s intention to compete with organizations who are already specialists in their field of work in the conservation space.
Where the BBRA NbS portfolio plans to be beneficial to the conservation space is through process, promotion, and collaboration. We are fortunate to have many natural public spaces in Betty’s Bay where the Urban Conservation Environmental Management Overlay Zones apply (read about the EMOZ zones in our previous newsletters), and the regulations do allow for co-management agreements. We are continuously exploring the process side of adopting spaces and creating a mindset of custodianship, ultimately helping residents to help themselves, as well as raising awareness regarding land use and reporting harmful land use practices which could otherwise have been mitigated (ie wetland degradation or the destruction of endangered species). Section 24 of our constitution enshrines the right to speak up for the environment, and we will always use our right to do so in a fair and balanced manner, backed by factual information.
This is the core focus of the NbS portfolio. We are working hard to get an adopt-a-system methodology in place.
References[1] https://iucn.org/our-work/nature-based-solutions
Dogs off-leash
Concerns have once again been expressed regarding dogs being walked off-leash. Off-leash dogs have attacked leashed dogs. In several cases, the residents remarked that they are visiting pets from Airbnb or similar establishments.
This not only makes matters unpredictable and unpleasant for dog owners, but it also poses a significant risk to our resident wildlife.
Guests at these places may be unaware that a by-law requires dogs to be leashed at all times when out in public. It is consequently recommended that guest establishments include this brochure with their house rules.