- Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Green Coast Status: A Village’s Journey to Environmental Excellence
You know the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”? Well, it also takes a village to secure a Green Coast Award from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).
While few of us wake up in the morning grateful for the village’s Green Coast status, all of us benefit from it. Not only does it highlight the village’s ecological importance, but it also drives environmental improvements and “greening projects” that make our village increasingly attractive to domestic and international tourists.
The Green Coast Initiative: Protecting Biodiversity and Promoting Eco-Tourism
WESSA launched the Green Coast initiative to protect and promote “high biodiversity coastal areas and eco-tourism destinations in South Africa that appeal to people seeking adventure and nature-based experiences.”
But it’s not just about attracting more human visitors – it’s also about protecting the unique habitats that provide a home for a range of other species.
Monitoring Our Coastal Ecosystem
Since the village first secured its Green Coast status in 2021, implementers at Chrysalis Training and Skills Development have been monitoring the area in front of Neptune’s Cove and the white mangroves habitat on the Great Kei River, keeping track of the changes in these coastal ecosystems.
In addition to the species frequenting this section of mudstone rocky shore, Chrysalis Training and Skills Development has identified a phenomenal 318 different bird species in the area, including a sooty gull that ventured beyond its usual territory to explore the delights of the Wild Coast.
It’s not the only unusual visitor that Kei Mouth attracts and every year a couple of different species pitch up to sample the village’s unique offerings.
Conservation Efforts and Their Impact
While Dr Deborah Robertson-Andersson and Monica Maroun head up the coastal monitoring operations, other subgroups are committed to clearing invasive alien plants and rehabilitating local habitats for butterflies as well as collaborating on much needed projects.
This has had a very positive impact not only on the butterflies. A small family of blue duiker have made the old butterfly reserve their home and seem quite content living in the middle of our little village, despite their reputation for secrecy.
Another area receiving regular monitoring is the emerging mangrove population on the banks of the Great Kei.
These mangroves form “the southern-most naturally seeded mangrove system in Southern Africa” and, although the forest on the northern bank is more established, those saplings emerging on the southern bank form a critical ecosystem for many species. Not only that, but they are also helping to stablilise the river banks, preventing erosion and protecting the village and its residents.
Critical to the village’s Green Coast status, the mangroves are currently in danger and more protection is needed to safeguard the habitat. Driven by heat stress, cattle often utilise the area, damaging the plants through excessive browsing and trampling. Urgent action is needed to mitigate this threat and our Green Coast implementers at Chrysalis Training and Skills Development, are seeking assistance with this project.
Benefits of Green Coast Status
While the Green Coast award may be aimed at promoting areas for adventure-based tourism, everyone in the village benefits from its initiatives. Not only can we expect a much-needed upturn in visitors to the area, but we all enjoy the improved environment, especially on the beaches which have benefited from coastal clean-up events.
You may have also noticed some positive developments in terms of coastal safety, namely the rip tide warning signs and pink buoys that can be seen around Kei Mouth.
These safety features not only protect visitors and residents but also enhance the village’s reputation as a responsible and well-managed coastal destination. This, in turn, contributes to the overall appeal of Kei Mouth as a tourist destination, striking a balance between promoting outdoor activities and ensuring visitor safety.
Moreover, the Green Coast status has fostered a greater sense of community involvement in environmental stewardship. Local businesses, schools, and residents are increasingly participating in beach clean-ups, alien plant removal projects, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
This collective effort not only maintains the village’s Green Coast status but also creates a shared sense of pride and responsibility among community members.
A Greener Future
While the Green Coast award may not be something we consciously appreciate every day, its impact on Kei Mouth is far-reaching and multifaceted. From protecting biodiversity and enhancing safety to boosting tourism and fostering community engagement, the Green Coast status has become an integral part of the village’s identity and future.
As we continue to enjoy the benefits of this achievement, it’s important to remember that maintaining this status requires ongoing effort and commitment from everyone in the community, including Deborah and Monica of Chrysalis Training and Skills Development, the Kei Mouth Revival Group, the Kei Mouth Owners and Residents Association, and the Kinetics Group.
How You Can Help
The best way to show your appreciation is to join in and help the village maintain its Green Coast status. This you can do by:
- Keeping your garden clear of invasive alien species
- Removing any rubbish or other waste you find on the beach
- Leaving natural vegetation and debris on the beach – I know it doesn’t look very pretty, but it plays a vital role in stabilising our sand dunes and contributing nutrients to the ecosystem.
- Report any signs of poaching or suspicious activity that could be poaching to the Kei Mouth Action Group at 066 177 3451 or the South African Police Service at 043 841 1080.
- Join a beach clean-up
- Join a species monitoring event
- Join a group that is making a positive contribution to re-wilding Kei Mouth
- Volunteer to assist Monica and Deborah with their latest projects: putting up signs to mark out hiking routes in and around the village or help with protecting the mangroves