Friends of the Biosphere Programme: Empowering Communities for a Greener Future 

General

Friends of the Biosphere is an initiative of the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR)

This programme supports volunteer initiatives led by passionate individuals and groups with small grants to enhance the impact of environmental projects. This funding is made possible by the financial contributions from local businesses, also knows a Heroes of the Biosphere.  

The programme is spatially focused within the GCBR region and aims to promote environmental awareness, education, and conservation to help safeguard the region’s unique biodiversity and valuable ecosystems. By awarding small grants to qualifying projects, the initiative empowers communities to take ownership of their environmental future while fostering stronger connections between nature and communities (both public and business). 

Let’s explore the project categories and some remarkable initiatives already making a difference. 

1. Environmental Awareness 

This category aims to foster a deeper understanding of the environment, highlight the impact of human activities, and inspire positive change through education and outreach. 

Projects Examples: 

  • Environmental message murals in public spaces 
  • Environmental educational outreach/ workshop/ activities 

Examples of Completed Projects: 

Inspired Mural (2024): 
Artist Louise Kluyts brought Heidelberg’s environmental story to life with a striking mural on a road-facing wall at Inspired Creations on the N2 in Heidelberg. The mural celebrates the region’s biodiversity with depictions of indigenous plants and highlights the three global biodiversity hotspots that converge within the GCBR region. The work of art not only inspires environmental awareness but also serves as a selfie wall, boosting tourism while promoting the local natural heritage. 

Dana Bay Conservancy Calendar (2024): 
A photo competition encouraged residents and visitors to explore Dana Bay’s natural beauty while capturing stunning images for a 2025 calendar. With 1,000 calendars printed, the initiative raises awareness of local conservation efforts and serves as a fundraising initiative for future environmental projects undertaken by the conservancy.

2. Clean-up / Recycle / Upcycle Initiatives 

These projects tackle waste management by organising community clean-ups, promoting recycling, and turning waste into creative resources. 

Projects Examples: 

  • Community clean up events to remove litter from environments  
  • Upcycling initiatives such as art and ecobrick furniture  

Examples of Completed Projects: 

Beach Clean-up (2024): 
GOALS NPO has hosted a beach clean-up in Great Brak River with the participation of 30 children from underprivileged areas. This initiative combined waste collection with education, teaching children about recycling and environmental responsibility. The children also sorted collected waste to identify recyclable materials, spreading awareness within their families and communities. 

3. Indigenous Tree Planting 

These projects aim to increase green spaces by planting indigenous trees and plants, benefiting biodiversity and community well-being. 

Project Examples: 

  • Planting indigenous shrubs and pollinator-friendly flowers in public parks. 
  • Hosting tree-planting events to promote urban greening in towns and schools.

4. School Environmental Projects 

By focusing on schools, these projects enhance the natural environment, promote environmental education for young learners and school environmental clubs. 

Project Examples: 

  • Implement improved eco-friendly practices in the schools to save water and lower energy demand 
  • School environmental club educational outing 

Examples of Completed Projects: 

SANTA Crèche Food Garden (2024): 
On Mandela Day, the Great Brak River Conservancy, in partnership with GOALS NPO and local volunteers, launched a sustainable food garden at SANTA Crèche. With 200 vegetable seedlings, 10 fruit trees, and a rainwater tank installed, the garden not only improves the children’s meals but also teaches sustainability and water conservation. The crèche’s young learners are directly involved in maintaining the garden, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature. 

Erika Primary Green Space (2024): 
Erika Primary School in Mossel Bay is transforming its grounds into a vibrant green space, giving learners—many from communities without gardens—an opportunity to interact with nature. The project includes the planting of trees, shrubs, and vegetables, as well as educational activities on gardening and sustainability. 

5. Citizen Science Projects 

These projects engage the public in scientific research, enabling data collection that supports conservation. You can learn more about Citizen Science here.  

Project Examples: 

  • Acquire tools to conduct regular mini-SASS river monitoring 
  • Outdoor nature event to capture data for iNaturalist in key areas 

6. Environmental Rehabilitation 

Employ activities in disturbed areas to reverse/minimise negative environmental impacts. 

Project Examples: 

  • Invasive alien plants clearing events 
  • Reforestation event/ projects 

Examples of Completed Projects: 

Wolwedans Dam Trail Rehabilitation (2024): 
The Great Brak River Conservancy has been actively clearing invasive alien species, such as black wattle and gum trees, from the Wolwedans Dam trail. This ongoing effort has revealed 400-year-old Yellowwood trees and revitalised the biodiversity along the trail, making it more inviting for hikers while improving the overall ecosystem. 

7. Conservation of Indigenous Species 

The conservation of indigenous plant and animal species in their natural habitat or natural ecosystem 

Project Examples: 

  • Rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife back into their natural habitat 
  • Projects that protect an area for the benefit of an indigenous species 

Examples of Completed Projects: 

Sunset Ponds Bird Hide Project (2024)

The Sunset Ponds Bird Hide Project, initiated by the U3A Stilbaai Bird Group, aims to create a more bird-friendly environment by reducing disturbances and providing safer spaces for nesting and breeding. The installation of a strategically placed wooden fence at the Roland Rudd Bird Hide, the project seeks to encourage more breeding pairs, support indigenous bird species, and enhance the overall birdwatching experience. Ultimately, this initiative contributes to greater awareness and appreciation of our natural world, promoting conservation through education and engagement with nature.

Uniting for a Greener Tomorrow 

The Friends of the Biosphere Programme exemplifies the power of collaboration in building a sustainable future. These diverse projects, from creating murals and calendars to planting gardens and clearing invasive species, highlight the creativity and commitment of individuals and organisations across the GCBR region. 

Through small grants, the Friends of the Biosphere programme supports local champions making a meaningful impact on their communities and the environment. Whether you’re a business looking to give back or a community group with a vision for positive change, the Friends of the Biosphere Programme invites you to join this inspiring journey.  

Together, we can flourish.