Green Garden Routers get their just deserts at national eco-awards
ECO champions of the Garden Route were recently lauded at the national Eco-Logic Awards held in Cape Town at the Tabic Bay Hotel on World Environment Day, June 5.
Knysna Municipality walked away with a silver and a bronze award for their Disaster Management and Alien Invasive programmes, respectfully in recognition of their integrated response to the fires of 2017.
Rhian Berning, founder of Eco Atlas and Renew Able Plett was awarded gold and named the Eco-Angel for 2019 in recognition of her widespread environmental efforts over the last 20 years.
Said Berning: “Times are changing as we begin to recognise the people and organisations that are actively contributing to a better world where people and planet are placed above profit.”
Barbara Creecy, the new national Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries presided over the awards and delivered the keynote speech.
She said: “Sustainable development is only possible if it’s underpinned and informed by an environmentally-literate society; one where everyone has the understanding, skills and motivation to make responsible decisions that consider our relationships to natural systems, communities, and future generations.”
Creecy called on the environmentalist’s educators, and eco-champions present “to partner with the department in building South Africa’s environmental literacy as a significant contribution to our sustainable development and a better life for all.”
She also emphasised that this shift towards environmental action was needed more than ever before in the face of climate change and the challenges it would present to South Africa.
Hosted by Enviropacdia since its launch in 2011, the Eco-Logic Awards have grown to become a prestigious occasion on the green calendar, known not only for highlighting serious environmental issues, but for celebrating the innovative solutions, grassroots projects, and individuals who are tackling these problems so pivotal to our survival.
“We always aim to cut through the negative and showcase the positive, because when you see the magnificent efforts by our communities, businesses, government departments and individuals, there is so much to celebrate,” said Parry-Davies, publisher of Enviropaedia and founder of the awards.
Award attendees further celebrated their love for our planet and for human innovation by-dressing up glamorously green in all manner of upcycled, recycled, African traditional and well-leafed outfits.
Richard Meyer of Knysna Municipality was awarded for his superb upcycled eco-warrior attire, once again putting the Garden Route on the map for our creative verve and dedication to all that is green and good.