Eden Festival of action officially kicks off in the Garden Route
Greenpop’s Garden Route re-greening festival launches in Rheenendal.
In partnership with Pledge Nature Reserve, Greenpop officially opened their Eden Festival of Action at the reserve in Knysna last Thursday.
A ceremonial Milkwood tree was planted and attendees were treated to a selection of live music courtesy of on-site Greenpop musicians.
Greenpop founder Misha Teasdale provided a warm welcome and Programmes Manager Matthew Koehorst outlined the the goals of the initiative and the numerous and multi-faceted activations which will take place over the course of the Festival.
This weekend saw 80 participants between the ages of 13 and 19 arrive in the Garden Route for a the Festival’s first week of active involvement in the reforestation and rehabilitation of the Eden District, one year after devastating fires ravaged the area.
Sunday saw the first active day, with the 80 participants assisting Goukamma Nature Reserve with alien vegetation clearing in preparation for upcoming indigenous reforestation of the area.
Throughout the three weeks of collective action, 4052 trees are to be planted between four reforestation sites and three urban greening locations. Of the 171 full time participants, 30 are sponsored bursary participants. Public mural painting, speaker evenings, live music and movie nights will also be intrinsic parts of the programme.
Greenpop’s primary goal is aiding in the restoration of natural habitats, and eco-systems throughout the Eden District, through active days of indigenous reforestation, alien vegetation clearing, and beach clean-ups which will also be open to the public, free of charge.
The fully facilitated programme will involve and showcase sustainability and eco-enterprise workshops, natural-building techniques, and host environmental talks. The focus is to provide participants and volunteers alike with the opportunity to actively make a difference within their natural environment, as well as equip them with a myriad of sustainable skills which will allow them to leave the festival inspired and with hands ready to continue making a difference within their day to day lives.
We still have spaces available for the third and final All Ages Week – a fully facilitated programme based at Peace of Eden in Rheenendal.
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