Keystones Expedition Spotlights Plett’s Conservation

Eden to Addo and Robberg Coastal Corridor featured in Africa-wide documentary

Robberg Coastal Corridor Protected Environment and their founding organization Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative, both Plett-based nonprofits, were recently the highlighted South African projects featured in the filming of an Africa-wide documentary series that traversed seven countries.

Sam Chevallier, the expedition lead, set out to document the keystone people and keystone projects that are protecting and restoring biodiversity and ecological balance across southern and eastern Africa. Dubbed the Keystones Expedition, Sam explored the magnificence of the Robberg Coastal Corridor and chatted to local guide of the Inqua Trail, Snr Chief Justin Barnado of the Royal Inqua House, Kraal Robberg.

The Robberg Corridor is the last ecological lifeline for Plett’s beloved natural jewel, the Robberg Peninsula, and is crucial for nature’s lifegiving processes of seed dispersal, pollination and animal movement. The documentary also explored the forested corridors of the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative which is in the process of connecting the Garden Route National Park to the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site and beyond to the Addo Elephant National Park.

Keystones Expedition interviewed Plett locals Rhian Berning and Ian Michler from Eden to Addo to get their take on the vital role of corridors in leaving a living legacy for the next generation. A legacy where people and nature cannot only survive, but thrive.

Eden to Addo and Robberg Coastal Corridor Shine in Africa-wide Documentary

The Robberg Coastal Corridor Protected Environment and its founding organization, the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative, both Plett-based nonprofits, recently took center stage in an Africa-wide documentary series that spanned seven countries. These South African conservation projects were prominently featured for their efforts in ecological preservation.

Led by Sam Chevallier, the expedition aimed to document key individuals and initiatives that are safeguarding biodiversity and restoring ecological balance across southern and eastern Africa. Dubbed the Keystones Expedition, the journey showcased the breathtaking Robberg Coastal Corridor and included a conversation with Snr Chief Justin Barnado of the Royal Inqua House, Kraal Robberg, a local guide of the Inqua Trail.

The Robberg Corridor serves as a crucial ecological lifeline for the Robberg Peninsula, one of Plett’s most treasured natural assets. It plays a pivotal role in sustaining essential natural processes like seed dispersal, pollination, and wildlife movement. The documentary also explored the forested pathways of the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative, which is working to connect the Garden Route National Park to the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, extending further to the Addo Elephant National Park.

In the Keystones Expedition, Plett locals Rhian Berning and Ian Michler from Eden to Addo shared insights on the importance of corridors in creating a lasting legacy where both people and nature not only survive but thrive.

The Event will take Place 23 October 2024 at  Lagoon Room at the Beacon Island