Garden Route Environmental Forum’s Outlook on Climate Change Matters
Cobus Meiring, Gref convener, will deliver an overview of the indaba’s theme, which includes a focus on sustainable funding mechanisms to enhance resilience against climate change in the Southern Cape. The event is hosted by the Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus. • Sustainable funding mechanisms: A key aspect of the indaba, it aims to explore innovative solutions to address the financial challenges faced by communities in the region. • Climate change resilience: The event seeks to provide insights into strategies that can be implemented to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. • Southern Cape sustainability: The focus is on the unique regional context, with a specific emphasis on the region’s natural resources and ecosystems. Gref’s outlook on climate change matters will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, the challenges, and the opportunities for action.
Annual Indaba Speakers
The lineup features a diverse range of experts and experts-in-the-field, including:
Dr. Roy Marcus, The Collaboratory, design thinking specialist
Garden Route Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, on prosperity for the Garden Route through innovation
Anton Cartwright, Econologic director
Peter du Toit, FutureClimateIQ founder
Dr. Anna Taylor, University of Cape Town, urban climate adaptation research fellow
Melissa Dalton, Wilderness and Lakes Environmental Action Forum (Waleaf)
Servaas de Kock, Group CEO, Group Editors
Stiaan Kotze, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Keynote Address
The keynote address will be delivered by design thinking specialist Dr. Roy Marcus, discussing “Future Planning Scenario on Climate Change and the South African Context”. His speech will be held at 09:30. “Climate change is a complex and multifaceted issue, requiring a comprehensive approach,” Dr. Marcus said. “Design thinking is a powerful tool to address these challenges, and I look forward to sharing my expertise with the audience.”
Other Speakers
The following speakers will be presenting their perspectives on the topic of climate change:
Dr. Albert van Jaarsveld, School for Natural Resources, Nelson Mandela University, will discuss “Systems approach to fast-track sustainable well-being”
with a focus on the role of innovative technologies in promoting sustainability.
Anton Cartwright, Econologic director, will explore “Economics and environmental change”
with a focus on the economic implications of climate change.
Peter du Toit, FutureClimateIQ founder, will present The State of the Climate 2025
with a focus on the current state of climate change in the region.
Dr. Anna Taylor, University of Cape Town, urban climate adaptation research fellow, will discuss Climate adaptation priorities and pathways
with a focus on the importance of urban planning in addressing climate change.
Melissa Dalton, Wilderness and Lakes Environmental Action Forum (Waleaf), will present The Kingfisher Badge Initiative
a sustainable funding mechanism using regenerative tourism in Wilderness.
Servaas de Kock, Group CEO, Group Editors, will speak on the importance of celebrating 16 years of participation in the sustainable development of the Garden Route
Stiaan Kotze, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, will discuss Southern oceans research
with a focus on the role of research in understanding and addressing climate change.
Interactive Participation Session
An interactive participation session will be held after the keynote address, where attendees will be able to interact with a panel of some of the speakers.
Minister’s Message
A pre-recorded message from the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, will be played during the event, providing an update on the government’s commitment to addressing climate change.
Time and Venue
The programme will start at 08:30 and conclude at 15:15, with the event being hosted at the Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus.
