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KNYSNA NEWS - In partnership with Pledge Nature Reserve, the environmental social enterprise Greenpop officially opened its Eden Festival of Action at the reserve in Knysna on Thursday 21 June.
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 goals of the initiative and the numerous and multifaceted activations that will take place over the course of the festival.
Labouring for nature
Over the past weekend, 80 participants between the ages of 13 and 19 arrived in the Garden Route for the festival’s first week of active involvement in the reforestation and rehabilitation of the Eden District, one year after the fires.
On Sunday, the first active day, the 80 participants assisted the Goukamma Nature Reserve with alien vegetation clearing in preparation for upcoming indigenous reforestation of the area.
Throughout the three weeks of collective action, 4 052 trees are to be planted between four reforestation sites and three urban greening locations. Public mural painting, speaker evenings, live music and movie nights will also be intrinsic parts of the programme.
The opening event at Pledge Nature Reserve in the heart of Knysna was well attended.
Much to do and learn
Greenpop’s primary goal is to aid in the restoration of natural habitats and ecosystems throughout the Eden District, through active days of indigenous reforestation, alien vegetation clearing, and beach cleanups 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 range of sustainable skills that will allow them to leave the festival inspired and with hands ready to continue making a difference within their day-to-day lives.
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There are still spaces available for the third and final All Ages Week, a fully facilitated programme based at Peace of Eden in Rheenendal. For more information or to apply, visit www.festivalofaction.com or www.greenpop.org.
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