PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Landowners and land users in and around Plettenberg Bay are being placed under the spotlight as government rolls out a compliance and enforcement operation targeting alien and invasive plant species.
The operation, launched last Thursday, aims to determine whether properties comply with environmental laws governing the control and eradication of listed invasive species.
The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, said the operation forms part of government's efforts to protect the Garden Route's ecosystems. The operation involves environmental management inspectors from the department and Bitou Municipality, officials from government departments and institutions, and representatives of SANParks.
Invasive species increase fire risk
Singh said the Garden Route's indigenous forests, fynbos, rivers, wetlands, mountains and coastline support biodiversity and contribute to tourism, water security, economic development and communities.
However, alien and invasive plant species threaten them.
"Invasive species compete with indigenous vegetation, reduce biodiversity, alter ecological processes, diminish water availability, increase [fire] fuel loads and intensify fire risks," Singh said.
He also emphasised the consequences of unmanaged invasive vegetation, referring to the Knysna fires of June 2017 where 15 000 hectares were burnt, 800 buildings were destroyed and 151 businesses were adversely affected. Seven people lost their lives in these fires.
Singh said the tragedy demonstrated the importance of environmental management and reducing factors that increase wildfire intensity and spread.
168 properties inspected in previous operations
The operation aims to assess compliance with the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act and associated Alien and Invasive Species Regulations.
Inspectors will determine whether landowners and land users are meeting legal obligations for the management, control and eradication of listed species. Singh said the operation was not about enforcement alone, but also about encouraging responsible environmental stewardship and management.
Between 2021 and 2025, four compliance and enforcement operations were carried out in the Knysna and Wilderness areas. 168 farms and properties were inspected, 67 were found to be non-compliant and more than 67 enforcement notices were issued requiring corrective action.
Singh pointed out that inspections must be conducted lawfully and impartially, with landowners treated fairly and respectfully. Where non-compliance is identified, measures will be taken in accordance with legislation and due process.
He said protecting the Garden Route is a shared responsibility involving landowners, communities, municipalities, conservation agencies, businesses and civil society.
"Together, we can reduce the threats posed by invasive species, protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and secure our heritage for generations to come," he said.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
