Sculpture highlights opening of ocean festival

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The opening of the Plett Ocean Festival - held for 10 days until 13 July, coincided with the unveiling of an imposing sculpture by artist Malcolm Solomon of a mother humpback whale and her calf titled Humpbacks on Saturday.

The opening was a celebration, a homecoming, and a moment of awe and gratitude - coming together to welcome the giants of the ocean back to the waters of Plett, said Rob Smith, co-founder of the Plett Whale Heritage Area, recognised by the World Cetacean Alliance.

Smith, a retired South African diplomat living in Plett, was the guest speaker at the opening held at Market on Main on Saturday 5 July. He said he and fellow founder Brett Ferguson were not alone in the vision to create a heritage area and whale tourism hotspot.

"What followed was heartening collaboration between the town's marine scientists (Gwen Penry), Cindy Wilson-Trollip at Plett Tourism, Chanel Visser from CapeNature, and Marlon Baartman from Ocean Safaris, [who all joined] to build a case - a compelling one - to show the world just how deeply this town and its people care for the ocean."

Rob Smith, driver of the process to have Plett recognised as a Whale Heritage Area by the World Crustacean Organisation, at the opening of the Plett Ocean Festival. Smith’s effort saw Plett becoming the 7th world Whale Heritage area. Photo: Chris van Gass

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He said their goal wasn't just to showcase the beauty of the bay or the grandeur of its wildlife. "It was to show how conservation, science, and tourism here are interwoven - and how our community benefits from the tireless efforts of those working to protect our marine environment."

Plett is now the seventh accredited Whale Heritage Area in the world, and a model for others to follow.

Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam said conservation is much more than nature. "We can no longer separate conservation from the people, the community. We are the ones that must conserve and appreciate our environment. That's why it is important to share the knowledge and data from the ocean," said Kamkam.

Sustainability
Plett Tourism CEO Patty Butterworth said the festival focuses on the hospitality industry to recognise Plett's most unique selling points - "our beautiful beaches, our coastline and the marine life that flourishes in it".

She said there is a responsibility to look after the ocean and ensure its sustainability, as it is one of our most unique assets. It is a legacy being left to the children and future leaders in the area. "Not only for the town of Plettenberg Bay, but also the Garden Route, Western Cape, and South Africa."

At the Plett Ocean Festival opening. Melissa Nel, manager of Plett Sharkspotters, Darryn Chatz, events organiser, and Nicky Namntu, Plett Sharkspotters operations manager. Photos: Chris van Gass