ABI AGM – Accomplishing more when we work together

ABI’s annual partners meeting and AGM recently took place, reigniting the strength of the partnerships across the Overberg.

Members of ABI, individuals, government officials and local NGO’s were invited to use the time to share knowledge and engage in each other’s projects.

ABI AGM at van Brakel Stoor.

And as the topic of water continued, Stanley Engel, ABI Alien Clearing Project Manager, took the group through the successes of the project since 2013.

With the focus being put so much on saving water and securing our water catchment areas, the buy-in for alien clearing by government, private landowners and the contracting teams have proven to be invaluable.

Philip le Roux, Curator of Kirstenbosch, joined for the morning as a guest speaker. Philip brought great insight into what makes Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden such a stand out destination and how they balance nature, tourism, art and commercial enterprises to work together so successfully.

Also, Angelo Aplon of Overstrand Municipality Fire and Rescue and Greater Overberg FPA took everyone through pre-season fire management tips, as the summer will soon be upon us.

Tying it all together, Esna Swart, presented the ABI database that she has been working on recently. With the use of GIS Mapping, Esna has been able to connect projects that cover the same areas, new areas and show a nearly complete spatial plan of all the hard work that ABI members have been doing.

This tool will ensure partners grow together even more whilst making the Overberg the hub for tourism, conservation and education.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who made their way to Van Brakel Stoor for the ABI partners meeting and AGM – we look forward to even more growth within the ABI community.