New book launched ‘Knysna Estuary – Jewel of the Garden Route’
The Knysna estuary, also popularly known as Knysna lagoon, is managed as part of GRNP – the most biodiverse estuary of highest conservation importance in South Africa and the only natural estuarine bay on the subcontinent. It has a fascinating pre- and natural history, has been the subject of much research effort over a long time and is central to the livelihoods, cultural practices and economy of the town and wider Garden Route region. Conceived three years ago, this informative coffee-table reference book was officially launched on 14 September at the Knysna Art Gallery.
Edited by Prof Alan Whitfield, Prof Charles Breen and Mark Read, the book consists of 12 chapters and 2 appendices which were written by 34 authors and co-authors. Chapters cover topics from the estuary’s evolution, archaeological ancestors, the diversity of plant and animal life, their ecology and interdependencies as well as changing climates and the challenges of managing this shared resource. Five SANParks authors – Dirk Roux, Ian Russell, Kyle Smith, Megan Taplin, Stef Freitag – wrote or contributed to three chapters on fishes, waterbirds, and governance and management.
Available for sale through Knysna Basin Project the book is described as a delight in terms of content and design, to be read from cover to cover by all who seek to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the wondrous Knysna estuary.
