Rhythmic reflections on GRINning in 2026
Whenever we walk through the doors of GRIN
We join hands and three days of deep learning begin
We enter the ‘place in-between’, the ecotone
Where people connect and we get in the zone.
But what is this event, and the GRINners within?
Garden Route Interface and Networking, GRIN
An annual collective, community of practice
Eight years of engagement and growth that define us
Committing to learn, to reflect and to navigate
Social-ecological components and how they relate
To real-world feedbacks and environmental concern
For inclusive approaches to conservation we yearn.
From 13 to 15 October we met
In Villa Castollini’s space that was set
As a third place, a safe space
To generously share
Experiences, uncertainties, insights and more.
One hundred and eighteen participants in 2026
10 sessions, 48 presentations, 11 posters in the mix
With five hours of discussion, and more with a view
Hosted by SANParks, SocSES, REHABS, CNRS and NMU
Overlooking the estuary of Knysna, the jewel
That connects people and place, where diversity rules
As in this committed space, a gathering of minds
And spirits, and languages of 23 kinds
We shared our experiences by ‘getting together’
Instead of attempting to just ‘get to the other’
A biodiverse GRIN in land- and sea-scapes
That live and are living in ever-changing shapes.
And awards we had, the first time this year
For great contributions in many a sphere
Our ‘GRIN-maker’ clinched by Nerina, deserved
‘Brave Space’ recognises courage unreserved
The ‘Spark’ was a prize for stirring the pot
While the ‘Kyle Smith’ award is for innovative format
And ‘Practical Magic’ showcased practice so clear
Plus three student prizes to encourage a budding career.
With rituals of respect, enquiry and care
Together we step bravely where few others dare
Into the cracks, which just don’t behave
To trace out new pathways, and maybe to pave
A way to make sense of and muddle along
With purpose and passion, to surface shared wisdom.
For great are the challenges, complexities and needs
But so too the rewards for planting good seeds
Of hope and connection, empathy and care
Yes, as a collective, we all try to go there!
And then leave the GRIN spaces that are ‘in-between’
To further ask questions, and work in the teams
For making a difference and each do our best
And steer towards a good future, that is our quest.
In the places and spaces where context does matter
Where respect and local co-exploration chatter
To explore outside one’s own belief and worldview
And listen, and hear, to co-create something new.
We aim to stay humble, reflexive and just
Use bridges, connect people, work to build trust
To see with two eyes, both the past and the future
Through interconnectedness of people and nature.
