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Through her initiative called the Sylvia Earle Alliance, a 501c3 organization, which was formed in response to Sylvia Earle”s 2009 TED Prize wish she has urged people “to use all means at your disposal – films, expeditions, the web, new submarines – to create a campaign to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas; Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the blue heart of the planet.”

She has linked up with the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) in South Africa whose mission is to conserve marine life. Tony Ribbink, CEO of SST said the Hope Spot in Knysna is unique because it is the first estuarine one to be declared in the world.

The multi-stakeholder Hope Spot Committee driving the initiative locally include Eden District Municipality, SANParks (managers of the Garden Route National Park), Knysna Tourism, the Knysna Basin Project, Lakes Bird Club, Biowise and many more.

The Knysna Hope Spot: What does it mean to you?

• Of the 249 national estuaries forming part of a study conducted by Jane Turpie and Barry Clarke (2007), the Knysna estuary was ranked above the St Lucia World Heritage Site in terms of biodiversity significance. This was determined by the number of its fish species, birds and botanical data. Jill Bunding-Venter, General Manager of the Garden Route National Park says “the estuary, also in the Garden Route National Park is home to 43% of South Africa”s plant and animal life and supports rare fish species such as the grunter, white Steenbras, Dusky Cob and Cape Stumpnose. Knysna”s jewel, the estuary, alone contributes some 21, 6% of the total economic value of the 249 national estuaries. Conserving it will draw South Africa a step closer to achieving its set national biodiversity targets.”
  Knysna Estuary accounts for 43% of SA”s plant and animal estuarine biodiversity (Allanson 2000) and is also home to a number of rare species (e.g. Knysna seahorse and Knysna gobi etc).
• Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area, situated on the Garden Route between Sedgefield and Knysna, has a diverse array of fascinating habitats and an abundance of smaller wildlife, birds and fish.
  The reserve covers 2 500 hectares of dense coastal forest, including milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees. It protects the charming vervet monkey, bushbuck and bushpig, as well as porcupine, mongoose, honey badger and grysbok. This is a popular choice for keen birders, as the Goukamma River and estuary and the Groenvlei Lake provide a welcoming habitat for more than 220 bird species, including the rare African black oystercatcher. There are two indigenous and four alien species of fish found in the Groenvlei Lake. Visitors enjoy the sight of the magnificent southern right whales between June and November. Bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins play in the waves throughout the year.

Enquiries

Nandi Mgwadlamba
Communications Manager, Garden Route National Park
Tel: 044 302 5633; Cell: 078 702 9663
Email: [email protected]