The Overberg is known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. With sweeping vistas of white sandy beaches reaching up to fields of fynbos which blend into ancient forests, the region is truly something spectacular to experience and explore. And with all this natural splendour, it comes as no surprise that the friendly folks of the region are very much involved in the protection and conservation of the multitude of unique endemic species that are found here.
For the small coastal town of Gansbaai, home to the beautiful Marine Big 5, the community is all hands on deck when it comes to preservation of the town and its surroundings. As most of these initiatives are Non-Profit Organisations, you’re contribution in the form of goods and/or financial donations, marketing or even just time volunteering is much appreciated. Here are a few of the great Non-Profit Organisations in Gansbaai:
Flower Valley Conservation Trust
The Flower Valley Conservation Trust works to ensure the careful and sustainable use of fynbos while protecting the jobs that depend on it. The Trust is focused on sustainable harvesting, ethical trade, alien clearing and responsible tourism practices as well as running the Flower Valley Early Learning Centre for children in the area. Get involved by donating to #AdoptAHectare
African Penguins & Seabird Sanctuary
The APSS Centre is a side project of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust which focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of injured birds like African Penguins. The facility has a fully equipped lab and vet on standby to ensure that injured and/or stranded birds can be treated as soon as they are brought in. Get involved by sponsoring a penguin nest on Dyer Island.
Established in December 1991, the Pearly Beach Conservation Society was renamed to the Pearly Bach Conservancy in 2007 when it was registered at CapeNature. The Conservancy aims to promote the protection and conservation of the plant- and wildlife of the Pearly Beach area. The organisation also aims to educate and promote the importance of eco sensitive planning, creating water-sensitive indigenous gardens, alien clearing and more. Get involved by becoming a member of the conservancy.
This initiative and its volunteers care for foster kids at the Beverley Hills safe house. The organisation also cares for a small group of children in their playgroup in the mornings and host Sewing Projects to help woman of the community learn the skills of sewing knitting, crochet and more. Get involved by volunteering or donations.
This private conservation partnerships focus on the preservation of the Walker Bay region of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Working together to conserve around 16,000 hectares of threatened lowland fynbos or forest, the members of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy have done extensive alien clearing with the aim to restore their properties to their original state and thus help to protect the habitat of various birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians. Their continued conservation efforts include alien clearing, vegetation surveys, fire management, camera traps and environmental education. Get involved by volunteering at the Flower Valley Conservation Trust, the Grootbos Foundation, Skills Exchange Cooperative
This great wildlife initiative aims to be the voice of our wildlife in the Overberg by means of prevention, protection, conservation and education. Focusing on prevention and alertive projects, public awareness and education, WildnFree aims to create a safe and healthy environment for the species found in the region. The initiative also has a trained medical professional on-board to assist in the event of a medical emergency. Get involved by volunteering or donating.
Dyer Island Conservation Trust
Founded in 2006, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust is involved in delivering unique conservation and research programmes to protect the diverse marine eco-system that is found at the southernmost coast of Africa. Focusing on the Dyer Island Eco-system, the organisation hopes to improve the conservation and education of the endangered African Penguin that call the island home as well as the neighbouring colony of Cape Fur Seals, the Southern Right Whales that travel here annually to breed and calve, and the vulnerable Great White Shark. Get involved by volunteering or donating.
