"These are significant awards for us for two reason: first because we were unaware that we were in line for them, but, perhaps more importantly, because they were given to us by our peers," said MEP chairperson, Beverly Boer.
Ms Boer is a professional environmental consultant who serves voluntarily and in her private capacity on the boards of both projects.
The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve – previously the 'Gouritz Initiative' - is recognised by UNESCO, and is the first designated cluster biosphere reserve in Africa.
Cluster biosphere reserves are internationally recognised for accommodating the growth and development of human communities, while at the same time strengthening agriculture and the conservation of natural resources in sustainable ways.
Twenty-one individuals and institutions received awards for their outstanding contributions to the maintenance of biodiversity in the Southern Cape during the ceremony, which took place at the Garden Route Game Lodge.
MEP was named the Non-profit Organisation of the Year, while the Oyster Bay Reserve received a special recognition award for its work in biodiversity. "We were judged on all the work we did in the Mossel Bay area during 2011 and 2012," said Ms Boer.
"We didn't even know we were being scrutinised - so you can imagine how happy we were on the night."
She said that MEP is an environmental watchdog organisation that also involves itself in community upliftment.
"You can't have successful conservation without successful communities, which is why or motto is 'Learn - Protect – Conserve.'
"We achieve learning by providing internships to students, and by regular outreach into the community; protection through initiatives like the Mossel Bay Fire Protection Agency, the St Blaize Conservancy, and the St Blaize Biodiversity Forum (which exists to capture data about terrestrial flora and fauna): and conservation through projects like our estuary restoration and firebreak initiatives."
The 330 hectare Oyster Bay Reserve – on a stretch of land that's wedged between the upmarket Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Estate and the disadvantaged suburb of KwaNonqaba in Mossel Bay – is a community reserve that involve itself in a variety of research, conservation, education, and ecotourism projects.
It works actively with a number of other environmental groups who share its goals of preserving the natural environment, educating young people, and providing support for local communities. It's long term plan is to become Mossel Bay's environmental education facility, and for this a number of tourism-related projects have already been put in place. These include hiking trails and a hide for bird watchers.
"Its designed to demonstrate to the people of KwaNonqaba, Asla and all other communities in Mossel Bay that it is possible to create jobs and opportunities for oneself through the preservation of our indigenous fauna and flora," said Ms Boer.
"Environmental protection depends on people who take a lead through their decisions, actions and passions, and who thus leave a legacy for future generations," she said.
Mossel Bay Tourism's Marcia Holm said that this has been an outstanding year of achievements for the Mossel Bay Environmental Partnership, and that what has been achieved is very significant for the town's tourism economy – which relies heavily on the environment.
"They've really got the Oyster Bay Reserve off the ground, they represented Eden at COP17 in Durban and at the Social Cohesion Summit in Soweto, they recently received an award from The Enviropaedia award – and now this recognition from the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve.
"We're really grateful for their many contributions, and we congratulate them on these latest accolades," she said.
"Our team has never been so motivated, and now we're going to excel even more," said Ms Boer.
Back (left to right): Willem Botha (Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve), Beverley Boer (MEP Chairperson), Dr Kas Hamman (Acting CEO: CapeNature), Elmar Borchards (MEP Treasurer), Ciska van Pienbroek (OBR Intern) and Russel Mamabolo (PetroSA Regional Manager Corporate Affairs). Front: Aiden Beck (Oyster Bay Reserve Manager) and Ayrton Pelser (OBR Intern).
