La Mercy eco warrior asks residents to ‘adopt a dune’

Community activist Andy Kerr is rehabilitating sand dunes at La Mercy and is urging other coastal communities to adopt their own dunes, which have become significantly eroded in recent decades.

The La Mercy resident and passionate environmentalist initiated a sand dune rehabilitation programme last year over lockdown, with the aim of expanding the programme along the coast, supported by local municipalities.

Lack of awareness about the important role and functions of coastal sand dunes is one of the many challenges that Kerr has encountered.

“As dunes are ‘dynamic’, constantly changing in response to changes in wind and wave climate or sea level, their rehabilitation needs to be done by replanting dune vegetation. Plant species that grow on dunes are abundant and provide protection to the coastal dunes against coastal erosion, storm surge and other harmful coastal activities, while at the same time improving the aesthetics of our sandy beaches. They also provide nesting sites to sea birds and turtles.”

Kerr said he would provide best-practice models for communities to follow.

“Our beaches are a big drawcard for tourism but if we do not start rehabilitating and protecting our existing sand dunes, coastal communities and climate change are on a collision course,” he said.

Sand dunes are natural windbreaks and provide protection from coastal erosion and flooding and, according to Kerr, this role will become even more important with projected climate change.

“For instance, the height and width of dunes reduce and often prevent wave flooding further landward.”

He took on the task of rehabilitating the sand dunes along La Mercy beach last year after he was retrenched from his job as a result of the pandemic.

While Kerr’s background is in marketing and radio programming, his passion lies in conservation and preserving natural resources.

Kerr spends a portion of his mornings cleaning the beach and is encouraging residents to organise regular clean-ups where they live, while prioritising dune restoration.

“Schools, private businesses and government agencies can all get involved in this public outreach programme – without strong and healthy sand dunes our vulnerable coastal ecosystem is at risk. It is up to us to take responsibility and take care of our dunes.”

To get involved in the restoration programme or to get assistance with a beach clean-up contact Andy Kerr at 072 826 6700.

Information is also available on Kerr’s social media platforms @andykerr031.