Haven’t got a 2023 calendar as yet?

Be sure to get your copy of the The Green Net’s 2023 KZN Biodiversity Calendar selling at various outlets along the coast.

The Green Net is a group of South Coast residents who promote and teach environmentally-sustainable practices, and have produced this colourful calendar which highlights the pretty indigenous plants versus the troublesome invasive plants.

The calendar celebrates the indigenous plants, and each month features the ‘gem of the month’.

It further illustrates with pictures and some basic information to help the lay person identify and remove the alien invasive plants (AIPs).

Why should AIPs be removed?

A great deal of South Africa’s water is used by plants (AIPs) that do not belong here.

AIPs are species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural distribution threaten biological diversity. They are non-native to an ecosystem and cause economic and/or environmental harm.

They impact negatively on biodiversity, including the decline or elimination of indigenous species – through competition for water and the disruption of local ecosystems and ecosystem functions. Without natural enemies, these plants reproduce and spread quickly.

Concerningly, there are 2033 listed alien species in South Africa, consisting of marine organisms, freshwater fish, insects and plants. Altogether 771 of these are invasive, while 197 of them are found to have a major impact on the environment. Of the 107 problem species, 80 of them are plants.

The Green Net believes a concerted effort is required on all our parts to bring our systems back to balance, and they strongly urge everyone to assist with this mission.

Contact Joan Gallagher on 083 2667953 if you would like buy a copy at R150 each.

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