Gqeberha, South Africa, 2 May 2024 – Last week, on 24 April 2024, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) commenced its Fauna and Flora Rescue Programme at the R3bn Stellantis development site in Zone 2 of the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The Rescue Programme is being implemented in partnership with the Environmental Education Department of the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Municipality and the Urban Raptor Project.
Coega Chief Sustainability Officer, Ms. Telly Chauke, explains that sustainability and conservation remain at the forefront of any development in the Coega SEZ, as mandated by environmental legislation and in line with organisational values. “Coega conducts compulsory plant and animal rescue activities before any construction activity commences on Coega SEZ land. While infrastructural development is our mandate, sustainable development and environmental conservation are priorities,” says Chauke.
The Fauna and Flora Rescue Programme will continue over a six-week period, involving the search for and relocation of indigenous plants, as well as animals, from the 32-hectare Stellantis site, to designated areas.
Coega Environmental Manager, Ms. Andrea von Holdt, explains that plants will be relocated to primary and high schools across the city as part of environmental education, and to investor gardens in the SEZ, while rescued animals will be relocated to sites designated in the Coega SEZ Open Space Management areas. These areas are managed in terms of Coega’s Open Space Management Plan for the conservation of faunal and floral species.
“The allocation of plants to various schools will be managed by the NMB Municipality. The relocation of animals to open space sites in the Coega SEZ will ensure that animals remain in their natural habitat,” says von Holdt.
According to NMB Municipality Environmental Education Officer, Ms. Lisa Lotter, the Programme presents an opportunity to showcase the many benefits of indigenous plants to local communities. “Conservation efforts are vitally important, and once people acknowledge the significance of these plants; we’ll be able to see a change in behaviour,” shares Lotter.
A team member from the Urban Raptor Project collecting indigenous plants on site.
Coega’s Fauna and Flora Rescue Programme demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to greening the city with our endemic and indigenous plants. It builds on the work we have previously done and is a win-win for people and the environment,” concludes von Holdt.
While the Stellantis launch event is set to take place in May 2024, the construction of the Stellantis plant is earmarked to commence in June 2024.
