Neatly tucked between two coastal estuaries, a lush coastal dune forest, and the warm Indian Ocean, the village of Umdloti is celebrated for its unique natural environment.
Tasked with preserving it for future generations and focused on place-making, the Umdloti Coastal Conservancy (UCC) is a group of volunteers who, for nearly four decades, have safeguarded the area’s wealth of biodiversity in collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality, marine scientists, and a dedicated horticulturist.
We recently caught up with the UCC’s Terry Rens, Tracey Simkiss, and Pat Bean for a sunrise cuppa, and their passion for this little piece of paradise was immediately evident. As the sun sprinkled the landscape with gold and the salty smell of the ocean lingered in the air, they spoke of nearly four decades of hands-on conservation.
Protecting Biodiversity: Mussels, Dunes & Lagoons
Marine scientists tout rock mussels as a key coastal asset in the province. Protection of the mussel beds in Umdloti, initiated in 1998, has led to species such as skates, sea slugs, and starfish reappearing for the first time in years. The Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) has continuously monitored these mussels since the 1980s, and their recovery since being officially protected is well documented. Mussel cover at Umdloti now exceeds nearby exploited reefs, and the beds provide mussel spat for reseeding reefs along the KZN coast. Anglers benefit too, as mussel beds increase both the diversity and biomass of fish in the area.
The UCC also led a years-long dune rehabilitation project following massive coastal erosion caused by a gigantic storm swell in 2007. “Through alien plant removal, replanting indigenous dune vegetation and careful erosion control, the sand slowly returned and much of the natural dune structure was restored,” says Terry.
Next on the Conservancy’s agenda, explains Tracey, are the Umdloti and Umhlanga lagoons flanking the town to the north and south, where urban development, water pollution, coastal erosion, and biodiversity loss are having an impact.
Community Action and Conservation in Practise
A notable success is a series of information signboards spread along the beachfront. True to UCC ethos and Umdloti’s happy-go-lucky vibe, the signs share positive messages about conservation, educating the community on how they can help rather than listing ‘don’ts’. Pat has a special affinity for these, wiping them clean of dirt and dust as he goes on his morning walks.
Since the Sibaya Conservation Trust took on the management of the expansive surrounding forests, birdlife has flourished. Meanwhile, a gardener named Louis works four days a week, cleaning beaches, repairing, and tending to gardens in public spaces. Funded entirely by public donations, his work has made a clear difference towards the UCC’s goal of achieving aesthetic uniformity on the town’s north and south sides. All other UCC projects are funded by the annual Arbor Day event, which draws strong community support, including from residents in the newer Salta and Sibaya developments.
Through efforts such as protecting mussel beds, rehabilitating dunes, and caring for forests, the Umdloti Coastal Conservancy has played a key role in maintaining the village’s natural environment. With ongoing community involvement and scientific support, the UCC continues to address challenges from development, pollution, and erosion, helping ensure that Umdloti’s estuaries, forests, and coastline remain ecologically healthy and accessible to residents.
Words: Jacqueline Herbst