Pictured above (left to right WESSA staff) Mike Denison, Cindy-Lee Clote, Kelly Alcock, Lindokuhle Mkhize, Sabelo Sithole
WESSA proudly participated in the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Lekgotla, hosted in East London from 24–26 November 2025. The event brought together government, civil society, and technical experts to advance South Africa’s coastal resilience agenda.
Representing WESSA, Kelly Alcock, Head of Education & Sustainability, presented under the theme “Working with Nature: Blue & Green Pathways to Resilience”. She highlighted how Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) can deliver far-reaching economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Kelly also emphasised the role of WESSA’s programmes, from Ecosystem Stewardship and the Circular Economy (Green Hustle) to Coastal Ecosystem Protection and Green Coast, in supporting municipalities to implement sustainable, community-focused coastal projects.
In a session titled “Coastal Concepts to Fundable Projects”, Mike Denison, Coastal Programme Senior Manager, explored how civil society organisations can help translate coastal concepts into fundable and implementable resilience projects.
His presentation focused on partnership models between municipalities, NGOs, and CSOs, and how these collaborations can unlock funding and technical expertise for long-term coastal adaptation.
WESSA extends its gratitude to DFFE, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, SALGA, the World Bank, PROBLUE and GIZ for hosting a meaningful dialogue and for the opportunity to showcase our work.