The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) has produced a biosphere-supporting product that will be used to augment restoration and community upliftment efforts run by the GCBR. This product is none other than our most beloved Portulacaria afra, better known as spekboom.
Spekboom has been identified as an exceptionally efficient carbon sequestrator (for a semi-arid plant species), and is being promoted throughout ecological and scientific communities as a climate change mitigating species. (Read more about the Jobs4Carbon project.
The product, to be called #spekkies, is comprised of specially selected spekboom cuttings presented in varying “earth-friendly” hardware for sale to the public.
The spekboom will be sourced in the heart of the Klein Karoo using sustainable harvesting methods. The enterprise will employ individuals from local marginalised communities. The core ethos of #spekkies is increased carbon sequestration through environmentally sustainable methods that support disadvantaged-community upliftment.
Our goal is to bring the carbon storing abilities of this little powerhouse-plant to the cities and gardens of South Africa in support of the fight against climate change!
What’s in a name?
The name of #spekkies represents our attitude about spekboom and what it stands for, “spekkies” being a term of endearment for Portulacaria afra, a seemingly unassuming shrub that, through its unique and proficient carbon-storing abilities, has the potential to significantly reduce atmospheric carbon and by so doing help with the fight against climate change! GCBR’s very own little hero…
The hash tag (#) follows the customs of social media, whereby it indicates a “word or phrase used to identify messages on a specific topic”. #spekkies is not just about spekboom, it is about hope for the future.
Fighting climate change, community upliftment, ecosystem restoration, green jobs, green economy, protecting our planet, protecting our future… one word says it all: #spekkies.
To order your #Spekkies in a hessian bag, different sized compots or a traditional plastic bag, please contact us.