Eco Ministry

The Kleinmond Eco-Ministry

On January 31, 2019, the Kleinmond Eco-ministry was started as an initiative of the NG Gemeente Kleinmond and the VG Gemeente Kleinmond. The first meeting was held with just 16 members. Since then, the members of the Eco-ministry have grown to more than 60 members. For that, all the glory to the Lord!

Our most recent meeting on July 18, 2023. Dr Friso Woudstra (2nd from left, front) was the guest speaker.

What is the purpose of the Eco-ministry? As a faith-based ministry, it wants to encourage and practically help Christians in particular to fulfill their calling with regard to creation/environment. Perhaps we as Christians have left it for too long for only secular groups to do this. This while as Christians we are in a personal relationship with the Creator. In short, one could formulate the purpose like this:

The Eco-Ministry wants to promote Christians’ responsibility towards God’s creation,

part of their everyday religious life.

From the outset, Christians from different churches have joined us. During 2023, we formally invited representatives from the Geref Church, ChristGen, Kleinmond Fellowship Church and The Bay CFC to our quarterly meeting for the first time.

Summary of Eco-Ministry’s activities:

  1. Quarterly Eco-Ministry Meeting: During this meeting we usually get input from someone who talks about the foundation of our work/eco-theology. We also hear reports on actions launched and new projects that are planned.
  2. Eco-WhatsApp group: This group shares information about local environmental issues, clean-up days, outings and interesting natural phenomena. The group is managed strictly according to agreed rules.
  3. Clean-up days: The Eco-Ministry (EB) organizes a clean-up day somewhere in our town every month. It is a practical way for everyone to get involved in preserving the environment. Times and locations are regularly shared in the Overstrand Herald and on the Eko-WApp group.
    Visit to Babylonstoren

    Cleaning Day, October 22, 2022
  4. Recycling: The EB encourages recycling at all sites. The municipality’s two-bag system is strongly supported, even on clean-up days.
  5. Plugs and caps & bread bag clips: This project serves a dual purpose: Not only are the mentioned items recycled, but they are also delivered to the Recycling Plant in Hermanus, which sells them and pays the funds to the Overberg Wheelchair Association.
    Nine months of plugs and caps!

    Especially soft drink and milk container lids are needed. Even larger hard lids like those from coffee jars.
  6. Eco-Youth: The EB realized that to make a sustainable difference in environmental conservation, the youth must be involved. A new Eco-Youth campaign was launched and in particular closer contact was established with the Strandlopers. Other churches are also welcome to join in.
  7. Specialist groups: Various task groups have recently been started to pay attention to matters such as Eco-liturgy (worship in nature), Eco-watchdogs (liaison with the authorities) and Eco-learning (Study Group).
  8. Network with other organisations: The EB is happy to join hands with organisations that are also focused on nature appreciation and conservation. There is currently formal collaboration with the Kleinmond Nature Conservation Association, Kogelberg Biosphere and Strandlopers.
  9. Environmental Awareness: The EB would also like to offer their services to assist with information/talks in the process of environmental awareness.
  10. Contact: Chairperson: Ryk van Velden Cell: 082 857 4368 email: rvanvelden@hotmail.com