# Deputy minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, says the government is stepping up efforts to tackle alien and invasive species in the Garden Route in the Western Cape. He launched an operation in Plettenberg Bay to inspect farms and properties and check compliance with environmental laws. Between 2021 and last year, more than 160 properties were inspected in Knysna and Wilderness, with 67 found to be non-compliant. He says invasive plants threaten biodiversity, water supplies and increase the risk of wildfires.
Government launches Garden Route invasive species enforcement operation