The FynbosLIFE Fair is back, and this year, it’s turning up the heat. Set to take place on Sunday 2 November at Zandvlei Lookout in Muizenberg, the event brings together fire experts, ecologists, and passionate nature lovers to explore how ‘fire, a vital, natural part of fynbos ecology, requires careful management.’
The fair’s 2025 theme, ‘Fire,’ isn’t just symbolic; it’s a reminder of the delicate balance between destruction and renewal in South Africa’s unique fynbos ecosystem. As the effects of climate change grow more visible, managing wildfires and understanding fire’s role in biodiversity have never been more urgent.
The event will feature key speakers from organisations such as the SPCA Wildlife Unit, Working With Fire, and Cape Town Fire Department, along with Volunteer Wildfire Services. These groups will unpack strategies for wildfire prevention, controlled burns, and ecosystem recovery, offering valuable insight into protecting one of the world’s most diverse plant regions.
‘Cape Town is considered both the biodiversity and extinction capital of the world,’ explained Dr Caitlin von Witt, botanical ecologist and FynbosLIFE director. ‘Found only in the CFR, the Fynbos Biome is globally renowned for its exceptional plant species richness and endemicity. We want to showcase this and all things fynbos at the FynbosLIFE Fair.’
Picture: Supplied/FynbosLIFE
One of the highlights of the event will be a talk by Dr Glynis Humphrey, Ph.D. in Fire Ecology, who will share her experience studying fire’s ecological importance across Africa. Her presentation aims to highlight how ‘responsible fire management helps conserve this unique landscape.’
As weather patterns shift and global temperatures rise, Dr Humphrey and others stress that understanding ecological fire is key to maintaining biodiversity. The fair will explore how indigenous vegetation, especially fynbos, has evolved to thrive with fire and how communities can coexist with these natural cycles safely and sustainably.
Picture: Supplied
Beyond science, the FynbosLIFE Fair promises to be a vibrant celebration of local creativity. Visitors can expect ‘fynbos-inspired artwork, ceramics, fabrics, homeware, and fynbos-distilled or, infused gin and rum, honey, and food featuring fynbos,’ highlighted organiser Genie Vittu.
Families will also enjoy the FUNbos play area, complete with eco-themed activities and fire safety demonstrations. From Sharkspotters and Dale Snyder’s Reptile Show to Lego designer SuperstofBricks, whose ‘Fynbos Flowers’ set received over 10 000 votes on Lego Ideas, the day promises something for everyone.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, local DJ Mark Mwaba from The Commons will bring upbeat tunes to keep the energy flowing throughout the day.
Picture: Facebook/ MTP Afrika
Run entirely on a volunteer basis, the FynbosLIFE Fair connects conservation organisations, artisans, and the public in a shared mission: to give ‘fynbos its place in the sun.’ According to Dr von Witt, the initiative highlights ‘the beauty, conservation value, versatility, and diversity of fynbos products.’
Attendees can also learn about FynbosLIFE’s own projects, including KURUfynbos, BoSSIES, FUNDAfynbos, and the Cape Flats Fynbos Nursery, which are dedicated to restoration, education and community greening.
Another major draw will be the FynbosLIFE Veld Circles, eight urban conservation pockets across Cape Town, each showcasing different fynbos vegetation types. From the Grootboschkloof Granite Fynbos Circle in Constantia Hills to the Door De Kraal Veld Circle in the northern suburbs, these green spaces serve as living classrooms for urban biodiversity.
As Dr von Witt puts it, ‘Discover the wonder of our fynbos. Join the growing number of fervent fynbos fans at the FynbosLIFE Fair.’
The event is more than a fair, it’s a call to reconnect with the natural world, understand its fiery rhythms, and celebrate the resilience of the Cape Floristic Region.
For details and updates, visit the official FynbosLIFE website.
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Picture: Supplied/ FynbosLIFE
