Haven’t heard of the little farming town of Graaff-Reinet? You’re about to. Because this barely noteworthy Karoo town is about to become a global icon. An exciting and proudly South African project, dubbed The Giant Flag Project, is underway at the Obesa Nursery. The project will see the formation of an enormous national flag cultivated entirely out of desert cacti and succulents. So large, it will even be visible from space!

Desert plants will make up the reds, greens, yellows, and blues of the flag, a giant 4 megawatt solar panel field will make up the black portion, and white gravel pathways will provide close up views for visitors. According to deputy tourism minister, Tokozile Xasa, the R180 million project will be a “game changer in the tourism industry”, providing jobs to disadvantaged communities who live in the Camdeboo municipality. The project is expected to create 740 permanent green collar jobs in the fields of solar, mechanical, green technology, environmental management, and security.

 

Fun facts about the Giant Flag Project

Giant Flag Project

  • At 66 hectares, the flag will be the size of 66 soccer fields
  • It will be grown entirely from desert plants in a semi-arid area where agriculture is challenging. Around 2.5 million plants are needed to complete the flag – and as much as 4 million if a buffer is built around it.
  • Mexican Fire Barrel will be used for the red. This ferocactus is known for its brilliant red bloom that appears brighter when wet. The spines provide shade and redirects rain water, making it extremely drought-tolerant and perfect for the Karoo.
  • Spekboom will be used for the green. This indigenous succulent has an exceptional ability to soak up CO². It can capture 4 tons of carbon a year per hectare!
  • Blue Butterfly will be used for the blue. This plant has a distinctive blue-grey hue and its ability to grow in dry environments makes it an effective bioenergy crop. It’s called “Blue Dan” in honour of ethnobotanist, Dan Lieberman, who died in a car accident on the outskirts of Graaff-Reinet.
  • Golden Barrel will be used for the yellow. Also known as Mother in Law’s Cushion, it is a popular plant used in modern landscaping. While it prefers sunny spots, it can survive long periods of time in the dark.
  • The solar panels will create enough energy to power 4000 homes. They will also cover a conference centre, boutique hotel, SMME rental space, training facilities, and commercial space including parking.
  • Power will be sold to the local municipality, allowing the project to be completely self-funding.
  • The water that falls onto the panels will be harvested and channelled to an underground reservoir for use of the plants in the flag.
  • The flag is expected to be completed in 2016.

 

Check out the Giant Flag Project promo. Prepare for goosebumps!

 

BUT more importantly, how can YOU get involved? Here’s how:

  • Adopt a plant and grab a pixel of the flag for your very own! Simply visit the Giant Flag Project website and click on a colour on the South African flag to contribute. Each plant costs $10 (around R100).
  • You can also contribute towards the solar panels at $250 a piece (around R2700) and the white gravel roads at $100 (around R1000).

 

What do you think of the Giant Flag Project in Graaff-Reinet? Will you be contributing? Let us know in the comments below.