People Making Biodiversity Work C.A.P.E

Home , Agulhas National Park, Boland Granite Fynbos, Constantiaberg, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Meadowridge, Meadowridge Common

SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

people making biodiversity work C.A.P.E.

Table Mountain Fund Signatory Partners

SANBI Biodiversity Series 4

Fynbos Fynmense: people making biodiversity work

Ally Ashwell Trevor Sandwith Mandy Barnett Asiza Parker Fumanekile Wisani

Pretoria 2006 SANBI Biodiversity Series

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was established on 1 Sep- tember 2004 through the signing into force of the National Environmental Manage- ment: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) No. 10 of 2004 by President Thabo Mbeki. The Act expands the mandate of the former National Botanical Institute to include responsibilities relating to the full diversity of South Africa’s fauna and flora, and builds on the internationally respected programmes in conservation, research, education and visitor services developed by the National Botanical Institute and its predecessors over the past century.

The vision of SANBI is to be the leading institution in biodiversity science in Africa, facilitating conservation, sustainable use of living resources, and human well-being.

SANBI’s mission is to promote the sustainable use, conservation, appreciation and enjoyment of the exceptionally rich biodiversity of South Africa, for the benefit of all people.

SANBI Biodiversity Series publishes occasional reports on projects, technologies, workshops, symposia and other activities initiated by or executed in partnership with SANBI.

Design & layout: Sandra Turck Cover design: Sandra Turck

How to cite this publication ASHWELL, A., SANDWITH, T., BARNETT, M., PARKER, A. & WISANI, F. 2006. Fynbos Fynmense: people making biodiversity work. SANBI Biodi- versity Series 4. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

ISBN 1-919976-29-9

Obtainable from: SANBI Bookshop, Private Bag X101, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa. Tel.: +27 12 843-5000. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.sanbi.org.

Printed by United Litho, 22 Eland Street, Koedoespoort, Pretoria, 0186 South Africa. Foreword

ourteen years after the Rio Summit, South Africa is hosting The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly, with delegates addressing key environmental issues in one of the world’s “hot- Ftest” biodiversity hotspots, the Cape Floristic Region (CFR). The Cape region is the location of several WORLD BANK GROUP fascinating GEF-funded projects where biodiversity is being successfully integrated into social and eco- GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT nomic development. FACILITY PROGRAM

South Africa has had an extraordinary political and development history. The change in government and democratization in 1994 led to a realization that biodiversity conservation must be more inclusive and linked to socio-economic development. Programmes such as Working for Water have led the way in innovation, linking clearance of invasive alien species to ecosystem services, poverty alleviation and job creation. Development and conservation are often considered trade- offs, yet South Africa has demonstrated how biodiversity concerns can be mainstreamed in development efforts. These successes can be attributed to four main factors: good scientific information and subsequent awareness raising; institutional capacity and commitment; strategic cross-sectoral coordination and public-private partnerships; and entrepreneurship by the conservation community in seizing opportunities to demonstrate that good biodiversity management is good for the economy, good for local development, and good for business. Many of these attri- butes are present in biodiversity projects which South Africa has designed for GEF funding.

The World Bank is proud to have been associated with the development of a rich and innovative GEF portfolio of projects in South Africa. The portfolio spans two, uniquely South African, biodiversity hotspots (Cape Floristic Region and Succu- lent Karoo) as well as exciting transboundary initiatives in the Maloti-Drakensebrg highlands linking South Africa and Lesotho. The Bank’s GEF portfolio has supported the expansion of national parks and protected areas in the Cape Peninsula, Namaqualand, Addo and Baviaanskloof as well as creative off-reserve solutions and new partnerships with private and community landowners. South Africa has been a leader in integrating biodiversity in production landscapes, especially through partnerships under the Cape Action for People and the Environment program (C.A.P.E.) and the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Partnership (SKEP). The Criti- cal Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) has supported conservation planning and engaged civil society in active partnerships for conservation in the production sector, including private and community lands. A suite of GEF medium-sized projects have demonstrated good practice in conservation farming, conservation planning, and greater engagement of local communities in establishing community conservation areas. Many of the lessons from earlier projects are being scaled up and replicated under the current C.A.P.E. Biodiversity and Sustainable Development project, within the Cape Floral Kingdom.

This volume, illustrates the results achieved on the ground of the ongoing partnership of C.A.P.E. and will contribute to disseminating lessons learned from the C.A.P.E. programme to other bioregional programmes worldwide. The inspiring stories presented here provide examples of creative thinking in promoting biodiversity conservation in the context of sustainable development. Many of the case studies have relevance to other countries and other sectors, demonstrating syner- gies between conservation and the fight against poverty, innovative solutions to shared needs, and opportunities to make biodiversity an indispensable part of ordinary people’s lives.

Katherine Sierra Gobind Nankani Vice President, Sustainable Development Vice President, Africa Region

The World Bank The World Bank CONTENTS 16 Chapter 1 Introducing C.A.P.E. 16 1.1 The Context of C.A.P.E. 18 1.2 What makes the Cape Floristic Region so special? 21 1.3 What is the C.A.P.E. programme? 23 1.4 The Cape Action Plan for the Environment 24 1.5 The components of the C.A.P.E. Programme 28 1.6 The purpose and structure of this book

32 Chapter 2 Unleashing the potential of protected areas 32 2.1 What’s the issue? 33 2.2 Consolidating the Table Mountain National Park 41 2.3 Lowland Conservation in the City of Cape Town 60 2.4 Lowland Conservation in the Nelson Mandela Metro 66 2.5 The Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor 73 2.6 The Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve 79 2.7 The Gouritz Initiative 83 2.8 The Garden Route Initiative 89 2.9 The Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative 94 2.10 A tale of two biosphere reserves

104 Chapter 3 Managing watersheds wisely 104 3.1 Caring for rivers and wetlands 112 3.2 Dealing with alien invasive plants

124 Chapter 4 Enabling conservation stewardship 124 4.1 Conservation Stewardship–involving private land owners 135 4.2 Monitoring biodiversity – mobilising civil society action 143 4.3 Caring for the coastal and marine environment

152 Chapter 5 Building the biodiversity economy 152 5.1 Valuing the Cape Floristic Region 154 5.2 Making agriculture more sustainable 164 5.3 A focus on flowers 172 5.4 The Biodiversity and Wine Initiative 176 5.5 Towards sustainable tourism 186 Chapter 6 Supporting conservation education 186 6.1 A long tradition and a vibrant programme 192 6.2 The children of C.A.P.E. 196 6.3 Working with the educators 204 6.4 Youth development in CapeNature

208 Chapter 7 Strengthening institutions 208 7.1 An enabling policy context for C.A.P.E. 209 7.2 Establishing C.A.P.E. 211 7.3 A focus on C.A.P.E. Partners 215 7.4 First steps towards building capacity 221 7.5 Information management 226 7.6 Knowledge-networking 231 7.7 Finding funding

238 Chapter 8 Co-ordinating C.A.P.E. 238 8.1 The basis for co-ordination 242 8.2 Services of the CCU and other co-ordination mechanisms 246 8.3 Measuring progress

252 Chapter 9 Looking ahead 253 9.1 Conserving biodiversity in priority areas 254 9.2 Using resources sustainably 255 9.3 Strengthening institutions and governance 259 9.4 Concluding remarks

Acknowledgements

Appendices

Appendix 1. Participants Appendix 2. Projects Appendix 3. Recommendations of the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference Message from the South African Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

outh Africa launched the Cape Action for People and the Environment Programme (C.A.P.E.) in 2000 in response Snot only to its obligations to secure globally significant biodiversity for the international community, but driven by the opportunity that the rich resources of the region offer for social and economic development of our people. Underly- ing the programme is a desire to unlock the opportunities for economic development while ensuring much greater involvement and participation among local communities and other stakeholders in decision-making and in sharing the benefits of sustainable use of biodiversity.

The C.A.P.E. Strategy set out the challenges. Government and non-governmental organisations at every level have stepped in to provide the appropriate enabling environment for rapid implementation. From the perspective of government, rapid steps were taken to develop the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act and the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act. Among other functions, these far-reaching laws provide the context for the development and publication of bioregional plans that empower programmes like C.A.P.E. and set the standards for the designation and management of protected areas that fully represent and maintain biodiversity across the regional landscape. These have been followed by the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment and the adoption of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

The most striking innovation however, is coming from the partners and communities themselves who are contributing directly to conservation stewardship on private and communal lands, through industry best practices and innovations, such as the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative and through mobilising government, business and stakeholders to partner in ensuring that sustainable development is achieved at a local level.

South African businesses are yet to fully embrace and harness the economic opportunities that biodiversity offers, but there are signs that this is changing. In addition to industry role players, there are also striking examples of how local communities are seizing opportunities such as the flower harvesting in association with tourism on the Agulhas Plain and the development of the Hoerikwaggo Guides, creating new jobs and increased revenue in the Table Mountain National Park.

South Africa’s projections of a growing economy expressed in strategies such as ASGISA are founded on the continued sustainable use of natural resources, and the value that biodiversity creates in the economy. Growing the biodiversity-based economy requires that new and innovative means are found to identify and add value to South Africa’s globally unique resources, without depleting them, and while expanding social benefits. The stories and lessons reflected in this publication record some of the enormous diversity and creativity, but also commitment of South Africans—all Fynbos Fynmense—to find workable responses to the problems and opportunities of sustainable development in a globally significant biodiversity hotspot.

Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Message from Mbulelo Songoni, tthe Eastern Cape Provincial Minister for Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism

he Eastern Cape is at the eastern end of the Cape Floristic Region, where it intersects with four other biomes in South Africa, making the Eastern Cape unusually rich in habitats and spe- Tcies. The Eastern Cape government realizes that this diversity, matched only by the variety of people and interests in the region, is a source of pride but also opportunity. For this reason, as a founder signatory of the C.A.P.E. programme, the Eastern Cape has invested in several conservation and development flagship projects, notably the Baviaanskloof Megareserve. While the Baviaanskloof is a component of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, it is also the source of water for the Nelson Mandela Bay metropole and a place where farmers and other communities derive their livelihoods. This means that the way in which conservation is undertaken in the region must accord with the social and economic development needs of the Eastern Cape. Planning for the Baviaanskloof Megareserve has become a model for other large landscape initiatives elsewhere in the Eastern Cape and in the rest of the Cape Floristic Region.

In line with the C.A.P.E. Strategy, the Eastern Cape has undertaken a review of environmental and nature conservation functions and proudly launched the Eastern Cape Parks Board earlier this year as the agency that would ensure that it met its biodiversity responsibilities, while seeking appropriate investment in development, and successfully integrating these. The pilot activities that C.A.P.E. has undertaken in the Eastern Cape are being closely examined by provincial and local government in the Eastern Cape as a source of lessons and capacity-building across the region. In particular, the Eastern Cape has established an Eastern Cape Implementation Committee for Bioregional Programmes and will be guiding and driving a range of important initiatives, including C.A.P.E., STEP and the Wild Coast Initiative. Message from Tasneem Essop, the Western Cape Provincial Minister for Environment, Planning and Economic Development

he astonishing richness and diversity of the Western Cape’s natural resources is matched only by the resourcefulness and diversity of its many people. Histori- calT patterns of unsustainable use of resources have led to the Cape Floristic Region being listed as one of the world’s threatened bioregions, and the scars are deeply etched in the land and its people. Now the people of the Western Cape are exploring new and sustainable ways to value and benefit from these globally important assets. It is no secret that the biodiversity of the Western Cape underpins the regional economy, generating value in excess of R10 billion per annum, a large part of which is captured in the growth of tourism in the region, based principally on the scenic beauty and the jewels that are our protected areas. These assets are the cornerstone of the “environmental economy” of the Western Cape and can play an important role in the regenration of the soul of our people.

More important, is the need to deepen the involvement and participation of all of the people of the region, resulting in improved livelihood opportunities that are translated into sustainable employment and quality of life. To this end the provincial government has adopted a Provincial Spatial Development Framework that fundamentally recognizes the importance of the natural environment. It sets out a pattern for improving human settlements and avoiding urban sprawl, but also recognizes the development opportunities of appropriate land-uses that will diversify economic opportunities in the rural landscape. The Western Cape Provincial Gov- ernment has supported the roll-out of the C.A.P.E. Programme as one of the initiatives underpinning our Sustainable Development Implementation Plan. We expect the programme to pilot, analyse and recommend appropriate approaches, while securing effective participation and involvement of all of our people. The stories in this volume are evidence of the growing commitment and mobilization of our “fynbos fynmense” in support of sustainable development. Message from Helen Zille, Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town

he City of Cape Town is well aware of its unique position in the Cape Floris- tic Region. It has also taken Tseriously its responsibility to reverse the trends that have led to the City having one of the highest densities of threatened species on earth. The City has come to understand that biodiversity can be a powerful driver of tourism, economic growth and social upliftment. We recognize the benefits of being one of the few places in the world where two natural World Heritage Sites and an entire National Park are contained within a single municipal boundary.

One of the most important steps taken by the City of Cape Town was to prepare its Integrated Metropolitan Environmental Programme (IMEP), one component of which was to declare its commitment to bioidiversity. Since then, the City has developed a Biodiversity Strategy that provides a framework for linking the important ecological systems across the City and providing nodes for innovative programmes such as Cape Flats Nature—our successful partnership programme targeting community conservation on the Cape Flats—and the consolidating of Table Mountain National Park. The Biodiversity Strategy also provides the basis for co-ordination across the many sectors that provide services in the City and meeting the needs for public recreation, water management and disaster management.

The City of Cape Town is also proud to have initiated Local Action for Biodiversity, an international partnership project joining 15 world cities focused on enhancing the protection, management and appropriate use of biodiversity within municipal boundaries, and also on working towards reversing the global trend towards species extinction by 2010. As one of the founding signatories of the Cape Action for People and the Environment Programme (C.A.P.E.), the City of Cape Town is taking full responsibility for providing opportunities for its own “fynbos fynmense” to participate and benefit from making biodiversity a part of all Capetonians’ lives. Message from Monique Barbut, CEO of the Global Environment Facility

he richness of biodiversity found in South Afri- ca’s Cape Floristic region is legendary, and the unique nature of the fynbos biome has been celebrated by biologists, conservationists, develop- mentT experts, and ecologists worldwide. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has a strong and mutually-supportive partnership with the Government of South Africa. We are proud that our project portfolio covers a broad spectrum of issues—biodiversity conservation, climate change, eliminat- ing of toxic chemicals, improved management of international waters, and others—that are directly linked to, and supportive of South Africa’s sustainable development agenda.

Through the work of our implementing agencies—United Nations Development Program, United Nations Environment Programme, and The World Bank—GEF- financed projects are making a positive difference in people’s lives while protecting the global environment. Notable examples are the Agulhas Biodiversity Initia- tive, Cape Action for People and Environment (C.A.P.E.) project, Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Partnership (SKEP), including among others, the Small Grants Program (SGP) which is helping link local communities to national development goals.

We are delighted that South Africa is hosting the Third GEF Assembly in Cape Town, the first time that we are meeting on the African continent. The launch of this volume at the Assembly is indicative not only of the importance of biodiversity conservation, but also broad-based partnerships that mobilize public, private and civil society efforts in protecting the global environment for the benefit of all. The GEF is pleased to be a part this partnership which is helping overcome poverty and help achieve the internationally-agreed Millennium Development Goals.

SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Cape Floristic Region includes plant and animal communities of astonishing CHAPTER Introducing C.A.P.E. diversity.

1.1 The Context of C.A.P.E. tainable programme for South Africa’s development would be implemented at (i) South Africa: a society in national, provincial and local levels by 1 government, as well as by parastatals and transition organisations of civil society. outh Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994 ushered in a new A profound consequence of this transi- institutional dispensation that has S tion for the conservation world was a transformed approaches to biodiversity move towards greater co-operative gov- conservation as well as other func- ernance, not only within sectors, such as tions of government. In the first environment and nature conservation, ten years of democracy many new but also among sectors, such as agricul- policies and laws were developed to give expression to the goals of ture, water, land and environment. The the new society. One of the important RDP also created an awareness and sense driving forces of this change was of urgency for change that would promote the Reconstruction and Devel- development that was sustainable and opment Programme (RDP), just, and that would involve people in which aimed to ensure that decision-making for the use and benefi- processes were people-driv- ciation of natural resources. In the Cape en, that reconstruction and Floristic Region (CFR), the stage was set development were linked for a quiet revolution regarding the way and that there was a deepen- in which the biodiversity riches of the ing of democracy in the state region were regarded and how people and society. Perhaps most importantly from all walks of life would begin to for biodiversity conservation, there was address the opportunities and constraints an imperative that an integrated and sus- of their management. 16 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

What is fynbos and who are these fynmense? Fynbos is a rather loose collective term referring to the uniquely diverse CFR characterised by signature plants such as proteas, ericas and restios. It has come to mean more than that though, as the region encompasses the unique Cape Fold Mountains, tea-coloured streams with their endemic fish, coastal wetlands and adjacent marine environments.

1 Boreal (42%) 2 Paleotropical (35%) 3 Neotropical (14%) 4 Australian (8%) 5 Patagonian (1%) 6 Cape (0.01%) Coupled with the Cape’s astonishing biodiversity The Cape Floristic Region is the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms and the only one contained within the borders of a single country. are the people of the region who, over thousands of years, have developed a (ii) International obligations and in a single country, as well as the Maloti- deep attachment to the opportunities Drakensberg Mountains and the Greater fynbos region and who St Lucia Wetland Park. During the devel- identify with the Cape as South Africa’s political transition also sig- opment of the White Paper on the Con- their unique heritage. These nalled its return to the international com- servation and Sustainable Use of South munity of nations. The imperative was Africa’s Biological Diversity, a significant are the “fynmense” who to catch up with the many international stakeholder process involving key organi- hold the future of the CFR conventions and processes that had been sations was mobilised. The resulting in their own hands. underway, especially since the Rio Earth actions included a drive to garner GEF Summit in 1992. South Africa ratified resources for the CFR. The expression “fynbos the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1997, and in doing so, endorsed (iii) A heritage of fynbos fynmense” was captured the objectives of the convention, which research by Brett Myrdal and included the mainstreaming of biodiver- During the 1990s, there was growing con- Xola Mkefe of the Table sity into all governmental policies, plans cern about challenges facing the fynbos Mountain National and programmes. ecoregion. This had its roots in the sub- Park, to symbolise the stantial development of knowledge and It also meant that South Africa became profound linkages between understanding of the complexity of this people and nature in the eligible to access funds from the Global uniquely diverse, globally rich ecoregion, Environment Facility (GEF). As a coun- the threats facing it and the manage- region. It has come to try with exceptional biodiversity and ment imperatives that were required. symbolise the essential human capacity, coupled with its agenda Since the 1970s, investment in scientific for social and economic transformation, goal of C.A.P.E., which is to research had yielded a remarkable body South Africa was quickly identified by conserve the environment of scientific literature and expertise, not the implementing agencies of the GEF while ensuring that people only on the composition of the biodiver- as a recipient of funding for priority are involved in and programmes that would conserve glob- sity of the fynbos region, but also on the ally significant biodiversity. Precondi- dynamics of fire as a crucial driving force benefit from conservation tions were the development of a new of ecosystem structure and function. In activities. Fynmense is a biodiversity policy for the country, and addition, the insidious and long-term play on words meaning the identification of country priorities. impacts of the ever-increasing infesta- fine (great) people. These included the CFR, the only one of tions of invasive alien plants were identi- the world’s six floral kingdoms located fied and understood. people making biodiversity work 17 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

An inspired group of biological scientists contributed to this growing body of research and literature, with a significant contribution being the authoritative work stimulated and coordinated by Richard Cowling and his colleagues during the 1980s and 1990s. Much of this initial ecological research was supported by the Fynbos Biome Project, funded in part by the Co-operative Scientific Programmes of the Council for Scientific and Indus- trial Research (CSIR), which in addition to conducting primary research on ecosystem structure and function, brought together scientists and managers to discuss and debate the findings of their research and consequences for ecosystem management.

The Fynbos Biome Project has had a lasting impact, having led to the establishment of the Fynbos Forum. This annual meeting of scientists and managers has been in existence for over 20 years and The Cape Floristic Region at the southern tip of Africa straddles three of South continues to set the pace of discussion for Africa’s provincial boundaries. fynbos research and management (Chap- ter 7). The Fynbos Forum has spawned many creative endeavours, not the least of which is the world-renowned Working for Water programme (Chapter 3) as well as the development of the Cape Action Plan for the Environment.

1.2 What makes the Cape Floristic Region so special? Globally significant biodiversity he CFR in South Africa is t h e smallest and richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. WhatT makes it unique is that this floral kingdom is found exclusively within a single country (Figure 1). This means that it is entirely up to the people of South Africa to protect this global treasure. The The rock walls and sandstone ramparts of the Cederberg. region is also one of the world’s 25 most threatened biodiversity hotspots. These hotspots are places that harbour excep- Brian Huntley tionally high levels of biological diversity, Professor Brian Huntley, now but where, unfortunately this diversity is CEO of the South African also highly threatened. National Biodiversity Institute The CFR is particularly rich in plant (SANBI) was one of the diversity, with some 9 600 species of architects of the Co-operative plants on record. Huge numbers of these

PROFILEScientific Programmes in plants are endemic to the CFR, meaning the 1970s. Who could have predicted that 30 years later, that they do not occur naturally any- SANBI under his leadership would where else on earth; of these, many are be the home for South Africa’s bioregional conservation restricted to very small areas. The region programmes, including C.A.P.E.? is also home to numerous unique and highly specialised invertebrates, many of 18 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) which depend on particular plant species the western part of the region the Cape plants for their survival. Peninsula mountain chain, the Hotten- tots-Holland range, the Groot Winterhoek A reason for this exceptional species Mountains and the Cederberg lie along diversity is the wealth of different habi- a north-south axis. In the south are the tats in the region, each with its unique east-west trending Riviersonderend, topography, soils and climatic condi- Outeniqua, Groot Swartberg, Langeberg tions. Natural environments range from semi-arid ecosystems that experience less and Baviaanskloof ranges. The rivers aris- than 500 mm of rain per year, through ing from these diverse mountains are all remnant temperate moist forests along unique, harbouring 19 species of endemic The Cape Peninsula the east coast, to magnificent mountains or near-endemic fish. Virtually all these contains one of the highest that soar to 2 300 metres above sea level. mountains fall within protected areas, concentrations of species on In addition, there are unique wetland, including designated mountain catch- earth in a spectacular land and freshwater, estuarine and marine environment areas in private ownership. The seascape, now part of a World Heritage Site. ments. Travel from west to east or from existing protected area system therefore north to south in this region and you will favours the conservation of mountain- be amazed by the diverse landscapes you ous areas, largely because these were encounter; no two areas are completely identified as water catchment areas and alike. also lacked agricultural potential. Unfor- tunately the lack of emphasis placed on The CFR comprises a relatively nar- lowland ecosystems has meant that reser- row strip of land that stretches from vation of these areas falls markedly short Nieuwoudtville in the northwest to the of essential conservation targets. Nelson Mandela Metropole in the east, always within about 200 km of the sea. The oceans therefore have a profound A threatened ecosystem In the Eastern Cape, the influence on the region. The two major The rich biodiversity of the CFR is under fynbos blends with subtropical oceanic currents, the warm Agulhas serious threat. Vast areas have been thicket in the Baviaanskloof. Current on the East Coast and the cold converted to permanent agriculture and Benguela Current on the West Coast, have rangelands for cattle, sheep and ostriches, their confluence on the Agulhas Bank off while inappropriate fire management, Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in infestation by alien species and rapid Africa. Even areas of land or sea that look and insensitive infrastructural develop- very similar at first glance have markedly ment have caused further transformation. different characteristics in different parts of the region. Consequently, conserva- Over-exploitation of natural resources tion efforts must take place in every part including wild flowers, water and marine of the region, as no single area could ever resources, have also had an impact on ter- fully represent the diversity across the restrial, freshwater and marine habitats. regional landscape. In addition, the deleterious impacts of pollution and the insidious effects of cli- The characteristic mountain ranges of mate change on the region are all taking the CFR consist of two major groups. In their toll.

Richard Cowling Richard Cowling was honoured with a C.A.P.E. Gold Conservation Award for his exceptional contribution to biodiversity conservation planning and development in South Africa over the last two decades His contribution through active research, mentoring of students and active participation has resulted in massive and significant conservation efforts being realised in the Cape Floristic Region, the Succulent Karoo and the Sub-Tropical PROFILE Thicket Biomes. A number of important conservation initiatives currently being implemented across the country, some under the C.A.P.E. banner, have all been positively influenced by Prof. Cowling’s considerable energy and passion for conserving this country’s unique natural heritage. He has provided exceptional research leadership and mentorship, and exceptional personal effort beyond the call of duty to promote the conservation of the Cape Floristic Region. He has influenced a whole generation of scientists, and his innovative work in the field of conservation planning has provided the foundation for the C.A.P.E. strategy and implementation programme.

people making biodiversity work 19 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Cape Floristic Region is characterized by a huge variety of habitat types across the regional although many urban communities also landscape. reside in or adjacent to biologically significant areas. The population is dispersed across a wide area and is ethnically, lin- guistically and culturally diverse. There are huge disparities in people’s socio- economic conditions, skills and access to resources, with sizable pockets of poverty in both rural and urban areas. Many poorer rural communities are dependent upon wild resources, particularly marine With less than 5% of resources and medicinal plants for sub- land in the lowlands enjoying any conser- sistence purposes and income generation. vation status whatsoever, some important There is a range of land tenure arrange- terrestrial habitats have been reduced to ments, including large, medium and less than 10% of their original extent. The small free holdings, state-owned land CFR therefore has the dubious honour under different management arrange- of being recognised as one of the world’s ments, and a small proportion of com- ‘hottest’ biodiversity hotspots. Unless a munal land. As much of the biological carefully targeted long-term intervention heritage rests on land outside the public is undertaken there are likely to be severe land estate, it is necessary to develop tai- negative consequences for both biodi- lor-made models that encourage conser- versity and the people whose livelihoods vation on private and communal lands. depend on biodiversity. These models must accommodate small, medium and large landholders from Vast areas of the lowlands are Social and economic realities diverse communities. stripped of all biodiversity The CFR spans the provinces of the West- and ecosystem processes are ern Cape and Eastern Cape and has an South Africa confronts numerous press- affected. estimated population of approximately ing social and economic problems, most 5.2 million people. Some 20–30% of notably widespread poverty and socio- the population resides in rural areas, economic inequities. The country is which harbour the greatest biodiversity, moving to address its obligations under 20 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

What is the ecosystem approach?

The application of an ecosystem approach to conservation has

Rapid land settlement can result in risks for Insensitive use of fragile landscapes continues resulted in the extensive people and nature. unless controlled by effective management. development of bioregional or ecoregional conservation programmes around the world. Examples of these are the biodiversity hotspots recognised by Conservation International, the Global 200 Ecoregions identified by WWF and the extensive development of transboundary protected areas worldwide. This the CBD within a larger framework for recognises that ecosystems sustainable development. This frame- The C.A.P.E. Biodiversity Strategy and Action are not bound by human work seeks to address the root causes of Plan was adopted by government at the C.A.P.E. Conference in September 2000. definitions, laws and biodiversity loss, and therefore focuses on ameliorating poverty, promoting the management regimes. It development of sustainable livelihoods, also acknowledges that and securing the participation of all sec- The C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy realised that: factors impacting on tors of society in implementation. This ecosystems can operate i. conservation efforts in the past had strategy is consistent with the plan of been largely successful in achieving at extremely large scale, action agreed on by world leaders at the representation of mountain eco- e.g. the effects of climate the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable systems in the system of protected Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. change and habitat areas, but that the linkages necessary transformation. It for maintaining ecosystem processes emphasises that to achieve from mountains to lowlands were 1.3 What is the C.A.P.E. effective conservation weak; programme? requires linkages between ii. lowland ecosystems were poorly con- the different elements of tarting with a strategy, C.A.P.E., served and highly threatened; which stands for Cape Action for the landscape such as People and the Environment, is iii. fragmented institutional frameworks mountains, lowlands, S for biodiversity conservation were a South Africa’s innovative programme wetlands, rivers and key factor impeding effective conser- to conserve the CFR. It is based on the oceans. More than ever Cape Action Plan for the Environment vation management in the CFR; or C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy, a systematic before, it underlines that iv. the people who use and benefit from conservation depends on conservation plan and strategy prepared the CFR’s resources must become with the assistance of the GEF through more involved in the management working with institutions, the World Bank, and adopted by the and decision-making regarding these markets, development South African government. The strategy resources and be fully aware of their opportunities, people and analysed the state of conservation of the value and the risk of their loss. political systems in the region’s globally significant biodiversity and the factors that threaten it, and iden- During the preparation of the strategy, it region. tified interventions that would address was clear that a piece-meal approach to the key constraints and opportunities for conservation would not work, and that a achieving both conservation and sustain- large-scale “ecosystem approach” would able economic development. be required to meet conservation goals.

people making biodiversity work 21 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

A summary of the C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy Themes Strategic Components 1. Conserving biodiversity in priority areas. Strengthening on- and off-reserve conservation  Supporting bioregional planning

2. Using resources sustainably.  Conserving biodiversity and natural resources in catchments  Improving the sustainability of harvesting  Promoting sustainable nature-based tourism

3. Strengthening institutions and governance. Strengthening institutions  Enhancing co-operative governance  Promoting community involvement

Mobilising support for C.A.P.E. It was agreed that the first GEF grant to Key institutional drivers during the South Africa would address three priori- development of the C.A.P.E. Strategy and ties within the CFR: action plan were WWF-SA and the Uni-  support the development of the Cape versity of Cape Town’s (UCT) Institute Peninsula National Park (now the for Plant Conservation (IPC). This part- Table Mountain National Park); nership brought together WWF’s inter-  national programme for priority global increase capital investment in the ecoregions (the Global 200 Ecoregions), TMF and extend its applicability to and the researchers at the IPC who were the whole of the CFR; rapidly developing expertise in system-  develop a strategy to determine con- atic conservation planning. WWF-SA servation priorities and an action plan was the only WWF national organisa- to address the most important issues tion with direct responsibility for the facing the CFR. Fynbos Ecoregion. Under the leadership of Ian Macdonald, it established This latter component resulted in a pro- the Table Mountain Fund (TMF) to act cess to develop the Cape Action Plan as a funding facility for its ongoing for the Environment, also known as the work (Chapter 7). Initially the TMF C.A.P.E. Strategy. It enabled a complete focused its attention on the spectacu- appraisal of the biodiversity priorities of lar diversity of the Cape Peninsula the Fynbos Ecoregion, as well as the legal, mountain chain. It launched a success- institutional, social and economic condi- ful appeal to local donors, initiated an tions in the region that were contributing urgent process to address the inadequa- to the ongoing loss of biodiversity. Its cies of the management of the mountain main purpose, however, was to determine chain, and provided the necessary critical the case for an intervention that would mass to convince international donors of in the medium term arrest the decline the merits of further support for fynbos of globally significant biodiversity. The conservation. strategy would establish a programme to sustain appropriate long-term management and use of resources that would Ian Macdonald accord with national and international As CEO of WWF-SA, Ian priorities. Macdonald, was instrumental in calling attention to the need WWF-SA appointed Amanda Younge to conserve the Cape Floristic to co-ordinate the preparation of the Region, and it was under the C.A.P.E. Strategy, the IPC under Richard PROFILE guidance of WWF-SA that the Cowling to develop the systematic con- C.A.P.E. Strategy was prepared. servation plan, and the CSIR to under- He is seen here signing the take the legal, institutional, social and C.A.P.E. Memorandum of economic studies, and to integrate these Understanding. with the outcomes of the conservation planning process. A large number of spe- 22 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) cialists were involved with the analysis achieved and co-ordination effected is and preparation of the strategy, supported described more fully in Chapters 7 and 8. by an extensive public participation pro- The C.A.P.E. 2000 Conference adopted gramme and guided by a Steering Com- the C.A.P.E. Strategy with acclaim in Sep- mittee and Technical Working Group. The tember 2000, and interim arrangements names of all of those involved in the tech- for implementation were convened by nical guidance of the C.A.P.E. Strategy are WWF-SA and the CSIR. listed in Appendix 1. Once it became apparent that co-ordina- 1.4 The Cape Action Plan for tion for implementation was necessary, WWF-SA secured the appointment of the Environment One of the most serious threats Trevor Sandwith as C.A.P.E. Co-ordina- is the impact of invasive alien ne of the most important outputs tor, with office facilities provided by the plants which are now being of the strategy development phase National Botanical Institute at Kirs- intensively managed. Oof C.A.P.E. was the agreement of tenbosch and transport provided by the a goal by all relevant governmental and Mazda Wildlife Fund. During the three- non-governmental stakeholders, namely year period from 2001–2004, activities that: consistent with the C.A.P.E. Strategy were “the natural environment of the CFR accelerated by the partners, employing and adjacent marine environment will project and funding resources supported be effectively conserved, restored wher- by the TMF, Green Trust and in particular ever appropriate and will deliver sig- the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund nificant benefits to the people in a way (CEPF). A rapid scaling up of the level of that is embraced by local communities, programme implementation was support- endorsed by government and recognised ed by the steady growth of the C.A.P.E. internationally”. Co-ordination Unit (CCU) (Chapters 7 Effective fire management is crucial for ecosystem & 8), the signature of a Memorandum of The plan included not only targets for in functioning and human situ conservation of the region’s biodiver- Understanding (MoU) among the main security. sity, but also a series of broad programme implementing agencies, and a successful activities which would be undertaken approach to the GEF for funding. over a 20-year period to address the threats and institutional weaknesses. A In 2002, the GEF provided a preparatory strength of the plan was that it recognised grant that resulted in the closer definition that many significant efforts were being of the activities to be supported by the undertaken by a range of organisations GEF, initially described in a three-phase throughout the region and that, with co- 20-year programme. By 1 June 2004, all ordination and co-operation, these could of the preparatory and approval steps had be aligned and give effect to the strategy. been completed and a five-year Phase The manner in which co-operation was 1 project had been negotiated. Its goal,

Amanda Younge Amanda Younge took responsibility for the development of the C.A.P.E. Strategy. As a professional town and regional planner, she was uniquely qualified to do this, understanding that space is the most powerful integrator of people and ideas. Amanda’s experience in the trade union movement, in political activism and in grappling with the highly complex issues of town planning in the City of Cape Town gave her the experience and the vision to pull together the C.A.P.E.Strategy. She realised PROFILE that a plan that brought together the interests of the powerful and disempowered stakeholders that make up the population of the CFR would become the most important instrument in aligning these interests. Having cut her teeth on the plan, Amanda has continued to be a pillar of strength, ideas and energy in support of the programme, and has expanded her activities to include work for WWF’s Global Ecoregions Programme and the World Bank’s preparation and review of projects. She has nevertheless invested time and energy in helping community groups get involved in C.A.P.E. and has supported SKEP and STEP bioregional programmes with strategic planning and project development. For a long time Amanda was C.A.P.E. and her influence, drive and passion will always underpin the programme.

people making biodiversity work 23 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

consistent with the C.A.P.E. Strategy was Enhancing the conservation of the CFR that: will be achieved, on the other hand, through piloting and adapting models for What is  “the implementing agencies, with sup- sustainable, effective management in cer- “mainstreaming”? port from the GEF and the CEPF, will accelerate the implementation of the tain priority sites, by: C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy by enhancing The Convention on iv. unleashing the socio-economic poten- the policy and institutional frame- tial of priority protected areas; Biological Diversity work for conservation in the CFR and commits countries to by undertaking carefully targeted con- v. establishing the foundations of a biodiversity economy and ensuring putting biodiversity in servation demonstrations in selected biophysical, socio-economic and insti- conservation stewardship in priority the mainstream of all tutional contexts, especially involving areas; and sectoral policies, plans civil society partners.” vi. integrating biodiversity concerns into and programmes. In The planned activities would ensure that: watershed management. effect this means that the  Capable institutions co-operate to importance of the diversity The six components of the programme develop a foundation for mainstream- of genes, species and are described more fully below. For coming biodiversity in the CFR into eco- munication purposes, the programme ecosystems would underpin nomic activities; and that all decisions regarding partners depicted the programme as a  Conservation of the CFR is enhanced simple graphic, shown opposite. Essen- sustainable development. through piloting and adapting models tially the programme aims to help build At a GEF workshop held in for sustainable, effective management. an economy based on biodiversity by the Cape in 2005, it was The programme has six interrelated com- unleashing the potential of protected defined as “to internalise ponents that together will meet these areas and facilitating conservation stew- the goals of biodiversity objectives. On the one hand, to ensure ardship, while seeking to mainstream bio- conservation and the that capable institutions co-operate to diversity in the production landscape. sustainable use of biological develop a foundation for mainstreaming biodiversity in the CRF into economic resources into economic activities, there is a need for enabling 1.5 The components of the sectors and development activities including: C.A.P.E. Programme models, policies and i. institutional strengthening; programmes and therefore o description of the C.A.P.E. ii. conservation education; and Programme can fully take into into all aspects of human account the diversity of efforts behaviour”. iii. programme co-ordination, manage- N being undertaken by C.A.P.E. Partners. ment and monitoring. The following short descriptions should be regarded as “hangers” onto which the In the Baviaanskloof the fynbos and subtropical thicket interface with each other. various projects, activities and investments can be hung, some of which are described in the various chapters making up this book. The full extent of the funded programme is summarised on page 30.

(i) Strengthening the institutional framework for coordinated conservation management in the CFR C.A.P.E. 2000 proposed a suite of institutional strengthening mechanisms to foster a better co-ordinated and integrated approach to conservation management and decision-making in the CFR. It proposed the co-ordination of C.A.P.E. Part- ners, capacity-building for organisations and individuals, the development of an integrated information management strategy, collaborative and co-management arrangements to improve efficiency and co-ordinated performance monitoring and review. 24 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Despite the complexities of the C.A.P.E. Programme, its message is clear: recognise that biodiversity underpins the economy of the region, and the livelihoods of its people.

These activities are being scaled up to conservation management, there will be enhance the strategic alignment of the an emphasis on developing appropri- C.A.P.E. Partners and increase their ate forms of tourism use that enhance capacity to undertake integrated biore- the value of fragile environments such gional conservation management in the as mountains, where indiscriminate CFR supported by comprehensive per- actions can have enduring consequences. formance management and information A key emphasis will be the develop- management. In particular, efforts have ment of opportunities to create nature- been directed at building the capacity of based entrepreneurial opportunities and new and emergent conservation managers employment. through a combination of tertiary education support, short courses and mentored (ii) Conservation education internships. A conservation programme at ecoregional Planned activities include enhancing scale is faced with significant challenges inter-agency co-operation and strategic regarding participation. The stakeholder planning for conservation management group is vast, dispersed across a wide in the CFR. A priority task is to deter- area and characterised by diversity in mine the financial needs of implementing terms of language, culture, history, and agencies for all conservation manage- relationship to the land and sea. The pop- ment activities, and to identify and select ulation displays significant disparities, appropriate funding mechanisms, targets including socio-economic and educa- and strategies for implementing agencies. tional, and in terms of tenure, skills and access to resources. This will involve assessing the contribution of protected area-based tourism While government agencies and large, to the sustainability of conservation regional organisations can participate management programmes. As nature- in conservation programmes taking based tourism has the ability to sustain place at regional scale, it is difficult for people making biodiversity work 25 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

local stakeholder groups to do so, being (iii) Programme co-ordination, more suited to participating in local management and monitoring projects. To prevent local groups being marginalised from the broad-scale policy The number, size and complexity of the and strategy aspects of the programme, C.A.P.E. activities and implementing C.A.P.E. is undertaking a suite of subre- agencies demand effective co-ordina- gional and local awareness-raising, com- tion, management and monitoring. The munication and participation activities CCU was established in 2001 at NBI, and linked to the major spatial conservation consists of a Co-ordinator, Programme initiatives. Developer, Project Developer, Financial Manager and administrative support. Over the past 20 years, a number of resources have accumulated in the region While the CCU’s main responsibility to provide environmental education, is to enable the partners to collaborate including practitioners and tertiary cours- am Yako, who comes from to achieve major parts of the C.A.P.E. es. New legislative and policy provisions the eastern part of the Cape P require community well-being to be pro- Strategy, it has had to develop a project Floristic Region in Grahamstown, moted through environmental education management system to enable the com- took over as Director-General of and the raising of environmental aware- plex suite of projects being implemented DEAT in 2006, and has promot- ness. A shift to outcomes-based education within the programme to be efficiently ed the preparation of the National in schools has led to the design of a new managed. C.A.P.E. project teams require Biodiversity Strategy and Action curriculum which includes an emphasis a user-friendly means of reporting on Plan (NBSAP) as well as acting on environmental education. project progress according to predefined as Chair of the C.A.P.E. Co-ordi- indicators and deliverables; and decision- nation Committee. Environmental education activities in makers and C.A.P.E. Programme manage- the CFR, however, have remained largely ment staff must be able to monitor project unco-ordinated, poorly resourced and progress and attainment of conservation at times poorly articulated. The C.A.P.E. objectives. Programme has established a conservation education focal point in the CFR for A further function is to communicate facilitating co-ordinated programmes at with programme partners and the general individual project and site levels; devel- public about the activities being under- oping and disseminating materials that focus on CFR biodiversity and C.A.P.E. taken in the programme and the lessons Programme components to support cur- that are being learned through implemen- riculum and educators; and training tation. To address this need, publications environmental educators and teachers to such as this one have been prepared and use the materials developed. In particular, there is an ongoing programme of bro- the emphasis is being placed on active chure and newsletter production, website participation and learning, by engaging development, media releases, presenta- communities and other stakeholders in tions and displays. It is hoped to scale key environmental issues that affect their these up to become an enduring learning own lives. network involving all implementers. 26 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

(iv) Unleashing the potential of ing the capacity of both authorities and protected areas communities to play significant roles in ensuring an equitable flow of benefits. The current protected area system is inadequate to achieve global conservation targets for biodiversity in the CFR. In (v) Conservation stewardship the C.A.P.E. Programme, efforts are being and laying the foundations of a supported to establish several large pro- biodiversity economy tected area corridors that, together with Most remaining conservation-worthy a representative sample of smaller pro- land consists of small fragments, which tected areas widely distributed across the continue to be threatened by land trans- landscape, will achieve conservation tar- formation, poor land management and gets in the CFR, and also enable adaptive invasive alien species. Increasing the size learning about protected area establish- of large protected areas is essential for ment in different biophysical, geographi- conserving landscape level processes, but cal and institutional contexts. will not capture these highly dispersed and fragmented habitats. A representa- Currently the Table Mountain National tive sample of smaller protected areas, Park and the Agulhas Biodiversity Initia- widely distributed throughout the CFR tive (ABI) operate in coastal mountain is required to maintain this pattern into fynbos and lowland dryland habitats the future. Considerable additional analy- respectively. The Baviaanskloof focuses sis at a finer scale is being conducted to on the major transition zone in the east- ensure the design of an adequate system ern part of the CFR, including grassy fyn- of protected areas in the lowlands, and to bos, mountain fynbos, thicket biome and influence the use of other land-use plan- coastal lowland fynbos, the Garden Route ning processes. and Gouritz Initiatives address the highly rispian (Chippy) Olver took over as Director-General impacted south coast renosterveld and Both government agencies and munici- C of DEAT at the time that the afromontane habitats, and the Cederberg palities play an important role in land represents largely intact inland mountain use decision-making in South Africa. C.A.P.E. Strategy was finalised. fynbos associated with northwestern Municipalities have undergone succes- As GEF Focal Point for South strandveld.The C.A.P.E. Programme is sive waves of restructuring and boundary Africa, he was instrumental in investing in efforts in each of these areas demarcation over the past decade, in the providing the endorsement of to consolidate land-holdings and to pro- process of creating unified non-racial Government for the C.A.P.E. mote efficient and effective protected area local government structures. The devolu- Programme, and in ensuring that management. tion of responsibility to the local level appropriate legal strengthening requires the production of new Integrated for biodiversity and protected Ensuring that there are adequate finances Development Plans (IDP). A key aspect area management was achieved for effective protected area management of an IDP is the Spatial Development in South Africa in support of the remains a priority. There is an opportu- Framework (SDF), which guides land use Strategy (See Chapter 7). nity to use the globally significant key decision-making in the municipal area. attractions of the CFR to develop new The production of these plans is the most and diversified tourism products. While important strategic opportunity available government and private sector investors to the C.A.P.E. Programme. Efforts are are prepared to contribute to the develop- being accelerated to incorporate biodi- ment of tourism products and supporting versity data and conservation planning infrastructure, the C.A.P.E. Programme outputs into municipal land use planning will work to ensure that this results in and decision-making, based on early pilot responsible tourism, which minimises projects. negative impacts and maximises the benefits. The development of a representative pro- Large protected areas provide the most tected area system in the CFR requires immediate source of direct benefits to extensive support by private landowners communities who live in and around and sectors such as agriculture in priority them. The planning and development of areas. With support from C.A.P.E., efforts large protected areas provides an ideal are being made to ensure that extension means to involve/include local communi- staff from agriculture and conservation ties in the design and expansion of these agencies are effectively co-ordinated at areas, and in the business and employ- district level, and assisted to deliver an ment opportunities that result. Piloting effective service that meets both steward- participatory approaches to protected ship and area-wide planning goals. In the area establishment is one of the ways in priority conservation corridors, a process which the C.A.P.E. Programme is build- has been initiated to identify and quan- people making biodiversity work 27 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

tify the amount of land that could sheds, and incorporate biodiversity switch from intensive agriculture concerns into the new fire manage- to ecotourism or sustainable har- ment systems being implemented vesting of CFR products. across the CFR;

The mechanism of developing pay- ii. create an alien invasive species man- ments for ecological services has agement strategy and business plan considerable potential in the CFR for the entire CFR and pilot the con- and has already been implemented trol of invasive alien fish in certain under the Working for Water pro- priority freshwater ecosystems; and gramme which involves the remov- iii. design and test a CFR estuarine man- al of alien plants and the provision agement program, based on relevant of employment and other social case studies. benefits while increasing the quantity and quality of water flows. C.A.P.E. will engage with this 1.6 The purpose and problem by spatially identifying the different uses of the land and structure of this book the hydrological relationships between he C.A.P.E. Partners are actively mountains and lowlands. By identifying involved in implementing every the beneficiaries of hydrological flows component of the programme and other ecological services, it will describedT above. Three major donor port- investigate the possibility of payments for folios support the many projects that give such services. effect to the C.A.P.E. Strategy:  the CEPF portfolio of projects; (vi) Integrating biodiversity  the C.A.P.E. Agulhas Biodiversity Ini- concerns into watershed tiative; management  the C.A.P.E. Biodiversity Conservation Recognising that water is a limiting factor and Sustainable Development Project in the nation’s development, the government has taken steps to improve water These efforts are supplemented by an resource management, including the array of projects and volunteer contribu- establishment of new Catchment Manage- tions supported by the Table Mountain ment Agencies (CMAs) for five designated Fund, the Green Trust, the Mazda Wild- Water Management Areas (WMAs) in the life Fund, the Development Bank of South CFR and the setting aside of an “Ecologi- Africa and other donors. cal Reserve” of water for ecosystem maintenance in all aquatic systems. There This book is a tribute to the many “fyn- is, however, no guarantee that these mense” whose involvement as C.A.P.E. initiatives will by themselves advance Partners is giving life to every component biodiversity conservation objectives and of the C.A.P.E. Programme (Appendix 1). therefore C.A.P.E. is working towards the The projects reported here are as diverse mainstreaming of biodiversity priorities as the landscapes and life forms of the into the functions of the CMAs. region: large and small, state-led and The threat analysis carried out during private, involving children and political the C.A.P.E. planning process identi- leaders, stretching from Nieuwoudtville fied several significant shortcomings in to the Nelson Mandela Metro, focusing on the current management of watersheds fish, fowl or flowers … and water resources in the CFR, includ- The stories, although many, represent ing the perpetual threat of dams on key only a small sample of the multitude of rivers in mountainous areas to meet the activities that committed and concerned burgeoning demand. members of the C.A.P.E. community are involved in. It has proven impossible to In addition to the institutional and mar- either know about or give sufficient credit ket-based mechanisms for catchment to every contribution that has been made. management and payments for ecological In an attempt to record and acknowledge services, C.A.P.E. is undertaking interven- those organisations and individuals who tions to: are making significant contributions, the C.A.P.E. Implementation Committee is i. increase the effectiveness of the “Eco- continuously updating its database of logical Reserve” measure in water C.A.P.E. contacts. If we don’t know about resource management in key water- you yet, please contact us! While every 28 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

effort has been made to report accurately the C.A.P.E. Strategy, with chapters cov- and to recognise every contribution, it is ering the major management objectives clear that there will be gaps and inaccura- and enabling activities. However, as with cies. These are not intentional, and the most integrated programmes, many of reader is encouraged to help address any the stories could have been told in other deficiencies by contacting the C.A.P.E. sections of the book. To address this, we Co-ordination Unit either directly at have tried wherever possible to cross-ref- [email protected] or by visiting the erence stories. We believe that the high website www.capeaction.org.za and using degree of cross-referencing illustrates in a the interactive communication tools to very practical way that C.A.P.E. is indeed correct, improve or provide missing infor- managing to achieve a more co-ordinated mation. and integrated response to the challenges facing biodiversity conservation and sus- We are also acutely aware that we have tainable development in the CFR. only managed to capture a snapshot in time of a host of very dynamic projects. In addition to sharing stories of “Action No sooner has the ink dried on the page for People and Environment” in the CFR, but the story is out of date. It is for this another purpose of this book has been to reason that the C.A.P.E. Co-ordination draw out lessons that have been learned Unit also intends publishing these sto- in the course of programme implementa- ries in electronic format on the C.A.P.E. tion. All contributors were asked to share website, making it possible to update the their “lessons learned” and these have information regularly. been recorded in an attempt to build up an archive of perspectives, knowledge This book has been designed to report on and learning that will mark the rites of progress with the various components of passage of this important programme.

A note on privacy

e learn much from sharing our stories, and hope that the ideas and inspiration recorded here will encourage further networking and sharing among C.A.P.E. Part- ners. However, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to protect the privacy of contributorsW and not to publish e-mail addresses, which may then be picked up by the sultans of spam!

We have therefore taken the decision not to publish people’s e-mail addresses. Website addresses are provided and, should you wish to contact a particular individual, you are encouraged to contact the C.A.P.E. Coordination Unit ([email protected]) and we will pass your request on to the person in question, who will have the option to respond.

people making biodiversity work 29 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

30 people making biodiversity work

SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy identified the need for an “ecosystem approach” to conservation in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), which would conserve both biodiversity itself and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain biodiversity across this exceptionally diverse region.

This Chapter tells the story of how C.A.P.E. Partners are working together to consolidate and expand the network of protected areas across the CFR. Conservation priorities include the two largest urban areas in the region, namely the City of Cape Town and the Nelson Mandela Metro; the Kogelberg and Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserves; and the Agulhas Plain, Baviaanskloof, Cederberg, Garden Route and Gouritz regions. What makes the C.A.P.E. process different from earlier nature conservation initiatives is that these conservation corridor initiatives are not attempting to establish exclusive protected areas, but rather to create “living landscapes” that integrate formally protected state land, private property and communal land.

The principles of sustainable development are central to the consolidation and expansion of these protected areas. Biodiversity conservation must involve and benefit people in tangible ways, and these stories demonstrate that protected areas are important focal points for job creation and poverty alleviation, education and capacity building, tourism development and recreation.

CHAPTER Unleashing the potential of protected areas

2.1 What’s the issue? The approach suggested by the C.A.P.E. Strategy diverges strongly from that asso- 2 he C.A.P.E. Strategy identified ciated with South Africa’s past, where it that setting aside protected areas is often quoted that the majority of South in the CFR was an essential Africans did not have access to protected meansT to achieve conservation targets for areas. So why set aside more land, when the ecoregion. Bearing in mind the pat- there remains a sense of past injustice terns of diversity across the region, and exclusion? The answer has two the landscape-level processes that main aspects. Firstly, if the conservation occur, and the high levels of trans- goals are to be achieved, then this will formation of lowland habitats, the never be solely the responsibility of the conservation plan indicates State, and new ways need to be found to a mixture of three options involve people in establishing and man- for establishing protected aging protected areas. If you like, this is areas. Firstly there are a process of widening responsibility for options for developing biodiversity conservation, but also giving large landscape-scale cor- away some of the authority to mandated ridors building on existing agencies of civil society, whether these large protected areas, e.g. the are communities or the private sector. In Cederberg Wilderness Area. Sec- reality, co-management arrangements for ondly, there are options for estab- protected area establishment and manage- lishing new protected areas where ment are likely to emerge. Secondly, pro- options still exist to represent important tected areas in the region have not been habitat types. very accessible to people, let alone those who may have felt excluded from using Finally, there is a need to conserve the and enjoying them. There is a need to small and large fragments of lowland unleash the social potential of protected ecosystems, working in partnership with areas and to reconcile communities with landowners and communities. them and grow and deepen the ways in 32 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Urban sprawl in the City of Cape Town has left Spectacular renosterveld bulb species remain only tiny fragments of biodiversity on the Cape in roadside verges. Flats. which, when sustainably used, they can remain to create these linkages in the benefit the widest spectrum of society. CFR, but conservation agencies and landowners are making a start in regions such (i) Expanding protected areas as the Cederberg, Baviaanskloof, Garden Route and Gouritz. Dedicated protected areas represent the best opportunity to protect biodiversity. (iii) Managing biodiversity in the Wheatlands with fragments of Efforts are being made to create and renosterveld. expand protected areas in priority regions production landscape where unique (endemic) or threatened In addition to setting aside protected species survive. One of the most inspi- areas and biodiversity, there is a need rational stories of consolidating and to ensure that biodiversity in the wider expanding a protected area in the CFR production landscape is protected. In is the creation of the Table Mountain some cases, stewardship on private and National Park. Another flagship project communal land may result in better in the region is the establishment of the strategies for protection, but it is also the Agulhas National Park in the lowlands of way in which agricultural, commercial the Agulhas Plain. These protected areas and urban development takes place that are benefiting not only biodiversity but ensures that biodiversity in the wider also many of the communities surround- landscape persists over time. Small, iso- ing them. lated habitat fragments may have limited Erica verticillata was re- biodiversity value; but when viewed as established after going extinct (ii) Developing biodiversity part of a corridor connecting larger con- in the wild. corridors servation areas, even indigenous gardens at home and school can contribute to We have seen that it is difficult to con- regional-scale conservation. serve biodiversity and sustain ecological processes in small, fragmented natural To read more about how community areas. But we also know that in most groups, private landowners and industry cases it is too late to set aside large, pris- are helping to create biodiversity corri- tine areas for conservation. Even where dors, see Chapter 4: Enabling Conserva- tracts of undeveloped land remain, tion Stewardship and Chapter 5: Building diminishing budgets leave conservation the Biodiversity Economy. agencies in a position where they can no longer afford to establish and manage additional protected areas. 2.2 Consolidating the Table The alien invasive plant Acacia saligna resprouting If the existing network of protected natu- Mountain National Park after fire. ral areas is not sufficient to conserve the (i) Table Mountain National Park natural assets of the CFR, then the onus is on all of us who live and work in the — establishing a park for all region to play a role in managing the forever landscape as a whole sustainably. We t is appropriate that our first case need to create viable networks compris- story should focus on the Table ing formally conserved natural areas Mountain National Park (TMNP). linked by sustainably managed produc- NotI only is Hoerikwaggo—the mountain tive areas. These networks of lived-in liv- in the sea—an icon of the CFR, but the ing landscapes are known as biodiversity creation of this National Park was the corridors. As a result of large-scale habi- first bold step in launching the C.A.P.E. tat transformation, limited opportunities Programme. From its inception the TMNP people making biodiversity work 33 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

has piloted new approaches to conserva- Looking at a map of the TMNP today, it is tion and heritage management and pro- easy to forget that, prior to its establish- vided lessons for application across the ment in April 1998, the Cape Peninsula region. Protected Natural Environment (CPPNE) was made up of a patchy, unconsolidated In August 1998, the Global Environmen- assortment of conservation areas man- tal Facility (GEF) granted $12.3 million aged by 14 different authorities. Starting through the World Bank for the Cape Pen- with the proclamation of 14 000 hectares insula Biodiversity Conservation Project. in 1998, the Park has grown steadily and This grant: now comprises 24 000 ha of the  supported the establishment and con- 29 000 ha of the CPPNE, plus 1 000 km2 solidation of the TMNP of Marine Protected Area.  part-capitalised the Table Mountain Fund (TMF), a major supporter of The first step: putting resources in conservation in the CFR, which was place established by WWF-SA, and Consolidating public and private con- Table Mountain is one of a  funded the development of the servation-worthy land in and around the few World Heritage properties C.A.P.E. Strategy. CPPNE into the TMNP has been a com- completely surrounded by a plex and lengthy process that, seven years city. after the Park was proclaimed, is still not complete, with 5 000 ha outstanding. To undertake this task, the Park put the following resources in place: it established a land consolidation working group with its conservation partners, appointed a land negotiator and legal advisor, put in place a land consolidation strategy, and prepared a comprehensive data base of property information.

Consolidating public land The first stage of creating the Park entailed consolidating state and local authority land under South African National Parks’ (SANParks) management. Agreements were signed with previous management agencies and SANParks were given the mandate to manage, consolidate and expand the Park. The City of Cape Town, which had previously managed the largest tracts of conserva- Conservation areas within the tion land on the Peninsula, became an important funding partner, contribut- CFR Planning Domain ing annually to the TMNP’s operational budget. Consolidating public land has been far from easy. The process is fraught with legal and cadastral complications and negotiations around infrastructure. Although most public land in the CPPNE has been declared as National Park, a few complicated properties are yet to be incorporated.

Involving private landowners The more challenging aspect of Park consolidation and expansion has been incorporating privately owned conservation- worthy land into the TMNP. Recognising the need to build good relationships with its neighbours, the Park’s land consolidation strategy seeks to “conclude mutually beneficial partnerships with stakehold- 34 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

So, how did we get from THIS … … to THIS?

Private landowners who contract their land into the TMNP can benefit from free alien plant clearing, which protects property against wild fires.

Gary de Kock

The Cape Peninsula prior to 1998: A patchy, The Cape Peninsula In June 2005: Table unconsolidated assortment of protected Mountain National Park manages oward Langley natural areas. 24 000 ha of land plus nearly 1 000 km2 marine environment as a consolidated unit. H ers”. Forceful tactics like expropriation the long term (99 years), the Park assists have not been an option to date. But in with alien clearing, fire management, ero- an economic climate of sky-rocketing real sion control and footpath maintenance. estate prices, it has not been easy to con- Landowners enjoy free entry to the Park vince landowners to sell at conservation- and have access to SANParks specialist friendly prices or donate valuable land to scientists. The Protected Areas Act and the Park. So the Park’s Private Land Con- Property Rates Act also exempt the consolidation Working Group developed a servation-worthy portion of a property aul Britton flexible set of land consolidation options, from rates if contracted into the National P including purchase, donation, contracts Park. oward Langley and Paul Britton and co-operation agreements, which can between them contributed over be tailored to the circumstances of indi- One of the factors that have made con- H years to the development and consoli- tracting land into the Park an increas- vidual landowners. dation of the Table Mountain National ingly popular option is the enforcement Park, and to the establishment of The Park also provides incentives to of legislation requiring landowners to reputable management programmes encourage landowners, who may not remove invasive alien plants from their that provide lessons for protected areas wish to sell or donate their land, to con- properties (Conservation of Agricultural throughout the CFR. At their retire- tract it into the Park. The land owner Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983)). The ment party, they are seen here with retains title to the land and, in exchange devastating fires on the Cape Peninsula in new Regional Cluster Manager Gary for agreeing to conserve their land in January 2000 illustrated as never before de Kock. people making biodiversity work 35 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

available to appoint an independent land negotiator to introduce landowners to the Land consolidation land consolidation programme, listen to their needs and concerns, develop for- highlights mal proposals and negotiate agreements Diverse processes between the Park and private landown- have contributed to ers. The time and skill invested in this the consolidation and process has borne fruit: today the Park is expansion of the Table only 5 000 ha from its goal of 29 000 ha, and a hiker can now walk from Mountain National Park, as “Tip to Top” of the TMNP through land these highlights illustrate: managed by SANParks.  Murdock Valley (27 ha ashioning a National Park out of an amalgam of pri- on Swartkop Mountain F vate and public landholdings has been the “ultimate A Representative Park Forum above Simon’s Town): learning experience for all involved”, says Mike Slayen, The TMNP is close to the hearts of many Manager of Conservation Planning for the Table Mountain Cape Town residents but due to the donated to the Park by National Park. “Working in an incredibly complex urban peculiarities of South Africa’s history, it two private landowners. and natural environment, we have had to be creative and took a long time to establish a broadly responsive to get results. I’m amazed by how far we’ve representative Park Forum. The public  Sandy Bay Nek (200 ha come.” participation process involved a series of Sandy Bay): ABSA of workshops of the Park Forum Plenary, DEVCO donated the which involved representatives of about property to the Park, the fire hazard posed by woody invasive 100 organisations. This group drew up becoming the first corpo- alien plants. However, with average alien a Terms of Reference for the committee clearing costs at around R6 000 per hect- ration to receive WWF- and identified portfolios. Both life skills are, many landowners are unable to meet and formal training were recognised as SA’s Gift to the Earth their responsibilities. The TMNP can important selection criteria when decid- award. access public funding available for alien ing on portfolio representatives. The clearing through the Working for Water  Redcliff Property & Kom- TMNP Forum Steering Committee will and Expanded Public Works programmes, help Park management build support metjie Estates (260 + so private properties contracted into the for biodiversity conservation, advise the 180 ha of the Noordhoek- Park can be cleared at no cost to the land Park on policy issues and create a link Kommetjie wetlands): owner and under the supervision of expe- between the people of Cape Town and WWF-SA raised R23 mil- rienced conservation managers. the Park. There are 17 portfolios, ranging lion to purchase the key from land consolidation and legal matters properties that links the Strategy meets opportunity to environmental education and community benefits, marine issues, recreational northern and southern Expanding and consolidating the TMNP has required both strategic planning and users. Each portfolio has a working group sections of the Park. the ability to respond to opportunities. and a permanent staff member linked to it. The portfolios were established accord-  Clovelly Zone C (37 ha One of the most powerful opportunities ing to the core functions of the Park. on Peers Hill, Silver- available to Park management has been the support and commitment of members mine): In partnership of the public. Stakeholders and volun- (ii) Protecting Marine Resources with the Silvermine Val- teers have assisted in raising funds, nego- There’s more to the TMNP than the Pen- ley Coalition, the Park tiating with developers and contributing insula mountain chain. In June 2004, negotiated the purchase specialist expertise via the Private Land after much research and public participa- of this important property Consolidation Working Group. People tion, the TMNP Marine Protected Area have figuratively “lain in front of bulldoz- at a “conservation friend- (TMNP MPA) was declared, adding 138 ers” to help the Park achieve its vision. km of coastline and 1 000 km2 of ocean ly” price of R450 000. to the area managed by the TMNP. Being  Grootkop (340 ha on With limited funds available for land the meeting place of the cold Benguela acquisition, the Park had to make every the plateau above Misty and warm Agulhas Currents, this area is cent count. The Working Group over- tremendously rich in marine species; but Cliffs): contracted into saw the preparation of a comprehensive people place almost unbearable pressure the Park on a 99-year property database and the development on the marine environment, and over- lease. This is remote of a land consolidation strategy, both of harvesting, pollution and coastal develop- mountain land compris- which have enabled the Park to set priori- ment are threatening the survival of spe- ties. But land negotiations are slow and cies and the health of ecosystems. ing pristine fynbos. the Park faced problems from neighbouring alien-infested private properties. So The TMNP MPA stretches from Mouille the Ukuvuka Campaign made funding Point to Muizenberg. In most areas, lim-

36 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) ited fishing and harvesting are allowed if you have the necessary permits, but there What have we are six restricted areas (no-take zones) within the TMNP MPA where no fishing learned? or harvesting of any kind is permitted.  Having a dedicated conser- Declining fish stocks have had a devastat- vation authority (SANParks) ing impact on fishing communities and mandated to manage the pro- career fishers, so in addition to the conservation imperative, there are compel- cess; ling social and economic reasons why the  Working with partners—both stocks should be protected and given a individuals and organisations The Table Mountain National chance to recover. —and benefiting from their Park Marine Protected Area time, expertise and funding; includes this stretch along the In order to garner support for marine Noordhoek Long Beach.  conservation, the Park’s Marine Team Being guided by the Private is building positive relationships with Land Consolidation Work- Marine and Coastal Management (MCM), ing Group, which represents fishing communities, the South African key partners: the City of Cape Police Services (SAPS), the South Afri- Town, the Park Forum, the TMF, can Navy, recreational user groups and WWF-SA and, until recently, voluntary organisations. MCM funds the Ukuvuka Campaign; a partnership with SANParks who run  Having a clear but flexible the TMNP MPA, with deliverables like strategy that informs prioritisa- the appointment of Marine Rangers to tion and fundraising; patrol the MPA, the checking of permits,  advising the public and reporting illegal Having a comprehensive data- activities. A training course funded by base of property information WWF-SA and driven by Dr Deon Nel is to inform the planning process; being piloted by the University of Cape  Employing an independent Town and Rhodes University to equip the negotiator who can dedicate TMNP MPA officials to carry out their time and expertise to develop- responsibilities effectively. The TMNP ing mutually beneficial agree- has erected attractive information boards ments; along the coast to inform the public about the TMNP MPA, restricted areas and fish-  Providing a suite of land con- ing regulations. solidation options that enable negotiation; Monitoring, public awareness, education  Taking a principled, pragmatic and training are all essential strategies to and targeted approach to land conserve biodiversity in the TMNP MPA. WF-SA is supporting consolidation; However, for Marine Operations Man- W a country-wide marine ager Robin Adams, there is an additional  Communicating and celebrat- programme that is building urgent challenge, and that is dealing with ing achievements in a way that capacity among marine protected the catastrophic impact of poaching on acknowledges effort and hon- area managers and determining marine resources. Unscrupulous commer- ours partners. priorities for further protection cial and recreational fishers and crimi- and management. Deon Nel and nal syndicates are stripping the MPA of Aaniyeh Omardien have pioneered marine life. Unrestrained by conscience, this programme and contribute to they are oblivious to logical arguments or (iii) Building Parks—building the C.A.P.E. Marine Task Team. emotional appeals to harvest sustainably. people With the support of the South African The wisest investment Navy, MCM, SAPS, the South African In 2004 the Department of Environmental Revenue Service, the Courts and Public Affairs and Tourism contributed R35 mil- Prosecutors, the TMNP’s Marine Team is lion from its Expanded Public Works Pro- stepping up patrols, making arrests, seiz- gramme (EPWP) to the TMNP. Now both ing vehicles and equipment and issuing the Park and more than 400 people from fines. Having been entrusted with safe- local communities are benefiting from a guarding the marine living resources of three-year labour-intensive programme the TMNP MPA, the Park is using every that includes building and maintaining means at its disposal to save threatened roads and paths, erecting game fencing species from extinction. around the Groote Schuur Estate, install- people making biodiversity work 37 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The TMNP Marine Unit has been fully staffed since 1 March 2005. In the following five months its anti-poaching operations netted the following:  40 arrests made  1 182 abalone seized: commercial value ~ R 120 000.00  116 crayfish seized: commercial value ~ R 2 900.00  86 crayfish tails seized: commercial value ~ R 1 290.00  Funding from the French agency FFEM 8 vehicles seized has enabled the TMNP to purchase two  semi-rigid patrol boats, scopes, cameras 34 warnings issued in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act and other equipment to address the (MLRA) serious poaching problem facing the TMNP MPA.  Various fines levied for marine violations in terms of the MLRA

This is just the beginning. The TMNP Marine Team plans to develop a volunteer section and to strengthen its education, training and outreach programmes so that it will become even more effective at safeguarding marine life in the TMNP MPA.

ing interpretative signage, renovating work on the first 340 km of footpaths. buildings and rehabilitating afromontane Priority is being given to paths making up forest. sections of the exciting new Hoerikwaggo Trail, which will link Cape Town to Cape The major component of the EPWP Point via the Peninsula mountain chain. project is footpath construction and the TMNP has welcomed this opportunity More than 250 of the people appointed to rationalise its network of paths. Of through the EPWP project are involved in the existing 700 km of footpaths on the path-building and maintenance. As in the mountain, the Park would like to upgrade case of other poverty relief programmes, Through the Expanded Public Works Programme, people are 500 km, close the rest and restore the the TMNP provides the path-building being trained and employed natural vegetation in these areas. EPWP teams with on-site training, a training to build paths on Table funding has enabled the Park to start allowance and basic equipment. The first Mountain.

Xola Mkefe It’s a calling … It’s obvious that Xola Mkefe loves what he does. He regards working as Manager of People and Conservation for the TMNP as more of a calling than a job. “It combines all my interests: I’m a community developer by heart, a teacher by training—and an outdoor junkie. It all comes together in this job

PROFILE—and they still pay me!” Xola considers the Park’s poverty relief programme to be one of the most exciting parts of his job: “You see unemployed people being recruited without any knowledge or experience of the mountain or of their new job. They come in with no confidence, scared of heights and terrified of snakes. Many are exposed to the mountain for the first time in their lives. We provide skills training, a bit of environmental education, and encourage trainees to share their indigenous knowledge about mountains. A few months later, they start bringing their families to the Park to show them what they’ve done.” “It’s not just about the money; they are really interested in what they’re doing,” he continues. “You can see them going through the job specifications, arguing about the right way of solving a problem, correcting one another. The mountain absorbs them and they really start taking ownership—picking up litter, providing security. Already we’ve had two instances where contractors have apprehended muggers on the mountain! This is the part of my job that really fulfils me.”

38 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Hoerikwaggo Trail “The Hoerikwaggo Trail isn’t just a trail—it’s a journey,” says Xola Mkefe. “You will begin your journey at the Mandela Gateway. From a boat in the harbour you will catch your first glimpse of Hoerikwaggo—the Mountain in the Sea.”

Originally planned as a six- day, five-night trail from Cape Town’s Waterfront to Cape Point, the Hoerikwaggo Trail will in time incorporate four separate trail opportunities. A one night People’s Trail caters for the youth and complements the Park’s Where are we? Developing mapwork The Hoerikwaggo trail guides skills during the Hoerikwaggo trail guides’ Environmental Experiences made a hit at the C.A.P.E training programme. outreach programme (Chapter 6.3 Partners’ Conference in 2005. ii). It is managed by a consortium including SEEP (Chapter 2.3 iii), Pride of Table Mountain, the Cape Flats Hikers Network and the TMNP. A luxury three-day, two-night Table Mountain Trail will cater for the tourist market and will be fully catered, guided and portered. Two five-night trails are also planned, one from Cape Point to the City with overnight accommodation in tents, the other in the reverse direction with accommodation and services similar to the Table Mountain Trail. Xola Mkefe, Manager of People and Conservation at the TMNP, is up-beat about the additional employment opportunities the Hoerikwaggo Trail will The Hoerikwaggo trail guides led a group of provide: “In addition to the trail guides, we will also need to employ environmentalists and porters, cleaners and caterers to service the trail. This will enable our journalists on a hike in Orange contractors to learn new skills and tender for a greater range of jobs Kloof to celebrate the opening of a youth trail on Table in the Park.” Mountain.

independent footpath contractors have be adequately nourished, and decided been appointed and visitors to the Park to provide each person with a balanced are delighted with the quality of the new meal three times per week. Woolworths footpaths, boardwalks, signage and ero- donated the services of one of its dieti- sion control. In areas of difficult terrain, cians to draw up appropriate menus. the TMNP engages experienced engineer- Using EPWP funding, the TMNP set up ing companies with the necessary equip- community kitchens in seven townships ment to bring in the materials and build to prepare meals for people involved in structures in a way that will do minimal poverty relief programmes in the Park. damage to the environment. In order to promote skills transfer at this level, Hoerikwaggo—Trails within a Trail olin Attwood has virtually the TMNP appoints a Black Economic Poverty relief projects in the TMNP are single-handedly carried a Empowerment company to work with C not restricted to labour intensive pro- torch for improved status and the more established company. Wherever grammes like alien plant clearing and possible, the EPWP path-building con- more effective management path building. In 2004 the Park also tractors are also involved in these more of marine protected areas. In invited people from neighbouring town- challenging projects. addition to the existing marine ships to train as guides for the proposed protected areas, Colin and his Poverty relief wages are very low, espe- Hoerikwaggo Trail. After an intensive colleagues in Marine and Coastal cially in an urban context, and the selection process 15 were chosen to Management are investigating work done by most of the contractors undergo training to become THETA- the potential for designating new and workers is physically demanding. accredited trail guides. Eleven graduates marine protected areas in the The TMNP was concerned that people were recently offered twelve-month con- Cape Floristic Region. employed on EPWP contracts might not tracts with the TMNP. With knowledge of people making biodiversity work 39 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

natural and cultural history, skills ranging One of the most important features of from story-telling to first aid, and a pas- the Newlands Forest nursery is that all sion to share what they have learned, the seed is locally collected. In the past, for- Hoerikwaggo Trail Guides prom- est rehabilitation on the Cape Peninsula ise to provide a unique hiking was sometimes undertaken using plants Waste not, experience. sourced from areas like George in the southern Cape, resulting in the intro- want not! An early success of this production of non-indigenous species or andstone rock collected after blasting gramme is that the Hoerikwaggo subspecies of trees like the yellowwood S on Chapman’s Peak Drive is being Trail Guides training programme and keurboom. The TMNP is now able made such an impression on the to plant locally indigenous forest plants used to build attractive, durable interpre- National Department of Labour tative signs throughout the TMNP. from their Newlands Forest nursery in that they offered to take over other parts of the Park, and make plants financial support of the pro- available to local schools and communi- gramme. They not only agreed ties. Project Manager Mbali Mthethwa is to fund the second intake of 15 trainee encouraged by the many volunteers who guides (2005/6), but also refunded the are enthusiastically helping the Park to training costs of the first group of guides, plant out thousands of tree seedlings and enabling this funding to be redirected to restore the ancient indigenous forests of the path-building project. Table Mountain. Plant a seed—restore a forest The Afromontane forests on the Cape A time to heal Peninsula came under pressure in the A nursery of a different kind is taking earliest years of European colonisation, root close to Newlands Forest at the when trees were harvested for everything Groote Schuur Estate. Unsustainable har- from ship-building to firewood. Most of vesting (e.g. bark stripping, bulb collec- the indigenous forests were eventually tion) was threatening to wipe out the very replaced by plantations of trees from oth- plants that amaXhosa and Rastafarian tra- er continents, like pines and eucalypts. ditional healers use for medicine. In 2004 roject manager Mbali Mthethwa says Within the last ten years, unsustainable the TMNP approached traditional healers bark-stripping started threatening species that “we are currently propagating 25 to seek solutions to this problem. While P with medicinal properties, including the forest species and hope eventually to be able some healers remain skeptical about the few remaining stinkwood trees. Finally, to propagate all the tree species that original- potency of nursery-grown plants, most after more than 350 years of exploitation, recognise that new approaches must be ly grew in the forest. The nursery has already people are starting to give the forests a found if indigenous knowledge systems produced about 35 000 trees and rehabilitated helping hand. about 12 hectares of river banks, forest patch- (and indigenous species) are to survive es and cleared sites in Newlands Forest.” In 2000, with funding from Ukuvuka, the dual pressures of urbanisation and the TMNP employed and trained three commercialisation. people to start collecting and propagating the seeds of indigenous trees from The TMNP is currently setting up a Newlands Forest. The project has grown nursery in the Groote Schuur Estate and SAPPI now funds the nursery project, where traditional healers will be able to which provides training and employment propagate many of the plant species they for seven full-time staff. require. The Park is providing induction

A fascination with forests

Pixie Littlewort may be in her seventies, but she can out-hike most people less than half her age. Her deep fascination for forest plants and ecological processes has made her a tireless champion of the afromontane forest. Pixie started the Afromontane Information Forum (AMIF) to share

PROFILEinformation and promote public concern for the forest. She has taken countless children, teachers, conservation students and scientists into Newlands Forest to draw their attention to the impact of everything from bark collection to dog-walking. When the TMNP decided to gradually remove alien trees from the upper sections of Newlands Forest and restore the indigenous forest, Pixie realised that so few indigenous trees remained that a planting programme would be necessary to supplement natural forest regeneration. She has been able to share her knowledge and skills with the seed collectors and propagators employed in the TMNP’s Newlands Forest nursery, and see her vision start becoming a reality.

40 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) courses to introduce 30 traditional healers to the TMNP and to provide them What have we learned? with horticultural skills. The healers have in turn drawn up a priority list of plants  Nature conservation has the potential to become the they want to propagate. In time, the heal- lead sector in terms of poverty alleviation because it ers may start to grow some of the plants is labour intensive and can provide many jobs. The they need in their own gardens, thus Government’s biggest challenge is to alleviate poverty— helping to sustain both the plants and the nature conservation can be the vehicle. practices that are an integral part of the  lives of the people of Cape Town. Institutions involved in poverty relief programmes should strive to create a variety of employment opportu- Whatever the long-term effect of this nities to broaden the range of skills that are developed project, Mbali reports that, since 2004, no and accommodated. more bark stripping has been reported in  Newlands Forest! Poverty relief programmes have the potential to employ large numbers of people, as each independent contractor The Poverty Relief catalyst who is trained will in turn employ about ten others. Poverty relief funding is the key that has  Not every contractor wants to become a business person. enabled the Park to build relationships Institutions should look for alternative ways of providing with its neighbours, make a contribution employment to contractors; for example, some may be to skills development, achieve a number better suited to a training or mentorship role. of its management goals (e.g. alien clear-  ing, path building) and invest in a long- Don’t underestimate the importance of Adult Basic Edu- term tourism project that will enhance cation and Training (ABET). Where possible, build ABET the experience of the Park for both local courses into funding proposals. Alternatively, encourage and overseas visitors. trainees to attend free adult literacy, numeracy and life skills classes, which are supported by the Department of As pointed out in a recent study con- Education. Be prepared to provide guidance and moni- ducted by the University of Cape Town’s tor progress. Graduate School of Business, an approach  that focuses on skills development and Invest adequate management capacity and resources in stimulates job creation causes ripple the education and training aspects of poverty relief pro- effects through the economy. The report grammes. estimates that the TMNP has, directly or indirectly, contributed R377 million to Gross Domestic Product over the last six financial years and created between 300 its remnant natural areas are under enor- and 600 direct jobs. mous pressure from relentless development and the massive migration of people 2.3 Lowland Conservation in to the City. the City of Cape Town Despite habitat loss, an astounding 1 466 plant species still survive in the 1 874 (i) Making a plan for biodiversity km2 that make up the lowlands of met- on the Cape Flats ropolitan Cape Town. A lack of systematic conservation planning in the past, Conserving biodiversity where we live coupled with extremely rapid urbanisa- cross the CFR, lowland biodiver- tion since the mid-1980s, has resulted in sity is under threat and often very the natural biodiversity of the Cape Flats poorly conserved. The Cape Flats battling to survive on a motley collection Rapid urbanisation has put enormous pressure on lowland isA a case in point: it has the highest con- of small nature reserves, servitudes, road habitats in the City of Cape centration of threatened plants per area verges and undeveloped open spaces, Town. of remaining vegetation in the world, and most of which have been inadequately

Julia Wood moved from the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Management Department where she made a big impact on wetland restoration, to become the second Table Mountain Fund Manager. She also enthusiastically took up the responsibility of Chair of the Fynbos Forum. Bringing her own particular style of enthusiasm and energy, Julia has now taken over one of the most important conservation portfolios in C.A.P.E., as the Director of Nature Conservation for the City of Cape Town. PROFILE

people making biodiversity work 41 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

 managed to protect this phenomenally Institutional capacity within unique biodiversity. It is hardly surpris- local authorities is essential ing that the largest city in the CFR holds for effective biodiversity con- a world record for endangered species: servation; the establishment Kenilworth Race Course has the highest of the City of Cape Town’s number of Red Data plant species per Environmental Management square metre in the world! Department enabled the City to respond to the concerns of Focusing attention on the Cape Flats the Botanical Society, local Although there is no room for complacen- universities and independent cy, the story of how energy and intention consultants, and to develop its became focused on lowland conservation own proactive strategies. in the City of Cape Town is a tribute to  A dedicated working group visionary, committed individuals and can really make things hap- t was with great sadness that productive partnerships. In an article pen! Representatives from I everyone who worked with entitled “Conserving an embattled flora”, the Botanical Society, City of Lindile Mdokwana in the City of Kristal Maze, Tania Katzschner and Brett Cape Town and CapeNature Cape Town’s Nature Conservation Myrdal tell the fascinating tale of how, drove the Cape Flats Flora Branch and Cape Flats Nature, after numerous botanical surveys, con- Project and kept it on the City’s and other community champi- servation reports and much political lob- agenda. ons for conservation action he bying, the City of Cape Town agreed to  interacted with, heard that he pursue securing conservation status and Many departments within passed away in February 2006. management for the 38 Core Flora Sites local, provincial and national At his memorial service, he was on which almost all the City’s remaining government have an impact remembered for the pioneering lowland plant diversity was represented. on biodiversity; conservation role he played in championing plans must be communicated We can learn much about the politics of nature in his community. Lindile widely within government biodiversity conservation processes from will always be remembered for structures to ensure that they this case study, and the full story is well are implemented effectively. saying: “We thought the struggle worth reading. Some of these lessons would be over when we achieved  To gain political support for learned are summarised below. democracy. But now we have conservation initiatives, you our democracy, we have learnt must make an effort to inform that there is a struggle we didn’t and involve your public repre- know about before—to care for sentatives. The Botanical Soci- our natural areas like Macas- What have we ety and the City of Cape Town sar Dunes and Wolfgat Nature learned? organised an annual spring Reserve so that we all can con- tour to expose City Councillors tinue to live”.  Sometimes it just isn’t the right to the biodiversity and amenity time. An important initiative value of the Cape Flats core may fail because the envi- sites, which raised the profile ronment is not yet receptive; of this issue among local deci- elements that need to be in sion-makers. place include political sup-  The City of Cape Town and port, institutional capacity, the Botanical Society took a peo- availability of information and ple-centred approach to con- resources, and key individuals. servation, investing in public  Effective conservation plan- awareness and environmental ning relies on accurate scien- education programmes around tific surveys and reports; but the core sites. The positive without a receptive political community awareness that and institutional environment, resulted helped to strengthen even the best reports will have political support for the core ndile Senayi impressed upon little effect. sites. C.A.P.E. Partners that A  If conservation proposals are  During periods of transition, community volunteers could be prioritised and pragmatic, they the lack of continuity of people enabled to play a key role in con- are more likely to be taken in decision-making positions servation activities if small com- seriously. Planners and deci- requires an even greater community projects were catalysed sion-makers must know which mitment to communication with small grant funding. sites are essential to safeguard and advocacy. biodiversity, and what the pos-  The City of Cape Town has sible trade-offs are. been introducing a new 42 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

approach to urban nature The Biodiversity Strategy also calls for conservation, which integrates “the equitable distribution of, and access both socio-economic develop- to, our biological wealth” and “improved Features of the ment and conservation. This and redistributive benefits arising directly is proving more appropriate from the conservation of our unique bio- City of Cape Town’s than previous approaches that diversity to disadvantaged communities”. Biodiversity tended to view conservation Through programmes like Cape Flats and development as incompat- Nature (Chapter 2.3 iii) communities on Network ible. The approach encour- the Cape Flats are starting to experience  The Biodiversity Network ages appropriate development the benefits of biodiversity, from recre- comprises the minimum that maintains and enhances ational, environmental education and healthy living environments, youth development experiences, to lim- set of areas needed to and sees biodiversity conserva- ited harvesting of natural materials and meet the City’s biodi- tion as everybody’s business. employment opportunities. versity targets. Together,  these sites will conserve Urban nature conservation Development of the Biodiversity can no longer rely entirely a minimum set of the full Network on formally protected areas. range of biodiversity in During 2001 and 2002, a systematic The biodiversity network must Cape Town. integrate diverse open spaces, conservation planning study identified which support multiple land 261 sites (including all 38 Core Flora  All identified areas are uses in mutually beneficial Sites) that are critical for safeguarding a prioritised into Categories ways. minimum representative sample of Cape Town’s unique biodiversity. These sites, A, B and C; this mecha- which make up the City of Cape Town’s nism enables implemen- Biodiversity Network, are a mixture of tation of the network to (ii) A Biodiversity Network for the protected areas, privately owned land, respond to the multiple City of Cape Town and public land of various descriptions, social and economic from servitudes to road verges. A new paradigm for conservation needs and pressures with- Areas in the Biodiversity Network have The City of Cape Town’s Integrated Met- in the urban context. been divided into three categories for ropolitan Environmental Policy (IMEP) land use management purposes. Guide-  Biodiversity Nodes have has guided the development of a Biodi- lines have been drawn up for each catego- been identified; these versity Strategy and detailed conservation ry of sites to assist with land use planning plans for the City in 2003. One of the key flagships of biodiversity and management. This system provides outcomes of the City’s Biodiversity Strat- conservation in the met- positive, proactive guidance on what kind egy is the establishment of a city-wide of land use and activities are appropriate ropolitan area represent Biodiversity Network. The Biodiversity in the different category areas. the core anchors of the Strategy sets out to “introduce a paradigm  network. shift” in biodiversity conservation in the Category A: Key biodiversity areas City, and its principles have informed the that must be protected. They include  The framework guides development of the Biodiversity Network. existing nature reserves and other areas that meet the established criteria the establishment of corridors at the macro scale. The Biodiversity Network demonstrates and will be managed primarily for the that biodiversity is not just conserved maintenance of biodiversity. (Corridors and pathways in formal protected areas, but also in a  Category B: Areas that are managed at the micro scale will be range of open spaces across the City, on for maintenance of biodiversity but identified during localised both private and public land. Some of the which will also support other appro- implementation of the City’s unique species are found amidst priate activities and land use types. network.) the essential infrastructure of the urban  area, including freeway interchanges Category C: Areas not primarily man-  The City has drawn up aged for the maintenance of biodiver- and power line servitudes. Other plants development planning sity, but which primarily support an and animals coexist with people in rec- and land use guidelines reational areas like parks, racecourses activity or land use that is compatible and wetlands. Open spaces that are with this function. to assist with implemen- essential for conserving biodiversity also tation. fulfil a variety of social needs, provid- Safeguarding biodiversity at a local ing the people of the City with places to level meet, work, play, relax and learn. The Municipalities have a vital role to play in Biodiversity Network seeks to provide an protecting biodiversity, as it is at the local integrated system of accessible, multi- level that land use planning and develop- functional spaces that benefit both people ment take place. By proactively defining and nature. a Biodiversity Network, the City of Cape people making biodiversity work 43 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Biodiversity Network Communicating nationally The City of Cape Town recognises the importance of bringing its Biodiversity Network Programme in line with the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA). It has therefore analysed the sites in terms of the four NSBA categories: critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and least threatened. It turns out that most of the City’s Biodiversity Network falls into the critically endangered category and that the Lowland Fynbos found in the City is one of the most severely under- protected categories nationally. This confirms the national significance of the City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Network.

The Biodiversity Network study identified nine conservation Town is creating a framework within It’s everybody’s business nodes linked by 19 corridors. which development planning can pro- In the face of pressing socio-economic Some nodes are large ceed in a more sustainable manner. challenges in the City of Cape Town, you conservation areas, while others might think that it would be difficult to are clusters of small natural The City is ensuring that biodiversity remnants. keep biodiversity conservation on the issues are given priority by integrat- City’s list of priorities. But as human ing the Biodiversity Network into other pressure on the natural environment statutory planning processes, such as the becomes more intense, the value of biodi- City’s Metropolitan Open Space System versity to the well-being of all the people (CMOSS), its Spatial Development Frame- of Cape Town is also becoming increas- work (SDF) and the Integrated Zoning ingly clear. Scheme. All the sites in the Biodiversity Network have been “red-flagged” in the Community consultation and opportuni- planning approval process, ensuring that ties for participation and co-operation are none of these areas can be developed starting to complement the traditional without further research and discus- approaches to nature conservation that sion. To ensure that all staff members are rely more on law enforcement. As organi- aware of the Biodiversity Network, infor- sations like the City of Cape Town and mation is available on the City’s Intranet. SANParks manage protected areas better 44 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) and offer improved facilities, programmes and opportunities, people across the City are recognising the value of biodiversity and getting more involved in conserving it. An approach that sees biodiversity conservation as “everybody’s business” is likely to be the most sustainable and effective way of safeguarding biodiversity in the Mother City. The Cape Flats Nature (iii) Cape Flats Nature— management team brings a community conservation catalyst strong “people orientation” to the challenge of urban The question is not “How well did we conservation. conserve biodiversity using the tool of eorge Davis has invested wisely in recording social engagement?” but “How well did G and communication processes of community we engage, socially, around conservation? engagement in conservation on the Cape Flats. Not And what have the consequences of this only do his video productions capture the essence of been, for all of our beneficiaries, includ- community participation, they effectively carry the ing nature in the Park?” message to a much wider audience. (Cape Flats Nature mid-term evaluation report, September 2005). Cape Flats Nature plays a catalytic role, Cape Flats Nature, a unique partner- helping to leverage funding, ensuring ship between the City of Cape Town, community participation and creating the South African National Biodiversity a nurturing environment for conserva- Institute, the Table Mountain Fund and tors working in urban settings. However, the Botanical Society of South Africa, was it was never the project’s intention to he City of Cape Town is established in September 2002. Through take over the City’s responsibility for T well-served by an emerg- pilot projects in four conservation areas managing its natural areas. Initially, con- ing group of women conservators, on the Cape Flats, Cape Flats Nature has servation officers funded by Cape Flats such as Carina Potgieter and been learning how to manage biodiversity Nature were seconded to the City to be Lewine Walters. fragments in an urban environment in supervised by City Parks and Nature ways that benefit neighbouring communi- Conservation. Eventually, in July 2005, ties, particularly in poorly serviced, low- the City took responsibility for employ- income areas. ing the conservators with funding from Cape Flats Nature until June 2007, and a With offices at Edith Stephens Wetland commitment from the City to endeavour Park, Cape Flats Nature has also been to employ them permanently from July involved at Wolfgat Nature Reserve, 2007. Cape Flats Nature will continue to Macassar Dunes and Harmony Flats provide support to the conservators as Nature Reserve. These are all conserva- they manage these conservation sites in tion sites in the City’s biodiversity net- ways that both inspire and benefit local work, a carefully selected minimum set of sites of environmental significance communities. that are needed to conserve Cape Town’s roject manager Tanya biodiversity. As yet, most of these sites Edith Stephens Wetland Park—a P Goldman was previously lack visitor facilities, but they do offer community asset involved with the labour and valuable educational and recreational Situated between Vanguard Drive and women’s movements. opportunities as well as limited employ- Lansdowne Road, Edith Stephens Wet- ment opportunities for neighbouring land Park is the culmination of a bold communities. vision to transform a stretch of urban wasteland. A tiny seasonal wetland Through an initial intensive period of where illegal dumping threatened the last community consultation around each of population of a rare and ancient water the sites, Cape Flats Nature identified fern; a dilapidated farmhouse on a stretch local champions, existing initiatives and of land infested by Port Jackson willow; opportunities for action. A proposal to and a retention pond built to store storm- CEPF (Critical Ecosystem Partnership water runoff and prevent flooding—these Fund) generated funding that enabled have been consolidated, restored, reno- Cape Flats Nature to appoint a group of young, enthusiastic nature conservators vated and upgraded into a vibrant conser- to manage the pilot sites in ways that vation, education and recreation asset. apacity Building Manager contribute positively to surrounding com- C Paula Hathorn has a back- munities. Since then the project has been Since Cape Flats Nature moved into the ground in horticulture and social all about action! renovated farmhouse at Edith Stephens activism. people making biodiversity work 45 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

ity of Cape Town conservator Luzann Hen- C dricks believes that Edith Stephens Wetland Park has huge potential as a recreational area for neighbouring communities. So every holiday she organises activity programmes for children from Manenberg, Hanover Park and Guguletu.

Ironically, Kirstenbosch and TMNP often A holiday programme offered by the Avian Demography use this venue in preference to their own Unit at the University of Cape Wetland Park, the site has become a relatively inaccessible meeting places on Town caught the interest of the hive of activity. A victim of its growing the slopes of the mountain! local youth. popularity, you are more likely to find The Primary Science Programme has the venue double-booked than standing built offices on the premises and most empty. Being accessible to many Cape Lying between two major afternoons the venue is full of teachers Flats communities, “Wetlands” is a popu- arterial roads, Edith Stephens participating in a range of professional lar venue for workshops and meetings. Wetland Park is an oasis for development programmes; Working for people and nature on the Cape Flats. Wetlands has established one of its rehabilitation nurseries on the property; the place is buzzing!

Inspired by a holiday programme presented by the Cape Bird Club and the Avian Demography Unit, some children have formed a bird identification club that regularly monitors birds from the hide at the pond. An urban agriculture group is developing a demonstration garden, and Luzann Hendricks is encouraging local clinics to bring their patients to the park to enjoy some light exercise in the beautiful surroundings. In all these ways, Edith Stephens Wetland Park is making a positive difference to both biodiversity conservation and the quality of people’s lives on the Cape Flats.

“Changing Lives”—the Schools Environmental Education Programme (SEEP) One of the community groups that are working in partnership with Cape Flats Nature is the Schools Environmental Education Programme (SEEP). What started as a hiking club at Crestway High School in Retreat now involves teachers and learners from 15 schools on the Cape Flats. Educators committed to broadening 46 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

SEEP’s Willie Leith believes that “a culture of co-operation and caring for the environment will ‘seep’ down to the children right here on the Cape Flats.” the horizons of their learners have been taking groups hiking in the mountains for many years, but a few years ago, they discovered a unique hiking opportunity right in their own backyards. In partnership with Cape Flats Nature, SEEP started leading hikes each term along the coast through Wolfgat Nature Reserve, then via the Philippi horticultural area to Edith Stephens Wetland Park. On this fascinating urban hike learners could retrace the ancient footsteps of the Khoi, who would have collected shellfish along the coast, hunted wildlife and used local plants for Satisfying the urgent need for food and medicine. housing as well as the need to conserve threatened habitats So why would a teacher who has to deal In 2004, land invasions threatened to destroy this part of the City’s biodiversity is a challenging task for urban with huge classes all week volunteer planners. to lead hikes on weekends? It’s simple network. Instead of the invasion being really; teachers like Roland Jethro, Solly halted and people being offered alterna- Adriaans and Willie Leith of SEEP know tive land, political mismanagement led that these experiences have the power to to the loss first of a buffer zone and later change children’s lives. Already the SEEP parts of the Macassar Dune itself. This hikes have inspired youth organisations was the acid test for Cape Flats Nature: in in Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha to the face of the huge demand for housing, organise clean-up hikes through Wolfgat, could conservation of the Macassar Dune and this has resulted in a programme be justified? to train youth volunteers to lead future The Macassar Dunes provide the vast hikes. tonship of Khayelitsha with a vegetated windbreak, protecting people and prop- Macassar Dunes Community Traditional healers are erty from the ravages of the southeasterly engaging with the challenge Awareness Campaign winds in summer. The veld provides of sustainably managing The rapid influx of people to Cape Town local traditional healers with a variety of populations of indigenous healing plants. looking for a better life is putting the medicinal plants. And in an area where squeeze on lowland biodiversity rem- sprawling informal settlements leave nants in the City. One of the most threat- little land for recreation, the high dune ened sites in the City’s biodiversity net- provides spectacular views and an oppor- work is the last major dune system on the tunity to withdraw, reflect and restore the Cape Flats at Macassar. This dune area, soul. The message to the people demand- just over 1 000 ha in extent, supports ing land for housing was clearly that Strandveld vegetation, including the last stand of Milkwood trees on the False Bay other land would have to be found. coast, and is part of the False Bay Cor- ridor Initiative. Despite being severely Zwai Peter, Communications Manager at impacted by sand mining and invasive Cape Flats Nature, recalls the overwhelm- alien plants, the Macassar Dunes support ing experience of having to tell a public a high diversity of plants, including many gathering of over 100 people needing that are endangered. shelter that the Macassar Dunes were people making biodiversity work 47 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

not the appropriate place to settle. As up with a creative way of re-establishing he explained the value of the dunes, the a buffer zone between the Macassar Dune people listened; they understood. Com- and the remaining residential area; they ing from the rural areas where they lived want to establish a medicinal plant nurs- with, rather than separated from, nature, ery to produce commonly used herbs and they explained that they wanted to live in take pressure off the veld. a similar way in their new home. Harmony Flats—a secret place Since that meeting, Cape Flats Nature revealed has been working with the Khayelit- Jan Geldenhuys describes Harmony Flats sha Youth Development Council and a as “a very secret place”, and through community-based organisation Ilitha the long hot summer when most of the Lomso to develop a community aware- plants are dormant it is indeed a well- ness programme. Thirty volunteers have kept secret. Only 9 ha in extent, this tiny been identified and trained, and will be core conservation area lies hidden among conducting a three-month door-to-door the houses of Casablanca and Rusthof, campaign to inform residents of the risks residential areas near Gordon’s Bay. Come associated with establishing their homes spring time, however, and the secret is in unfavourable areas like the dunes and out! The veld blazes with all the jewel seasonal wetlands. At the same time, colours of the bulbs and daisies of this Cape Flats Nature is negotiating with the remnant of West Coast Renosterveld and City of Cape Town’s housing department Sand Plain Fynbos. Rare species at Harmony Flats to make more appropriate sites available. Already one group of residents has Harmony Flats survived development agreed to move if land can be found. The because it was once declared a special traditional healers’ association has come reserve to protect the endangered geo-

Zwai Peter—A C.A.P.E. Champion

At the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference in June 2005, Mzwandile (Zwai) Peter, Communications Manager for Cape Flats Nature, was the popular recipient of one of C.A.P.E.’s special Gold Awards. Project Manager Tanya Goldman nominated Zwai for this award and these

PROFILEextracts from her motivation are a fitting tribute to one of the true “fynmense” of C.A.P.E.: Zwai has pioneered community partnerships for conservation action on the Cape Flats … [he] works with communities from a position of humility, understanding that other peoples’ knowledge of and perspectives on biodiversity, conservation, and protected areas are likely to be very different from his own—but equally valid. Whether he is communicating with a local Development Forum, Youth Council, community-based organisation, youth or learners still at school, Zwai is able to talk to people about what is important to them and show them how taking care of nature is part of addressing their needs in other areas. He does this with a passion and integrity that immediately builds trust. Zwai is most comfortable working at community level, helping nature conservators and community members find a way of creatively ensuring that people’s needs and those of precious natural remnants in the City can be met in a way that both benefit. Yet he is as able to inspire politicians and high-level decision-makers to play their part in caring for the biodiversity of the Cape Flats. As Cape Flats Nature’s Communications Manager, Zwai has shown consistent dedication to his work, deepening relationships with community partners by maintaining regular contact, reliably following through on commitments he makes, and providing constant encouragement to conservators and partners alike to work together with enthusiasm and passion for conservation and community development. Zwai is a charming and competent young man who could quite capably fly up the ranks of any institution at high speed. Yet he has chosen to develop and share his skills close to the ground, building a solid foundation for himself at the same time as making an enormous contribution to building community partnerships for conservation action. He will serve as a role model to many and his pioneering contribution should be recognised.

48 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Children at Harmony Flats investigate some eggs.

metric tortoise. In those days community consultation was not considered necessary; a fence went up around the reserve to protect the tortoises, effectively cutting off a well-used short cut across a field. Not unexpectedly, the fence was destroyed, the tortoises disappeared and the reserve failed to attract the necessary Auntie Julian shares her funding to ensure that it was properly knowledge of local plants with children at Harmony Flats. managed.

Although people walked across that stretch of veld for decades, Jan Gelden- huys recalls, they just thought of it as bush. The veld provided the occasional bird to eat, but they took the plants for granted and couldn’t imagine that any- thing special was growing there between the houses.

In 2002, things started to change. Cape Flats Nature invited people living around Harmony Flats to a workshop to discuss the conservation of the area and pos- Community fire-fighting training. sible community benefits. A community working group was formed to start put- group has marked out paths to improve ting ideas into action. At the same time, access and reduce disturbance, and devel- Luzann Hendricks, then a student conser- oped a children’s play area in a degraded an Geldenhuys joined the Har- vator, was appointed to manage Harmony part of the site. Interest in the plants of J mony Flats Working Group Flats for her internship year. the area has grown since Custodians two years ago; today he says he is of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers grateful for that tortoise reserve In response to requests, the community (CREW) ran workshops for the residents so that “now we at Cassablanca was trained and equipped to fight the fre- teaching them how to identify and press can learn—even me at 50 years quent veld fires that threaten both prop- plant specimens and make their own her- old.” erty and biodiversity at Harmony Flats. barium. Residents now offer an annual Residents are now able to take immediate Arbor Week programme for schools in the action when a fire breaks out. The work- area, introducing hundreds of children ing group has also been involved in alien to the strange and wonderful plants that clearing, further reducing the risk of fire are part of their heritage. Since learning and restoring the indigenous vegetation. and sharing knowledge about the plants, the community has developed a real love In addition to helping to manage the for the plants and their habitat. The next site, the neighbouring community is also project is to develop the tourism poten- starting to enjoy what it has to offer recre- tial of the site during the spring flower ationally and educationally. The working season. people making biodiversity work 49 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

 Despite the need for pilot proj- What have we ects to prove their worth, it is learned? important that both successes and failures are reported, as The Cape Flats Nature pilot pro- well as how problems were gramme underwent a mid-term addressed. evaluation during 2005, and has been sharing the lessons learned  Being a “special project” that in the project as widely as pos- is not entirely located within sible. Some reflections are sum- any particular organisation marised here: may set up tensions in terms Institutional arrangement: of who takes responsibility for particular elements of imple-  Small projects can be more mentation. In under-resourced ania Katzschner and her innovative and responsive, situations, project manage- T colleagues in the City of and take more risks than large ment needs to hold tenaciously Cape Town’s Environment Direc- institutions. Cape Flats Nature to the project brief to avoid los- torate ensured that not only does has been able to experiment ing focus. Cape Town have a biodiversity with new approaches in ways strategy that forms part of the that would have been more Conservation impacts Integrated Metropolitan Envi- difficult for its larger partners.  Conservation sites can only ronmental Plan, but that there is However, its partners have really be given a chance of sur- an active programme to develop been able to learn from the vival if they are brought into the planned Biodiversity Network innovative approaches and meaningful relationship with throughout the City, including experiences of Cape Flats the communities that surround not only places but key partner- Nature. them. ships for implementation.  Partnerships provide many  The “social” emphasis of Cape benefits but require consider- Flats Nature and the lack of able time, effort and com- adequate conservation man- mitment. Multi-stakeholder agement mentorship of the partnerships can cause project young conservators contributed staff to suffer an identity cri- to a deterioration of the conser- sis, as they are unsure which vation status of the four sites. institution they actually work  Biodiversity conservation can- for. In this case, unexpected not be the sole objective of restructurings within one part- urban nature areas; they also ner organisation added to the need to be managed to provide confusion. To deal with these recreational and educational challenges, both inter-agency opportunities for surrounding agreements and relationships communities. Ultimately the between responsible officials social and conservation aims need to be strong, accountable should become one. and responsive. Action counts  Working with community  groups to implement conser- Cape Flats Nature has been vation projects can be very building community involve- challenging and conservators ment in conservation by focusing on action first. They found need ongoing support and that most people were not skills development to deal with interested in attending meet- emerging situations. A regular ings that did not show results. weekly team gathering pro- So, instead of spending a lot vided a “safe space” to share of time setting up co-manage- challenges, experiences and untie Julian Brits is an ment forums around each learning. site, the conservators chose inspiration in her commu- A to start working with existing  Having the project offices nity that lives and works adjacent groups on projects that directly to Harmony Flats. Effective based at one of the pilot sites benefited the community. citizen action for fire manage- kept project staff in touch with Community participation and ment protects both people and neighbouring communities and decision-making became more biodiversity. able to respond to opportuni- focused and purposeful in a ties. context of local action. 50 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

 Action projects don’t have to be ambitious; by starting small Development limitations and letting projects grow naturally, local champions emerged How has the BCA managed who will be able to sustain to avoid falling prey to the local conservation and educa- developers of imitation Tuscan tion actions beyond the pilot phase of the project. villas? Firstly the area falls outside the urban edge, and Build local leadership secondly, being within a 10–15 km radius of the Koeberg  The role of Cape Flats Nature is a catalytic one—to alert Nuclear Power Station the communities to the value of density of development is local biodiversity areas and limited. The old blockhouse on Blaauwberg Hill provides a window on Cape Town’s two to build local capacity to con- The idea of a conservation area World Heritage Sites—Table Mountain, serve and derive benefits from around Blaauwberg Hill has representing the CFR, and Robben these sites in the long term. All Island. been on the agenda since 1981 activities are therefore hosted in partnership with community when it was suggested as part of the structure plan for the area. members or organisations who Eventually in 1998 work began on the actual development plan have an ongoing interest and and the City of Cape Town started purchasing environmentally presence in these areas and significant land along the coast and on Blaauwberg Hill. Local who can sustain initiatives. and provincial government, parastatals and NGOs are involved in implementing the development plan, and a small management  A Capacity Building Manager team has been appointed to co-ordinate management and can work with community development activities and prepare the BCA for proclamation groups to strengthen skills of under the Protected Areas Act. project planning, implementation, financial management The first priority for this developing protected area has been to and evaluation. halt environmental degradation and prevent it from becoming worse and more expensive to address. The team has concentrated  A quarterly Champions’ Forum has been a valuable opportu- its efforts on controlling erosion and removing relatively light nity for conservation cham- infestations of invasive alien plants from endangered vegetation pions from each site to meet types like Renosterveld and Sand Plain Fynbos. and share experiences and lessons learned. Evidence of the effectiveness of the capac- (iv) The Blaauwberg Conservation ity-building processes is that, Area at the most recent Champion’s Forum, representatives from A protected area in the making the pilot sites said that, if Cape Nature Conservator Adelé Pretorius Flats Nature withdrew support, believes that the Blaauwberg Conserva- they could continue running tion Area (BCA), with its breathtaking views across Table Bay to Table Mountain their programmes themselves. and Robben Island, has the potential to earned? become one of Cape Town’s most spec- he City of Cape Town tacular tourist sites. The BCA concept T has worked hard to build plan shows the proposed protected area understanding among City Coun- stretching from the sea, across the coastal cillors, officials and communities plain and right over Blaauwberg Hill. by holding regular Councillors’ Recognised as an important node in the tours to key project sites. At the City’s biodiversity network, the area Blaauwberg Conservation Area, boasts three vegetation types, over 530 Councillors discuss ways in which different plant species, numerous cul- this prime scenic and biodiversity tural and historical sites and is suitable asset can be sensitively developed for reintroduction of a number of game as a gateway to the city from the animals. West Coast. people making biodiversity work 51 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

In addition to temporary employment, the workers benefited from an extensive Partners in restoration The Wildlife and Environment Society capacity-building programme. Two of the major threats to the BCA are of Southern Africa (WESSA), with fund- WESSA developed a invasive alien vegetation and off-road ing from the CEPF, appointed 15 workers curriculum covering from Du Noon near Table View on an everything from literacy, vehicles. Large areas have become severe- 18-month contract to assist with develop- numeracy and life-skills to ly infested with invasive alien plants, environmental knowledge and threatening the indigenous vegetation. ment work in the BCA. They have made a job-related skills. Members of Off-road vehicles have caused extensive noticeable dent in the alien problem and the group grew in confidence damage to the dunes and, particularly already, less than two years later, indig- and by the end of their since vehicles were banned from driv- enous vegetation is starting to recover in contract some were even the cleared areas. presenting talks to visiting ing on beaches, parts of Blaauwberg Hill groups. itself. Up to 40 vehicles were recorded on a single day, tearing around on the hill, (v) Conservation Friends causing serious erosion and damage to The Friends of the BCA was established the vegetation. Luckily, both problems in 2002. This group of enthusiasts has are being addressed and great strides made a huge contribution to securing, have been made with the clearing of restoring and promoting the BCA. One alien vegetation and the prevention notable achievement has been helping of illegal off-road vehicle access. In to solve the problem of illegal, destruc- fact, a year has passed since a 4 tive off-road vehicle activity in the BCA x 4 vehicle last accessed Blaauw- and rehabilitating Blaauwberg Hill. Even berg Hill illegally! Adelé is full of before the Reserve Manager was appoint- praise for the many people who have ed, Roy Fuller-Gee from the Friends group been working with the management team enlisted the help of the conservation to address these problems and restore the units of the Four Wheel Drive Club of SA BCA to a more natural state. and the Land Rover Club to start tackling 52 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

What a wonderful place to problems of access control, eroded vehi- For this reason, the reserve management learn! Learners celebrate World Environment Week with cle tracks and demarcation of the park- team has already developed one hik- a visit to the BCA. ing area on Blaauwberg Hill. Later, when ing trail and is planning a second trail conservation staff and contract labour- that will be accessible to all. To further ers were appointed and funding from improve access to the BCA, in January CEPF became available, rehabilitation 2005 Lizanne Engelbrecht, an intern work continued and access control was appointed through a Department of improved. It took Reserve Manager Cliff Environmental Affairs and Tourism pro- Dorse countless weekends of confront- gramme, started developing an environ- ing drivers and informing them about mental education programme for schools the conservation area, but the problem of and other groups. illegal off-road vehicles has finally been solved and the deep scars on the hillside The Friends of the BCA have also played are starting to heal. a crucial role in raising public awareness of the historical, cultural and Building community awareness ecological value of the area by offer- In a community where many people ing regular talks and guided walks are unaware of the BCA and others are and encouraging people to participate finding their previous recreational uses in action projects like hacks. The restricted, the management team has been quarterly newsletter BCA Focus has working hard to develop local support for been very effective in keeping interested the BCA. Although the area has neither parties informed of developments and been consolidated nor officially pro- programmes. As the message spreads, claimed, it has been important to encour- more and more people are starting to visit age people to visit and benefit from the the BCA to enjoy its spectacular scenery, BCA during the development phase. biodiversity and cultural sites. people making biodiversity work 53 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Consolidating the BCA The BCA includes remnants of some Friends as extremely threatened habitats like catalysts Renosterveld and Sand Plain Fynbos. Less than 3% of the original extent of Reno- Committed, enthusiastic sterveld survives, and less than 2% is formally conserved. Sand Plain Fynbos is and well informed amateurs in an even more precarious position, with form the backbone of less than 1% remaining and less than volunteer groups like 0.03% of the original vegetation being Friends of Tokai Forest. They conserved. The City is in the process of are able to act quickly and trying to consolidate the BCA in order Members of the Burning Spear Movement to provide the highest possible level of worked with Friends of the Tokai Forest to clear decisively in the face of protection for these remnants. Two prop- alien vegetation and restore a wetland. challenges and therefore erties have already been purchased by play an important catalytic the City for the Blaauwberg Conservation stella plants growing on the site. After role in initiating projects. Area, and an active programme is struggling for nearly a century to survive underway to consolidate the remaining However, some projects beneath the pines, this highly threatened properties that comprise part of the Pri- grow to a point where they type of Cape Flats vegetation is starting to mary Conservation Zone of the BCA. flourish again. are better managed by, Land consolidation will contribute to or in collaboration with, more effective management of the BCA, Encouraged by this success, the Friends established conservation which will enhance both biodiversity of Tokai are now preparing to resusci- organisations. conservation and the visitor experience. tate another 2 ha this summer. After the For example, the portion of Blaauwberg forestry company clear-fells the site, the Hill that the City owns, and which is Friends plan to set fire to the area to stim- arguably the City’s premier view site, ulate regeneration of fynbos. It isn’t easy is surrounded by private land and only to convince neighbours of the need for a accessible by prior arrangement with the fire on the urban edge in midsummer, but landowners. Were these properties to fire-prone habitats like fynbos and grass- become part of the BCA, the City would land must burn if they are to survive. The be able to plan and develop appropriate Friends of Tokai are working with SAN- tourism infrastructure that will unlock Parks, the forestry company and a crack the potential of this unparalleled and team of fire fighters from Mpumalanga to inspirational view site. address this management challenge.

Plantations of alien trees within the ames Forsyth is one of the driving Friends of Tokai Forest: TMNP are being decommissioned; J forces of the Friends of Tokai which has promoting public participation within 20 years all trees will have been worked with community partners to restore “The aims of the Friends of Tokai Forest harvested and the Department of Water important lowland fynbos habitats. Here he are to promote public participation in Affairs and Forestry will transfer the land discussed priorities for future work with one caring for Tokai Forest; foster resonance to SANParks to manage. The Friends of the Hoerikwaggo Guides and with Donne among the differing users of the forest; have therefore appointed a consultant to Murray, Cape Town City Councillor and identify the species and habitats of the conduct ecological restoration studies to member of the Cape West Coast Biosphere area; conserve the environment for the ensure that lessons learned during the Reserve. benefit of present and future generations; resuscitation of these small parcels of and to assist in the development of the land will contribute to the rehabilitation Table Mountain National Park.” of the entire site.

Revealing hidden treasures Mountain to sea—restoring the link Indigenous vegetation can be remarkably Close to the Diastella site at the Tokai resilient. In 1998, fire destroyed about a Plantation is a wetland that represents an hectare of the lower section of the Tokai ambitious long-term vision for the South Plantation in Cape Town. Knowing that Peninsula: to restore a natural corridor there were a few plants of the Red Data between the Constantiaberg and False List endemic Cape Flats silkypuff (Dia- Bay via rivers and wetlands. Together stella proteoides) growing on the site, with members of the Tokai forestry work- the Friends of the Tokai Forest prevailed ers’ village, Rastafarians from the Burn- upon the forestry company not to replant ing Spear Movement and contractors this section. Sand Plain Fynbos started to from the Working for Wetlands project, regenerate and chairman James Forsyth the Friends of Tokai Forest have felled, reports that there are now about 30 Dia- chipped and removed 1.5 ha of aliens 54 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) from the Soetvlei Wetlands. Now regular visitors can “adopt-a-plot” and help to maintain the area by pulling out alien seedlings, removing rubbish and planting indigenous wetland plants supplied by the Working for Wetlands nurseries. In time, this wetland will be able to supply plant material to rehabilitate other sections of the river as it wends its way towards Zandvlei and the sea.

Up-river, the Friends hope to start replanting afromontane forest trees along the Prinseskasteel Stream. Perhaps the Tokai Arboretum, established in the nineteenth century to investigate the potential of alien plantation trees, will one day be transformed into a nursery dedicated to re-establishing natural forest patches on the Constantiaberg. At the “Big Duck Launch” Friends of Die Oog thanked the donors who had Die Oog: ducks, a dam and so enabled them to fulfil their plans to rehabilitate this well-loved community asset. much more Another wetland in the south Peninsula formed from an overgrown, eutrophic that has benefited from the attentions of pond into a suburban nature sanctuary. a Friends group is Die Oog. One of the In order to address a serious algal prob- oldest dams in Cape Town, Die Oog was lem caused by the accumulation of nutri- built in a natural seepage area in the early ent-rich sediments over a couple of hun- eighteenth century. It supplied water to dred years, the City of Cape Town drained Bergvliet Farm until the property was and dredged the pond. The Friends fixed subdivided in the 1980s. The Bergvliet the dam wall, removed the alien carp and and Meadowridge Ratepayers Association restocked the dam with indigenous fish has taken an active interest in this public (Galaxias zebratus). They replaced alien open space since the late 1980s. mallards with indigenous ducks, eradi- cated alien plants, planted indigenous In 2003 a group of ratepayers decided trees, repaired the fence and gates, and to form a Friends Group in order to co- installed benches and tables for visi- ordinate efforts to rehabilitate Die Oog. tors. They also appointed a gardener to Friends of Die Oog consulted widely, help them look after the site. In 2004 the raised funds from the CEPF and the Row- Friends formed Die Oog Partnership with land and Leta Hill Trust (through WWF- officials of the South Peninsula Adminis- SA), and received help from Working for tration and other environmental agencies; Wetlands and the City of Cape Town. In they meet regularly to ensure ongoing just 18 months, Die Oog has been trans- effective management of Die Oog.

Bernard Brown Sustaining nature—sustaining culture Bernard Brown of the Burning Spear Movement looks at the cave above the Tokai Plantation that some call Elephant’s Eye. He speaks of a Khoi princess who once sheltered in this

PROFILE cave, and whose memory is celebrated in the name of the Prinseskasteel Stream. His dream is to cultivate in this fertile valley healing plants like buchu and kooigoed that the Khoi people of the Cape and their descendants have used for thousands of years. He hopes to secure land to farm these plants locally in order to take the pressure off wild plants on the mountain that are harvested to treat the many people who rely on nature’s cures.

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The more the Friends explore Die Oog, on granite-derived soils. Each discovery the more they discover about its bio- has generated more enthusiasm and cre- diversity value. The dam now attracts ated a further reason to safeguard this about a thousand roosting birds and the precious community asset. “We started Friends regularly monitor their popula- off 18 months ago wanting to replace a tions on behalf of the Avian Demography few ducks on our pond,” says Prof. Den- Unit. The wetland is a breeding area for nis Davey, Chairman of Friends of Die the endangered leopard toad, which is Oog. “Then we discovered the leopard endemic to the South Peninsula. Clearing toad, fynbos and roosting cattle egrets. It’s aliens from the site has revealed rem- opened up a new world for us.” nants of a rare form of fynbos that grows A focus on WESSA Friends Friends of Tokai Forest, Friends of Die Oog: who are these groups that are work- WESSA Western Cape Friends Groups (2005) ing so tirelessly to care for their local  Afro Montane Information Forum natural areas? Michelle Preen of WESSA recalls: “In the early 1980s there was  Boland Environment Forum great concern that a lack of resources was threatening the survival of some of  Durbanville Environment Forum our provincial and local nature reserves.  Friends of Bain’s Kloof Ann Bean, a committee member of the Western Cape branch of the Wildlife  Friends of Constantia Valley Green Belts Society, believed that the public had a crucial role to play in working with the  Friends of Die Oog authorities to safeguard these protected  Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve areas. Thanks to Ann’s vision, the Wild- life Society launched its Friends of Nature  Friends of Lion's Head & Signal Hill Areas project in 1985. Later the Friends project expanded beyond the borders of  Friends of Meadowridge Common protected areas; new Friends groups were  Friends of Newlands Forest formed to help to monitor, manage and rehabilitate a range of local natural and  Friends of Rietvlei semi-natural areas.”  Friends of Rondebosch Common Friends groups encourage communities to become more involved with the local  Friends of Silvermine Nature Area environment and to take responsibility for its continued well-being. Environmen-  Friends of Simon's Town Coastline tal projects range from species monitoring  Friends of the Blaauwberg Conservation Area and alien clearing to clean-up campaigns, path development and ecological reha-  Friends of the Botriver Estuary & Environs (Botfriends) bilitation. Friends present educational programmes to schoolchildren, lead  Friends of the Cape of Good Hope guided walks for the general public, give  Friends of The Glen talks and produce regular newsletters. They also encourage public participation  Friends of the Liesbeek in opposing inappropriate activities or developments that threaten the environ-  Friends of the Paarden Eiland Wetlands ment. Friends groups are affiliated to  Friends of Tokai Forest WESSA and guided by its mission statement, policies and position statements.  Friends of Tygerberg Hills WESSA provides support and expertise as required and creates a forum for groups to  Hope Group (Hillside-Highway Organisation for Protection of share with and learn from one another. It the Environment) also plays an oversight role, ensuring that  Montagu Nature Garden Association Friends groups adhere to WESSA policies.  Scarborough Conservation Group (vi) Rondevlei Nature Reserve  The Simon's Town Flora Conservation Group A critical natural area In 1952 the Rondevlei Nature Reserve was established as a bird sanctuary to enable the study and conservation of 56 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Amazing diversity Rondevlei Nature Reserve is home to many species (including 27 Red Data species) Mammals 21 Birds 235 (6 Red Data) Reptiles 29 (1 Red Data) Amphibians 9 (2 Red Data) Fish 8

Plants 320 (17 Red Data)

WESSA Friends Groups are wetland birds in particular. By 1990 the volunteer groups affiliated to Developing local tourism the Wildlife and Environment focus had broadened to the management Imvubu Nature Tours (www.imvubu. Society of Southern Africa of the full spectrum of biodiversity pres- co.za) is named after Rondevlei’s famous (WESSA) that encourage ent in the 290 ha reserve. Today Rondev- hippos. This small independent tourism public participation in conservation. lei is the primary breeding area for water company based at the reserve has greatly birds in the City of Cape Town and, along enhanced the visitor experience by offer- with Zeekoevlei and the Strandfontein ing a range of services, from guided walks Water Treatment Works, is listed as one and boat trips to carp fishing and camp- of the Important Bird Areas of southern ing on an island in the vlei. It has also Africa. About 10 000 people live along been the catalyst that has enabled local the margins of the reserve, and Ronde- entrepreneurs to benefit from the reserve. vlei is responding creatively to both the challenges and opportunities of being an The company was formed after urban nature reserve. Rondevlei, which was looking for some- one to develop tourism opportunities in It takes commitment the reserve, ran a short course in tourism Rondevlei Nature Reserve is managed for people from the local community. by the City of Cape Town, a city that has Joy Bennett and Graham Arendse, for many years been in a state of political who were unemployed at the time, and institutional transition. This context obtained seed funding from the has had a severe impact on the provision poverty relief fund of the Depart- of both staff and resources in many of the ment of Environmental Affairs and City’s departments, and the Department Tourism to establish their company in of Nature Conservation has been particu- 2001. Their success can be measured not larly hard hit. The fact that City nature only in terms of the tourism and entrepre- reserves are well managed and an asset neurship awards they have received, but to the community is due mainly to the also in the fact that Graham has recently creativity and determination of the highly become Head of Tourism in the South committed staff who have become skilled Peninsula. at “making a plan”. Rondevlei Nature Reserve is an example of a protected nat- As a matter of policy, Imvubu Nature ural area that, despite its skeleton staff, Tours sources all goods-and-services, manages to offer a range of services to the such as catering or bed-and-breakfast public—and it does so mainly through accommodation, from local businesses. partnerships with its local community. Another participant on the tourism people making biodiversity work 57 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

course went on to set up can be as simple as planting a few locally Fay’s Catering Company, indigenous plants. At other times, the which is now the service process may be more radical. They may provider of choice for all not be the tool of choice in all ecological events at Rondevlei. Imvubu restoration work, but Dalton Gibbs has also helps Rondevlei to used them to great effect in an inspiring make optimal use of its project at Zeekoevlei. facilities by hiring out the education centre and boma A suburban sanctuary for meetings and functions. Lying next to Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei is a In this way, an area of which designated but highly urbanised nature the primary purpose is bio- reserve, with over 130 homes abutting on diversity conservation is the reserve. Recently eight new homes providing the local commu- were built on the banks of the vlei, and nity with tangible benefits one resident approached the local nature and opportunities. conservator for permission to build a jetty. The request triggered a process that In addition to creating has resulted in the eight properties work- and sustaining jobs in the ing together with nature conservation to local community, part of transform the waterfront sections of their Imvubu’s lease is given as properties into a sanctuary for biodiver- a donation to help support sity. the Zeekoevlei Environmen- tal Education Programme During the annual drawing down of (ZEEP), (Chapter 6.2 i). Zeekoevlei, Dalton brought in the bull- This helps to keep fees low dozers. They ripped out the entire shore- so that many schools and Eight Zeekoevlei residents line of all eight properties to a depth of youth groups, especially from the Cape now share responsibility for one metre, removed builders’ rubble, Flats, can enjoy overnight education pro- conserving about 15% of the alien trees and grasses, and replaced it world population of Cape grammes at Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei. with clean sand. With the assistance of Flats conebush (Leucadendron levisanus). Working for Wetlands contractors, the Restoring habitats—restoring hope new shoreline was reshaped, a seasonal Conserving biodiversity in an urban envi- wetland constructed, and about 7 000 ronment as developed as Cape Town can- locally indigenous plants planted. An not be limited to defending the area that once supported a monoculture few existing protected natural of lawn grass is now home to over 40 areas. Biodiversity must indigenous plant species, including seven infiltrate and recolonise the Red Data species. spaces between protected areas where people live; The property owners have entered into an it must become once agreement with the City of Cape Town’s again part of the fabric of Department of Nature Conservation and, our every-day lives. Sometimes in exchange for this ecological makeover, restoring biodiversity in our backyards will be responsible for managing their

Dalton Gibbs Dalton Gibbs, manager of Rondevlei Nature Reserve, is of the opinion that “bulldozers can be your friends”! Dalton is one of a special breed of conservationists who work at a strategic level and keeping his feet on the ground. He has been extremely influential in developing Rondevlei Nature Reserve as the

PROFILEpremier centre of lowland and wetland conservation on the Cape Flats. He is also an extremely engaging speaker and has the ability to keep his audiences in stitches while imparting serious conservation lessons. His annual performances at the Fynbos Forum are not to be missed. But this belies his serious work in investigating, restoring and managing conservation priorities. He has a particular talent for blending science and observation with practical conservation measures and for inspiring others to take up the challenge too.

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“special interest zone” with advice from the reserve manager. They are extremely proud of their small sanctuary, which Let’s put the “heath” back in Heathfield! conserves Sand Plain Fynbos and wetland plants that once grew along the northern The beauty of the Cape Flats Erica was its undoing, but may shore of Cape Town’s largest wetland. The eventually prove to have been its salvation. This tall, beautiful residents have reaped some unexpected benefits, including improved security for summer-flowering erica once grew along the edges of seasonal their properties—and even a jetty that all wetlands at the western end of the Cape Flats. By the 1940s, eight properties now share. however, it was extinct in the wild due to the combined pressures of habitat destruction and over-harvesting for the cut-flower Part of the social fabric market. Only the name of the suburb of Heathfield bore witness to The role of Rondevlei Nature Reserve its passing. has changed a great deal since the 1950s Tantalising tales of single plants in cultivation started to when it was established as a bird sanctuary. Then few people from the local area filter through to the horticultural community—one plant in a visited or identified with the reserve; it municipal park in Pretoria, another at Kew Gardens in London, benefited a handful of people who were one behind the Braille Trail at Kirstenbosch and, most recently, interested in watching and studying two specimens in a botanical garden in Vienna, Austria. The birds. latter plants had been propagated by cutting for over 200 years, Dalton believes that their education and since it was first collected at the Cape in 1793! Such is the outreach programme, which began 25 attention paid to things of great beauty. years ago, has been instrumental in helping the local community to identify with Anthony Hitchcock at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Rondevlei and in mitigating environmen- has had great success propagating the Cape Flats Erica from tal impacts like wild fires, littering and cuttings, but nobody knew what growing conditions would suit poaching. Children who have visited the it in the wild. The erica originally grew in the Rondevlei area, so reserve with their schools pester their this became the obvious site for growing trials. Transect studies parents to bring them on weekends for showed that this beauty was fussy about where she wanted to the reptile shows; families enjoy walking along the paths and climbing the obser- live, preferring to grow along the fringes of seasonal wetlands in vation towers; and acid sands, now an extremely rare habitat on the Cape Flats. many a twenty- A suitable site was found at Rondevlei, and a batch of 100 first or wedding plants from Kirstenbosch was planted out. Despite being left reception has to their own devices, a healthy proportion of the original taken place in the boma. These activi- plants has survived. Mr Scout, a resident of Grassy Park, has ties have helped to inte- since told Rondevlei that he remembers that pink ericas, which grate the reserve into the grew to head height, used to grow on this exact field in the 1920s social and historical fabric of and ‘30s when he was a child! the neighbourhood. Plants from three of the Erica clones have now been established at While the wetland contin- Rondevlei, and the southern double-collared sunbirds and hawk ues to attract numerous moths have been doing an effective job of pollination. There was local and interna- great excitement recently when the first viable seed was produced. tional birders, the venue is growing About 200 tiny seedlings are now growing in seed trays—the in importance as a first to germinate on the Cape Flats in over 50 years. This is a multi-purpose com- homecoming worth celebrating! munity asset offering a wide range of recreational, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Dalton explains: “We need to tie the reserve into the social fabric in ways that don’t compromise the biodiversity.” Rondevlei seems to have found a way to achieve this balance.

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What have we learned?  Protected area managers in urban areas need to diversify reserve activities, providing opportunities for the whole community to benefit without compromising biodiversity. Rondevlei Nature Reserve is Both the fynbos and subtropical thicket a significant breeding site for  Rondevlei has developed three vegetation types of the Nelson Mandela Metro water birds in Cape Town. clear priorities, which inform are recognised as conservation priorities. all decision-making and resource allocation; these are, 2.4 Lowland Conservation in order of priority, biodiversity conservation, environmental in the Nelson Mandela education and tourism / recre- Metro ation. These priorities apply to all partner organisations and (i) The Nelson Mandela activities on the reserve. Metropolitan Open Space System  Environmental education has (NM MOSS) Project played a vital role in introduc- elson Mandela Bay (previously ing the local community to the Nelson Mandela Metropoli- Imvubu Tours has enhanced Rondevlei and overcoming a tan Area) covers an area of nearly the tourism potential of N 2 perception that the reserve was 2 000 km and incorporates the city of Rondevlei by offering various only for people interested in activities like nature trails, Port Elizabeth and the towns of Uitenhage boat rides and carp fishing. birds. and Despatch. Lying at the southeastern  corner of the CFR, this metropolitan area Because staffing and budgets has the unique privilege of being South are limited, Rondevlei uses Africa’s only “five biome city”. Driving its personnel and operational around the largest metropolitan area in budget to conserve biodiversity, the Eastern Cape Province is like enjoy- provide some environmental ing a condensed tour of South Africa. In education and maintain its just one day you can experience typical infrastructure. It then out- Eastern Cape subtropical thicket; forests sources to partner organisa- of the type that made the Garden Route tions functions like tourism famous; grasslands that have for centuries supported the region’s cattle herds; the and overnight environmental semi-arid Nama-Karoo; and the proteas, The Cape Flats Erica, once education, which it could oth- restios and ericas that are typical of the extinct in the wild, is now erwise not afford to offer. fynbos. flourishing again at Rondevlei.  Despite the successes, the Compared to Cape Town, where over 70% reserve faces some crucial of lowland habitats have already been obstacles; for example, regard- transformed, Nelson Mandela Bay is still less of an abundance of rheto- relatively undeveloped, with only 30% having been transformed by cultivation ric as to the value of partner- or urbanisation. In a proactive effort to ships, the process of actually ensure that future land use planning and entering into effective partner- decision-making serves the needs of both ships with the private sector is citizens and biodiversity, local govern- compromised by administra- ment and civil society have seized the tive hurdles. opportunity to plan an open space system for the Metro.  Without more effort to commu- Less than a year after the nicate the value of protected More sites needed! bulldozers, Bottom Road areas to make the local com- The NM MOSS Project showed that the residents are enjoying munity aware of the unique- existing system of conservation areas in their own vlei-side nature ness and value of their reserves Nelson Mandela Bay is not sufficient to reserve. and biodiversity, local action- attain the conservation targets set. Nine- will be undermined. teen of the region’s 58 vegetation types 60 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

NM Moss Vegetation Types

This colourful patchwork of 58 different vegetation types reflects the astounding ecological diversity within the Nelson Mandela Metro. The NM MOSS Project aims to inform both forward planning initiatives (e.g. the SDF) and development planning in the Municipality and thereby safeguard this diversity.

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A proactive conservation plan Implementing NM Conservation targets MOSS The NM MOSS Project sets targets for the conservation of Current projects include: vegetation types, species of special concern and ecological  processes. rezoning priority conservation land owned by the The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Open Space System (NM municipality to public MOSS) Project is a partnership between Nelson Mandela Bay, the open space. Wildlife and Environment Society of Southern Africa’s Biodiversity  developing private land Conservation Unit (WESSA-BCU), the Terrestial Ecology Research owner conservation ini- Unit (TERU) at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, the tiatives. TMF and the Mazda Wildlife Fund. The partnership developed  a community conserva- a framework for an open space plan for the Metro through a tion project in the Van process of rigorous ecological research coupled with a programme der Kemps Kloof / Par- of public participation. Scientists used Geographic Information sonsvlei area. System (GIS) techniques to create fine-scale maps showing the distribution of natural vegetation communities, as well as Realising the vision of ecological processes, and endemic and threatened species. “… a representative They assessed the conservation status of this biodiversity, and proportion of all biodiversity investigated options for conserving biodiversity pattern and in Nelson Mandela process. Citizens informed the design of the future open space Bay [being] effectively system and suggested how it could contribute to social and conserved, in a manner economic development. that is embraced by local communities, endorsed by In a city with as rich a biodiversity heritage as Nelson Mandela government and recognised Bay, it is not enough simply to set aside a certain percentage of the internationally” will require total area of the city for conservation. An effective conservation ongoing advocacy, capacity plan must take account of the different ecological communities building, and monitoring and processes and ensure that each of these has a good chance of and evaluation. The survival. Special attention needs to be paid to vegetation types that partnerships established are under the greatest pressure. during the planning phase must be strengthened After assessing the current status of biodiversity, the NM MOSS and expanded. Urban Project set conservation targets for the different elements making planners, developers and up the overall biodiversity picture in the Metro. The project also decision-makers must be identified priorities for expanding the conservation network. convinced of the need for See opposite. biodiversity conservation in the Metro, and able to use It is not just the diversity of ecosystems that makes conservation the planning framework planning in Nelson Mandela Bay extremely challenging. The and decision-support tools Eastern Cape faces huge socio-economic problems, with high that have been developed. levels of urban and rural poverty, a critical shortage of jobs and Perhaps most importantly, housing, and capacity constraints in government departments. the public must be enabled In such a context, making biodiversity planning a priority may to appreciate the benefits of seem an impossible dream. However, an understanding of the the plan, because ultimately fundamental importance of biodiversity to the sustainability the success of NM MOSS and quality of human life in the Metro makes this investment in depends on the will of the planning justifiable in socio-economic as well as ecological terms. people of Nelson Mandela Bay.

62 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) are not represented at all in protected reserve network or managed as biodiver- areas and only five are adequately con- sity corridors linking the reserve network. served according to the conservation With nearly 63% of land in the Metro targets. being privately owned, the NM MOSS will only succeed if landowners also par- The project used the conservation targets ticipate in the programme. to draw up a plan for a representative protected areas system for the Metro. In Already a significant proportion of addition to retaining all provincial and the conservation estate is made local nature reserves and natural heritage up of private nature reserves sites, the plan recommends adding all and conservancies; the chal- sites with critically endangered habitats lenge will be to guarantee the to form the core conservation areas in a long-term security of these protected metropolitan reserve network. areas, and to develop incentives to It also recommends that, where possible, encourage more landowners to con- sites classified as endangered or vulner- serve biodiversity on their proper- able should either be included in the ties.

NM Moss Vegetation Types

The NM MOSS Project has developed maps that show the distribution of biodiversity features, their conservation status, areas where urban open space zoning is recommended, and existing and planned development areas.

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Implementation begins What have we A comprehensive, scientifically justifi- learned? able conservation plan is now available to guide development planning and deci-  Developing a metropolitan sion-making in Nelson Mandela Bay; the open space system (MOSS) challenge now is to implement this plan. plan requires effective partnerships between government and Conservation challenges in an civil society. urban community  The agency that will imple- Van der Kempskloof-Parsonsvlei: a ment the MOSS plan must conservation priority arrick Stewart together be involved in developing the Bethelsdorp, one of the oldest Congrega- with Brian Reeves estab- W plan. tional mission stations in South Africa, lished the WESSA Biodiversity  was established in the nineteenth century Conservation Unit in the East- A stable institutional environ- in the Van der Kempskloof-Parsonsvlei ern Cape. Following an initial ment greatly enhances long- area. It falls within the Nelson Mandela approach of determining conser- term planning processes like Bay metropolitan area and was identified vation priorities at fine-scale in MOSS planning. during the NM MOSS Project as one of 12 Nelson Mandela Bay, Warrick  The public was generally not priority conservation sites in the Metro. provided leadership for the imple- interested in the conserva- The vegetation of the area is diverse, mentation of some important tion assessment, but rather including both fynbos and subtropical projects including capacity-build- in the potential benefits and thicket, and at least six Red Data plant ing for local municipalities and improved management of and animal species are found. Local peo- conservation stewardship support open space. To develop greater ple are well aware of the value of the veg- in critical habitat corridors. public support for biodiversity etation, as they have used it for centuries conservation in the Metro, for a host of purposes, from grazing and conservation agencies need thatching, to food and medicine. How- to work with and build on the ever, more pressing issues prevent them existing interests and concerns from conserving these important natural of people. assets in their environment.  There is a general lack of bio- As the Metro grows, the natural vegeta- diversity planning capacity tion has been coming under increas- in municipalities; the project ing pressure from expanding informal team identified the need for settlements, increased grazing, poor training and mentorship in this waste management, frequent fires and field, and commissioned the off-road vehicles. Land degradation has development of learning sup- undermined the community’s traditional port materials to address this livelihoods and also threatens potential need. biodiversity-based opportunities that  Providing information about could be developed in the area, such as biodiversity and development nature-based tourism. in the form of fine-scale maps THE WESSA-BCU (Eastern Cape Region) greatly facilitates land use undertook a year-long consultative planning and decision-making process in the greater Van der Kemps- at municipal level. kloof-Parsonsvlei area and developed an  The land owner has the final ecological management plan for the area. say as to what takes place on They consulted existing institutions and his or her property. The success projects to find out about the area and of NM MOSS and its associat- the aspirations of the local community. ed conservation management An ecological management plan was plans relies on the co-opera- developed, which included the proposed tion of both public and private proclamation of a municipal nature landholders. reserve, a private conservation land own-  NM MOSS needs a system to er initiative, and associated recreational, keep track of developments to educational and economic development ensure that piecemeal losses of projects. For a number of reasons, the habitat do not eventually result plan has not been implemented fully yet; in the Metro being unable to however, many consultants working in meet its conservation targets. these areas are finding the plan a useful guiding document. 64 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Theory—practice gaps The lack of project implementation in the Bethelsdorp area illustrates an important lesson in putting conservation plans into practice. Fine-scale conservation planning is a highly rational scientific process. It charts the distribution of vegetation types, sets conservation targets, and decides on priorities for intervention. While the planning process may be technologically challenging, it is, relatively speaking, the easy part. Implementing these plans can be a highly complex and in some contexts even a problematic social process.

Developing and implementing a conservation management plan for a “target area” is not simply an extension of a rational conservation planning process. People living in the target area may have completely different aspirations for their environment, The WESSA-BCU (Eastern for example preferring the prospects of What have we Cape Region) undertook urbanisation to vague notions of biodi- a year-long consultative process in the greater Van der versity-based business, of which they learned? Kempskloof-Parsonsvlei area may have no experience. People are also  While developing conservation and developed an ecological understandably suspicious of outsiders plans is a relatively neat, ratio- management plan for the area. who arrive wanting to make plans for nal scientific process, imple- their communities, especially when the menting these plans is a messy process appears to be taking place rap- social process that requires idly. wisdom, skill and lots of time. These issues are compounded by the  Unless communities and complexity of communities. Using the landholders have proof that term “the community” can conjure up a conserving biodiversity will be picture of a group of similar people with profitable, they will be unlikely comparable aspirations whose interests to give up the livelihoods they are championed by representatives who are familiar with and know strive to fulfil the needs of the whole they can rely on. group. It would be hard to find such a  People are reluctant to adopt community anywhere in the world, and plans that they feel have been soap operas and newspapers alike remind made for them, especially us that social groups are generally char- when these plans come from acterised not by neat structures but by an outside agency. messy politics.  Conservation planners have So, when the project manager working very little experience of includ- in the Van der Kempskloof-Parsonsvlei ing communal land such as area speaks of a “gap between theory and Church property in biodiversity practice”, he is describing the realities networks in South Africa. of trying to overlay a neat GIS planning  Municipalities are facing huge layer on the complexity of a real-life com- socio-economic development munity of people. If the plan is to become challenges, and at the same reality, the process will require a consid- time many lack the capacity erable investment of time, resources and to deliver basic services. Con- capacity building. Sustainable implemen- servation agencies will need to tation will rely on local people, conser- continue playing a role in bio- vationists, social scientists, development diversity planning that under workers in NGOs and CBOs, and munici- different circumstances would pal officials who are committed to the be the responsibility of local process in the long term. government. people making biodiversity work 65 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

A well-documented process It takes extensive research to plan an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable biodiversity corridor. Some of the documents produced during the Cederberg planning phase included:  Pre-feasibility Study: Economic potential & impacts of a mega-reserve  For Wupperthal resident Moshall Mouton, one Biodiversity Profile: Natural and cultural heritage, its value, of the most significant things that came out of current conservation status & research needs this project was a realisation that the initiative was “not merely a planning exercise, but rather  Socio-political Profile: Community consultation & review of an integral part of helping the community to develop its ecotourism business plan”. In government policies other words, stakeholders didn’t have to wait  Spatial Plans & Priority Areas: A suitable planning domain until the overall strategic planning phase was completed before they experienced tangible boundary; analysis of all relevant spatial data available for benefits. the area.  Strategic Management & Business Plan: Drafted by the steering committee C.A.P.E. Progamme has committed $1.1 million to support a variety of implemen-  Tourism Development Plan: Consolidated biodiversity-based tation projects in the biodiversity cor- tourism plan & list of role-players in the GCBC ridor.

Crossing the boundaries The GCBC covers a staggering 1.8 mil- 2.5 The Greater Cederberg lion ha in both the Northern and Western Biodiversity Corridor Cape Provinces and includes both state and privately owned land. It stretches (i) Conservation Corridors from the Nieuwoudtville plateau in the ne of the recommendations of the north to the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness C.A.P.E strategy was the establish- Area in the south, and from the Sandveld ment of mega-reserves or conser- of the West Coast to the Tankwa National Ovation corridors that are large enough to Park in the east, and incorporates the sustain biodiversity patterns and process- Cederberg Wilderness Area. It spans an ecological gradient from moist mountain Rock Art in the Greater es in the CFR, even in the face of global Cederberg Biodiversity climate change. Due to the extent of land fynbos to semi-desert and represents two corridor. transformation in the region, there are globally significant biodiversity hotspots: limited opportunities to create these cor- the CFR and the Succulent Karoo. ridors; possible sites identified included the Cederberg, Baviaanskloof and Gouritz CapeNature does not intend consolidat- areas. With the support of the Critical ing this biodiversity corridor by acquir- Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), ing or directly managing extensive new Cape-Nature investigated the establish- landholdings. Instead, the conservation ment of mega-reserves in the Cederberg agency is trying to implement a stew- and Gouritz regions, undertaking exten- ardship approach. Jaco Venter, project sive stakeholder participation and plan- co-ordinator for the initiative, describes ning processes. this approach as recognising and working with the “lived in, worked in” nature of

an extended landscape. In June 2004, CapeNature launched the

Despite having to travel great Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor distances, over 100 people (GCBC), marking the culmination of a New name—new identity participated in consultative ground-breaking planning process. The What’s in a name? Quite a lot, actually. workshops to plan the GCBC planning phase generated a number of Names are loaded with meaning, and the strategy. comprehensive specialist reports, as legacy they reflect may not always be a well as strategic management and busi- positive one. During the early stages of ness plans for the GCBC. Encouraged by the public participation process when the success of the planning phase, the community groups, landowners and 66 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor

The Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor crosses government departments were first intro- from the region who actively championed provincial boundaries, spans duced to the idea of a Cederberg mega- the process. Various action groups gave ecological gradients and reserve, it became clear that the term practical support to the steering commit- represents two biodiversity “reserve” had negative connotations for tee. hotspots. many people. It reminded them of earlier processes of nature reserve establishment People travelled long distances to attend and raised fears that CapeNature might meetings and workshops, but they were want to buy or expropriate their land, put happy to do so because these were pro- a fence around it and deny them access to ductive events that promoted implemen- traditional livelihoods. A task team was tation. For instance, stakeholders who given the challenge to come up with a participated in the Action Planning more appropriate name and settled on the Workshop were able to contribute to Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor. the development of a draft strategy The name is significant, not only because that guided the planning phase. In it more accurately reflects the nature of turn, the strategy development the area, but also because the name was process provided a context for given by the people of the region. stakeholders to develop their own business plans for biodiversity-friendly enterprises. Experienced project staff Planning together for action members were on hand to provide sup- The planning phase of the GCBC initia- port, with the result that the planning tive was a positive process that was char- phase generated both an overall strategy acterised by partnerships and the close for the GCBC and more specific busi- alignment of planning and implementa- ness and action plans. This co-operative tion. A steering committee was estab- approach resulted in good working rela- lished, made up of important role-players tionships between stakeholders. people making biodiversity work 67 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Agriculture is probing the conservation What have we willingness of landowners and encouraging them to enter into Stewardship agree- learned? ments with CapeNature in order to con-  Always plan for implementa- serve natural corridors in the landscape. tion. If a plan does not lead to an Action Plan with The AWP process involves drawing up commitments for implementa- a database and detailed maps of current tion, then the plan is of no use and future land uses on farms. This area- aco Venter has brought his experience as and it will probably just wide inventory enables the Department J a project manager to bear on the Greater waste valuable resources. to co-ordinate agricultural land use plan- Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor. Working ning to ensure sustainability in the long  Promote implementation, even closely with Jaco Rheeder, CapeNature’s term. The database includes a “conserva- during the planning phase. Try Business Unit Manager for the Cederberg, tion willingness” score, which is based on not to put projects he has developed good relationships with questions answered by the land owner. on hold until the planning stakeholders from all walks of life, facilitat- This helps the GCBC Management Team phase is completed; help ing progress with the project. He is seen here to decide which landowners to approach people to develop strategic with Steve Gildenhuys who is working on the first to discuss Stewardship arrange- direction, business plans, man- Kogelberg project. ments. Thanks to good co-operation agement plans and capacity to between the Management Unit and land- implement these plans using owners, conservation planning has been available staff and resources. progressing rapidly in the GCBC. Already,  Aligning planning with imple- plans are underway to establish contract mentation encouraged stake- conservation areas that will provide a cor- holder buy-in and raised ridor for leopard movement between two awareness of the corridor pro- mountain ranges. cess. In the Sandveld, AWP gives landowners an opportunity to inform the departments represented on the Sandveld Task Team of any issues and project proposals they Chipping away at the Sandveld consider to be important in the area. Stretching from the West Coast These recommendations are presented across the coastal plain to the Olifants to the relevant departments at quarterly River mountains in the east, the western Sandveld Task Team meetings. section of the Greater Cederberg Biodiver- sity Corridor is known as the Sandveld. Good stewards of the Corridor The process of mapping the biodiversity The GCBC Management Unit is helping corridor drew attention to the rapid loss Sandveld landowners to identify and of natural habitats in this region. In stark implement sustainable land management contrast to the well-conserved mountain- options. The Unit is working closely with ous parts of the corridor, in the Sandveld DEA&DP to provide advice on sustainable only the wetlands of Elandsbaai and land use and to streamline the develop- Rocherpan are formally protected; most ment application process. The Unit is habitats are now classified as vulnerable, also helping landowners to set up a Water endangered or critically endangered. Association in order to start addressing the urgent issue of water conservation in Improved Communication and the Sandveld. Progress has been made implementation with best practice guidelines for biodiversity management by the rooibos tea The GCBC initiative has improved com- industry. One of the key objectives of the munication and strengthened co-opera- GCBC Management Unit is to adapt these tion between natural resource man- guidelines for the potato industry. agement agencies in the region; for example, in working with The GCBC Management Unit is also local landowners, the Department actively bringing the plight of the Sand- of Aagriculture and CapeNature veld to the attention of a wide range of have integrated two complemen- people. In addition to generating consid- tary projects: Area-wide Plan- erable media coverage, members have ning (AWP) and Stewardship given presentations at farmers’ associa- (Chapter 5.2 (i)).Through the tion and women’s group meetings, as AWP process, the Department of well as at the Annual General Meeting of 68 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

State of emergency! Nine of the 12 vegetation types in the Sandveld are threatened by habitat loss—mostly due to potato farming.

Historically this arid lowland area was mainly used for grazing cattle. When it was discovered that the soils were suitable for potato farming, vast tracts of virgin veld were ploughed up and centre-pivot irrigation installed. The economic imperative was strong: a farmer can earn about R1.2 million per year from a 20 ha potato circle, compared with only R110 000 per year from about 2 000 ha of grazing land. It’s therefore no surprise that about 975 ha of natural habitat is being transformed every year, or about 2.7 ha per day! Compared to other parts of the province, this area has been experiencing the greatest pressure from agricultural development: departmental records show that 80% of all virgin land cleared for agriculture in the province between 1989 and 2004 was along the West Coast.

Potato circles are having a devastating impact on biodiversity, but this isn’t the only problem. Groundwater levels are dropping fast, threatening all livelihoods in the region— including potato farming. The level of Verlorenvlei, a wetland of international importance, is also falling, making us question just how well protected our so- called protected areas really are. Climate change predictions suggest strongly that the western parts of South Africa will become progressively drier. If Sandveld farmers want to stay in business, they will need to start looking for sustainable alternatives to intensive potato farming.

To address these issues of unsustainable farming, destruction of natural vegetation and falling groundwater levels, a Sandveld Task Team was formed, comprising representatives of CapeNature, DEA&DP, DoA, Like a giant cookie-cutter, the irrigation circles have removed all natural vegetation. DWAF and municipalities. The Task Team has been meeting with landowners and communities throughout the Sandveld to investigate local needs and seek more sustainable alternatives. People have discovered that they have much in common and are working together to share examples of good practice and decide on regional priorities.

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Potato SA. They have even taken provincial government ministers and represen- Northern Cederberg Donkey Trails tatives of Conservation International and the GEF on flights over the area to see the In the northern Cederberg, an exciting community tourism impact of the potato circles and experience first hand just how little natural opportunity has been launched that will introduce you to Sandveld vegetation survives. traditional Cederberg hospitality and transport, while you marvel at the magnificence of the Wilderness Area. Drive or get a lift to the From the start, the GCBC initiative has top of Pakhuis Pass, where you will be met by Abraham Ockhuis, encouraged a partnership approach to resident of Heuningvlei, who will give you a lift in a traditional biodiversity conservation that involves donkey cart along the jeep track that winds its way down the landowners, local communities, municipalities, non-governmental organisations northern flank of the Cederberg to the village. There you can stay and government conservation agencies. the night in a guest house, enjoying traditional food and swapping The broad conservation strategy for the stories under the stars. Spend a day or two hiking and enjoying biodiversity corridor must go hand in Heuningvlei hospitality, and then return to the Pass by donkey cart. hand with plans to promote social and Soon you may be able to continue your ride down the valley, as economic development through wise use of the region’s natural and cultural plans are under way to extend the donkey cart trail to Wupperthal, resources. As the implementation phase the Moravian mission town famous for its veldskoen factory. This unfolds, partners are working together innovative tourism venture is an opportunity for the villages of the to develop models of best environmental northern Cederberg to benefit directly from a growing interest in management practice, particularly in the natural beauty and cultural history of the place that has been areas of high conservation priority like the Sandveld. their home for centuries. (ii) The Cederberg Rare Project To book a Cederberg Donkey Trail, please contact the Porterville The cedar is an icon for another innova- office of CapeNature, the booking agent for the Heuningvlei tive project—the Cederberg Wilderness community, on (022) 9312900 / [email protected]. Awareness Campaign, co-ordinated by Kobie Hanekom of CapeNature. Kobie is the local representative of Rare, an international NGO that develops conservation education programmes in biodiversity hotspots around the world.

An important aspect of the Rare strategy is the assessment of their awareness campaigns. According to the pre- and post- intervention questionnaires Kobie distributed, the community is far more aware of the value of biodiversity than they were before the campaign. And has all this awareness-raising actually made a difference to the Clanwilliam cedar and the broader Cederberg environment? Working in partnership with other conservation initiatives, Rare has broadened participation and strengthened efforts to bring the cedar back to the Cederberg.

What have we learned?  When building awareness about environmental issues, Donkey cart trails are an exciting tourism innovation in the Cederberg. don’t underestimate the influence children can have on their families.

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 In order to establish the effectiveness of an awareness-rais- The Rare Programme www. rareconservation.org ing project, it is essential to put a monitoring and evaluation programme in place from the Based at the beginning. University of Kent in England,  Before developing an awareness programme, consult a the Rare wide range of local stakehold- Programme is ers to ensure that you under- supported by stand the issue and the local Conservation context. International (CI) and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership  Conservation information Fund (CEPF). Rare identifies biodiversity hotspots needing doesn’t have to be presented conservation education programmes and offers scholarships in a serious way: fun activi- to build the capacity of project co-ordinators. Successful ties and materials are effective means of introducing environ- applicants from all over the world attend a 10-week training mental topics. course in Kent. Their contracts last for 30 months, during which the co-ordinators implement biodiversity awareness  The media is a vital partner in spreading the conservation programmes guided by a comprehensive manual. Return visits message. to Kent give participants opportunities to share and reflect on their programmes and to learn from the experiences of others.  Sound partnerships enhance the effectiveness and reach of Rare’s conservation education approach is based on turning a conservation education proj- charismatic flagship species into a symbol of local pride, and ects. using this as a focus for developing understanding of the value of biodiversity and the need to conserve it.

Kobie Hanekom Kobie, a qualified teacher, had just started working for CapeNature as a field ranger when the opportunity came up to apply for a Rare scholarship. “I joined CapeNature in April; by June I was on my way to England. It was an incredible experience going abroad, making PROFILE friends with colleagues from China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sierra Leone and learning so many things,” he recalls.

When he returned, Kobie started working with schools and community groups, raising awareness of the biodiversity of the Cederberg and threats facing the wilderness area. It has been a busy couple of years, with talks at farm open days and community forums, a regular slot on Radio Namaqualand, and distribution of posters, fact sheets and bumper stickers. Kobie also developed a user-friendly booklet on environmental legislation and ran a training programme for the police service, which was very well received.

If working with adults is the serious side of Kobie’s job, visiting the 11 schools around the Cederberg Wilderness Area is the fun part. Their cedar tree mascot and puppet show introduce children to the uniqueness of their environment and build a sense of pride in their heritage. Teaching a captivated audience of Grade Ones The Cederberg Song, Kobie is in his element. “These children aren’t just the future,” he declares. “When they go home to their families this afternoon, they will tell them what they learned at school today. I believe that children are ‘message multipliers’ who can help to spread awareness of biodiversity in their communities today.” As Kobie waves goodbye to another delighted class, he leaves them with their “A to Z” colouring-in books to remind them of what they have learned about the Cederberg: A is for Astronomy; B is for Buchu; C is for the Clanwilliam cedar …

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Sharing learning

Within the broader C.A.P.E. network, there are growing opportunities for people from the different regions to share ideas. Recently stakeholders involved ivil society stakeholders govern the Greater enny Mustart, co-ordinator of the Botanical in the Baviaanskloof C Cederberg Corridor Initiative under the guid- P Society’s current initiatives in the Cederberg, Mega-Reserve invited ance of Fanie Bekker, Chairman of the Steering sees the cedar as an icon for conservation efforts in representatives from Committee and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Cederberg. “Our focus on the cedar is not just the Greater Cederberg CapeNature. Fanie is the recipient of a C.A.P.E. about conserving the species,” she says. “The cedar Gold Conservation Award for his extensive contri- is a charismatic tree. People hear about its plight Biodiversity Corridor to butions to the conservation of the Cape Floristic and want to do something to help. So the cedar has share ideas about setting Region over the past two decades. been used as a focus in broader environmental edu- up cedar nurseries to help cation and community development programmes.” with the conservation of the endemic Willowmore cedar, Widdringtonia schwarzii. (iii) A Cederberg icon with funding from Fauna and Flora Inter- national (FFI), established a new nursery Isn’t it ironic that the very tree that gave at Matjiesrivier on the eastern side of the its name to the magnificent Cederberg Cederberg Wilderness Area. Committed mountains is today so rare that it has members of the Cederberg Conservancy been listed as a Red Data species? The assist CapeNature in managing the nurs- population of endemic Clanwilliam cedar ery. trees (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis), which as recently as the early nineteenth Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and century grew in stands that stretched for Retreat, an exclusive guest lodge in the many kilometres, is now limited to iso- northern Cederberg, also recognises the lated gnarled survivors standing defiantly iconic nature of the cedar. They have amongst rocky outcrops at high altitudes. established a satellite nursery and host People have put pressure on the Clanwil- an annual Cedar Tree Weekend in May, liam cedar since the earliest times. Fires when guests join people from the com- set by the San and Khoi to flush out game munity to plant out cedar saplings in a and to stimulate new growth for grazing woodlot at Heuningvlei village and in the World renowned: The IUCN destroyed saplings and giants alike. But surrounding mountains. recognises the Clanwilliam it was the hunger of the European set- cedar as one of 43 conifers in tlers for its strong and fragrant wood—for Additional cedar nurseries are planned the world requiring special floors, ceilings, furniture and miles upon for the Clanwilliam area to provide train- conservation attention. The miles of telephone poles—that sealed its ing and employment opportunities, as tree has been protected in fate. Today frequent devastating veld fires well as a chance for local communities to South Africa for more than help to conserve the cedar. 100 years. leave this species with a slim chance of survival. What have we In 1987, CapeNature conservation officer S V van der Merwe established a learned? nursery in an attempt to bring  Focusing on a particular spe- the cedar back to the Cederberg. cies as an icon can be a vital Thousands of saplings were tool for stimulating a wider planted out each year. After interest in biodiversity conser- 1995 considerable help came vation. from volunteers involved in the Botanical Society’s Ced-  The involvement of diverse erberg Conservation Group, partners (institutions, NGOs, who assisted with plant- landowners, local communities ings. When the nursery and business) provides a solid closed in 2000 due to bud- base for long-term project sus- getary constraints, the Botanical Society, tainability. 72 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

2.6 The Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve Hotspot statistics A remarkable number of plants and animals call the (i) An Eastern Cape treasure Baviaanskloof home—but many of these are threatened with n the Eastern Cape, a flagship mega- extinction: reserve is in the making. With its core in Port Elizabeth’s vital water  About 1 200 different types of plants have been recorded in the catchmentI area of the Baviaanskloof and Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve (BNR). Kouga mountain ranges, much of the area has been conserved since the 1920s,  Scientists estimate that about 2 500 species grow in the whole when the Baviaanskloof Forest Reserve mega-reserve area; this is about 10% of all the plants in South was declared and managed as a mountain Africa. catchment area. In 1987 the forestry land was given nature reserve status and today  More than 50 species of plants in the BNR are threatened with the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve plus six extinction. smaller nature reserves make up the pro-  tected core of the mega-reserve. Now, one 20 species are endemic to the Baviaanskloof—in other words, of C.A.P.E.’s most progressive conserva- you won’t find them growing naturally anywhere else on earth. tion partnerships has been forged under  the leadership of the Eastern Cape Parks Other than the leopard, all the large carnivores that once lived Board and the Wilderness Foundation. in this area are locally extinct. The Baviaanskloof is remarkable in terms  The Baviaanskloof is recognised as a Globally Important Bird of the diversity of its natural ecosystems. In 2004 this richness was acknowledged Area; more than a third of all South African bird species are internationally when the Baviaanskloof found there. was listed as one of eight areas making up  24 of the 57 reptile species, and eight of the 17 amphibians the new CFR World Heritage Site. Seven of South Africa’s eight major natural found in the BNR are endemic to South Africa. regions or biomes are represented here, and you will find plants and animals typical of fynbos, forest, grassland, succulent karoo, Nama-Karoo, subtropical thicket and savanna. Two of these biomes—the plants and animals, but also that much of The core of the Baviaanskloof planning region comprises fynbos and succulent karoo—are globally this diversity is under threat. In the Bavi- seven nature reserves (the recognised “biodiversity hotspots”. Being aanskloof mega-reserve planning region, Baviaanskloof Reserve declared a “hotspot” is a dubious honour, the most threatened habitats are lowland Cluster). The Kouga, Baviaans however; it means that your region is areas along rivers, which have been and Groot Rivers join to form home to a spectacular variety of unique extensively farmed for generations. the Gamtoos River, which provides a linkage to the sea.

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t the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference in June A 2004, Albert Mfenyana, Chief Director of the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism (DEAET), reflected on how being a C.A.P.E. partner had strengthened conservation efforts in the Baviaanskloof. (Albert was recognised for his contribution to the C.A.P.E. Programme by the award of a C.A.P.E. Gold Con- Baviaanskloof Fynbos. seravtion Award in 2006):  C.A.P.E. combines biodiversity issues Keeping people on the with social upliftment and commu- land in living landscapes nity involvement; A considerable amount of  integrates the activities of various ecological, social and eco- implementation agencies; nomic research has been conducted in the Baviaanskloof region  enables co-ordinated management of to determine how best to conserve the fynbos; diverse ecosystems and natural processes  provides access to funding; within the mega-reserve area. Ecosystem  has elevated the status of the Baviaan- programmes like C.A.P.E., the Subtropical Euphorbia dominated Gamtoos skloof. thicket. Thicket Ecosystem Programme (STEP) and the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Pro- gramme (SKEP) agree that the most sus- job creation and capacity building. tainable way forward for this unique area Ecotourism is starting to complement is to “keep people on the land in living agriculture, conservation and catchment landscapes”. management as an income generator in the area. Many people in the Baviaanskloof live in poverty so it was essential that the mega- Take time to lay a firm foundation reserve should bring economic opportuni- South Africa is a wonderfully innova- ties to the region. An extensive two-year tive society, and visitors to this country stakeholder process funded by the CEPF often refer to our “can-do” attitude. generated a vision and five-year manage- Farm workers. Mega-reserves or biodiversity corridors ment plan for the Baviaanskloof Mega- are an example of innovative thinking in Reserve (BMR), which were launched in biodiversity conservation. The vision is September 2004. Major project partners inspiring but, because it is a new idea, are the Eastern Cape Parks Board and the we have no long-term case studies from Wilderness Foundation. This initiative which to learn. The people involved in has helped to spread the news about the creating these corridors have to be willing rich natural and cultural heritage of this to “make the path by walking it”. region, and to stimulate a demand for tourist facilities and services in the area. Two years were set aside to consult stake- The initiative has attracted considerable holders and develop a vision and manage- funding for new developments in this ment plan for the BMR, but this proved Rock art. part of the Eastern Cape, with interna- to be insufficient. Setting up meetings tional donors, local funders and govern- across the region took much longer than ment investing generously in ecological expected because of the remoteness of restoration, infrastructure development, the area. Much of the Baviaanskloof is a 74 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Opportunities to communicate Communication approaches have varied depending on the stakeholder groups:  A popular publication on the Baviaanskloof (Boshoff, Kerley & Cowling 2000) helped to promote and garner support for this project. An updated version was published in 2005.  The Baviaanskloof Steering Committee oversees the project he Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve is based on management unit. It meets once a quarter and enables a range T a systematic conservation plan developed by of stakeholders (government, academia, NGOs, civil society, Andrew Skowno, pictured here with Aziz Bonzaner organised agriculture, C.A.P.E., etc) to report on and guide (right) and Slaheddine Ben-Halima of the World developments in the BMR. Bank.  Specialist working groups are formed on an ad hoc basis to wilderness area, known for its excruciat- address matters as they arise. Getting these groups to function ingly bad roads. Communities are small effectively can be very time consuming, however. and isolated, and the diversity of social  Community groups in the Baviaanskloof initially requested groups is as rich as the biodiversity for mass meetings with the PMU representative to ensure that which this area is famous, so a variety of communication forums were required. A everybody had direct access to information about the BMR. complicated land claim involving one of But large meetings have their limitations and communities are the farms in the kloof has also required starting to develop representative com- considerable time to resolve. munity structures that will allow for smaller meetings with PMU staff. Furthermore, the BMR planning process has been taking place at a time of broader  A skilled land negotiator, Colyn Schel- institutional change in the province. The tema, born and bred in the area, was Eastern Cape Parks Board, which is the appointed to introduce landowners public entity responsible for managing to the concept of the BMR; most com- the core protected areas of the mega- munication takes place in one-to-one reserve, was only established in 2004 meetings, but also at agricultural co- through the amalgamation of the Pro- tected Areas Section of the Eastern Cape operative meetings and by means of a Department of Economic Affairs, Envi- newsletter. Colyn Scheltema. ronment and Tourism, and the Eastern Cape Tourism Board. The organisation therefore needs time to develop institu- predictable nor efficient process. It was tional structures and capacity, as well therefore necessary to apply for a project as co-operative governance systems and extension to complete the stakeholder agreements with the various role-players consultations. The funders wisely granted involved in the mega-reserve. this, realising that the future of the mega- reserve depended on a firm Donor-funded proj- foundation of understand- ects are governed by ing, trust and good goals and time frames; communication being however, authentic atthew Norval and com- laid in the preparatory munity stakeholders dis- public participa- phase. M tion is neither a cuss issues of common concern in the Western Baviaanskloof.

Matthew Norval Communication is the key Members of the BMR Project Management Unit (PMU) led by Matthew Norval agree that the most significant lesson learned during the BMR planning process has been the importance of good communication.

PROFILE Different approaches have been appropriate in different contexts (see box), but all groups have contributed constructive input into development of the mega-reserve vision and management plan.

people making biodiversity work 75 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

upa Chauke is an intern working with the O Baviaanskloof team on poverty relief programmes.

a rare plant grows. A commercial farmer might decide to join a local conservancy or, when the Parks Board creates the necessary contractual frameworks, contract a portion of his farm into the reserve and re-stock it with game.

Making the mega-reserve work The vision of “keeping people on the land As in the other biodiversity corridor in living landscapes” is a challenging areas, it has taken landowners time to concept to both the conservationists who accept that the Eastern Cape Parks Board manage the nature reserves and people does not intend to evict them from their who live and work in the BMR. The core properties in order to forcibly incorporate conservation areas will drive ecotour- land into a protected area. Strengthening ism in the BMR, so to attract visitors the biodiversity conservation in the Baviaan- PMU is developing and upgrading infra- he Government’s Expanded skloof requires both direct conservation structure in the reserves. The people of T Public Works Programme actions and the provision of secondary the kloof are already benefiting from job is designed not only to provide services to support ecotourism. Participa- opportunities created by these develop- poverty relief measures, but to tion in the mega-reserve can therefore ments and are also starting to develop break the cycle of poverty through take many forms: a community member their own tourism-related ventures. The the development of skills and could benefit from having her guest room communication structures mentioned listed on an accommodation website; a above will enable people to share their programmes that build communi- gardening group might develop a farm experiences and inspire others to find ties and have positive impacts on stall to sell organic produce to visiting ways in which they too can care for and the environment. tourists; or a small stock farmer could benefit from the rich natural and cultural agree not to graze his goats on land where diversity of the Baviaanskloof.

Eleanor MacGregor Eleanor MacGregor has used her skill to develop a very positive relationship with community stakeholders in the Bavaianskloof. In the Baviaanskloof, “communicating conservation” has taken on a new meaning. Traditional one-way communication of conservation messages to communities has been transformed into a conversation with PROFILE all stakeholders. A number of PMU staff members are newcomers to the Baviaanskloof who recognise that they need to learn from local people whose families have lived in the area for generations. They have been listening to the needs and concerns of local communities and exploring together how biodiversity conservation in the Baviaanskloof can contribute to a better quality of life for all who live there. The Baviaanskloof Steering Committee is helping to ensure that long-term problems, like the poor state of roads, are addressed by the relevant authorities. Poverty relief and lottery funding for alien eradication, thicket rehabilitation and construction projects is helping to address unemployment, and has already generated about 90 temporary jobs for Baviaanskloof residents.

76 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

he Eastern Cape presents an interesting chal- T lenge as the new Eastern Cape Parks Board grapples with its new mandates including the Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve. They are supported in this role by Skumsa Mancotywa of the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tour- ism and by Monde Maqula of the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism.

(ii) A community vision for the western Baviaanskloof The vision for the Baviaanskloof Mega- Reserve is much bigger than conserving For the people of the western the existing core of protected natural Baviaanskloof, the dream of a sustainable future is simply areas; it envisages a place where people to have a place where they can live and work on the land in ways hope that one day our children will be can be with their families and that safeguard biodiversity, respect local able to say: “The plan our parents started have work. cultures and ensure sustainable liveli- has been good for us!” hoods. The people who live in the western Baviaanskloof have been involved in (iii) A sustainable future for the Lessons learned discussions to clarify a vision and practi- Baviaans Conservancy cal action plan for their area. How feasible is the idea of developing a Three major principles or The vision that is emerging is “to create biodiversity-based economy within bio- dreams a home in which all its people can live diversity corridors and mega-reserves? A and work in safety and dignity, that has group of landowners in the northern part  In future there are people opportunities for all, including the wom- of the Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve decid- living and working here; en and youth, and in which the diversity ed to find out. During 2005, members  of our people, our cultures and our envi- of the Baviaans Conservancy appointed The kloof must provide ronment is respected, celebrated and pro- expert consultants in the fields of ecology, opportunities for every- tected.” “It’s a very beautiful place! Many economics, tourism and game farming one, not just those who people value the area and we are proud of to carry out feasibility studies to enable have capital or land it; we want to stay and conserve it.” them to make informed decisions about converting their land from agriculture to  The plan must acknowl- The people of the western Baviaanskloof more biodiversity-friendly activities like edge the biodiversity and feel that it is time to get away from the game management and ecotourism. cultural heritage of the idea that the only way to conserve an area Project manager Karen Kirkman reports is to move people off the land; they see that research results have been very inter- kloof, and find ways to people, the natural environment and the esting but not necessarily what they had use this for future gen- economy as interdependent and believe hoped. “Initially we planned to convert erations. that the kloof can provide work and the conservancy into a game reserve and social development opportunities. They stock it with the Big Five. However, both acknowledge that they need to do care- the tourism and financial analyses indi- ful research to find the most sustainable cate that this will just ways to use the natural resources of the not be feasible. It will kloof, but believe that agriculture, tour- require a huge invest- The Baviaans Conservancy ism, ecological management and restora- ment to convert entirely stablished in 1997, the conservancy is located in tion, and improved community services from small-stock farm- E the foothills of the Baviaanskloof Mountains, hold the key to a more sustainable future. ing to game farming and 20 km from Steytlerville. It involves 17 landowners It’s early days and the action plan is a ecotourism, and these and covers 53 000 ha on 23 farms. living document that will evolve, but we are both new and risky people making biodiversity work 77 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Established in 1997, the conservancy is located in the foothills of the Baviaanskloof mountains, 20 km from Steytlerville. It involves 17 landowners and What have we covers 53 000 ha on 23 farms. learned?

businesses for people whose families  Changing from agriculture to have been small-stock farmers for genera- more biodiversity-friendly land tions. Our conservancy is off the beaten uses is not a simple matter. track, 160 km from Port Elizabeth and 40 In the Baviaans Conservancy, km along a gravel road in the Steytler- numerous factors make radical ville area. The Eastern Cape already has changes financially unviable numerous well-established protected and therefore unsustainable. natural areas like the Addo National Park  Farmers are highly unlikely to and Shamwari Game Reserve, which are give up farming in favour of a accessible from major roads. With com- livelihood with which they are petition like this, why would tourists visit unfamiliar (e.g. ecotourism), Members of the Baviaans especially if the risks are high Conservancy commissioned a us?” she asks. feasibility study to investigate and the returns are unpre- the game farming and eco- It is clear that a radical change from agri- dictable. It is more realistic tourism potential of the area. culture to ecotourism is unrealistic. But to slowly and incrementally the study has provided the members of diversify one’s business. the Baviaans Conservancy with a variety  Conservationists need to proof other scenarios to explore. Agriculture vide farmers with more specific may need to remain the mainstay of the information on how they can local economy for many years, but land- help to conserve biodiversity owners can now start developing addi- pattern and process on their tional income-generating opportunities land. This will enable farmers like farm-stays, to integrate biodiversity con- nature-based tourism, servation with their farming hiking and hunting. activities. Rather than trying to  More research is needed into replace agriculture sustainable farming methods Community members with biodiversity- that are appropriate to specific performed a traditional dance based activities, areas. to celebrate the launch of the the challenge  State incentives for land use Baviaans Tourism Route at seems to be to change will have to be well the community-owned farm find ways to inte- Sewefontein. defined, concrete and long- grate these two term in order to influence land use types. landowners. 78 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

(iv) Pride of Groendal Based on their well established Pride of Table Mountain project in Cape Town, Bioregional benefits the Wilderness Foundation has developed The GI has benefited greatly the Pride of Groendal youth leadership from work done in the development project in the eastern part region on the SKEP. This of the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve. The programme has been able to project operates in the Groendal Wilder- draw on both the knowledge ness Area, which is ideally situated close to the towns of Uitenhage and Despatch and networks developed and the city of Port Elizabeth within the through SKEP. Nelson Mandela Metro.

The Pride of Groendal project provides opportunities for youths over the age of 14 years to develop their leadership potential by training as field guides. To date four young people have become con- It was important to the project team to fident trail leaders, and another four are plan in a manner that would build sup- now involved in the training programme. port among its major stakeholders, from The youth leaders have taken more than government departments and conserva- 300 young people on guided trails, expos- tion agencies to landowners and local ing them to the natural splendour of the communities. During the two-year plan- Groendal Wilderness Area. Through this ning process, biodiversity research was programme, the Wilderness Foundation conducted simultaneously with extensive hopes to give thousands of youths from consultations with a wide range of stake- disadvantaged urban areas the oppor- holders. The decision to consult stake- tunity to experience, enjoy and develop holders like the Department of Agricul- respect for their natural heritage. ture and private landowners before deciding on the boundaries of the planning For most, this trail is their first Wilder- domain contributed to greater openness ness experience. The sights, sounds and trust. It also enabled the GI project and smells of the bush have a profound team to plan more realistically; for exam- impact on the youth, and most can’t wait ple, conservationists could suggest other to return. As new trail leaders are trained, productive uses of marginal agricultural more and more young people will be able land, while avoiding including highly to share in the Groendal experience. productive land in plans for conservation areas. The outcome was a management Zamuxolo Tanda of Lwandlekazi Senior plan that is supported by a wide range of Secondary School says “This was my first stakeholders in the Gouritz region. time in a Wilderness Area and I learned lots of things about plants and animals A multitude of habitats and how nature is important to us. I Researchers have identified 64 distinct would love to come back here.” habitats within the Gouritz region. Although only about 12% of the plan- 2.7 The Gouritz Initiative ning domain has been transformed and nearly 26% of the area enjoys some level (i) The Gouritz Initiative of protection, nearly half the habitat types Making a plan for the Gouritz are endemic to the planning domain. he C.A.P.E strategy proposed This means that it is entirely up to the that three conservation corridors people of the Gouritz region to safeguard The Gouritz region is home to three biodiversity hotspots, should be created to sustain bio- these unique communities of plants and namely the Fynbos, Succulent diversityT processes in the CFR, namely animals that occur nowhere else on earth. Karoo and Thicket Biomes. Already habitat transformation caused the Baviaanskloof, Cederberg and Gouritz The area has therefore been corridors. Phase One of the Gouritz Initia- by agriculture, coastal development and in the spotlight of three tive (GI) got under way in May 2003 with alien plant invasions has destroyed more bioregional programmes, the aim of developing a management plan than half the original extent of three of C.A.P.E., SKEP and STEP. to conserve and restore the biodiversity these endemic habitats. The Gouritz Ini- and water resources of the Gouritz con- tiative is determined to halt any further servation corridor. loss of these threatened vegetation types. people making biodiversity work 79 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Gouritz Initiative planning domain includes a From river corridor to planning domain necessary to buffer the effects of climate wide range of habitat types, The initial vision for the GI was to change. from succulent karoo and establish a conservation corridor along mountain fynbos to quartz As the specialists met to consider the the Gouritz River, stretching from the patches and river catchments. immediate and long-term needs of a num- inland mountains (Anysberg-Swartberg To facilitate management ber of key plant and animal species, the planning, the region is divided and Gamkaberg-Rooiberg) via the coastal extent of the Gouritz corridor continued into five management sectors. mountains (Langeberg-Outeniqua Moun- to expand. The idea of a corridor follow- tains) to the sea. This corridor would ing the Gouritz River system worked for allow for the movement and dispersal of some species, like thicket vegetation, animals and plants and would conserve aquatic animals and a number of carni- natural habitats across a range of altitu- vores, but it was actually the mountain dinal gradients, which is believed to be ranges that proved to be more important 80 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) corridors for fynbos plants and some bird species. Conserving mountain corridors would also contribute to effective fire Water, biodiversity and people management and allow movement of spe- A very important goal of the GI is to conserve the water resources cies in response to possible changes in rainfall seasonality from west to east. of the Gouritz River for the benefit of both people and biodiversity. The Gouritz River and its tributaries flow through arid parts of In addition to these fairly continuous river and mountain corridors, research in the Great and Little Karoo before crossing the rapidly developing the Gouritz region identified special habi- coastal plain between Albertinia and Mossel Bay. A survey has tats like quartz patches and koppies that shown that the catchment cannot sustain even current levels of have large numbers of unique species, water use. More and more people are moving into the region and but which occur as “stepping stones” rather than as corridors in the landscape. putting pressure on local resources; it is therefore essential to learn Eventually, instead of a simple corridor, to manage the water resources of the Gouritz more effectively. the GI developed a management plan for a planning domain that was so extensive There is a considerable amount of groundwater abstraction in that it was necessary to divide it into five sectors to allow for effective planning and the catchment, with boreholes tapping water as deep as 2–3 km management. below the surface. In the Kammanassie Mountains, for example, water abstraction has caused perennial streams to dry up; this has Inform, inspire, involve caused the death of endemic Cape mountain zebras, which cannot One of the strengths of the GI has been survive more than 2 km from a supply of fresh water. Farmers have its enthusiasm to inform and involve oth- also suffered, with many going bankrupt as their weirs no longer ers. The implementation team knows that supply enough water to allow them to irrigate. they cannot possibly achieve the goals of the GI alone. The project will be a success if the people who live, work and play in There are risks associated with relying on groundwater: the deeper the region understand how special the the reserves, the more mineralised the water, making it expensive environment is and know what they can to clean. It is not possible to measure how much groundwater is do to care for it. available and once it has been extracted, aquifers can take a very To help inform and involve the public, long time to recharge. This makes it difficult to predict how much the GI has produced booklets, pamphlets water will be available for growing developments. For all these and a website in the two main languages reasons, it is essential to protect water catchments and to reduce of the region. Sometimes scientists find it difficult to translate their knowledge into the abstraction of deep groundwater. a form that the public can appreciate; but this has definitely not been a problem in the GI. Publications have been written in of the region, and to restore severely everyday language and an up-beat style, transformed habitats that are critically making information accessible, interest- important to biodiversity. They also aim ing and inspiring. to contribute positively to the economy of the Gouritz region. By participating in agricultural and municipal forums, developing education- A suite of “starter projects” has been al programmes for learners and teachers, selected from the GI management and spending time in one-to-one visits plan. The team believes in start- with farmers and municipal officials, GI ing small and having something partners are making information avail- practical to show for their plans able, sowing the seeds of ideas, inspir- before expanding, so in most ing enthusiasm and involving people in cases they will work with partners living more sustainably in the Gouritz on pilot projects. As they start showing region. results, the team believes it will be easier to attract the interest of funders or inves- Start small—and build tors, which will enable the projects to The implementation phase of the GI has expand. Where private landowners are only just begun. CEPF funding has been concerned, it may take some time for secured and a four-person team appoint- farmers to start exploring biodiversity- ed to co-ordinate the programme over a friendly options like stewardship agree- period of 30 months. The projects to be ments and tourism development. But tackled during the implementation phase the GI team is confident that once a few aim to improve linkages between existing champions have shown the way, others conservation areas, to develop a sustain- will follow and these projects will snow- able land use ethic among the people ball. people making biodiversity work 81 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Incompatible legislation  You must consult landowners One of the challenges that the GI team during the planning phase and has had to face since the implementation not just present them with the phase began is the realisation that much plan of the corridor; this will existing legislation is incompatible with undermine their trust and sup- the notion of conservation corridors. In port. recent years, bioregional programmes  Where possible, project staff have brought about unprecedented lev- andy Lombard should be appointed from the els of co-operation between government area; local knowledge is valu- M departments, parastatals and other agen- able and if people already cies involved in land use planning and know and respect the staff conservation. However, much existing member, it makes it easier to legislation was promulgated before these establish working relation- approaches became commonplace; many ships. laws and regulations therefore support narrow sectoral interests rather than inte-  While farmers’ co-operatives and municipal meetings are an and Anne Lise Vlok have grated thinking and planning. So, while good places to make initial worked tirelessly in the Gou- the establishment of conservation cor- J contacts with landowners and ritz area to understand both the ridors requires the removal of fences to municipal officials, nothing underlying biodiversity and eco- allow for the unfettered migration of ani- beats one-to-one contact. You system processes and the factors mals, it is illegal in terms of agricultural regulations to take down jackal-proof must take the initiative to fol- that will influence its future. Jan low up. worked with Mandy Lombard to fencing. And whereas it would seem logi- develop a fine-scale plan for the cal that a farmer should build cabins for  It is very difficult to get projects area, and has since then co-ordi- tourists on old agricultural lands that off the ground in politically nated the initial implementation have very limited biodiversity value, agri- divided communities. cultural regulations stipulate that agri- programme to establish an effec-  cultural land should be retained and new Although the Gouritz area is tive Gouritz Initiative. Jan Vlok often referred to as a `margin- was recognised by the C.A.P.E. developments should take place on undeveloped land! In order to enable the cre- al farming area’, agriculture programme with a Gold Conserva- provides the main income in tion Award in 2006 for his excep- ation of conservation corridors, government departments will need to undertake the region and many farmers tional contributions to research are sceptical of alternatives. and conservation in the Cape a review of legislation and regulations.  Floristic Region. Bioregional programmes like GI can serve Although game ranching is as catalysts to get people from different already popular with some departments talking to one another to farmers in the region, this is address these problems holistically. not as simple a solution as it seems; some farmers want to introduce game that is not What have we locally indigenous (e.g. giraffe, impala, buffalo) in order to learned? promote tourism, and advice  The more you invest in the relating to game management planning phase, the easier it (e.g. carrying capacity) is not will be to start implementing readily available. the project.  Establishing ecotourism ven- former school-teacher, Susan  A team effort between the tures may require considerable Botha became involved in A various role players like Cape- investment and it can there- the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Nature, the Department of fore take a number of years Programme in its planning phase Agriculture, the Department before these initiatives become and so was a natural choice as a of Environmental Affairs and profitable; for instance, devel- team member when the spatial Development Planning and opments are subject to envi- priorities of C.A.P.E. and SKEP local authorities is helping the ronmental impact assessments were integrated in the Gouritz GI to achieve its objectives. (EIAs), which can be costly Initiative. Charged with project  To ensure that the goals of and time consuming. Ecotour- development, Susan is helping regional biodiversity initiatives ism will have to co-exist with to lay a foundation for effective are reached, these goals should traditional farming practices, conservation action in this impor- inform the activities of partner at least until the former proves tant corridor initiative in sup- organisations; for example, to be financially viable. Many port of the C.A.P.E. and SKEP CapeNature has aligned all its farmers find it difficult to strategies. activities to the GI objectives. accept that conservation-relat- 82 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

environment, the GRI is looking for more ed tourism will generate as sustainable ways forward. much income as their current Before your very farming activities. Co-ordinated conservation action  Although formal contracts and The Garden Route has no shortage eyes … biodiversity agreements are of committed environmentalists, and The Garden Route is far more secure in terms of numerous organisations and projects are currently experiencing the conservation than conservan- currently addressing many of the envi- second highest rate of urban cies, landowners may be more ronmental and social challenges facing development in the CFR. prepared to start by becom- the region. With the support of the GEF Only the City of Cape Town ing part of a conservancy through the World Bank, the GRI was and working toward a more established in July 2004 to improve co- is growing faster. binding agreement. Reasons ordination of biodiversity conservation include scepticism of entering actions in the region. Its mission state- into contracts with a conserva- ment declares that the GRI is “a partner- tion agency, and the costs and ship programme that seeks to co-ordinate time required to confirm farm the conservation and restoration of the boundaries and source title unique biodiversity and sense of place of deeds. the Garden Route while supporting the sustainable development of the area and  Champions are essential: the the delivery of benefits to local communi- best way to get a land owner to ties.” As the major government conserva- consider a new idea is to refer tion agency in the Garden Route, SAN- him to another land owner Parks houses the GRI project management who is already sold on the unit, which acts as the secretariat for the idea. This, however, is a long- partnership and takes responsibility for term process. ndrew Brown was selected planning, initiating and implementing as Co-ordinator of the Gar- projects. A den Route Initiative following 2.8 The Garden Route Laying the foundation his extensive experience in project management at the Table Moun- GRI co-ordinator Andrew Brown sees one Initiative tain National Park. He is charged of his priorities during this first phase of with the responsibility of getting programme development as setting up (i) Garden Route Initiative to grips with the conservation structures and systems that will enhance priorities on the Garden Route The urbanisation challenge communication, co-operation and co- and mobilising an effective pro- he newest of the C.A.P.E. biodi- ordination of conservation efforts. This versity conservation landscape is no simple matter, as the GRI planning gramme to ensure that the mosaic projects, the Garden Route Ini- domain incorporates six local munici- of protected areas and intervening tiativeT (GRI) faces a unique challenge. lands are conserved. palities and two district municipalities Unlike most other landscape initiatives in two provinces. But Andrew hopes where conservation managers work main- that improved communication between ly with farmers and rural communities national, provincial and local govern- to investigate biodiversity conservation ment departments, as well as the NGO opportunities, the planning domain of the community, will result in more proactive Garden Route Initiative includes areas planning and better co-ordination of con- experiencing extremely rapid urbanisa- servation actions in the region. tion.

Over the past few years, there has been Fine-scale planning growing resistance from environmental In order for development planning to and social lobby groups to a number of become more sustainable, provincial and “up-market” developments, which some municipal planners need information on feel are threatening to turn the Garden regional biodiversity priorities. The GRI Route into the Golf Course Route. Many is therefore ensuring that fine-scale bio- olleen Simons received the local residents who were once denied diversity planning takes place. Fine-scale C C.A.P.E. Gold Conservation access to property by apartheid laws now biodiversity information is the founda- Award on behalf of the Guardians find themselves marginalised by soar- tion for developing planning frameworks of the Garden Route, who have ing property prices. As coastal holiday and guidelines that will help planners to mobilised civil society participa- resorts morph into suburbs by the sea, identify which areas should be protected tion in opposing ill-considered people looking for “unspoilt” holiday (either in formal conservation areas or commercial developments in pris- destinations are turning their attention by other means) and where development tine environments in the area. elsewhere. Within this rapidly changing, can take place without compromising the emotionally charged and often polarised biodiversity and natural capital of the people making biodiversity work 83 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Garden Route Initiative

Stretching from the Gouritz River in the west to the region. Fine-scale planning information over management responsibility for a edge of the Nelson Mandela and products will be used by the project total of 97 000 ha of indigenous forest, Metro in the east, the Garden management unit and GRI partners to mountain fynbos and pine plantation Route Initiative straddles two district municipalities and six advise the authorities on which areas are (to be felled and rehabilitated), mainly local municipalities in two suitable for development and which areas in upland areas, to SANParks. DWAF provinces. should be conserved. Putting planning also transferred about 130 experienced frameworks in place should reduce the staff members plus operational budget number of inappropriate development to enable SANParks to manage this area, applications and the conflict that inevita- which includes the largest contiguous bly ensues. It should also streamline the indigenous forests in the country. development approval process. Upgrading existing tourism infrastructure Consolidating protected areas and developing new facilities in these conservation areas will provide much The Garden Route is well known for its needed poverty relief work for many of rich diversity of natural habitats, from the unemployed people living in the area. mountain fynbos and afromontane for- Already R27 million has been allocated est, to freshwater lakes, estuaries and for infrastructure development over the diverse marine and coastal environments. next three years. The region is fairly well-endowed with protected areas, especially along the In addition to consolidating protected coast: SANParks currently manages the areas on land, the GRI is also reviewing Tsitsikamma, Knysna Lakes and Wilder- the effectiveness of existing Marine Pro- ness National Parks, while CapeNature tected Areas along the coast and drawing is responsible for the Robberg and Gou- up new management plans and enforce- kamma Nature Reserves. A long-term ment procedures. New staff members goal of the GRI is the development of a are being employed and trained, equip- 140 000 ha Garden Route National Park, ment purchased and facilities upgraded which will incorporate a number of exist- to ensure effective management of the ing nature reserves as well as privately region’s marine environment. owned conservation areas, enabling more effective integrated natural resource man- Biodiversity benefits agement. If wisely managed and protected, the This dream was given a boost in April natural environment and biodiversity 2005 when the Department of Water of the Garden Route will continue to Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) handed provide many benefits and services to 84 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

GRI estuary. Urbanization. Golf course. the people of the region, like clean water conservation-minded landowners to par- from mountain catchment areas, produc- ticipate in stewardship programmes, and tive soils, healthy lakes and estuaries and ensuring that all the people of the region scenic landscapes. The natural beauty have access to the benefits of biodiversity. and biodiversity of the area also make the Garden Route one of South Africa’s (ii) Eden to Addo Corridor top tourist destinations. The GRI aims to Initiative promote responsible tourism, which will The role of private landowners in con- create further employment and training serving biodiversity is referred to numer- opportunities for local people. ous times in this publication. The Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative represents one Managing the region’s biodiversity also of the boldest and most visionary private provides employment opportunities, initiatives in the region. First mooted in such as invasive plant control, fire man- 2003 by Joan Berning of the Indalo Con- agement, habitat rehabilitation, plant servancy outside Plettenberg Bay, Eden to propagation and law enforcement. The Addo envisages a green corridor stretch- GRI is also investigating opportunities for Canopy tours bring you nature ing from the Eden District Municipality, sustainable harvesting in natural areas, with an adrenalin rush. through the southern and Eastern Cape, including medicinal plants, ferns for the to the Greater Addo National Park. floristry market, and wood for furniture Eden to Addo aims to help small groups and carvings. As protected areas are of landowners who are caring for their expanded and consolidated, the number land to link together to form green cor- of biodiversity-related jobs is expected to ridors that have far greater reach and increase. impact than any of the individual properties. Private landowners could actually Planning for implementation help to link the four major conservation There has been growing reaction to the nodes in the region, namely the Gar- issue of large-scale speculative property den Route Initiative, Gouritz Initiative, development on the Garden Route. Con- Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve and Greater cerns have been expressed that some Addo National Park, into a continuous developments are having negative envi- corridor. am Booth, Eden to Addo ronmental impacts, and that the natural project manager, explains assets of the area are becoming both P The Eden to Addo Initiative is encourag- that the initiative is striving to physically and economically inaccessible ing landowners to participate in CapeNa- “establish a culture of private sec- to many local people. The GRI believes ture’s Stewardship Programme (Chapter tor conservation” that “provides that a socially just, economically fair and 4.1) by establishing conservancies or, an alternative to the largely spec- ecologically sustainable future is possible where critical ecosystems occur on their ulative and profit-driven brand of if development planning is informed by a land, entering into more binding steward- development that is responsible deeper understanding of the region’s bio- ship arrangements. In addition to this, the for the destruction of our land- diversity, and steps are taken to safeguard Initiative is drafting a Memorandum of scape.” She cautions that it is not the natural assets of the Garden Route. Understanding to be signed by members enough to expect the authorities of the corridor, which will encourage The first year of the GRI has been dedi- to take full responsibility for land management practices that enhance cated to laying a firm foundation of con- the ecological functioning of the corridor conservation; private landowners sultation, information gathering and plan- as a whole. also need to start conserving their ning. From 2006, the GRI will start imple- natural heritage in their own back menting plans in earnest, consolidating The Initiative aims to help landowners yards. and restoring protected areas, inviting to comply with environmental legisla- people making biodiversity work 85 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Big Walk! very exciting fundraising and A awareness-raising project is planned for the latter half of 2006: a sponsored walk from Eden (Wilder- ness area) to Addo via the Baviaanskloof. This 450 km hike promises to be an awesome experience.

Even without major funding, landowners have started working collectively rather than as isolated individuals. The initiative has also provided a platform for improved communication and co-operation between private landowners and the conservation agencies that are spearhead- ing the Garden Route Initiative (GRI). This can only bode well for making the vision of C.A.P.E. a reality in the Garden Route. Once funding becomes available, the implementation of this inspiring vision can start to be implemented in earnest.

The Eden to Addo vision has a very good chance of being realised thanks to the involvement of committed environmen- The Eden to Addo Corridor talists and well-established environ- Initiative aims to link mental networks in the southern Cape, protected natural areas notably the Plettenberg Bay Community between the Eden District Environment Forum. Many residents are Municipality and the Greater tion and to manage their land sustain- concerned about insensitive residential Addo National Park via private ably. Once funding is secured, an Eden and resort development in the area and landholdings. to Addo project management unit will be the Eden to Addo Initiative has provided set up to give landowners the necessary them with a practical way of getting support. The unit will include an experi- involved in counteracting this trend. enced environmental lawyer who will be able to advise landowners on issues relat- (iii) Guardians of the Garden ing to environmental legislation. Route Pam Booth, who previously worked The very rapid and often insensitive for the Working for Water pro- developments taking place on the Garden gramme, will be able to help landown- Route have dismayed many people. In an ers draw up alien vegetation effort to mobilise a co-ordinated response clearing plans and advise on to issues of inappropriate development, appropriate clearing meth- a number of organisations and individu- ods and herbicides. She als have formed a loose affiliation, the will also act as a broker to Guardians of the Garden Route (GOG). facilitate the appointment of GOG represents a broad environmental Working for Water contractors movement; its members champion a spec- who can undertake alien clear- trum of causes promoting social justice ing on private land. Once the and ecological sustainability. Bitou Municipality finalises its property rates rebate policy, landowners involved GOG demonstrates the unifying potential in the Eden to Addo Initiative will qualify of a common concern. Garden Route resi- for a rates rebate if they have a conserva- dents who in the past had never shared tion management plan in place and are a platform have come together to fight actively implementing it. unsustainable and inequitable develop- 86 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) ments that are threatening the region. For some, the key issue is that political change in South Africa has made no dif- A vision for a just and sustainable ference to the economic status of the masses: as development transforms the environment Garden Route into South Africa’s new  Protect vulnerable ecological and social settings, agricultural Riviera, the problem of landlessness land and natural resources; amongst local people increases. Others regret the loss of the rural and sylvan  Respect cultural heritage and promote social cohesion; character of the Garden Route, and are concerned about the growing pressure on  Provide affordable and accessible land and access to natural the water resources and biodiversity of resources for livelihoods; the region. But whether rich or poor, land  owner or tenant, as the Guardians talk Develop in ways that bring communities together; and learn together, they find increasingly  Provide meaningful opportunities, empowerment and employ- that they share common ground. ment, particularly for marginalised people. In November 2004, GOG co-ordinated simultaneous peaceful protest marches in several towns along the Garden Route to draw attention to its concerns. The marches attracted a huge amount of media attention, which in turn generated public debate around sustainable development issues. The marches also demonstrated to property speculators who try to play the “greens” off against the “poor” that these groups are now united against the common enemy of greed.

While the diverse membership of GOG may initially have gathered to fight inappropriate development, their struggle has evolved into a quest to clarify the norms and values that unite them. In addition to knowing what it is they are “against”, GOG is clear about the society and environment they are working to achieve. GOG co-ordinated peaceful demonstrations against inequitable and unsustainable development on the Garden Route.

What have we learned? (iv) The Garden Route Botanical Garden—serving community and  There is a growing awareness environment that social and environmen- Until 2002 the Southern Cape Herbarium tal activists share a common operated out of a “cupboard under the vision; as these two groupings stairs” at the George Museum. In that stand together critical mass year, a dream vigorously championed grows. by the herbarium staff and volunteers became a reality: the herbarium moved to new premises adjacent to the Garden Route Botanical Garden in George, creating a centre that has become a vital botanical and environmental hub in the southern Cape. The flourishing of the centre and its numerous associated projects has much to do with the thousands of hours contributed each year by more than 30 volunteers. Chief amongst these is the energetic and visionary Yvette van Wijk. Yvette has a passion for plants people making biodiversity work 87 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

and the diversity of projects based at the collections are vital to enable consultants Garden reflects the many facets of this carrying out EIAs to identify plant speci- Special collections fascination. mens collected on potential development The Southern Cape sites. If developments get the go-ahead, Celebrating local plant diversity Herbarium houses the Garden undertakes “search and The Garden Route Botanical Garden is rescue” missions to collect threatened collections focusing on not just an indigenous South African gar- plants, which are then grown in the Gar- indigenous healing plants den; it specialises in locally indigenous den in the hope that they may be used in and plants found at San southern Cape plants. Even in the section future re-vegetation projects. rock art sites. that displays the cultivated hybrids that The Garden Route Botanical Garden are commonly grown in people’s gardens, and its partner projects are strongly at least one of the parent plants comes community-focused. Networking and from the southern Cape. The recently education feature high on the Garden’s developed “medicinal mound” is garden- list of priorities, making it an influential based evidence of IMITHI Amayeza, a environmental centre in the region. Staff long-term project to share and build on and volunteers network locally, regionally indigenous knowledge of healing plants and internationally and the Garden plays with traditional healers, local clinics and host to GREEN, the Garden Route Envi- HIV/Aids groups. More than 60 different ronmental Education Network (Chapter types of medicinal plants from the area 6.3 v). are grown on the mound, and these are harvested and distributed to people who Educational programmes range from the need them. The mound attracts many “Fabulous Fynbos” Wildflower Show groups who want to learn about these held each October in George, to the plants and their cultural uses. annual Environmental School Expo that reaches more than 2 000 learners from The Southern Cape Herbarium, located local schools. The Garden also produces midway between Cape Town and Port educational booklets, information sheets Elizabeth is the only public herbarium and displays to support environmental for 450 km. It provides an invaluable learning and action. It runs courses and service to the community: in addition to provides information for teachers, local vette van Wijk is a conservation insti- housing more than 10 000 pressed and government, conservation agencies and Y tution in her own right. With seem- named plant specimens from the region, the tourism industry, as well as for its ingly boundless energy, she has co-ordinated the simpler “quick guide” of about 2 000 staff and volunteers. For the last seven a group of extraordinary volunteers and has specimens helps students, scholars and years, the Garden and Herbarium have developed the Garden Route Botanical Garden the general public with identifications been running weekend courses for the “from scratch”. and research. Focusing on plants from paying public. These popular events the area, the herbarium is well situated to have strengthened public knowledge support research and planning initiatives and awareness of the environment and linked to both C.A.P.E. and SKEP. environmental issues, and raised much- The herbarium is far more than a library needed funds. of pressed plants; it also houses a botani- In 2003, the Garden started providing cal and environmental reference library, formal horticultural and landscaping and is striving to make its information training for its staff. Once qualified, the resources available via the internet by gardeners will in turn provide training digitising its databases, checklists and for unemployed prospective gardeners, collections and developing an on-line as well as for grounds staff employed image library. The Southern Cape Her- by large golf and housing estates in the barium is becoming a critical informa- southern Cape. In this way the Garden tion hub for environmental research hopes to encourage developers to plant and conservation action in the south- locally indigenous rather than alien ern Cape. plants, and to contribute to the sustainable management of large landholdings in Strengthening community the region. conservation efforts In the face of rapid residen- Striving for financial sustainability tial and resort development The biggest challenge facing the Gar- along the Garden Route, den and Herbarium is becoming finan- the Botanical Garden and Herbarium are cially sustainable. Fundraising strategies making important contributions to sus- include events like the annual flower tainable development. The Herbarium show, sales of books and plants, partner- 88 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) ships with environmental organisations 2.9 The Agulhas Biodiversity and donor funding for special projects. Without the many hours invested by vol- Initiative unteers, however, a number of its initiatives and services would not be possible. (i) A focus on the Agulhas Plain Most members of the Friends of the Gar- Diverse attractions den and Herbarium Association are talented and experienced professionals who have retired to the Garden Route, and “Cape ” who now invest their time and energy Agulhas! in serving their adopted community and Another busload of tourists disgorges Flower Valley is a key environment. The Garden Route Botani- at the candy-striped lighthouse, jostling demonstration of the viability cal Garden, with the Southern Cape Her- to have their photographs taken at the of a farming enterprise based southern tip of the continent of Africa. In on sustainable harvesting on barium, has become a vital environmental the Agulhas Plain. focal point in the region; a strategy must recent years, the list of reasons why peo- be found to sustain the programme and ple choose to visit the Agulhas Plain has its services. been growing steadily: whale watching, shark cage diving, the fynbos, local history, culture and crafts. Both directly and indirectly, biodiversity is proving vital to the local economy. Ecotourism is grow- What have we ing rapidly and the harvesting of fynbos learned? wildflowers is currently one of the largest industries on the Agulhas Plain. In this  It is possible to achieve a great predominantly rural area with up to 50% deal without core institutional unemployment, the Agulhas Biodiversity funding while working at a Initiative (ABI) is investigating how to project level; however, this use the region’s biodiversity in a sustain- becomes increasingly difficult able manner so that it can benefit local The Agulhas Biodiversity to sustain as projects evolve communities in the long term. Initiative is governed by an into complex programmes with oversight committee that property and staff positions to The Agulhas Plain stretches from the meets regularly. maintain. Klein River in the west to the Breede River in the east, covering 270 000 ha of  Networking is an essential first coastal lowlands and hills that stretch step in becoming known within northwards towards the mountains (see the local environmental com- map). The diversity of indigenous fynbos munity; however, networking and Renosterveld plants is enormous: of does not automatically lead to the 2 500 species that occur here, 100 are effective partnerships. endemic to the Agulhas Plain and about 112 are found on the Red Data list. Origi-  To avoid seeing competition for nally, the Agulhas Plain supported large funding as a threat, it is impor- herds of game, and 72 of the 81 species of tant to be clear on what your terrestrial mammals that occurred in the organisation can offer and CFR were found here. Some species like how you can work in produc- blue buck, quagga and Cape lion are now tive partnerships with others extinct and today many species are found towards a common goal. only in protected areas like De Hoop Nature Reserve and Agulhas National Park.

Conservation by default … or by design? Despite the value of biodiversity on the Agulhas Plain, by 1990 only 4% of the area was formally con- The Nuwejaars Wetland served; most of the protected areas is the subject of a Special Management Area involving were small and isolated and together all stakeholders. they conserved only three of the 35 vegetation types in the region. This reflected a lack of systematic conservation planning in the past. In fact, the proclamation of some protected areas had people making biodiversity work 89 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Different vegetation types within the Agulhas Plain

The planning domain of the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative incorporates a number had little to do with conservation priori- and the Botanical Society of South Africa of priority habitats, from ties. Issues like state security during the supported SANParks to work with local lowland fynbos and coastal renosterveld to wetlands of Second World War and the stabilisation people to identify how best to implement international importance. of sand dunes to protect local agriculture this conservation management plan. With were the reasons for the creation of the most of the biodiversity of the Agulhas De Mond and Walker Bay State Forests in Plain occurring on privately owned land, 1941 and 1960 respectively. It is one of it was clear that conservation efforts the great ironies of the history of conser- would be fruitless without the co-opera- vation in South Africa that the very tion of local landowners. trees planted by the state to stabilise the dunes, are today costing the gov- Establishing the Agulhas National Spot on! ernment millions of rand a year to Park 2 eradicate. n the 5 km site where ESKOM Also in the early 1990s, SANParks started O planned to construct a nuclear investigating the establishment of a power station 45 plant species endem- Another conservation irony is that National Park on the Agulhas Plain. In ic to the Agulhas Plain were found, we sometimes have to come close 1996, the SANParks Board approved the including four site endemics! to losing a valuable area before the declaration of the Agulhas National Park necessary action is taken to con- (ANP), which incorporated conservation serve it. In 1994, plans to build a priority areas that had been identified in nuclear power station on one of the the IPC study. SANParks planned to pur- most important biodiversity hotspots on chase 26 000 ha of land outright and to the Agulhas Plain resulted in the draft- enter into contractual arrangements with ing of the first strategic and systematic landowners to incorporate a further biodiversity conservation plan for the 44 000 ha. The consolidation of the area. The Institute for Plant Conserva- Agulhas National Park is proceeding as tion (IPC) at the University of Cape Town planned. 90 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Agulhas Lighthouse symbolises the iconic destination that is the Land uses on the Agulhas southern tip of Africa, where three oceans meet Plain The conventional institutional approach (Indian, Southern and to conservation, in which state agencies Atlantic) and where 40% livestock establish and manage formal protected conservation, agriculture areas, developed into an ecosystem and local municipalities are 10% mixed farming combining forces to develop approach in which a range of stakehold- 28% fynbos an innovative model of ers are involved in conserving biodi- landscape-scale conservation 22% conservation versity within “living landscapes”. The that extends beyond the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative (ABI) was boundaries of protected areas. developed as a key C.A.P.E. project to investigate the implementation of both ABI: a ecosystem approach institutional and ecosystem approaches to biodiversity conservation on the Agulhas When plans to establish the Agulhas Plain. National Park were first discussed, it became clear that many local landowners There have been dramatic changes in did not want to sell their land to SAN- both attitudes and approaches to conser- Parks; they wanted to retain title to their vation and sustainable natural resource land and continue farming. Most farmers management on the Agulhas Plain since accepted that they had a responsibility 1990. Systematic conservation and land to conserve the natural environment, but use planning, the establishment of new they believed farming and conservation state and private protected natural areas, activities could take place side by side on and the involvement of officials and the same property. This led to the need landowners in a variety of conservation for a new approach to conservation on initiatives across the landscape, are all the Agulhas Plain. evidence of this transformation. people making biodiversity work 91 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Biodiversity across the landscape In one case, a group of twelve landowners In contrast to the figure of 4% of the decided to form a Section 21 Company to What is Area-wide Agulhas Plain that was formally con- strengthen conservation efforts on their Planning? served in 1990, today 22% of the Agulhas properties. The Nuwejaars Special Man- Plain is classified as conservation land. agement Area now comprises a combined And looking at the other land use figures area of 44 000 ha, of which 20 000 ha LandCare is a programme for the area, it is clear that land that is (60–70% of which is wetland) has been of the Department of formally conserved represents only a designated conservation land. With fund- Agriculture that aims small proportion of the remaining natural ing from the Development Bank of South to maintain and restore landscape. In fact, if grazing veld and Africa, the partners have been developing business plans to promote sustainable healthy, productive fynbos on private properties are included, as much as 75% of the Agulhas Plain is agriculture, ecotourism and socio-eco- agricultural land through estimated to be natural vegetation. In nomic development in the area. integrated natural some areas veld management is limited Other groups of conservation-conscious and 15% of the Plain is densely invaded resource management, landowners have established conservan- capacity building and by alien plants, so challenges do exist. cies, which together conserve 14 000 ha partnerships. Through a But the ecosystem approach introduced of land on the Agulhas Plain. A conser- by ABI offers landowners and land man- vancy is a voluntary association of land- process known as Area- agers in the private and public sectors the wide Planning (AWP), owners with a joint conservation manage- opportunity to work together to conserve ment plan for their combined properties. the department works biodiversity and manage land sustainably Members of conservancies benefit from with groups of farmers to across the whole of the Agulhas Plain. co-operating with their neighbours. For develop sustainable land instance, members of the Walker Bay management plans at a Private sector conservation Fynbos Conservancy in Hermanus share subregional level. These initiatives responsibility for maintaining fire belts Private landowners have taken a great and strategic boundaries, share the ser- plans take into account vices of a part-time manager employed by the issues, needs and deal of initiative to conserve the biodiversity of the Agulhas Plain. As early as Grootbos, and have established a hiking opportunities identified by 1969, the Albertyn family established the trail that traverses their properties. At the group and are linked first private nature reserve in the area. Salmonsdam, members of the Akkedis to municipal Integrated Conservancy share the costs of clearing invasive alien plants from their proper- Feedback from the biological surveys Development Plans (IDPs). ties. Through the AWP process, undertaken during the 1990s reaffirmed what many farmers in the area already groups of farmers can These are only a few of a number of knew: the Agulhas Plain was a biodiver- private sector conservation and socio- identify projects and seek sity treasure. Rather than seeing this as a economic development initiatives on the funding from LandCare and threat to their farming operations, some Agulhas Plain. You can read about other landowners recognised that conservation the local municipality. private sector initiatives like Flower Val- offered them opportunities to diversify ley, Grootbos and Sandberg elsewhere in and improve their incomes. Once they this publication. knew which terrestrial and wetland habitats should be conserved, they could set these aside and continue farming on the The Department of Agriculture—a key less critical sections of their properties. partner The conservation areas then became an Trust is at the heart of all successful nego- ecotourism draw-card. tiations, especially when they involve

Tertius Carinus Tertius Carinus is the Co-ordinator of the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative. With a background in protected area management, Tertius arrived on the Agulhas Plain to take up one of SANParks’ major challenges: integrating national parks into landscape level management. Ever ready to consult and learn, Tertius quickly grasped the need to

PROFILEbuild alliances among the various agencies who have roles to play in natural resource management, land use planning and tourism in the area. The main value of his work over the past few years has been to build a solid partnership between SANParks, CapeNature, the Department of Agriculture and the municipal and tourism structures to ensure co-operation.

92 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) landowners and government. On the is helping to implement the ecosystem Agulhas Plain, attempts to get farmers to approach to biodiversity conservation in sell their land to SANParks resulted in a practical way on the Agulhas Plain. some landowners feeling uneasy about the intentions of state conservation agen- Mapping conservation priorities cies. In an area where most of the land ABI has set conservation targets, which is zoned agricultural, the Department include biodiversity hotspots, irreplace- of Agriculture has become a significant able habitats, priority wetlands and areas role-player in biodiversity conservation sustaining ecological processes. Conser- efforts, in particular through its Land- vation managers use fine-scale (1:10 000) Care: Area-wide ide Planning (AWP) pro- biodiversity maps to help them identify gramme. these priority conservation areas on the One of the functions of AWP is fine- Agulhas Plain. scale farm planning. The Department of These fine-scale maps put research infor- Agriculture works with landowners to mation into the hands of conservation identify zones on their properties that are and resource use managers in a form that suitable for different land uses. In rural facilitates management planning. They areas, the distinction is made between also help landowners to appreciate the priority agricultural land and priority conservation value of their properties conservation land. Through the C.A.P.E. and how they can help to conserve biodi- Programme fine-scale (1:10 000) biodiversity on the Agulhas Plain. It becomes versity maps have been prepared for the easier to understand why it is important Agulhas Plain indicating the vegetation to conserve a particular habitat fragment types and areas that are most critically on your property when you can see on in need of conservation. The Department the map that it is the last refuge on earth of Agriculture uses these maps during for a particular plant or animal. AWP and farm planning exercises, and can therefore recommend not only which In addition to conserving sites of biodi- parts of the farm are most suitable for versity importance on their properties, landowners can also help to create link- grazing, crops and infrastructure, but also ages in the landscape by managing their which areas should be managed for bio- land as part of a biodiversity corridor. ABI diversity. Should farmers show an inter- has used fine-scale maps to identify pos- est in conserving threatened habitats on sible corridors: some follow the course their land, the Department of Agriculture of rivers or link protected areas along will then recommend that they contact the coast, while others stretch from the conservation agencies to ask for help with mountains to the sea via protected areas biodiversity management and to investi- and conservancies. gate conservation options. By integrating agricultural and conservation planning in Access to spatial biodiversity informa- this way, the Department of Agriculture tion has helped landowners and resource

Hennis Germishuys and Francis Steyn Recent winners of C.A.P.E. Silver Awards, Hennis Germishuys (left) and Francis Steyn (right) have made tremendous strides towards the integration of agricultural, municipal and conservation planning on the Agulhas Plain. A basic principle of their approach has been to make contact with the landowners and communities

PROFILE themselves, applying the well-tested approaches of Agriculture’s LandCare programmes. More than that, they have provided a bridge not only with communities, but among the various responsible agencies, finding common ground among the conservation, agriculture and development priorities generated in the preparation of municipal integrated development plans. A recent brainwave that already has practical expression is to develop an integrated “service centre” where representatives of the main decision- agencies already base themselves. They now offer a single point for the public and authorities alike to discuss issues of common concern. This is a model for the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative that bears replication in every other region of the Cape.

people making biodiversity work 93 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

managers alike to visualise how they can increasingly willing to work contribute to the conservation of biodi- together to ensure effective bio- versity and natural resources on the Agul- diversity conservation. has Plain. The growing number of conservancies, private nature reserves,  To date, most C.A.P.E.-related special management areas and steward- research has focused on biodi- ship agreements in the area suggests that versity and there are therefore sustaining biodiversity across a produc- many biological arguments for tive Agulhas Plain is a dream that may biodiversity conservation. Land well come true. owners also need convincing economic arguments as to why A one-stop shop they should conserve significant portions of their land. Programmes like ABI rely on the co- operation and effective participation  It is unhelpful to treat agri- of a number of stakeholders. Similarly, culture and conservation as provincial and local authority initiatives incompatible land use types, require integrated planning across a num- or to assume that farmers will ber of sectors. In the Overberg, role play- stop their agricultural activities ers have come up with a strategy to help in order to pursue biodiver- them operate in a more integrated and sity-friendly alternatives. Most farmers are willing to diversify efficient way. but farming will remain their The Department of Agriculture and SAN- core business. Parks have entered into a Memorandum  Conservationists must lis- of Co-operation, which is currently being ten to landowners and land expanded to include CapeNature. One managers, develop trust and of the outcomes of this agreement is the work towards a common goal. establishment of the Bredasdorp Multi- Threatening land owners (e.g. What is Bioregional purpose Centre, a “one-stop shop” that with legal obligations) is not can potentially house stakeholders from helpful; rather help people to Planning? a number of government departments, do what is required of them. Bioregional planning including the Department of Agriculture,  In general, landowners are SANParks, CapeNature, DEA&DP, DWAF, has been defined as “an willing to conserve biodiversity, organised process that Department of Land Affairs, local authori- but they need information. ties and social welfare organisations. Extension officers must work enables people to work The centre is strategically located in Bre- together, think carefully with willing land owners and dasdorp where the offices of the District provide them with the neces- about potential problems of Municipality are situated. By physically sary guidelines, maps and their region, set goals and working together, the partners believe plans. objectives, define activities, that they can more effectively achieve  their vision and plans for a sustainable People whose livelihoods depend on a particular implement projects, take future on the Agulhas Plain. actions agreed upon by resource are passionate about the communities, evaluate that resource! progress and refine What have we their approach”. World learned? Resources Institute, 1999.  Most land owners are unwill- ing to sell their land to conser- 2.10 A tale of two biosphere Bioregional planning takes vation authorities, but general- reserves place within an area known ly prefer to retain title and take as a bioregion. In simple responsibility for conserving (i) Bioregional planning and terms a bioregion is an biodiversity on their properties. biosphere reserves area that represents both  In farming areas, the Depart- he Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Plan- an ecological system and ment of Agriculture must play an important role in encourag- ning (DEA&DP) of the Western a home for residents and CapeT Province has adopted a planning ing biodiversity conservation people dependent on the and development approach known as bio- through LandCare: Area-wide regional planning, which seeks to ensure area’s resources. These two Planning. criteria determine the scale that the province develops in a sustain-  Different departments (e.g. of a bioregion. able manner. Bioregional planning is an Department of Agriculture, integrated approach to the planning and SANParks, CapeNature) are management of land resources that takes 94 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

International research into Western Cape Biosphere Reserves Barbara Thierfelder, a German PhD student, visited the Western Cape recently to investigate management and governance systems of Biosphere Reserves and biodiversity corridors. She Biosphere reserves use a system of land use zones to achieve their goals of biodiversity conservation and sustainable socio-economic development. focused in particular on the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, the Kogelberg into account environmental, social and Support from NEPAD Biosphere Reserve and economic factors. It aims to ensure that African environment ministers the Greater Cederberg all land is allocated and used in ways that provide sustainable benefits. have called on NEPAD to Biodiversity Corridor, and use biosphere reserves as conducted interviews and The Western Cape intends implement- “laboratories for sustainable surveys throughout the ing bioregional planning using two main development”. In January region. Her research is strategies, namely municipal develop- 2004, they stated their part of a multi-disciplinary ment planning and the creation of biosphere reserves. To date, two biosphere commitment to “promoting study of biosphere reserves reserves have been established in the the use of biosphere reserves that involves five PhD CFR: the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve as operational sites for students from the Humboldt (est. 1998) and Cape West Coast Bio- sustainable development in University of Berlin sphere Reserve (est. 2000). the fight against poverty”. in Germany. For more What is a biosphere reserve? information on Barbara’s The concept of a biosphere reserve was findings, go to www.  developed by the Man and the Biosphere Logistic: provide support for research, biodiversitygovernance.de (MAB) Programme of the United Nations monitoring, education and informa- Environmental, Scientific and Cultural tion exchange related to local, nation- Organisation (UNESCO). al and global issues of conservation and development.

Biosphere reserves are managed to fulfil Biosphere reserves can thus be described three distinct functions: as “living laboratories” for investigat-  Conservation: contribute to the con- ing integrated approaches to sustainable servation of landscapes, ecosystems, development. The World Network of Bio- species and genetic variation; sphere Reserves comprises more than 450  Development: foster economic and biosphere reserves in over 90 countries human development which is socio- around the world, providing fertile oppor- culturally and ecologically sustain- tunities for the sharing of information able; and experience.

Gonald Present Gonald Present is CapeNature’s Business Unit Manager for the Kogelberg. He is using his talents as a people-person to draw together the many interests of the diverse stakeholders in the area. PROFILE people making biodiversity work 95 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve: Zonation

A key issue when planning for the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve was to ensure the identification of the appropriate planning zones.

Land-use zones Typically, biosphere reserves comprise three interrelated zones, the core area, buffer zone and transition area, with different types of activities being permitted in the different zones. In the Western Cape, DEA&DP has expanded this clas- sification system to six zones, which include all possible land uses:  Category A - Core area: conservation areas; no development allowed; non- consumptive use only. Ideally, core areas should be linked to one another by natural corridors like river systems or coastlines.  Category B - Buffer area: conservation-worthy areas without statutory protection, including ecological corridors (e.g. rivers, coastlines) and areas that could be rehabilitated; act as a buffer between core and other areas; sustainable and non-consumptive land uses are allowed under certain conditions. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve includes one of the most species-rich landscapes  Category C - Agricultural area: rural in the CFR and includes mountain, coastal and marine environments. areas; extensive and intensive agriculture and forestry. 96 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

 Category D - Urban-related area: set- Deciduous fruit farming and commercial tlements, services and infrastructure. forestry are important local industries and there is also a considerable amount KOBIO  Category E - Industrial area: intense of wild flower harvesting, both from human activity and consumptive land The Mission of KOBIO orchards and from the veld. The beauty use. is to help conserve this and bounty of the nature area attract large  Category F - Surface infrastructure: numbers of visitors, with populations of magnificent centre of roads, railway lines, power lines, com- some towns increasing almost three-fold endemism and biodiversity, munication installations, etc. during peak holiday seasons. and the land and seascapes which contain Local support for biosphere reserves Lessons in management it, through championing Biosphere reserves are internationally Both biosphere reserves in the CFR are uplifting, sustainable designated and recognised but rely on the managed by Section 21 companies. How- living in harmony with ever, the way in which the Kogelberg initiative of the local community and the nature. KOBIO is playing commitment of national, provincial and Biosphere Reserve Company was set up local government departments for their limited the effectiveness of the biosphere a crucially important establishment and ongoing management. reserve. The company is currently being role in mobilizing civil In the Western Cape, biosphere reserves revitalised but valuable lessons can be society action to secure the are specified as an important component learned from this experience, which can Kogelberg. of bioregional planning. If the manage- inform the planning of other biosphere ment plans of biosphere reserves are reserves and corridor initiatives. aligned with the development plans of provincial and local spheres of govern- One of the factors limiting the success ment, biosphere reserves will help gov- of the KBR Company was that it was run ernment to achieve their goals and objec- entirely on a voluntary basis. There was tives. In turn, biosphere reserves will be no paid executive director, operations able to look forward to greater recognition manager or secretariat to carry out the and support from government. extremely demanding role of managing the company, liaising with the numerous The following section describes some of stakeholders, raising funds and promot- the achievements and lessons learned in ing the biosphere reserve. Furthermore, the two biosphere reserves in the Western there was no local authority representa- Cape. tion on the board of directors, so it was difficult to liaise with and garner support (ii) The Kogelberg Biosphere from the four municipalities that fall Reserve within the biosphere reserve. A lack of Less than an hour’s drive from the centre effective fundraising resulted in very few of Cape Town you will find South Africa’s projects being initiated and relatively first biosphere reserve. Designated by little publicity being generated for the UNESCO in 1998, the Kogelberg Bio- biosphere reserve. sphere Reserve (KBR) can be described as the heart of the CFR. This area of over Reviving the Biosphere Reserve 103 000 ha is a biodiversity heaven, Company boasting about 1 600 different types During 2004, after a short period of dor- of plants, of which around 150 occur mancy, the major roleplayers, including nowhere else on earth. The marine life municipalities and community organisa- along the spectacular coastline, where tions, took the initiative to start reviving warm temperate south coast waters inter- the KBR Company. The Company now face with cold upwellings, is also magi- has the full support of the four local cally diverse and productive. Beyond the authorities and is supported by a techni- biodiversity, the KBR is scenically one cal committee, established under the of the most magnificent parts of South Africa. The coastal road from Gordon’s Articles of Association of the Section 21 Bay to Rooi Els traverses steep fynbos- Company. A more regular schedule of clad slopes with towering cliffs above meetings has been planned and funding and below, providing panoramic views of through the Development Bank of South False Bay, complete with whales from late Africa (DBSA) and the Provincial Gov- winter to early summer. More than 80% ernment will enable the development of of the biosphere reserve is mountainous, a strategic management framework for with the rest of the area comprising sea, the KBR. This framework will determine coastal plains, rocky shores, sandy beach- the vision for the company, draw up a es and estuaries. management plan guiding actions on the people making biodiversity work 97 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is contributing to effective land use planning that integrates the environmental, social and economic needs of the area.

ground, and include a corporate plan (iii) The Cape West Coast outlining the functions of the Board and Biosphere Reserve its functionaries. A consultant has been The population of the City of Cape Town appointed to develop the strategic man- is projected to double between 2002 and agement framework, which is expected 2012. The West Coast is experiencing early in 2006. growing pressure from urban expansion and coastal development, which Funding raised through C.A.P.E. will be are impacting on its unique character. used to appoint a full-time KBR co-ordi- Conscious of the need to plan develop- nator for an initial contract period of ment carefully, representatives of civil four years. This will address one of the society on the West Coast lobbied for the key management problems experienced proclamation of a biosphere reserve. The in the past. Initially, projects will focus process of preparing the formal applica- on strengthening marine conservation in tion to UNESCO brought together munici- the area, as well as the development of a palities, provincial government and civil tourism strategy for the biosphere reserve. society on the West Coast, and set the scene for ongoing co-operation. National Support for the KBR is coming not a government also gave their support, moment too soon: coastal development is with the then Minister of Environmental proceeding apace and poaching is threat- Affairs and Tourism, Mr Mohammed Valli ening to destroy local populations of per- Moosa, endorsing the application. lemoen and crayfish. The people of the Kogelberg must work together to iden- In November 2000, the UNESCO MAB tify how the area’s greatest assets—its programme designated 378 000 ha of natural beauty and biodiversity—can coastal lowlands and inland agricultural be conserved so that they can con- areas as the Cape West Coast Biosphere tinue to provide opportunities for Reserve (CWCBR). The Biosphere Reserve ecologically and socially sustainable stretches from the Diep River in Milner- development. ton, Cape Town, to the Berg River and 98 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

An insecure future Saldanha Limestone Dune Thicket and Hopefield Sand Fynbos occur entirely within the CWCBR—yet less than 0.5% of dune thicket and less than 3% of sand fynbos vegetation is adequately protected!

How is land used in the CWCBR? Analysis of satellite imagery indicates the following major land use types in the CWCBR: 47% Agriculture 25% Natural vegetation 16% Alien vegetation 8% Urban development

incorporates one of the fastest growing areas of the City. UNESCO recognises development pressure on the West Coast as a significant challenge to the Biosphere reserve.

The CWCBR includes a wide range of habitats, from marine, beach and dune environments to pans, wetlands, coastal plains and rocky outcrops. The Lange- baan Lagoon, one of the core conservation areas, is also designated as a Ramsar wetland of international importance. New core areas have been added since the biosphere reserve was designated, namely Dassen and Vondeling Islands and their surrounding marine areas.

The natural assets of the West Coast make it a popular tourist destination, particularly during spring when the Strandveld is in bloom. The region also supports a diverse range of industries including agriculture and fisheries, mining, manu- facturing and services. However, these economic opportunities are not equitably distributed, and many communities live in poverty, experiencing low levels of employment, skills shortages, overcrowd- ed living conditions, and health problems like tuberculosis. people making biodiversity work 99 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

both benefit from and safeguard the area’s distinctive natural diversity and cultural character.

In order to inform the development of its own strategic and management plans, the CWCBR commissioned a thorough review of a wide range of environmental, social and economic policy and planning documents. These included a number of biodiversity surveys highlighting conservation priorities and development opportunities in the region. This research drew attention to the socio-economic benefits of conservation and confirmed that the region has enormous potential for ecotourism, especially in the core areas.

However, the study also warned that there has been substantial loss and frag- mentation of natural areas in the CWCBR. In eight of the region’s 12 vegetation Consult the website at www.capebiosphere.co.za types, so much natural vegetation has already been lost that it will not be possible to meet a minimum conservation Integrating conservation and target of 25% of the original area. In order development planning to meet even a 10% conservation target, it will be necessary to conserve more than In the face of pressing socio-economic 5 500 hectares of additional land. Of challenges, the CWCBR Company takes particular concern is that five of the veg- pride in the fact that they have always etation types occur entirely within the promoted the “M” in UNESCO’s CWCBR; if the biosphere reserve cannot Man and the Biosphere Pro- guarantee their survival, nobody else will. gramme (MAB). A lengthy process of consultation with numerous Most of the land in the CWCBR is pri- stakeholders resulted in the preparation vately owned, so biodiversity conserva- of strategic and business plans for the tion in the region relies on the support CWCBR, which are in line with Prov- and co-operation of a large number of ince’s bioregional planning frame- stakeholders. Fortunately, as the creation work. These are people-centred of the biosphere reserve indicates, there plans that acknowledge the fun- is a great deal of support for sustainable damental importance of biodi- development from civil society in the versity conservation for sus- region. tainable development on the West Coast. They The Biosphere Reserve Company is enable all role players encouraging a balanced approach to land in the area to work use and development planning in the towards common CWCBR. Spatial biodiversity informa- goals and objectives, tion can help to identify those habitats The Vision of the CWCBR and ensure that the that need special protection, while also e see the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve Biosphere Reserve indicating less critical biodiversity areas fulfils its three core as the best international example of integrat- where urban and agricultural develop- W functions. ing rapid growth and change with biodiversity conser- ment can proceed without threatening vation, sustainable living and heritage preservation. the region’s unique biodiversity. This The strategic plan information can also help the authorities sets out a 20-year identify priority areas where invasive vision for the Bio alien vegetation must be removed. CWCBR sphere, with a series of action plans providing the detail. By taking an integrated approach to conservation and Effective biosphere management development, the CWCBR aims to ensure The CWCBR Company provides services that the people of the West Coast will to its members and stakeholders by co- 100 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) ordinating projects and programmes that integrate rapid growth and change with What have we biodiversity conservation, sustainable living and heritage preservation. Since learned? the Biosphere Reserve was designated in 2000, the Biosphere Reserve Company The experiences of the Kogelberg and has achieved a great deal. The following Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserves approaches have contributed to effective have been very different. A compari- management of the CWCBR: son of the relative effectiveness of the two approaches suggests that:  In the past, municipalities advised the CWCBR Board on technical matters  The management of biosphere only; a few years ago, representatives reserves requires an integrated of the Saldanha Bay, Berg River and approach involving both govern- Swartland Municipalities, the West ment and civil society partners. Coast District Municipality and City Biosphere reserves cannot be run of Cape Town were nominated as by a Section 21 company operat- Directors. This formal partnership has ing in isolation to achieve its own improved co-operation between the agenda. CWCBR and local government.  Biosphere reserves are established  Although Board members serve in to fulfil conservation, development a voluntary capacity, the Biosphere and logistic functions; they cannot Company set up a full-time office focus on the conservation of biodi- with an administrator to enable the versity only but must also promote CWCBR to operate effectively. sustainable development projects and demonstrate tangible socio-  The Biosphere Reserve Company economic benefits. raised funds from the Western Cape  Province, West Coast District Munici- The management framework of a biosphere reserve must include pality, City of Cape Town and DBSA, both strategic plans to guide over- which enabled it to develop and start all management and operational implementing a strategic management plans to guide the day-to-day run- framework. ning of the company.  The management framework has been  The biosphere reserve concept is a major success. The strategic plan understood differently by different provides a long-term vision, which people; this leads to anomalies in guides a shorter-term business plan the execution of plans and percep- and detailed action plans that are tions of stakeholders, including Biodiversity on the West enabling the CWCBR to achieve its funders. Coast is under pressure from goals. agriculture, invasive alien  Biosphere companies need secure plants and urban expansion.  A communication strategy was funding, a full-time administrator drafted to ensure that the CWCBR is and dedicated office space to oper- promoted effectively. This resulted in ate effectively. the development of publications and  Biosphere reserves should interact a website. at all management levels with other role players in the area, to Taking up the challenge ensure that strategic goals and The CWCBR Company faces ongoing objectives are attained. Manage- challenges, which include the need to ment structures should be set up appoint a professional programme co- to actively involve key role players ordinator, to raise funding and involve (e.g. local government). partner organisations in rolling out flag-  ship projects, and to strengthen partner- Although donor funding may be required to catalyse specific ships, co-operation and communication projects, biosphere reserves must among role players in the region. A com- investigate opportunities to gener- mitted Board, a clear strategy and the ate their own revenue and become support of stakeholders in the region will more economically sustainable. ensure that the CWCBR meets its primary The level of funding required objectives of reducing the rate of loss of will relate to how the biodiversity biodiversity, reducing consumption of reserve company views its primary natural resources and stimulating eco- role (e.g. implementing agent, nomic development in this unique region. facilitator, pressure group, etc). people making biodiversity work 101 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

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Watersheds or catchment areas provide land use planners and decision-makers with a very useful ecological unit within which to manage land and water use, fire, invasive alien species, pollution and estuary function in an integrated manner. The C.A.P.E. Programme identified watershed management as a key component of the Strategy and supports efforts to integrate the diverse aspects of catchment management. For instance, C.A.P.E. Partners are actively involved in the establishment of Catchment Management Agencies, which are due to start taking over responsibility for the management of the five major catchment areas in the Cape Floristic Region.

With the recognition that large stands of woody alien plants significantly reduce the amount of water reaching streams, increase the severity of veld fires and pose a threat to biodiversity, the government stepped in and created poverty relief programmes such as Working for Water and Working on Fire. These programmes provide tens of thousands of unemployed people across the region with temporary employment and skills development opportunities. Volunteer groups have also made a significant contribution to the eradication of invasive alien plants on both private and public land. This chapter acknowledges the huge contribution the “fynmense” of the Cape have made in addressing this huge and multi- faceted threat.

CHAPTER Managing watersheds wisely

3.1 Caring for rivers and Wildevoëlvlei—working for a healthy wetlands environment One of the early Working for Wetlands 3 (i) Working for Wetlands projects was initiated in response to an ne of the strengths of the Work- outbreak of toxic blue-green algae in the ing for Wetlands programme in Wildevoëlvlei Wetlands at Noordhoek. the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is For some reason, the pond weed that Oits focus on trying to restore some of the normally grows in these wetlands died natural functioning of river and wetland off and was no longer able to remove ecosystems, even within highly trans- nutrients from the water. Toxic blue-green formed urban environments. Whether algae bloomed in response to the rise in projects have been initiated to address nutrient levels, turning the wetland into a storm water management problems, health hazard for people and animals. blooms of toxic blue-green algae or general envi- Poverty relief funding from the Depart- ronmental degra- ment of Environmental Affairs and Tour- dation, the solu- ism enabled the City of Cape Town, SAN- tion has been to Parks, the Ukuvuka Campaign and restore habitats WESSA Western Cape to undertake a to a more natu- massive project to clear invasive alien ral state. Actual plants and make a start with the restora- rehabilitation has tion of the wetlands. To address the blue- included earthworks, green algae problem, Working for Wet- removal of invasive species lands appointed teams to build “meso- orking for Wetlands team and reintroduction of locally indig- cosms”, floating corral-like structures W members made a big enous plants. A variety of innovative in which they could start poisoning the impression at the C.A.P.E. job creation opportunities have been algae and reintroducing indigenous pond Partners’ Conference 2006. explored, from supplying a commercial weed. Workers also removed swathes of paper manufacturer with cut Phragmites Phragmites reeds and planted a variety reeds, to the development of nurseries to of indigenous wetland plants to try to supply the plants needed for rehabilita- re-establish a more diverse plant com- tion projects. munity. 104 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

About 600 people from Masiphumelele township benefited from short-term employment and skills development opportunities. The Noordhoek Valley Training Centre, a campus of False Bay College, played a key role in supporting the skills development aspects of this project, from sewing skills needed to construct the mesocosms, to basket-making with the cut reeds. FebDev provided business skills development for emerging contractors. A number of these contractors have since started their own businesses and Working for Wetlands project manager Mandy Noffke continues to involve them where possible in a range of different jobs so that they can continue to learn different skills, from alien clearing and plant propagation to planting and maintenance of rehabilitation sites.

Offering urban rivers a helping hand The City of Cape Town manages most of the river and wetland sites where Work- ing for Wetlands Peninsula Project is operating. With its strong commitment to integrated environmental management, the City’s conservation officers are in the forefront of rehabilitation efforts, especially at wetland reserves like Rondevlei, Rietvlei and Zandvlei. By working closely with Working for Wetlands, the engineers are starting to view urban rivers as more than just canals for stormwater. They are helping to reshape river courses, excavate gently sloping river banks, and construct islands to create more diverse habitats. Working for Wetlands can then replant natural wetland vegetation, which helps Pristine river environments in to stabilise the banks and restore biodi- the Cape Floristic Region are versity. One of the ongoing challenges, characterised by a lack of alien vegetation along their banks however, is to ensure that City employees ecological functioning of these systems and an absence of invasive at all levels learn to manage these river but also their aesthetic, recreational and alien fish in their waters. and wetland corridors sustainably. The educational value. Two full-time river destruction of Red Data species by mow- wardens are now employed by businesses ing teams, and damage to newly reshaped along the Keyser’s River to improve and river banks by dredgers are unnecessary maintain this section of river. Access and steps backward in an otherwise positive safety have also been improved with the story of environmental improvement. construction of pathways and lighting along a section of the Sand River. In the South Peninsula, Working for Wetlands has been assisting volunteer groups, a business partnership and A network of nurseries nature conservation agencies with a num- Working for Wetlands in Cape Town is ber of restoration projects in the Sand helping to rehabilitate urban wetlands River catchment. A vision is emerging and rivers, some of which have been so Businesses along the of a “source to sea” rehabilitation and severely degraded by urbanisation that Keyser’s River have management programme incorporating they can no longer regenerate naturally. employed two full- existing initiatives in Tokai Forest and Teams reintroduce lost plant species, time river wardens to Die Oog (Chapter 2.3), the Keyser’s River creating “islands of diversity” in the seas maintain this section of in Retreat, and Zandvlei. These proj- of kikuyu grass and Phragmites or Typha river. ects have been improving not only the reeds that fringe these depleted systems. people making biodiversity work 105 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

A Story of New Beginnings

For two years, Richard Erskine was a supervisor with the Working for Water team responsible for clearing invasive alien plants, building rubble and other rubbish from the newly established Edith Stephens Wetland Park in Lansdowne Road. The pay wasn’t much but it was better than sitting at home in Manenberg where Richard Erskine (right) previously supervised he had been since his previous employer had died, leaving him the Working for Water team that rehabilitated without his gardening job of 35 years. Edith Stephens Wetland Park. He now manages three Working for Wetlands nurseries in the City of Cape Town. When Working for Wetlands established a small nursery at Edith Stephens, Richard jumped at the opportunity to start growing plants again and became part of the nursery team. A horticulturist cannot guarantee the origin of the plants provided some training and supervision but it soon became they sell; however a network of small nurseries dedicated to rehabilitation can clear that all three nurseries needed a manager. Recognising his specialise in propagating plants from skills and experience, Working for Wetlands offered Richard the locally sourced seeds and cuttings. Cur- contract in 2004; that was the start of Richard’s business, “New rently there are three Working for Wet- Beginnings”. lands nurseries situated at City of Cape Town nature reserves or depots, namely Rondevlei, Edith Stephens Wetland Park “I feel great because I’ve been part of this project from day and Westlake. Key to their success is the one,” says Richard. He is proud of the 20 certificates he was fact that they are an integral part of the awarded during his time with Working for Water; among other Working for Wetlands programme, which things he is now a qualified health and safety officer, fire fighter, guarantees a market for the plants the herbicide applicator and supervisor. This training, coupled with nurseries produce. his gardening and supervisory experience, enables Richard to manage the nurseries confidently and to share his knowledge What have we of propagation with the many people who now come to him for advice. And what of his hopes for the future? “We need to restore learned? the whole of the Cape Peninsula to its former glory.” Richard  The technical aspects of pov- and his nursery teams are doing their best to make this dream a erty relief projects are relatively reality. straightforward; it is the social aspects that are the most complex. Local politics can complicate the appointment of workers and extensive planning and adequate lead A lot of plant material is needed times are essential to avoid costly to supply these rehabilitation proj- mistakes and delays. ects. Working for Wetlands decided to  establish its own network Levels of innovation and problem- of nurseries to produce solving among trainees are gener- these plants, rather than ally low; adequate on-site supervi- sourcing them from commercial sion is therefore essential. nurseries, which don’t specialise  Poverty relief funding is just what in wetland species and often lack it says—poverty relief; it is an sufficient stock. This generated a attempt to provide temporary number of benefits: firstly, it created assistance and training opportuni- another opportunity for poverty relief ties for unemployed people who jobs and training; secondly, nurseries have few marketable skills and could be situated close to rehabilitation very poor prospects of employ- sites, thereby reducing transport costs. ment. Because the daily wage is so Finally, Working for Wetlands is com- low (approximately R40 per day), mitted to rehabilitating sites with locally poverty relief projects suffer from a indigenous plants in order to maintain high turnover of workers. As soon the genetic integrity of different plant as better opportunities turn up, populations. Most commercial nurseries people understandably move on. 106 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

 When different organisations operating within the same geographical area offer differing rates of pay for poverty relief projects, this causes endless problems for mangers and contributes to the closing down of some projects and competition between others. A standardised system would alleviate some of these social issues  Working for Wetlands started off as a sister programme to Work- ing for Water and was managed by DWAF, which focuses mainly What is river on water conservation issues. The health? programme has since been taken over by SANBI, which has a bio- healthy river is one in which diversity conservation mandate. A ecological conditions are as This has served to strengthen the close as possible to their natural ecological restoration focus of state. The river environment is Working for Wetlands. undamaged, the water is clean, and indigenous plant and animal Unless rivers and streams are well cared for, they become populations are present. unhealthy and pose a health risk. (ii) The River Health Programme “Water is Life!” We all know the slogan; but take a look at our streams and rivers and you have to ask why, in this water- scarce country, we seem intent on killing the very systems that are society’s lifeline.

Cape Town’s polluted urban rivers feature periodically on prime-time TV news, Before with graphic pictures of festering canals, choked with rubbish, that are really no more than open sewers. Unaware that their health is at risk, children play in rivers where concentrations of faecal bacteria exceed international health and rovincial champion Toni Belcher has man- safety standards. Ironically, as we degrade P aged the River Health Programme that has river systems through over-abstraction of effectively mobilised a whole range of partner water, insensitive development, pollution organisations for implementation. and invasive alien plants and animals, After these rivers become less and less able There is a dramatic difference to satisfy our needs. They also become Ongoing river monitoring between rivers that are increasingly expensive to rehabilitate. There is no shortage of ad hoc river moni- infested with aliens and those where clearing has been toring projects in South Africa, but the effective. Looking after the quality and availability RHP is significant because it provides a of South Africa’s fresh water resources set of protocols and procedures that any is such a priority to government that organisation in the country can use. This in 1994, the year of the country’s first enables diverse organisations to partici- democratic elections, the River Health pate in an ongoing, systematic national Programme (RHP) was established to monitoring programme and to contribute monitor, assess and report on the health useful information to a growing database. of rivers. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) runs this national RHP researchers observe land uses in the programme, in collaboration with the catchment and assess the current ecologi- Department of Environmental Affairs and cal health of a site by surveying a range Tourism (DEAT) and the Water Research of indicators. They record their findings Commission (WRC). using a simple rating system (natural, people making biodiversity work 107 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The RHP team in George has spent many afternoons with keen teachers and learners from Thembalethu township, teaching them how to monitor river health. The schools have each adopted a section of their local river and will be carrying out regular assessments.

of our lives. Rather than expecting the authorities to address all the problems The RHP uses simple graphics to report on its facing our rivers, the RHP team can pro- findings, making the information accessible vide water forums, friends groups and A future for urban to all. schools with information and support to rivers? inspire and enable them to care for the health of the region’s river systems. good, fair, poor and unacceptable) and The RHP in the Western make a realistic judgement in terms of Cape has produced several the state of river health that could be What have we SoR reports on rivers achieved through better management. in the province. Most This predictive element of the assessment learned? recently, an SoR report serves as a vision to inspire sustainable  In the Western Cape the RHP team development options in the catchment. was commissioned for works well because it is adequate- greater Cape Town because Information enabling action ly resourced and very well managed by DWAF and the provincial of concerns about the The RHP presents its findings in the form RHP champion. impact on rivers of rapid of attractive, user-friendly State of Riv- urbanisation and ageing ers (SoR) reports and posters that focus  By providing a standard set of on particular catchments or regions. infrastructure. The report protocols and procedures, the RHP Designed to inform politicians, managers is able to involve a large number identified some horror and residents, these reports describe the of organisations in a nation-wide stories as well as some current situation, identify factors impact- monitoring project. reasons for hope. Water ing on the river, predict trends in the condition of the river, and suggest what can  Using photographs, simple graph- quality in the Kuils River, be done to manage the catchment better. ics and a qualitative rating scale for example, can only be makes the RHP findings accessible The information gathered by the RHP is described as disgusting: six to a wide range of users. widely used, notably by environmental sewage works discharge planners and officials responsible for  Each and every one of us both treated wastewater into managing freshwater resources, and by impacts on and benefits from riv- this river and its entire C.A.P.E. partners involved in fine-scale ers, so it is everyone’s responsibil- catchment, from source conservation planning. However, Toni ity to look after rivers. Information to mouth, is urbanised. Belcher believes that this information provided by the RHP helps us to do also needs to inspire and enable citizen The Sand River system, this.monitoring project. action at a local level. on the other hand, has great potential; although We all live and work within catchments but, especially in urban areas, it is easy water quality varies greatly to forget that we are only a storm-water along its length, it could be drain away from our local river. From rehabilitated and managed the sweet wrapper dropped on the pave- as an urban greenbelt. ment to the can of used oil thrown down the drain, we impact on rivers every day

108 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

(iii) Western Cape Wetlands Forum The Western Cape Wetlands Forum (WCWF) is a multi-stakeholder body that provides opportunities for the “... sharing of information and expertise regarding the protection, management and restoration of wetlands in the Western Cape Province”. It was initiated by the Working for Wetlands Programme, which needed informed guidance in its poverty alleviation projects, and has since grown to include a range of agencies and interest groups. The Forum aligns itself fully with the mission and vision of C.A.P.E., and is committed to providing appro- The Western Cape Wetlands priate input to C.A.P.E.’s task teams that Forum is committed to the deal with wetland issues. protection, management and CMAs in the CFR restoration of wetlands in the Western Cape. The Forum is currently housed by Five CMAs will be developed in the CFR: SANBI’s Urban Conservation Pro-  Breede River / Overberg gramme based at Kirstenbosch. Via its  Gouritz membership, it can provide information,  Olifants / Doring advice and networking opportunities with regard to Western Cape wetlands. This  Berg (including Cape Town) service is of particular value to consul-  Fish / Tsitsikamma tants involved in environmental impact assessments that involve wetlands. These CMAs should all have been estab- Anyone who shares a vision for the envi- lished by 2009. ronmentally responsible management of wetlands, from individuals living near The 19 CMAs correspond to major catch- wetlands, to civil society organisations ment areas and their governing boards and government agencies, is welcome to will comprise representatives of water join the Forum. An offshoot of this Forum user groups and interested parties in the has recently been established in the catchment, including agriculture, indus- southern Cape. try, local government and environmental groups. Each CMA will develop a catch- (iv) Catchment Management ment management strategy and appoint staff to carry out its functions. Respon- Agencies—a new model for sibilities will include water use control, water management licence allocations (e.g. afforestation, What are CMAs? irrigation) and environmental management (e.g. aquatic requirements of water The Department of Water Affairs and For- resources, pollution control, eradication estry is currently both manager and arbi- of invasive alien organisms). Revenue ter of South Africa’s water resources. In to fund the CMAs will come from the an effort to separate these functions, the water resource management charge that National Water Act (No. 36, 1998) pro- all water users currently pay to DWAF. vides for the establishment of Catchment Water users within a catchment will fund Management Agencies (CMAs) that will The River Health Programme the functions of their CMA. Projects for has resulted in State-of- take over responsibility for water resource the control of invasive alien plants (the Rivers reports of all important management in South Africa, resulting in Working for Water programme) will be catchment areas in the CFR. a leaner national department that will be co-funded by the CMA in addition to responsible for policy development and poverty relief funding from national gov- oversight rather than implementation. ernment. people making biodiversity work 109 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Integrating biodiversity concerns into Watershed Management– Component 6

Five Catchment Management Agencies will be established to manage water resources within the CFR. A close relationship The governing board of the first CMA is through C.A.P.E. will enable the CMAs between C.A.P.E. and these already appointed in the Inkomati water to make more informed decisions about CMAs will strengthen management area in Mpumalanga. The resource allocation and help them to plan biodiversity conservation in Breede-Overberg CMA in the Western proactively. For example, fine-scale biodi- catchments. Cape is already established and the gov- versity plans show where the threatened erning board will be appointed in 2006. habitats are in a catchment; using these, This is one of five CMAs in the CFR. Two the CMA can ensure that forestry and of the others, the Gouritz CMA and the irrigation permits are not issued in areas Olifants-Doring CMA, will be established where the biodiversity is under threat. by the latter half of 2006. Information on the water requirements of river ecosystems will enable CMAs to reg- CMAs and C.A.P.E.—partnerships for ulate the discharge of water from dams. Maps showing the distribution of inva- biodiversity sive alien plants in the catchment and DWAF is an active C.A.P.E. partner. the critical biodiversity areas will enable Through involvement in a number of Working for Water funding to be allocated C.A.P.E. task teams, the department has more strategically. become increasingly conscious of the relationship between its mandate to man- Being a partner in the broader C.A.P.E. age South Africa’s water resources, forests programme has enabled DWAF to identify and plantations, and the need to conserve illie Enright has contrib- priority areas for conservation action in biodiversity. Due to the influence of uted consistently to the the region. As CMAs are established to W C.A.P.E., biodiversity concerns will figure development of the Watersheds manage South Africa’s water resources, prominently in the strategies developed component of the C.A.P.E. pro- those in the CFR will be developing by CMAs in the CFR. gramme. catchment management strategies with the assistance of C.A.P.E. that promote Willie Enright, Deputy Regional Director biodiversity conservation, setting a prec- at DWAF, notes that the wealth of fine- edent that will inform CMAs elsewhere in scale biodiversity information available the country. 110 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

(v) The Knysna Rastafarian this project. The task team has been moti- Community Trail vated by its desire to rehabilitate the natural environment and to restore the dig- “The river is life. But there is a prob- nity of people. Through the project they lem—the river is polluted.” This is how have explored what the term “sustainabil- residents of Rasta Square in Bongani ity” means to their community in practi- Township in Knysna described the situ- cal terms. They have found that sharing ation when they approached SANParks a vision for the project, taking initiative, for advice on how to rehabilitate their remaining committed and building on local catchment. Fouled by seepage from their successes have enabled the project pit latrines, choked by car wrecks and to take root and flourish. Instead of wait- alien vegetation, the stream was by no ing for others to do things for them, the means an asset to the community. The task team has restored their river valley lroy Block , one of the speak- municipal cleansing department had lost and created job opportunities for their E ers at the C.A.P.E. Part- interest in spending money on cleaning community. And this has resulted in the ners’ Conference in 2005., says: up the area, as the community had not most important outcome of the project: “Money isn’t necessary to initiate supported previous attempts. Each time, instilling pride in the community. projects. You need initiative to within a few weeks, the valley looked like get projects off the ground. The it had never been cleaned. But this time it worker becomes the father and the was different; members of the community work his child” . had taken the initiative and, what’s more, What have we they weren’t asking for physical or mate- learned? rial help, but only advice.  If a group wants to get something Inspired by the fact that they live in the done, the members must share a heart of a National Park, this group of vision of their ultimate goal—and Rastafarians was convinced that they stick to that vision. could develop sustainable livelihoods  People have different views and through rehabilitating their valley. Rather expectations, so it is important to than launching into a once-off clean-up look for common ground when campaign, SANParks provided training in working on community projects. a variety of skills like path building and  Money can create problems— erosion control, and helped the group to whether you have no money, some develop their own business plan describ- money or plenty of money! Start ing what they wanted to achieve. The with a vision, develop your plan plan unlocked funding and support from and use the money as you have the municipality, which helped with the planned. removal of the vehicle wrecks.  Co-ordinating a project is like Having cleared the area of rubbish and driving a bus—to keep going in alien plants, the task team decided to your chosen direction you need develop a footpath so that local residents one bus driver. When things are and visitors could enjoy the area. They going well, other people will want negotiated with municipal councillors, to take over the driving! secured funding and invited people from  Don’t waste opportunities or wait the neighbourhood to apply for contracts. for conditions to improve before Managed by the task team, the people of you act. Recognise that this is the the valley built their own trail, including time and work with what you have an entrance, pine bridges and board- now. walks. Elroy Block, one of the task team  members, now takes tourists on guided Planning and doing are two differ- trails, which provide insights into the ent things. People need appropri- Rastafarian way of life. The success of ate capacity-building opportunities this phase of the project has attracted fur- if projects are to become sustain- ther funding: R500 000 has been provided able. This should include both to continue with rehabilitation of the area practical skills (e.g. path building) and administrative skills (e.g. bud- and to develop a multi-purpose commu- geting). nity centre to serve as a meeting place, information centre and project hub.  Nobody can control the flow of time. To be sustainable, a project The values and beliefs of the Rastafarian needs to develop at its own pace community have been the inspiration for and in its own time. people making biodiversity work 111 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Ouch! There are many he cost of controlling invasive impacts of alien T alien plants is estimated at R600 invasive plants: million per year for 20 years. If left unchecked, the extent of the problem • Alien plants usually will double within 15 years. grow more vigorously, reproduce more rapidly and have fewer natural enemies than indigenous 3.2 Dealing with invasive Working for Water has resulted not only in job plants. Dense groves of alien plants opportunities, but also capacity-building and a single species of alien entrepreneurial development. nvasive alien plants pose one of the plants threaten biodiver- most serious threats to biodiversity sity by crowding out more in the CFR. Unchecked, alien plants ing out their services to the public and diverse communities of spreadI rapidly and the greater the extent private sectors. indigenous plants and and severity of the infestation, the higher animals, including rare the cost of eradicating these plants. Gov- The Working for Water programme has and locally unique spe- ernment recognises the seriousness of made a conscious effort to benefit the cies. the invasive alien plant problem and has most marginalised communities, setting put legislation, programmes and funding targets for the employment of women • Ecosystem goods and in place to facilitate alien clearing. A key services like edible and (60%), youth (20%) and people with dis- approach has been to link alien clearing abilities (2%). A range of life skills devel- medicinal species, graz- to poverty relief and skills development ing, tourism opportuni- opment opportunities and social services opportunities. In this section we reflect have been provided through these pro- ties and natural pol- on the work of some of the key alien grammes; for example, with the help of lination services are all clearing initiatives in the region. the Department of Social Development, threatened by alien inva- Working for Water has facilitated child sions. (i) We’re Working for Water care for the children of workers involved • Alien plants threaten Addressing environmental degradation in alien clearing projects. agriculture by invading through poverty relief and social develop- The Department of Water Affairs and potentially productive ment projects is now a well-established Forestry (DWAF) administers this flag- grazing land and areas model in South Africa. In 1995, however, when the Working for Water programme ship programme in partnership with the where wild flowers are was launched, this was a novel idea Department of Environmental Affairs and harvested. inspired by the values of the new South Tourism and the National Department of • Experiments have shown Africa. Agriculture. that alien trees use more water than fynbos; this Through programmes like Working for Are we making a difference? reduces moisture in the Water, and more recently Working for Working for Water is currently involved soil and runoff to rivers Wetlands and Working on Fire, tens of in more than 300 alien clearing proj- thousands of people from the most eco- ects across South Africa, around 20% especially in mountain- nomically depressed rural and urban ous areas and on river of these being in the CFR. Without this areas have had the chance to earn a liv- programme, it is estimated that plant banks, affecting plants, ing and develop a range of skills through animals and people. invasions could have been up to 30% restoring local environments. Many have more extensive than they are today. But is • Dense stands of wood gone on to become independent contrac- there proof that removing invasive alien alien shrubs and trees tors, managing their own teams and hir- plants actually makes a difference to the are highly flammable amount of water reaching our rivers and and increase the intensi- dams? Indeed there is: the opposite table ty of veld fires, the cost of Thirsty! shows the average increase in stream flow measured after clearing of invasive alien fire control and the risk ong-term studies at Jonkershoek in of damage to human life plants from three sites in the Western L the Western Cape show that pine Cape. and property. Destruc- plantations in mountain catchment tion of the vegetation and areas can reduce stream flow by Conservative estimates suggest that the changes to the soil struc- 130–300 mm per year compared to clearing of invasive alien plants by the ture increase the risk of areas with fynbos vegetation. Pine Working for Water programme generates soil erosion after fire. invasions have a similar impact. increased runoff of about 56 million m3 every year; this equates to the full sup- 112 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Increase in stream flow immediately after clearing of invasive alien plants

Short-term stream flow increase

Catchment Vegetation cleared (cubic metre/hectare of Residues from clearing aliens cleared/day) operations provide a source of raw materials for secondary industries. Du Toitskloof Wattle & Eucalyptus 9 Somerset West Wattle & Eucalypts 12 Jonkershoek Pine 31

ling reasons why government should continue to support the Working for Water Water yield programme. his is the amount of water that T can be collected and used in a Getting help from Working for Water catchment. Working for Water is a public sector programme funded almost entirely by hristo Marais has contributed government. It focuses on clearing inva- to the economic valuation sive alien plants from areas identified as C of the Working for Water pro- ply capacity of the Wemmershoek Dam! priorities in terms of water, biodiversity gramme, including the value to Were it not for the Working for Water pro- and the productive potential of untrans- communities of skills development gramme, the annual loss of water due to formed agricultural land, such as land and entrepreneurial opportunities. invasive alien plants could increase to as used for grazing and flower picking. 3 much as 127 million m per year, or twice Working for Water may partly fund alien the full supply capacity of the Berg River Dam. The clearing of invasive alien plants from mountain catchment areas and along rivers is contributing significantly to water availability. This is particularly important in the dry west, where water restrictions are becoming a fact of life.

The diagram shows the impact that invasive alien plants are currently having on water yield in the mountain catchment areas and river systems of the Western Cape (orange bars). Clearing these alien plants from rivers and mountain catchment areas would release more than 80 million m3 of water per year, or 4% The effects of clearing are dramatic, but fynbos vegetation recovers rapidly. of registered water use in the province. If alien plants were allowed to invade to their full extent, however, we would risk losing a further 334.5 million m3 of water, which is equivalent to 16% of the registered water use in the Western Cape (blue bars).

In addition to increasing the supply of water, removing invasive alien plants results in huge benefits for biodiversity and creates employment opportunities for thousands of people. These are compel- people making biodiversity work 113 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

clearing on private or municipal land if from the informal sector. Rigid pro- this land is identified as a priority, but tocols reduce the responsiveness the land owner must agree to cover the and effectiveness of some Working costs of keeping the land clear of aliens for Water projects. Delays in sign- after the initial clearing period. Private ing contracts or making funding landowners who do not qualify for Work- available impact negatively on the ing for Water assistance can obtain advice appointment of workers and con- from the National Department of Agricul- tractors and on the achievement of ture or from their regional Working for alien eradication targets. Water office. They are able to draw from  the growing pool of private alien clear- Post-clearing rehabilitation is ing contractors, most of whom have been needed in some areas, in particu- trained through involvement with Work- lar areas that have been densely ing for Water projects. invaded for long periods, such as some river courses and coastal Founded on the principles of sustainable plains. development, the Working for Water pro-  An annual budget of R450 mil- gramme has successfully integrated envi- lion may sound generous but it ronmental restoration, social develop- is not actually enough. Working ment and poverty relief. Over the years, for Water is not winning the war through turning this vision into reality, against invasive alien plants and it has helped to transform not only the needs to investigate additional South African landscape, but also rela- sources of revenue, such as intro- tionships between environmental agen- ducing levies for ecosystem ser- cies and local communities. vices. In the CFR, for example, the current budget is R110 million per annum, whereas as much as R600 What have we million may be needed. learned?  Working for Water is currently investigating the establishment of  The Working for Water programme Value Added Industries, like build- grew so fast that it became neces- ing materials (e.g. wood compos- sary to put in place norms and ites), biofuels like charcoal and, on standards and assessment proce- a smaller scale, the manufacture dures in order to ensure effective of wooden crafts and furniture. project management across the Pilot projects suggest that income board. The resulting Activity Sam- from these industries could offset pling Programme has helped to the cost of clearing rooikrans, Port improve productivity significantly Jackson and black wattle by 14 in some areas. –20%.  An effective national alien eradi-  Biological control is making a cation strategy requires a multi- major contribution by dramati- pronged approach. Working for cally slowing down the spread of Water encourages workers who the two most serious invasive alien have completed their contracts species in the CFR: rooikrans and to set themselves up as indepen- Port Jackson. This will significantly dent contractors with their own reduce the budget of R600 million alien eradication teams. However, required for both initial and fol- relatively few private landowners low-up clearing. are complying with alien clearing regulations, thus reducing the amount of work available. Advo- (ii) Addressing Invasive Alien cacy and incentives are needed Plants in the TMNP to encourage landowners to clear In the early years of the Table Mountain their land, providing work for National Park (TMNP), the clearing of alien clearing teams. invasive alien plants was funded by the  Global Environmental Facility through Administrative systems and pro- the World Bank and was mainly out- cesses that suit the formal econ- sourced to experienced contractors, in omy are not always appropriate line with the donor’s competitive pro- when working with contractors curement arrangements. Once this fund- 114 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) ing ran out, the Park started sourcing funds from Working for Water. This her- alded the start of what has since become an important focus of the TMNP: creating training and employment opportunities in the Park for unemployed residents of neighbouring townships and informal settlements (Chapter 2.2).

The transition from GEF to Expanded Public Works Programme funding brought with it many changes. The TMNP held open meetings for its existing contractors to explain that, while wages would be significantly lower, the new system would provide work and training for the most disadvantaged members of the community. Poverty relief projects set out very strict contract conditions, which have enabled the Park to insist on high standards of occupational health and safety and fair labour practice from contractors. When the Park started recruiting new contractors, the response was enormous; eventually 60 contractors were appointed from over 400 applicants. Since the initial training period, contractors have been The Table Mountain National assigned to different sections of the Park Park to plan ahead. Being a flagship pro- Park is looking beyond and compete among themselves for con- gramme of government, it is likely that alien clearing to the re- tracts. This element of competition moti- this source of funding will be sustainable. establishment of indigenous vates teams to produce high quality work. Herman finds this model much more vegetation. Sometimes it’s an satisfactory than once-off donations that interesting operation! Herman Jungbauer who oversees alien tend to encourage large-scale initial clear- clearing projects in the Park recognises ing without adequate long-term follow the immense value of poverty relief pro- up. grammes. As a self-confessed perfection- A major project ist, however, he is always looking for Being funded by the Department of Water Clearing invasive alien ways to improve the system. “We provide Affairs and Forestry, the Working for contractors with training in a host of Water programme focuses primarily on plants is a big budget areas, like occupational health and safety, clearing invasive alien plants from catch- project requiring significant first aid, business skills and personal ment areas in order to increase water run- co-ordination. During finance,” he says “but even though we off to streams and rivers. The restoration 2005, the TMNP planned have an exit programme, I don’t think of biodiversity is an important spin-off of to: there is enough support for emergent con- alien clearing, but generally Working for tractors once they leave the poverty relief Water teams do not actively rehabilitate  Spend nearly R8.6 mil- programmes.” Herman would like to see a indigenous vegetation after aliens have lion on alien clearing. contractors’ forum set up through which been removed. Herman sees post-clearing landowners could source newly estab- ecological restoration as the next impor-  Clear over 16 000 ha. lished contractors. tant challenge for the TMNP. A new proj-  ect funded by the Department of Envi- Provide nearly 60 000 For an organisation to sustain an effective ronmental Affairs and Tourism to remove person days worth of alien clearing programme, it must invest invasive alien plants from Robben Island employment! in effective management capacity and and to restore the natural vegetation have access to ongoing funding. In order will provide an opportunity to explore to plan and manage a well-co-ordinated rehabilitation methods that can then be and integrated alien clearing strategy applied on the Peninsula. Restoration that involves different poverty relief programmes, the TMNP established an Inva- projects that complement alien clear- sive Species Control Unit. The unit draws ing, like erosion control, the develop- up an Annual Plan of Operations (APO), ment of indigenous nurseries, and which ensures a systematic approach replanting disturbed areas, can to initial clearing plus adequate follow create additional job opportuni- up. Working for Water provides funding ties to further benefit neighbouring in three-year cycles, which allows the communities. people making biodiversity work 115 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

(iii) Santam Cape Argus Ukuvuka What have we Campaign learned? The devastating fires on the Cape Peninsula  Some contractors find it very dif- in January 2000 were ficult to manage contract funds, unprecedented, not only and spend money earmarked in terms of their extent for business expenses on private and the damage they purchases. To address this prob- caused but also in rela- lem, all TMNP contractors must tion to the response they elicited. Within just ten appoint a book-keeper and the days of the fires, funding had been com- s Minister of Water Affairs Park regularly audits their books. mitted and a business plan drawn up and Forestry, Kader Asmal A If a contractor continues to mis- enabling the establishment a short-term, became a powerful champion manage funds, that person is no issue-focused partnership known as the of the Working for Water pro- longer given contracts. Santam Cape Argus Ukuvuka Campaign. gramme. Passionate about the need to conserve and provide  Poverty relief programmes are sup- Over four years (2000–2004) the project water, alleviate poverty and posed to benefit the most needy staff worked with numerous partners in empower people, he quickly seized members of a community, but in the City of Cape Town, initiating proj- on the opportunity that biodi- some cases contractors appoint ects and facilitating processes aimed at versity restoration could play in reducing the risks of both bush fires and achieving these goals simulta- friends or family members who fires in informal settlements. The project neously. Under his leadership, may not fulfil this criterion. The received a total of R63.5 million, with South Africa demonstrated to the TMNP is trying to address this by most support coming from the City of world that sustainable develop- asking community leaders to help Cape Town, Santam and, in the form of ment is possible when biodiversity identify contractors and work- campaign advertising, the Cape Argus considerations are mainstreamed ers. Stricter criteria are needed to newspaper. into social and economic develop- ensure that funding benefits those ment. for whom it is intended. The campaign faced numerous challenges, not least the need to work with  Contractors sometimes find it dif- and through multiple stakeholders during ficult to maintain their teams, a period of massive restructuring of many as some workers fall away and of the partner organisations. Despite need to be replaced. Appointing this, the campaign enjoyed a high level untrained workers is a problem, of commitment from competent staff and the Park is working with com- and committee members. Being a small organisation, it was able to operate with munity leaders to try to address minimal bureaucracy and make funding this problem. available relatively efficiently. It also provided a forum for diverse organisations to  Although allocation of Working for work together to address issues of com- Water funding has become much mon concern. more efficient with the introduction of three-year funding cycles, The Ukuvuka Campaign spent about 50% project managers still experience of its budget on alien clearing, resulting problems of breaks in funding in around 5 000 ha being cleared dur- availability between cycles. A sys- ing the four-year project period. Most of tem of bridging finance needs to this took place within the TMNP, greatly be investigated to protect the vul- enhancing the ability of the Park to meet Effective implementation is nerable communities who rely on its alien clearing targets. Alien clearing is an ongoing process, however, and Uku- founded upon good science, poverty relief projects. information and knowledge. vuka made sure that government agencies A strength of the Working for  Currently, the biggest invasive like the Public Works Department and the Water programme has been South African National Defence Force, the underlying understanding alien plant problem in the TMNP which also benefited from funding, com- of how water supplies and is caused by neighbours who con- biodiversity are affected tinue to grow invasive species and mitted themselves to ongoing alien clear- by alien invasive species. who dump garden refuse in the ing on their land. This became the subject of Park. The TMNP needs to explore a comprehensive scientific opportunities to encourage greater Ukuvuka, with its partner the Cape Argus, review in the South African conducted a very high-profile fire aware- Journal of Science. co-operation. ness campaign. A survey conducted 116 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Ukuvuka Campaign was established to reduce the risk of fire in both informal settlements and natural areas.

towards the end of the campaign period revealed a high level of awareness about the need to remove invasive alien plants, and the motivation to do so, especially among residents living along the edge of the TMNP.

Following the Working for Water model, the Ukuvuka Campaign contributed to poverty alleviation and social development by employing and training workers and contractors to undertake various labour-intensive projects, from clearing aliens, controlling erosion and cutting fire breaks, to establishing indigenous plant nurseries to assist with rehabilitation. By 2004, 25 contracting entities existed, employing 334 workers who had been involved in projects linked to the Uku- vuka Campaign.

A mid-term evaluation in 2003 revealed that the contractor system was not working optimally. A number of problems were identified, including a lack of management skills, poor supervision, low productivity, substance abuse and concerns The Campaign included that different contractors were paying an imaginative advertising their team members different rates. A strategy.

Sandra Fowkes A description of the C.A.P.E. Programme would be incomplete without the wise words of Sandy Fowkes. Sandra managed the public participation programme when the C.A.P.E. Strategy was being formulated, and was largely responsible for getting all of the main players on board. Blessed with a talent for avoiding conflict and soothing bruised egos, Sandy

PROFILE managed the Strategy Workshop in 2000 and kept consultants and stakeholders on the high road of constructive debate. When it came to putting together the Ukuvuka campaign that represented a risky experiment to link the interests of powerful stakeholders to deal with a highly charged topic, Sandy was the obvious choice. She summed up the situation well, saying that “campaigns like Ukuvuka work well as semi-independent partnership projects. When it all goes wrong, the partners can blame the Campaign Manager, and when it all goes right, the partners can all take the credit”. Wise words indeed, and which inform many of the project implementation mechanisms in C.A.P.E. Take heed, you project co-ordinators!

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Contractor Development Working Group tion on the Cape Peninsula, but was set up and a six-month Contractor this was not available. Conse- Development Programme put in place to quently it was not possible to plan strengthen skills and build professional- effectively or accurately assess the ism. Ukuvuka also provided interest-free impact of Ukuvuka’s interventions. loans to contractors starting up new busi-  Implementing agencies battled to nesses to enable them to purchase protec- set up effective, integrated work tive clothing and equipment. This addi- programmes, making it difficult tional support bore fruit; an indication to provide alien clearing teams of the determination of the contractors to with regular work. The Ukuvuka manage their new businesses effectively Campaign therefore worked with was that all contractors working for the the City of Cape Town and SAN- City of Cape Town and 90% of contractors Parks to set up systems to provide working for TMNP paid back their loans contractors with ongoing work and within six months! regular payment. Both the City and the Park appointed manag- Although short-term projects have their ers to co-ordinate alien clearing limitations, the Ukuvuka Campaign was activities. ampaign Manager Sandra Fowkes able to focus on the issue at hand, mobil-  ise expertise and resources efficiently and Regular, predictable work and discusses progress with the then Min- efficient payment of contractors C responsively, avoid some of the adminis- ister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Ronnie builds worker morale; administrative processes of its institutional part- Kasrils. trative delays in providing work ners, and produce key outputs that have opportunities or paying contrac- helped to translate laws and policies into tors undermines enthusiasm and practical action. forces teams to seek work elsewhere.  Paying workers involved in poverty relief projects different rates What have we causes confusion and leads to learned? disputes.  In order to monitor the effective-  Being a small, highly focused proj- ness of interventions, you first ect, the Ukuvuka Campaign was need to set up systems to enable able to respond rapidly to address assessment. For example, the Uku- short-term needs and catalyse key vuka Campaign could not accu- initiatives relating to alien clear- rately assess its impact on employing. ment creation as it had no criteria Ukuvuka Operation Firestop  against which to measure the was an effective partnership Alien clearing should have been informed by a GIS database inte- readiness of contractors to operate that built capacity among staff in the open market. Furthermore, and volunteers. grating all alien clearing informa-

Val Charlton One of the enduring legacies of the Ukuvuka Campaign is the programme that has picked up many of its responsibilities, while expanding these countrywide, namely Working on Fire. And one of the most obvious reasons for its rapid success was the experience and tenacity of its manager, namely Val Charlton. Val managed a seamless transition to the new programme and set about building PROFILE upon its public profile and management effectiveness through a well co-ordinated programme. Key to this has been an effective communication campaign that has used the summer fires of 2005/6 to draw attention not only to the risk to life and property, but the underlying risk to biodiversity when fires are too frequent or too intense as a result of increased fuel loads. A major challenge is to maintain institutional readiness when there is no immediate fire danger. A few years of lowered risk and complacency sets in. This has set the stage for a re-examination of the ecological effects of fire and the arrangements that need to be maintained to deal with the incidence of fire rationally and objectively. Val has her work cut out for her!

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workers were not monitored to see how many managed to establish their own businesses after their training.  Legislative requirements to clear alien vegetation help to motivate private landowners to clear their land, but this is undermined when enforcement is ineffective. Using some of its funding to employ legal experts enabled Ukuvuka to start prosecuting negligent landowners and setting necessary precedents; however, this proved to be a very slow process.  Short-term campaigns may be good at initiating programmes but they have to rely on institutional partners to maintain and develop these programmes once the campaign comes to an end. It is important to develop exit strategies to institutionalise key initiatives before the end of the campaign.

(iv) P.R.O.T.E.A.—Poverty Relief Funding from Working in the Overstrand through Properties of landowners who refused for Water has enabled the Overstrand Municipality Treatment and Eradication of to co-operate were also marked on the to draw up a 20-year Aliens map—in red! Now landowners who have alien clearing plan for the An inspiring example of an alien clearing cleared their properties are starting to put municipality, which provides programme in the CFR is the appropri- pressure on their non-compliant neigh- employment for over 200 previously disadvantaged ately named P.R.O.T.E.A. project. In 2000 bours because they don’t want seed drift- individuals. Craig Spencer, an environmental officer ing over the fence and causing their alien at the Overstrand Municipality, drew up problem to recur. a 10-year plan to remove invasive alien plants from the Hangklip-Kleinmond area Monique van Wyk has been co-ordinating of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. With P.R.O.T.E.A. since 2001 and her enthu- seed funding of R141 000 from the Table siasm for the project is infectious. Like Mountain Fund, this three-year pilot proj- many other Working for Water project ect soon attracted the support of Working managers she is realistic about the day- for Water, the local authority and private to-day challenges but tremendously posi- landowners. Today Working for Water tive about the benefits of the programme provides a R5 million annual budget for and the way in which it has developed. invasive alien clearing in the Overstrand “If you start as a project manager with Municipality and employs over 200 pre- Working for Water today, you get a full viously disadvantaged individuals. The toolbox!” she says, “Everything you need original 10-year plan for alien eradication is on a CD Rom and you can just get on has evolved into at least a 20-year plan with the job.” She lists the institution of for the entire municipality. accredited training, the development of an exit strategy for contractors, and the onique van Wyk Some time ago, the P.R.O.T.E.A. project introduction of a three-year project cycle came up with a novel idea to encourage as ways in which Working for Water has M private landowners to remove invasive adapted and improved. alien species from their properties. They put up a map of the municipality in a Monique is looking forward to an exciting local shopping centre where they could new stage in the P.R.O.T.E.A. project: the record progress made with the alien establishment of value-added industries. clearing project. As an area was cleared, The municipality will employ teams they shaded in that section of the map. developed through the current Working people making biodiversity work 119 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

for Water project cycle to start clearing (v) Adopt-a-Plot: Co-ordinating invasive aliens in the area east of Stan- the efforts of volunteers ford; Working for Water will appoint new contractors to set up secondary indus- Lovers of the fynbos have long been pas- tries, like producing firewood, mulch sionate about eradicating invasive alien and wooden items like outdoor furniture. plants. Many a volunteer hack group Monique hopes that this project will patrols the CFR with a “seek and destroy” address two of her concerns: the need to glint in the eye. With tasks ranging from provide training opportunities in a broad- chain saw massacres of towering pine er range of skills, and the removal of cut trees to applying herbicide and pulling wood from properties, which will reduce young seedlings, this is fun in the sun for fuel loads linked to the risk of fire. the whole family!

Some hackers have become legends in their own time. Alf Morris, one of the What have we stars of the TMNP’s video Hoerikwaggo: Employment policies in learned? People of the Mountain, has been a regu- the Working for Water have lar hacker for 20 years. Being an octoge- ensured equal opportunities  Particularly in small towns and narian isn’t stopping him either. When he for both men and women to rural areas, you need to train con- isn’t sawing down aliens, you will find develop skills and improved tractors in a wide range of skills livelihoods. him planting and tending silvertree seed- because there is not enough work lings to grace the slopes of Silvermine. to sustain many people with similar skills. Alf is a member of the Friends of Silver-  mine Nature Area. Since 1992 the Friends Project managers need to plan have co-ordinated an Adopt-a-Plot pro- work programmes to ensure that gramme, which has enabled individu- teams have work throughout the als, families and school groups to make year. a meaningful contribution to restoring  Developing the competence and the natural vegetation of the Silvermine section of the TMNP. The project started confidence of emerging contractors small with only one or two plots; today to quote for an alien clearing con- there are more than 30. tract requires guidance and practice; competing with fellow trainees for contracts before competing What have we The Noordhoek-Kommetjie on the open market provides these wetlands are an essential opportunities. learned? link in consolidating the  Table Mountain National In rural areas, daily wages for sea-  Effective co-ordination of volun- Park. Wetland restoration sonal work on farms exceed pov- tary alien clearing efforts relies on there has created many job erty relief grants; this can destabi- having a champion responsible for opportiunities. lise alien clearing teams and force each area. contractors to take on unskilled casual labour.  Good communication between conservation authorities and vol-  The Conservation of Agricultural unteer groups greatly enhances Resources Act (CARA) is not the the effectiveness of alien clearing only legislation that compels efforts. landowners to remove invasive alien plants; you can also invoke  Alien clearing is a dynamic pro- the Veld and Forest Fire Act, the cess; co-ordinators must be able to National Environmental Man- respond to changes in alien plant agement Act, the Water Act and populations and the availability of even Common Law relating to champions and helpers. neighbours and nuisance. The  Long-winded reporting systems latter states that a land owner don’t work. A more efficient may not use his/her land in a spreadsheet system would facili- way that impacts negatively on a tate monitoring and record keep- Coastal and estuary wetlands neighbour’s property. The neigh- ing. are severely threatened by bour may approach the court to burgeoning development in compel the land owner to remove  The regeneration of fynbos after the southern Cape. the source of the nuisance, which alien clearing is astounding! might be an alien tree shedding Development is NOT the only seeds. alternative for badly invaded veld. 120 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Mick Farrow attacks a jungle of young pine trees at Silvermine.

Co-ordinator Sandy Barnes recalls that the Adopt-a-Plot programme originated when the Friends decided to approach WWF-SA for funding to support their alien clearing efforts. Having to put together a funding proposal motivated the Friends to come up with a system that would enable them to use the money Sandberg Fynbos Reserve aims to protect and repopulate most effectively: Adopt-a-Plot was the liam Stafford and Gerhard van Deventer endangered indigenous flora, result. They used the funding to buy strengthen public awareness of equipment and herbicides, which are have found a creative way to address this fynbos, promote and practice shared by hack groups that meet on dif- problem at Sandberg Fynbos Reserve, a permaculture and sustainable ferent weekends. In the case of chainsaw 650 ha private nature reserve near the vil- living, and attract ecotourism. operators, the Friends bought equipment lage of Elim on the Agulhas Plain. Histor- to suit the individuals who play this more ically, agriculture devastated vast swathes specialised role. Some of the chainsaw of lowland fynbos and renosterveld in operators now assist Friends groups in this area; today alien Acacia and Eucalyp- other areas to remove large trees. These tus trees threaten what’s left. volunteers are so skilled that they have helped SANParks to fell some particularly International volunteers from the large pines that contractors were unwill- British Trust for Conservation Vol- ing to tackle. unteers and Canada World Youth also spend time at Sandberg, hack- Although volunteer groups and manage- ing in the mornings and hiking ment authorities sometimes find it dif- and exploring in the afternoons. ficult to work together, Sandy is delighted Sometimes a volunteer with a par- with the relationship the Friends have ticular interest will tackle a special with the TMNP. She puts it down to two project, like drawing up a bird list things: firstly, all the area managers they for the reserve. Some groups volun- erhard can Deventer and have worked with keep them informed of teer for up to three weeks; having a team William Stafford have found developments and involve them in deci- involved for this long makes it possible to G that many people are happy to sion-making; secondly, the Friends see address the invasive alien problem more volunteer their time to help them their role as primarily supportive rather strategically. remove the invasive alien plants than critical. If the Friends notice that that endanger the natural eco- something needs to be done, rather than Schools from the Agulhas Plain are start- systems and unique local plants complain, they ask what they can do to ing to find Sandberg a special place to on their property. Friends love to help. Positive relationships like this allow experience and learn about the environ- volunteer groups to contribute meaning- be part of their twice-yearly Big ment. After removing invasive aliens, Hack , which William describes fully to overall conservation management they find out how their efforts are helping plans. as an opportunity to “nurture to restore biodiversity by taking part in an nature and you”. For an entrance ongoing project to monitor vegetation in a fee of one indigenous tree, friends (vi) Sandberg Fynbos Reserve cleared area. What’s special about Sand- spend a weekend camping at With the cost of clearing invasive alien berg is that the people who spend time Sandberg, hacking, pulling and plants currently at about R6 000 per ha, here don’t only work hard; they also have planting. private landowners who are unable to get enormous fun with friends. People leave help from programmes like Working for having deepened their relationships with Water face an expensive challenge. Wil- both people and nature. people making biodiversity work 121

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Biodiversity conservation in the Cape Floristic Region will never succeed without the involvement of citizens, including private landowners. About 80% of conservation-worthy land in the region is privately owned and a vital component of the work of C.A.P.E. Partners has been to investigate incentives and design systems to encourage landowners to care for biodiversity on their properties. In the Western Cape, the Conservation Stewardship programme is a framework that enables landowners with priority biodiversity on their properties to choose which level of mutually beneficial conservation agreement they are willing to enter into with CapeNature.

Being good stewards also entails keeping an eye on biodiversity. Volunteers from across the region contribute thousands of person hours every year monitoring the whereabouts and population health of rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles of all descriptions, coastal and marine resources, and the baboons of the Cape Peninsula. These are the true “fynmense” who prove the adage that “we will love what we know”.

CHAPTER Enabling conservation stewardship

4.1 Conservation not be able to “join the dots” and link priority fragments via conservation corridors Stewardship—involving unless private landowners get involved. 4 private land owners In November 2002 the Botanical Soci- ety of South Africa and CapeNature Biodiversity conservation embarked on a two-year Conservation needs YOU! Stewardship Pilot Project, funded by the istorically, the establish- CEPF. This ambitious project set out to ment of protected areas in find ways of involving land owners in South Africa was hardly a conserving threatened habitats on their strategicH process. Although some properties, and developing incentives to reserves were declared to conserve encourage, support and recognise their particular species or landscapes, efforts. other sites were conserved by default; they were the “left-over” (i) The Conservation Stewardship areas like mountain catchment pilot project areas and wetlands with relatively The Conservation Stewardship Pilot Proj- low development potential. The ect evolved out of two important research result is that our current protected projects conducted by the Botanical Soci- area network does not adequately ety of South Africa: the Cape Lowlands conserve many of the country’s Project, a conservation planning exercise most threatened lowland ecosys- for the lowlands funded by WWF-SA and tems and species. the Mazda Wildlife Fund, and a project to find incentives for land owners to con- Some natural ecosystems have serve these areas. Informed by the results become so fragmented that, when of the Cape Lowlands Project, the Botani- you look at vegetation maps of cal Society and CapeNature identified certain areas, all that remains three pilot areas where they could work is a disjointed collection of red with farmers to develop and refine work- dots—those vegetation remnants able stewardship arrangements; these that have been flagged as criti- areas were Agtergroenberg near Welling- cally endangered by reports like ton, the Bot River Valley near Grabouw the National Spatial Biodiversity and the Lower Breede River area near Assessment. In fact, 80% of priority Swellendam. conservation areas in the Western Cape are to be found on privately owned land! The other important component of the The conservation authorities will simply Botanical Society’s research was identify- 124 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Conservation Stewardship Stewardship gets his programme is a strategic strategic T approach to reaching biodiversity CapeNature has always targets by ensuring that conservation- encouraged private worthy sites on private land receive sector involvement in appropriate levels of security. conservation by facilitating the establishment of private nature reserves, Stakeholders deliberate options for community reserves conservation stewardship. and conservancies. The into your care is a far more powerful Conservation Stewardship motivating factor. Indeed, the project has project has made these shown that some farmers are willing to initiatives more strategic. spend considerably more on conserving financial and other incentives that CapeNature now assesses ing a critically endangered patch of veld would encourage land owners to conserve the conservation- threatened habitats on their properties. than they would be able to earn from worthiness of a site before Through long and persistent lobbying cultivating it. While incentives are still an efforts and involvement in the law reform important component of the stewardship recommending which of process, the Botanical Society managed package, the success of this initiative ulti- three levels of stewardship to get a landmark clause included in the mately depends on land owners who care is most appropriate, Property Rates Act (No. 6, 2004): conser- about the environment and are willing to play a role in being active conservation and uses wisely crafted vation land on private property that has incentives to leverage been formally declared in terms of the stewards. Fortunately, these champions Protected Areas Act (No. 57, 2003) may exist. Through their involvement the commitment from hesitant now be exempted from municipal rates. stewardship ethic is taking root in the or less-willing land owners. rural areas of the Western Cape. The Conservation Stewardship Pilot Project also investigated possible in-kind What is Conservation Stewardship? incentives from national and provincial For CapeNature, the ultimate goal government agencies, such as conserva- of the Conservation Steward- tion management advice and practical ship programme is to safeguard assistance with the scheduling of alien threatened habitats and to cre- clearing and fire management. It has been ate secure biodiversity corridors difficult to convince other organisations within productive landscapes. to provide direct financial support such The organisation has neither the as alien clearing funding for private land- intention nor the resources to pur- owners, but negotiations are continuing. chase or expropriate these critical habitat fragments. Instead, it aims to secure During the pilot project, a shift occurred these sites by keeping people on the land he land owner and CapeNature repre- from focusing on “incentives” to promot- and involving them in the conservation of T sentative can negotiate an appropriate ing the idea of “stewardship”. It became threatened habitats. stewardship agreement based on a suite of clear that financial incentives are not three options. enough to convince land owners to con- The pilot project developed a suite of serve threatened habitats. Personal com- three stewardship options: conservation mitment and a sense of responsibility to sites, co-operation agreements and con- conserving that which has been entrusted tract nature reserves. This allows land

Chris Martens Chris Martens is the Programme Manager for CapeNature’s Stewardship Programme. He epitomises the “user-friendliness” of extension services with a thorough, knowledgeable and personable approach to land owners and communities. A key contributor to the Conservation Stewardship Pilot Project, Chris provided the ground-truthing to put the

PROFILE programme on a practical footing in the field. He has also supported the establishment of the Western Cape Stewardship Association.

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The choice of stewardship category depends on the biodiversity value of the site and the land use limitations to which the land owner is willing to agree. Each successive level of stewardship agreement benefits from additional incentives such as increased conservation management support.

Possible land use Option Where applicable Benefits to the land owner restrictions  Critically impor-  No development or  Substantial assistance with tant and threat- land use rights will habitat management ened sites be permitted in the  Increased recognition and mar- protected area  Priority areas adja- keting exposure cent to statutory  Access and resi-  Lobbying on your behalf by Contract Nature reserves or suf- dence rights will conservation agencies for Reserve ficiently large to not be restricted incentives (e.g. tax relief) be self-contained  Owners retain title, ecosystems but restrictions are lodged on the title deed

 Any conservation-  Land must be man-  Specific agreements for fire, worthy land, espe- aged to conserve alien, plant and animal man- cially wetlands biodiversity and agement and water catch- support natural Biodiversity  Assistance with management ments processes Agreement plans  Includes small  No development  Advanced extension services and isolated frag- is permitted in the (e.g. alien clearing planning) ments protected area  Any natural land  Very few, but the  Advice and support through area needs to basic extension services  Not a good option retain its natural if the land has  Assistance with farm maps character, and the rare or endangered land owner needs Conservation Site habitats or is an to co-operate important ecosys- with conservation [Entry level] tem, unless this authorities and any designation is part relevant legislation of a plan to progress to higher conservation security

owners and CapeNature to negotiate an entry level conservation site registration agreement that is appropriate in terms and progress to a more binding biodiver- of the biodiversity value of the site, sity agreement or contract nature reserve the security of the contract, and the if they choose to do so and if the biodi- level of support that CapeNature versity of the site warrants this. can provide. Existing categories of private conservation areas can be re- The Conservation Stewardship pro- classified in some cases or accommo- gramme has developed site assessment dated in these three options; for example, procedures to enable extension officers a property that is part of a conservancy to assess the conservation significance automatically qualifies for the designa- of properties and to decide on the most tion “conservation site”. Land owners appropriate stewardship option to rec- who are reluctant to enter into a binding ommend to land owners (see table). contract immediately may start with an Once agreements have been signed, land 126 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Conservation Champions The contribution to the conservation estate by private land owners is significant: over a million hectares is conserved through some kind of stewardship arrangement in the Western Cape alone. However, some protected areas like conservancies have no legal status. The challenge is to streamline the system to ensure the best possible levels of biodiversity conservation and support for landowners. At the time of writing, eight contractual reserves had been declared in the Western Cape; together these protect nearly 8 000 ha of critically endangered ecosystems – a huge victory for conservation in the Cape Floristic Region! erry Purnell (de lan Hunt) has been on the K leading edge of developing stewardship programmes in the CFR A cost-effective approach owners qualify for incentives if they man- A cost-benefit analysis suggests that Conservation Stewardship age their sites according to a management plan, which is audited annually by Cape- provides CapeNature with a cost-effective way of ensuring that Nature. the Western Cape achieves its biodiversity conservation targets.

While a contract nature reserve may In one case, CapeNature’s investment of approximately provide the highest level of biodiversity R15 000, comprising the services of an extension officer and protection and land owner support, this the legal costs of setting up a contract nature reserve, has been is not to say that biodiversity agreements more than compensated for by the land owner. The contract and conservation areas are unimportant. secures the site as a nature reserve in perpetuity by attaching These agreements can be entered into relatively quickly and simply compared restrictions to the title deeds and the land owner undertakes to to contract nature reserves (which require manage the site, with costs estimated at about R120 000 per year. extensive negotiation and which must In turn, CapeNature assists the land owner with labour intensive be declared officially by the provincial conservation management projects, like fire management and Minister of Environmental Affairs and invasive alien plant control. Development Planning). They therefore help to provide immediate protection for This particular contract nature reserve incorporates two critically threatened habitats. Where the biodiver- endangered vegetation types, and achieves 21% of the Swartland sity value does not warrant the creation alluvium fynbos target and 2.2% of the Swartland shale of a contract nature reserve, these lower level stewardship areas contribute to the renosterveld target. Twenty-seven rare and endangered plants creation of essential biodiversity cor- and one critically endangered reptile, the geometric tortoise, are ridors linking biodiversity nodes across found on this reserve. productive landscapes.

Project benefits The Conservation Stewardship Pilot Proj- extension officers who are respon- ect was an effective multi-stakeholder sible for implementing the steward- process that took place between 2002 ship programme. Skills develop- and 2004 in the Cape Floristic Region. ment included renosterveld ecology In addition to the main project partners, field training, mapping and manag- namely the land owners, Botanical Soci- ing alien clearing, land owner nego- ety and CapeNature, a number of other tiation skills and site assessment organisations contributed at various audits. stages of the project and helped to give shape and substance to the emerging pro- Although CapeNature has sup- gramme. ported stewardship initiatives in the past (e.g. the Natural Heritage Pro- During the pilot phase the project team gramme and the establishment of conser- contributed significantly to the profes- vancies) the pilot project helped to make sional development of CapeNature’s their stewardship programme strategic people making biodiversity work 127 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

momentum and roll out the programme at a scale that will achieve the C.A.P.E. biodiversity targets, CapeNature requires additional staffing and resources dedicated to this initiative.

The Conservation Stewardship programme has been well received in other regions and provinces. Staff have been appointed to start stewardship negotiations in the Greater Cederberg Biodiver- sity Corridor and the Gouritz Initiative region. In the Northern Cape, a recent grant from CEPF is making stewardship capacity development possible in the Bokkeveld. In the Eastern Cape, the Wilderness Foundation is investigating how another province might adapt the model to their particular context. It will rather than reactive by focusing limited be important to ensure that the lessons capacity on conservation priorities on pri- emerging from these regions are shared vate land. Conservation Stewardship has widely so that the programme can con- become a core function and recognised tinue to develop and adapt. programme within Cape-Nature. The The first eight organisation is now working with rural land owners and state and civil society What have we Stewardship partners (e.g. the Western Cape Steward- learned? pioneers: ship Association and CREW) to implement a well-defined suite of stewardship  One of the most encouraging  Elandsberg Nature options in the Province. findings of the Conservation Reserve – Parker Family Protected areas in the Land Department of Stewardship Pilot Project is that Trust Agriculture in the Western Cape contrib- many land owners are willing to conserve threatened biodiversity  ute only 2.9% of all critically endangered Foxenberg Nature vegetation targets, and few opportunities on their properties. However, they Reserve – Jan and Mari- remain to expand existing statutory pro- need to know what they have on anne Hemmes tected areas to meet the conservation tar- their property, what its value is gets set for our most critically endangered and how to manage it.  Renosterveld Nature vegetation types. On the other hand, the  The pilot project identified the lack Reserve – Steven and planned contracts and agreements on of staffing and dedicated capacity Helen Japp private land could contribute 8.3% of all in CapeNature’s extension service critically endangered vegetation targets.  as being a key factor limiting the Bontebok Ridge Nature The Stewardship Programme will enable success of the stewardship pro- Reserve – Frank and Sue private land owners who have these gramme. Additional staffing and threatened habitats on their properties to Turner resources must continue to be contribute significantly to meeting these made available as this key pro-  Cluver Family Reserve, targets. gramme grows. De Rust – Cluver Family Trust Where to now?  Conservation stewardship is a complex function and should not  Eagle Rock Nature As awareness of stewardship options grows, the number of interested land be delegated to inexperienced staff Reserve – Wendy Robin- owners is bound to increase. There is members. Extension officers must son much work to be done, such as continu- be able to negotiate legal contracts with landowners, advise them on  Kleinezeljacht Nature ing to negotiate new contracts; providing existing stewardship land owners with the conservation worthiness of Reserve – Carel Goosen management advice and support; expand- their properties and provide man- Familie Trust ing the existing suite of incentives; and agement advice and support.  Porcupine Hills Nature writing and auditing management plans.  The suite of stewardship options The Conservation Stewardship Pilot Reserve – Murray and benefits both the land owner and Project set up systems and structures and CapeNature. Land owners can Fiona Weiner made a start with capacity building with- choose the level of agreement that in Cape-Nature. In order to maintain the they feel comfortable with, and 128 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

CapeNature is not under pressure to create more stewardship reserves than it can immediately support.  Stewardship negotiations can take a long time but it is important not to rush the process. While donor funding is often necessary to kick- start initiatives, it is important to have a sustainable institutional budget dedicated to the stewardship function to ensure that negotiations are not derailed when project funding ends.  The implementation of major policy changes, such as the introduction of rates rebates or tax relief, relies on the co-operation of many people and organisations. The lack of a champion in a key Landowners who have entered into department can undermine the stewardship agreements receive recognition best efforts of a multi-stakeholder awards from Minister Tasneem Essop. team. livestock rather than for intensive agricul-  The fundamental goal of steward- ture, resulting in the survival of stretches ship is the conservation of biodi- of natural vegetation. Recognising the versity. Sites qualify for contract importance of the renosterveld and fyn- nature reserve status only if they bos on the uncultivated portions of their capture critical biodiversity or properties, land owners like the Japps important ecological processes. It and Turners encouraged their neighbours is important not to raise the to join them in forming the Renosterveld expectations of land owners whose land does not qualify for this level Conservancy. They have since entered of protection. into management agreements with Cape- Nature to declare portions of their proper-  Land owners involved in contract ties as Contract Nature Reserves, securing nature reserves contribute a huge the future of some of the most significant amount to conservation; the stew- areas of renosterveld and fynbos left on Elandsberg Private Nature ardship programme estimates that the Cape West Coast. Reserve is the largest every one rand that CapeNature remaining tract of West Coast invests can leverage up to R100 of Renosterveld on earth, and land owner investment. Elandsberg Nature Reserve home to three endemic plant Also in the Agtergroenberg, the Parker species and the endangered family has for many years been conserv- Geometric Tortoise. ing and rehabilitating natural ecosystems on Elandsberg Farms. In 1973, the late (ii) The first stewardship Dale Parker established the 2 600 ha champions! Elandsberg Private Nature Reserve to safe- At the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference in guard endemic plants and the endangered June 2005, declarations of intent were Geometric Tortoise, and to protect natu- signed to establish the first eight contract ral areas from development. Despite nature reserves under CapeNature’s new this, Armscor expropriated 500 ha of Conservation Stewardship Programme. the nature reserve in 1981. Seven All the stewardship champions have years later, in an attempt to provide been involved in conserving irreplace- further protection for the reserve, it able habitats on their properties, some for was declared a Natural Heritage Site. generations. Now, by becoming one of the first Contract Nature Reserves under the Conservation initiatives in the Stewardship Programme, the Parker family hopes that the site will be secured Agtergroenberg for conservation in perpetuity. In the Agtergroenberg region near Wel- lington, farms with limited access to Over the years, the nature reserve has water have generally been used to graze grown to 4 000 ha and today conserves people making biodiversity work 129 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

the largest contiguous area of West Coast Securing conservation areas Renosterveld. The Parkers have incorpo- In most cases, establishing Contract rated abandoned marginal farm- Nature Reserves on the properties men- land into the nature reserve, tioned above is the culmination of a great and this is where cut- deal of conservation work undertaken by ting edge research on private land owners over many years. The the rehabilitation of contracts with CapeNature will make the renosterveld is cur- future of these protected natural areas rently taking place. more secure and ensure that land owners have access to environmental information The Elandsberg Pri- and management support. vate Nature Reserve is stocked with game and runs illem Smith, Sarel Yssel and Adrie breeding programmes for buffalo and What have we W Koch compare notes regarding land quagga. Game drives, birding, hiking, use planning, protected area development and mountain biking and four-star accom- learned? stewardship at the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Con- modation attract local and foreign guests and provide employment for nearly 20 ference 2006. The bulk of the costs of managing people. Income from farming and tour- a protected area are carried by the ism is ploughed back into maintenance property itself. Additional revenue of this unique and irreplaceable natural streams such as viable farming activi- area, contributing to the conservation and ties and tourism ventures are needed restoration of biodiversity pattern and to subsidise reserve management process in the region. costs.  Cluver Family Reserve, De Rust Municipal tax relief is stated in national legislation but needs to De Rust, one of the largest and oldest be lobbied at local level. estates on the Elgin Plateau, is the home of Paul Cluver Wines. The farm falls  Becoming a Contract Nature within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Reserve is a very time-consuming and has taken seriously its responsibil- process, which requires commit- ity to manage its farming operations and ment and patience. natural resources according to sustain-  Staff turnover at CapeNature is a ability principles. The establishment of potential threat that could affect a Contract Nature Reserve at De Rust continuity of the Stewardship Pro- contributes significantly to conservation gramme. targets in the Elgin area. The reserve safe- guards two vegetation types that C.A.P.E. views as irreplaceable, and forms a corridor linking the Groenlandberg with the (iii) The Western Cape lowlands of the Elgin Basin. Neil MacGregor never tires of Stewardship Association takes imparting his knowledge to off! Co-management in the Van der Stel visitors to his farm where flora As CapeNature’s Conservation Steward- conservation is a priority. Pass between Bot River and Villiers- ship programme has started gaining dorp involves three private land owners momentum, participating land owners working together to conserve a critically have launched an association to encour- endangered vegetation type known as age networking, co-ordinate private con- Western Rûens Shale Renosterveld. These servation initiatives and represent the committed environmentalists have been interests of members. After almost two actively promoting conservation, ecologi- years of planning and preparation, the cal restoration and ecotourism in the Western Cape Stewardship Association area. Their three adjoining properties was officially launched at Kirstenbosch make up the “Van Der Stel Com- in September 2005. The Association is plex”, which includes not only honoured to have as its patron South Africa’s previous Minister of Environ- renosterveld but also forest and mental Affairs and Tourism, the current fynbos habitats. Combining the President of the IUCN, Mr Mohammed natural areas on the three proper- Valli Moosa. ties and managing the Contract Nature Reserve as a unit will greatly Thanks to thorough preparation by the enhance ecological management and the steering committee, the Association ecotourism value of the area. has hit the ground running. Its vision 130 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Members of the Western Cape Conservation Stewardship Association Committee.

and goals are clear and an action plan is in place. To enhance networking and the sharing of good practice, their first annual conference took place in 2006. Effective communication is one of the primary goals of the Association but The locally endemic erica, because members come from all parts of Erica hansfordii, was the Western Cape, regular meetings are discovered only about three costly and impractical. The Association years ago in the Slanghoek Valley. will therefore focus on keeping members Because of the uniqueness of the natural in touch electronically through e-mail, vegetation and the importance an actively managed website and regular of the Slanghoek Valley as a e-newsletters. The Association also plans natural corridor, farmers in the to build stewardship capacity by publish- area were finding it difficult to ing information on biodiversity manage- get the authorities to approve ment, sustainable agriculture and ecologi- applications for developments cal restoration and developing training on their properties. A farmers’ opportunities. association, Breedekloof Wine and Tourism, and the Depart- The value of conservation champions in ment of Agriculture therefore various industries cannot be underes- requested that a botanical sur- timated. Members of the Western Cape vey be conducted to identify Stewardship Association are both com- which areas had development mitted conservationists and influential potential and which should be members of the agricultural community conserved. With the support in the province. The group looks set to of the CEPF, each farm in the make a substantial impact on biodiversity Slanghoek Valley was surveyed conservation and sustainable livelihoods and fine-scale Global Informa- in the Cape Floristic Region. tion System (GIS) maps developed. The maps presented (iv) Area-wide planning in the current land use, an indication Slanghoek Valley by landowners of future development plans (5–10 years) and A fynbos conservation priority conservation information in a The Slanghoek Valley lies in the upper format that was easy to inter- reaches of the Breede River catchment pret. By overlaying different between Paarl and Worcester. It is home GIS layers it became possible to a unique type of fynbos, Breede Allu- for the first time to see where vium Fynbos, which is now critically biodiversity was under the GIS maps can enable endangered. More than 70% of the veg- greatest threat and therefore to identify negotiations regarding land etation has already been lost, and only where the conservation “hotspots” were. use planning, when it is one percent is formally protected, mean- The maps made it relatively easy to give understood where the most ing that this unique vegetation type relies the farmers feedback as to where devel- critical biodiversity is located. almost entirely on private land owners for opment and conservation opportunities its protection. existed on their properties. people making biodiversity work 131 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Municipal officials inspect the new Farm workers learn new skills and develop maps of conservation priorities in entrepreneurial opportunies at Flower Valley. municipalities. Area-wide Planning project opportunities The botanical survey was an outcome of a LandCare: Area-wide Planning (AWP) exercise in the valley, which brought together 24 land owners with landhold- Fine-scale maps for conservation and ings totalling 75 000 ha, as well as community members, NGOs, the Department development of Agriculture, the Breede River Munici- There are numerous economic reasons why farmers would rather pality and various government environmental agencies. Through the AWP develop than conserve the natural vegetation on their properties. process, the different stakeholders raised For one thing, agricultural land can generate approximately their concerns and identified five com- R40 000–R60 000 per ha per year, while undeveloped veld may munity projects that helped to address generate no income. Furthermore, land owners may apply for bank local social, economic and environmental needs in an integrated manner. LandCare loans commensurate with the value of their land. According to the provided funding to support the imple- 2004 Municipal Property Evaluation, irrigated land is valued at mentation of these projects. R40 000 per ha compared to only R500 per ha for veld; this is a strong incentive for farmers to develop their land. LandCare: AWP Projects While farmers are keen to develop their veld, they are becoming  Botanical survey increasingly frustrated by the arduous and time-consuming  Pedestrian path for children and process of getting development applications approved. As many agri-tourism as five different government departments may comment on  Rehabilitation of the Hoeks River development applications, but the process is so inefficient that it  Rehabilitation of the Badsberg may take years for approval to be granted. Delays such as these 4x4 Route are simply untenable when a farmer is trying to respond to market  Removal of alien plants opportunities. Consequently, many farmers ignore the development  Land reform farming partner- application process and develop natural veld illegally, whether for ships 4x4 routes, farm dams or cultivation.  Tourism centre: promote BEE

Against this background, it is a great advantage to have fine-scale maps that clearly identify priority conservation areas and areas The botanical survey will enable the with development potential. Land owners and the authorities farmers of the Breedekloof Wine and can use these maps to decide where developments should and Tourism group to contribute in a more proactive way to the long-term conserva- should not take place, thus greatly speeding up the development tion of critically endangered biodiversity application process. CapeNature can use the maps to evaluate in the valley. Now that they can distin- the biodiversity value of these properties and to recommend guish between critically endangered habi- conservation stewardship options. Few farmers can afford to tats and areas with greater development potential, the development application set aside large tracts of potentially productive farmland for process should be much more efficient. conservation purposes, but fine-scale maps enable land owners And because the LandCare: AWP process to identify veld that is critical to biodiversity conservation, thus is in step with the Spatial Development enabling them to focus conservation efforts and resources most Framework of the Breede River Munici- pality, the people of the Slanghoek Valley effectively. can look forward to government support for their local development projects. 132 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

What have we learned?  Good communication between land owners and researchers is very important. When surveys are conducted on private land, landowners must be given feedback.  Government environmental agencies must ensure that they have the capacity and resources to help land owners conserve biodiversity on their properties.  It is important to nest biodiversity conservation initiatives within broader planning processes and frameworks, e.g. LandCare: AWP, local and provincial SDFs.  Processes like LandCare: AWP show that people from a range of backgrounds and organisations are willing to work together A group of land owners obtained fund- to develop plans to improve their ing from the CEPF and appointed Brian environments. It is essential that Reeves of the Wildlife and Environment these plans are implemented so Society of South Africa (WESSA) to that the needs of the community help with the establishment of the con- are addressed. servancy. Brian recognised that it was  Fine-scale maps are an essential important not only to develop a proposal and management plan for the conser- tool to enable proactive and nego- vancy, but also to ensure that the mem- tiated land use planning, which in bers of the conservancy were motivated turn reduces the need for reactive and equipped to continue managing the law enforcement. conservancy once it was established. He  Working through wine cellar mas- therefore focused on strengthening com- ters to contact groups of farmers munication and co-operation, and devel- made the process of fine-scale oping a shared sense of purpose among planning much more efficient than the land owners. contacting farmers on an individual basis. Forming a conservancy that involves a diverse range of properties can be a huge challenge. At first (v) The St. Francis Conservancy: land owners may think private landowners helping to that they have very little in common. However, as meet conservation targets people work together and Co-operating to conserve get to know one another, In the southeastern lowlands, between understanding and trust Cape St. Francis and Oyster Bay, a group can replace early misgivings. Initially, for example, some of private land owners, inspired by residents were sceptical about Richard Cowling, has become actively ESKOM’S involvement in the con- involved in conserving priority biodiver- servancy, especially as its property sity through the establishment and man- was earmarked for a nuclear power agement of the St. Francis Conservancy. station. However, as they learnt about Key to the success of this initiative has ESKOM’S nature reserve that sur- been co-operation among multiple land- rounds the Koeberg Nuclear Power Sta- Prehistoric finds at Cape St. owners to conserve ecosystems that span tion in Cape Town, they started to appre- Francis are evidence of long- the boundaries of properties as diverse as ciate that the parastatal might be able to term occupation by people of holiday cottages, farms and even the site contribute a great deal to the St. Francis this biodiversity-rich coastline. of a proposed nuclear power station. Conservancy. people making biodiversity work 133 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

To strengthen commu- joining the initiative. A links golf estate, nication, co-operation a private airfield, two river sanctuaries and action, a steering and an eco-friendly estate have recently committee was set up, joined the Conservancy. The boundaries quarterly newslet- of the conservancy are expanding and a ters were produced, a new dream is emerging … one day the vision and mission were conservancy could link properties and agreed upon, and an habitats from Cape St. Francis to as far as interim management the Tsitsikamma National Park. plan was developed. Brian observes that it was important to “work What have we with the willing” and “find champions with learned? energy” to be part of the steering commit-  tee, rather than to try Getting individual land owners to drag negative or disinterested people to work together to manage their along. The investment in strengthen- land as a conservancy can be a ing communication, co-operation and complex process; it is advisable to capacity paid off; once the conservancy appoint a co-ordinator to facilitate was established, the steering committee this process. increasingly took over management and  Effective facilitation is supportive governance responsibility for the conser- rather than controlling. vancy.  In order to ensure that land owners play an active role in manag- Things are happening! ing the conservancy, they must be The St. Francis Conservancy Although the St. Francis Conservancy is actively involved in its develop- Project made good progress newly established, already its members ment. Their needs must inform in communicating with all have started making a difference to their the way in which the conservancy stakeholders. environment: develops.  a management committee has been  Structures and processes that established to see to day-to-day man- promote effective communication agement of the conservancy; and involvement help land own-  the conservancy has conducted edu- ers to get to know one another, cational field trips to increase public build trust and draw on available awareness of the environment; knowledge, skills and motivation.   biological control agents have been Where an external facilitator is released to help control the problem involved in setting up the conser- of invasive alien plants; vancy, it is necessary to plan an “exit strategy” that allows external  several land owners have agreed in involvement to taper off while principle to the formation of a private the involvement of land owners contract reserve, which will help to increases. secure the biodiversity of the area into  the long term; Unlike the Western Cape, where CapeNature is actively promot-  The Fourcade Botanical additional funding is being raised for ing stewardship arrangements, in Group included conservation management; the Eastern Cape the provincial enthusiastic volunteers  A CREW group (Chapter 4.2) has been authorities are currently unable to who devoted themselves support private conservation ini- to identify threatened actively monitoring rare and endan- species. gered plant species in the area. tiatives as they lack capacity and are focusing mainly on reserve- The process of establishing the conser- based conservation. The conservancy has encouraged land owners to vancy therefore had to source its think and act collectively, and not just own funding and management to focus on each land owner’s individual support. property. As awareness of the St. Francis  The Eastern Cape needs to develop Conservancy has grown, more and more an extension service to support off- land owners have expressed an interest in reserve conservation initiatives. 134 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

4.2 Monitoring So have the Baboon Moni- biodiversity— tors made a difference? According to the statistics, mobilising civil society most definitely! In 1991, action 21 baboons were killed and the response from the (i) Baboon monitors media and authorities was Despite direct persecution by people and almost non-existent. In the loss of much of their natural habitat, 2005, four baboons were nearly 250 baboons manage to survive killed and two maimed— on the Cape Peninsula. The creation of and the response from the the Table Mountain National Park has public was overwhelming. provided these creatures with a refuge, With documentary film Baboon monitors not only but unfortunately baboons don’t recog- makers like Trevor de Kock working with the Baboon Monitors, people from all assist in reducing conflict nise park boundaries. Their foraging trips between baboons and people, over the world are learning to appreciate often include visits to private homes they are already rapidly and respect these beleaguered animals. where the pickings can be good but the developing skills as tour guides and educators. reception is usually less than welcoming. Interestingly, the monitors have been so successful at keeping baboons out of the Gruesome pictures of baboons shot, villages that people have started taking trapped or mutilated by people who less responsibility for making their homes have little empathy for their plight have baboon-proof. The next challenge for the shocked the public. Similarly, incidents Baboon Monitors is to step up public edu- where baboons have under unusual cir- cation to ensure that, when baboons do cumstances threatened or injured people stray into human settlements, open kitch- create fear and anger. But baboons are en windows and overflowing garbage bins not high on the agenda when it comes to don’t tempt them to stay. In the end, if we public spending, so it has been up to con- want to avoid conflict with baboons, it’s cerned individuals and non-governmental up to us to behave better. organisations to seek solutions to the ongoing conflict. (ii) Beginning with birds Involving the public in monitoring bio- Jenni Trethowan established the Baboon diversity is not a new concept. From its Monitors project and has worked tire- launch in 1987 until the publication of lessly with the small team of monitors the Atlas of Southern African Birds ten to protect the baboons by keeping them years later, the Southern African Bird away from human settlements. At the Atlas Project (SABAP) involved thou- same time, by drawing attention to the sands of knowledgeable and enthusiastic predicament of the Peninsula’s three amateur birders and professional orni- baboon troops and by providing guided thologists in monitoring the distribution of birds across the subcontinent. The Avi- trails where people can observe them in an Demography Unit (ADU) at the Uni- their natural habitat, the Baboon Moni- versity of Cape Town (UCT) co-ordinated tors have been shifting people’s attitudes this project and developed considerable towards baboons. expertise and highly effective software systems, which have been adapted to The Baboon Monitors project has pro- support numerous other monitoring proj- vided several local people with employ- ects, including the Frog Atlas Project, and ment. From sunrise to sunset, monitors more specific bird monitoring follow the South Peninsula baboon troops projects that revel in the acro- and ensure that they don’t enter the vil- nyms of BIRP, CWAC and CAR! lages bordering on the Park. The monitors A grand effort! have learnt an enormous amount about One of these projects, Co-ordi- he Southern African Bird Atlas is baboons from their daily observations nated Avian Roadcounts (CAR), T the largest biodiversity monitoring and have gained skills that include dart- involves the public in monitor- project ever undertaken on the African ing and relocating injured animals. They ing populations of large con- continent. have received formal training in site spicuous birds like cranes, bus- guiding, first aid and driving and recently tards, korhaans and storks that started offering walking tours for people can be easily observed from the road. In interested in observing the baboons. 1993 the Cape Bird Club and ADU devel- people making biodiversity work 135 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

CAR volunteers also assist with the monitoring of Black Harrier populations. This low-flying endemic bird of prey is easily seen while ames Harrison and Donella Young co-ordinate scanning for large birds. CAR’s data contribute Jextensive bird counts using volunteers, providing to the Western Cape Raptor Research essential monitoring information. Programme based at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, UCT. being monitored by farmers. Because most large birds have extensive ranges, oped a standardised method to monitor they are not adequately conserved within threatened blue cranes and Denham’s/ protected areas; landowners therefore Support from the Mazda Stanley’s bustards in the Overberg. More Wildlife Fund has been most play an essential role in ensuring their than 10 years later, more than 750 people appropriate when monitoring survival. Through involvement in CAR, birds using road counts. are involved in helping to monitor popu- many farmers have become more aware lations of more than 20 species of birds along 340 fixed routes around the of these birds and have started managing country, 60 of these being in the their properties in bird-friendly ways. Cape Floristic Region. Fourteen Farm workers are involved in conserva- On the road again … of these species have Red Data tion projects like gathering information on deaths of large birds due to poisoning wice a year, CAR volunteers status. Twice a year, volunteers drive along these routes, recording or electrocution by power lines. They also monitor birds along a distance T sightings of particular bird species find and mark blue crane nests to ensure equivalent to a flight between Cape and information about the environ- that they are not crushed during grain Town and London—19 000 km! ment. ADU collates and interprets harvesting. Nature Conservation agen- these records and publishes the cies, NGOs (e.g. Overberg Crane Working results on their website. The infor- Group and South African Crane Working mation enables ADU to keep track Group) and bird clubs have also been of changes in the environment and bird involved and as a result of these actions, populations. the CAR results indicate that populations Jeffrey Arizon, principal of of this magnificent bird are increasing Teslaarsdal Primary School, regularly involves his Grade 7 Donella Young, CAR project co-ordinator, in some parts of its range, particularly learners in CAR counts in the explains that the project relies entirely the Overberg and Swartland regions. For Overberg. on volunteers, with about half the routes more information on ADU’s projects and results, see their website: http://web.uct. ac.za/depts/stats/adu

What have we learned?  Volunteer organisers help to co- ordinate bird monitors at a local level and provide very important personal contact, which complements e-mail contact from ADU.  ADU supports monitors by developing user-friendly instructional materials; it is important that these are available in the languages spoken by the volunteers.  It is important to recognise volunteer effort and to demonstrate 136 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

through regular feedback that the data they have gathered are being used. ADU acknowledges volun- New technology for teers in news articles and project a new reptile atlas reports, and regularly updates bird records on their website. The advent of digital photography has provided  The work of the ADU has been a new tool for the reptile greatly enhanced by working in partnership with other organisa- atlas project. People are tions like conservation agencies, now able to e-mail digital NGOs and bird clubs. photos of reptiles with locality  Monitoring projects that involve information to ADU. These the public have a habit of expand- photos will appear on a ing as awareness grows; however, ‘virtual museum’ page on this is seldom reflected in an the website, where experts increase in project staff or running will identify the species. budgets. This puts undue pressure Opportunities for people on co-ordinators and could in time compromise the effectiveness of to receive feedback on these essential projects. their observations serve to maintain public interest and SCARCE is involving members of the public develop people’s knowledge. in monitoring amphibians and reptiles and in (iii) Monitoring the slimy and the helping to conserve these animals and their habitats. The University of Stellenbosch, scaly CapeNature, SANParks, Northern Cape Nature Launched at the beginning of 2004, Conservation, the Mountain Club of SA and SCARCE (Survey of Cederberg Amphib- Kontrei Toere are project partners. ians and Reptiles for Conservation and Ecotourism) is one of the most recently launched biodiversity monitoring projects in the Cape Floristic Region. It focuses on animals many people find creepy— (iv) The Protea Atlas Project amphibians and reptiles; but contrary to One of the best known botanical moni- expectations, the response from the pub- toring projects in South Africa was the lic has been positive and enthusiastic. Protea Atlas Project, an initiative of the Botanical Society co-ordinated by Tony Drawing on the monitoring approaches of Rebelo at SANBI. Tony explains the the Reptile Atlas Project, visitors can send rationale for the project: “The Protea in photographs of reptiles and amphib- Atlas Project was born out of the need to ians in the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity involve the general public in document- Corridor (GCBC). SCARCE has developed ing, understanding and conserving our posters, brochures and a website to help flora.” He explains that proteas were cho- the public identify local reptiles and sen partly because they are flowers that amphibians. Already members of the appeal to the public. They are also well public may have discovered two new liz- represented in the Cape Floristic Region, ard species in the area. so could be used as a general indicator of the status of plant biodiversity in the This multi-partner project will feed into region. the development of strategic management plans for the corridor and provide From 1991–2002, more than 400 amateur information in the form of a brochure and botanists scoured the CFR, submitting a website for the ecotourism industry. It over 250 000 species records and literally will also help to identify priority areas discovering lost treasure. Two “extinct” within the Cederberg corridor requiring species of the Protea family were redis- conservation action. CapeNature and the covered as well as eight species that were The critically endangered University of Stellenbosch are creating completely new to science. A Protea Atlas Protea odorata. and maintaining a database of informa- is in production, based on the records of tion on the distribution of amphibians all who participated. and reptiles in the GCBC, which will eventually be expanded to include the The Protea Atlas Project model has been whole Cape Floristic Region. an important influence in the develop- people making biodiversity work 137 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

ment of CREW, or Custodians of Rare and manage the sites where these plants are Endangered Wildflowers (see below), an found. The programme has expanded opportunity for members of the public from six to eight groups, from Nieu- throughout the Cape Floristic Region to woudtville in the northwest to the south- participate in locating and monitoring east lowlands around Port Elizabeth. populations of threatened and endemic plants. One of the unique features of CREW is the diversity of groups involved in moni- (v) CREW: Custodians of Rare toring and conservation activities. and Endangered Wildflowers  At Tygerberg, Darling and Port Eliza- What is CREW? beth, existing botanical groups have Lots to monitor! found that being involved with CREW Launched in April 2003, Custodians he CFR has around 1 406 Red has given focus to their regular out- of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers Data plant species—plants ings. They are now systematically T (CREW) is a programme that involves that are threatened with extinction monitoring local renosterveld and fyn- members of the public in monitoring bos remnants, identifying populations or that are very rare. endemic and threatened plants in the of threatened plants and feeding this lowlands of the Cape Floristic Region, information back to SANBI’s Threat- and encourages them to conserve and ened Species Programme. In this way, members of the public are helping to update South Africa’s Red Data List of plants and identifying priority areas in Multiple benefits of monitoring projects need of conservation. Biodiversity monitoring projects have benefits beyond simply  In the agricultural areas around Cale- updating distribution records of plant and animal species: don and Swellendam, small groups  It would be impossible to afford to monitor biodiversity across of concerned landowners are work- the country or the region without the involvement of volunteers. ing with their neighbours to identify threatened habitats and protect  Monitoring projects are opportunities for members of the public them from development (see box). In to get involved in a practical environmental project that con- Swellendam a small group is conduct- tributes towards biodiversity conservation. ing plant surveys on farms forming part of the Stewardship Programme.  Most monitoring projects provide educational opportunities that  Not all the priority areas where CREW deepen people’s environmental knowledge, skills and concern. works had existing botanical groups While some training is provided by the project co-ordinators, that could participate in the project. monitoring projects are also excellent opportunities for peer In Nieuwoudtville (Chapter 5.5) and learning. People generally work in groups and the more expe- at Harmony Flats in Cape Town, rienced members play an important role in helping their col- CREW has been introducing previ- leagues develop knowledge and skills. ously disadvantaged communities to the unique flora of their areas and  Up-to-date species distribution records contribute to effective building the capacity of both adults land use planning and natural resource management. and children to identify, monitor and conserve local plant diversity.  Environmental agencies could simply not afford to undertake large-scale monitoring projects without the involvement of vol- Rare plants rediscovered—or not unteers. CREW has made some exciting discover- ies in its first few years of operation, but  Monitoring contributes far more than information about the has unfortunately also recorded many distribution of species; it also deepens our knowledge about spe- instances where species have disap- cies biology, ecosystem functioning and threats to biodiversity, peared. all of which can contribute towards biodiversity conservation.  The Fourcade Botanical Group has The information can also be used for Environmental Impact found a new population of the orchid Assessments and influence land management practices. Satyrium hallackii, which only occurs in Cape St. Francis. This discovery has  Involvement in monitoring projects can stimulate an interest in increased the recorded world popula- a career in research or conservation. tion from about 25 to more than 300 plants.  Cameron and Rhoda MacMaster rediscovered Lachenalia sargeantii, 138 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Species in trouble. In Langebaan, habitat destruction due to quarrying and lack of conservation has resulted in the loss of Treasures rediscovered: Lachenalia purpureo- Moraea loubseri. Repeated caerulea (left); Satyrium hallackii (above). searches by CREW have been unsuccessful.

Focusing conservation efforts last seen in 1971, between Napier and CREW has enhanced lowland conser- Bredasdorp; CREW has convinced the vation by creating a link between the land owner to stop mining gravel on institutions established to conserve the site, as this was threatening half biodiversity and members of the public the population. who are passionate about their local  The Darling Wildflower Group redis- environments. The CREW co-ordinators covered Wurmbea capensis at Ronde- have unlocked the stores of information berg. This species, which was last col- and expertise held within institutions lected by Acocks in 1932, was thought like SANBI and CapeNature and made to be extinct. this available to people who are in the best position to lobby and take action at a  After a long search by members of local level in the most critical parts of the CREW, Caledon group champion Cape Floristic Region. Invasive grasses are choking Adriaan Hanekom recently found four out this beautiful species of plants of the elusive Erica jasmini- moraea (M. tulbaghensis)— CREW has provided training programmes CREW could find only three flora. and site-specific materials to help groups populations.

Christi Kloppers—a true C.A.P.E. champion The CREW group champion in the lower Breede River Valley is Christi Kloppers (left), a Durbanville vet with a small farm between Swellendam and Heidelberg. Christi is passionate about conserving renosterveld fragments: during the week he clears aliens and lobbies for the conservation of renosterveld remnants in the PROFILE Durbanville area; on weekends he visits farmers in the Heidelberg district, encouraging them to fence off critical fragments to protect threatened plants from cultivation and grazing. Through Christi’s efforts the local authorities in Durbanville and farmers in the lower Breede River Valley have recognised the value of the unique and threatened plants on their land, and taken action to protect a number of critical remnants. Domitilla Raimondo, CREW’s programme manager, values the huge contribution Christi has made in his personal capacity: “Christi knows more about conservation extension than most of us who are formally employed to do this work. His dedication and persistence make him a true C.A.P.E. champion.”

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Wendy Paisley portrays an endangered plant as the CREW volunteers come to the rescue. Wendy is also one of the prime organisers of the annual Fynbos Forum.

cies monitoring, awareness-raising and conservation action in the Cape Floristic Region. The programme has been so successful that SANBI and the Botanical Society have agreed not only to sustain the existing CREW programme beyond It’s never too early to become the initial three years of CEPF funding, involved in rare plant identify rare, endemic and threatened but to expand the programme nationally. conservation. species in their particular areas. Vol- unteers have access to resources like CREW has also been the recipient of a aerial photographs, GIS maps, herbarium prestigious international conservation records and even the Millennium Seed award, the BP Conservation Programme Bank at Kirstenbosch, where seeds of crit- (BPCP). They have been given a grant to ically endangered species can be stored. establish a CREW node in the Tulbagh On an annual basis, all CREW groups get area. Already the programme manager together for a two-day workshop, which for the Tulbagh project, Ismail Ebrahim, serves as a pit-stop for sharing, learning, has attended an exciting training course planning and renewing enthusiasm. at the Smithsonian Institution in the United States and produced a map of all From strength to strength renosterveld fragments in the area using In its first two years, the CREW teams satellite imagery. The CREW volunteers have had a significant impact on spe- are now checking the validity of the map

Ismail Ebrahim—CREW Co-ordinator Ismail loves working for CREW—especially when it comes to working with the youth and community groups in the field. After completing his horticulture diploma, Ismail decided to apply to the Starfish work experience programme in 1998 and joined the Protea Atlas Project as a volunteer. What started as a six-month

PROFILE internship ended up as a four-year contract, during which Ismail gained far more than skills and experience. “Even though I had been through three years of training, I wasn’t that passionate about plants. The most influential thing was working with Tony Rebelo and the other enthusiasts and experiencing the ‘buzz’ about plants. I was converted to a Protea freak!” he recalls.

When the Protea Atlas Project contract came to an end, Ismail soon realised that running one of the family businesses selling pizzas and renting videos was not for him. The CREW position was the perfect opportunity to build on his Protea Atlas experience. The opportunity to work with groups ranging from school children to knowledgeable amateur and professional botanists to address real conservation issues has made the job “completely enjoyable”. And just as Ismail’s love of plants was inspired by the enthusiasm of the protea atlassers, he is now “spreading the energy” by sharing his passion—especially with the children in the communities where CREW works.

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 Sufficient extension officers are Biodiversity needed to support and sustain this growing programme. database  Systems for data capture by vol- All data collected by CREW unteers must be simple and not exceed the technological expertise volunteers are captured of users. in SANBI’s centralised biodiversity database  Volunteers are motivated by opportunities to learn from scientists (SIBIS). Every year CREW and by having their contribution updates a spatial GIS recognised by the conservation layer giving the location illa Raimondo’s passion for plants has led her community. of all rare and threatened to design and implement the CREW project, T  plant species in the and has resulted in the C.A.P.E. Threatened Plants Identifying threatened plants in Programme being expanded to a national level. biologically diverse systems like CFR. This information the CFR is extremely challenging. is used to update the Volunteers need opportunities to national Red Data List. by carrying out surveys on the ground. develop their capacity, e.g. identi- It is also circulated to This project aims to develop a series of fication guides and plant identifi- maps indicating the conservation value cation courses. C.A.P.E. Partners and of the renosterveld fragments. This will is used by CapeNature be a valuable tool to assist the Witsenberg to prioritise areas that Municipality, CapeNature and the Depart- need to be conserved ment of Agriculture with land use deci- through the Stewardship sion-making and conservation plans for the area. (vi) Where have all the fishes programme, as well as to gone? guide decision-making in Although one quarter of all vertebrates respect of development on earth are freshwater fish, around the applications. What have we world, this group of animals is in serious learned? trouble. Some species are threatened by fishing pressure, but in most cases, the  As a partnership between scien- rivers, streams and lakes in which they tists who have access to informa- live have become so degraded that they simply cannot survive. Scientists fear that tion and resources, and members by 2025, one third of the world’s freshwa- of the public who are committed ter fish species may be extinct. In South to conserving their local environ- Africa the situation is extremely dire: ment, CREW has proved extremely 47% or nearly half of all endemic fresh- effective in collecting significant water fish are threatened with extinction. biodiversity data. Rivers in the Cape Floristic Region con-  To get local people involved, it tain very few species of freshwater fish helps to use existing networks (only 19 to be precise) but 85% of these within the community. occur nowhere else on earth. Their survival depends entirely on the ecological  Working with champions from an health of the region’s rivers. This is why, area enables CREW to understand between 2000 and 2005, the River Con- community dynamics and cus- servation Unit of CapeNature undertook toms, and facilitates communica- an extensive survey of more than 200 ean Impson has contributed to Cape- river sites looking for indigenous fresh- tion with land owners on whose Nature’s responsibilities in the River water fish. D land threatened species occur. Health Programme. His particular passion is, however, the control of the alien invasive  The integrated nature of the The results were worrying: in a quarter fish species that affect endemic fish in the C.A.P.E. programme enables infor- of the sites surveyed, no indigenous fish Cape’s rivers. mation gathered by CREW vol- were found. Pollution, physical degrada- unteers to be used in a variety of tion of rivers, over–use of water and the contexts, e.g. LandCare Area-Wide introduction of alien fish species had all Planning, Conservation Steward- taken their toll. Comparing fish popula- ship, municipal Spatial Develop- tions above and below weirs and water- ment Frameworks. falls showed that alien fish like bass have people making biodiversity work 141 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

After the alien fish such as this smallmouth bass take hold, rare species like the Witte Redfin are severely impacted.

Based on this research, the C.A.P.E. Inva- sive Aliens Programme has plans to reha- Dean Impson demonstrates that there is very little life left bilitate priority rivers in the Cape Floris- in a damaged river ecosystem. tic Region that are invaded by alien fish- a devastating effect on indigenous fish es. Rivers have been selected within the populations, as these results from the main C.A.P.E. conservation corridors and Rondegat River in the Cederberg illus- project areas, namely the Greater Ceder- trate: berg Biodiversity Corridor, the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative, the Gouritz Initia- tive and the Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve. Rivers include the Krom, Rondegat and More reasons to Twee Rivers in the Cederberg, the Dorps conserve rivers and Paradys Rivers in the Gourits, and Krom River in the Baviaanskloof. The South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity and To allow the indigenous species to recov- the University of Pretoria er fully in these rivers, all invasive fishes have been conducting will have to be removed. Prominent research into the features angling organisations such as the Cape and genetics of indigenous Piscatorial Society and the Western Cape Bass Angling Association are support- freshwater fish. Amazingly ing these projects enthusiastically. They enough, their results know that the removal of the alien fish suggest that the Cape in the Rondegat River, for example, will Floristic Region is home increase numbers of Clanwilliam to more fish species than Yellowfish, an excellent flyfishing spe- previously thought—and cies. To ensure the complete removal of alien species, the project team will also all of them are endemics. need the support of land owners who The work has shown that control access to stretches of these rivers. the humble Cape Galaxias (currently considered to be The more we study the freshwater eco- one species) represents a systems of the Cape Floristic Region, the more fascinating they become. Conserv- complex of species which ing this remarkable aquatic biodiversity may include up to seven will require the co-operation of many stakeholders and must focus on conserv- new species! Pie diagrams showing the severe impact of smallmouth bass in the Rondegat River, ing the habitat and continued ecological Cederberg. Three indigenous species have monitoring. Without ecologically healthy disappeared from below a waterfall where bass rivers, there is no future for the region’s have invaded. rich and unique fish heritage. 142 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

4.3 Caring for the coastal and marine environment (i) Adopt-a-Beach anaged by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and funded Mby the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism: Marine and Coastal Management (DEAT: MCM), the Adopt- a-Beach project ran from 2002 to 2005, involving schools, conservancies, interest groups, Blue Flag Beaches and teams in monitoring and caring for sections of the coast.

With the help of a big blue “toolbox” con- taining equipment, information, policy documents and record sheets, groups monitored aspects as diverse as the climate, sand movement, biodiversity, historical sites and development pressures. Enthusiastic local co-ordinators from WESSA offices along the coast supported groups that adopted particular beaches, providing training, organising regional action projects. Groups did indeed iden- workshops and events, and encouraging tify and blow the whistle on issues that them to share their stories in Tidal Tales, concerned them: the Gugulethu group the regular newsletter of Adopt-a-Beach. drew the City of Cape Town’s attention to rock blasting at Monwabisi, a Blue Flag Adopt-a-Beach monitoring activities were beach in Cape Town, and on the West based on scientific principles, but were Coast a group managed to stop illegal simple enough to be carried out by chil- sand mining activity in Lambert’s Bay. dren and adults with very little training While cleaning up their stretch of beach or experience. Groups were free to moni- at the Strand, Forest Heights Primary tor as many or as few indicators as they School learners conducted a litter audit A beach clean-up is a great wished, on a regular or occasional basis. and realised that cigarette butts made up way to have fun while learning about the environment. Some groups living near the coast did a significant part of rubbish on the beach. monitor their sites regularly, but another So before their next visit, they made ash- important goal of the project was to trays from two-litre cooldrink bottles and enable people living further inland, many handed these out to smokers on the beach of whom had never seen the sea before, to to encourage them to manage their waste experience coastal environments and to more responsibly! And in Kommetjie, appreciate that even people living inland members of the Ubuhle Beach CoastCare have an impact on the coast. Adopt-a- team now know that there is a white- Beach co-ordinators arranged outings to fronted plover breeding season when they the sea for groups living up to 100 km should not use washed-up kelp for dune inland and adapted the monitoring activi- rehabilitation work. ties accordingly. As Patrick Dowling, National Co-ordina- Monitoring for action tor of Adopt-a-Beach, observes: “Through Unlike most other monitoring projects, the project, people have come to appre- Adopt-a-Beach did not require partici- ciate more the meaning of Integrated pants to submit their findings to a central Coastal Management. We no longer point “Hey, it’s my turn to use the database. Rather, the primary aim of mon- to an issue and say: ‘Somebody ought to magnifier!” Môreson Primary itoring was to help people to get to know be doing something about that!’ Instead, School children get close to the beach and the box. and understand their chosen stretch we have learnt that all our small efforts, of coast better. By starting to recognise informed by increasing local awareness, environmental issues and trends, groups are meaningful. We can make a difference could begin to play a more informed role through participating in the identification in local environmental advocacy and and solution of problems with others.” people making biodiversity work 143 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Co-operative efforts Adopt-a-Beach was strengthened by the What have we involvement of other environmental learned? organisations and projects. Up and down the coast, organisations like aquariums,  In order to involve members of the CapeNature and SANParks gave their sup- public in monitoring and caring port. Many schools involved in monitor- for local coastal environments, it ing also joined EcoSchools South Africa is essential to make information, (Chapter 6), which encouraged them training and a comprehensive to make marine and coastal monitoring “toolbox” available. The Adopt- part of their lessons. The annual Marine a-Beach activities and materials and Coastal Educators’ Network (MCEN) were designed to be scientifically workshop became an important capacity valid but fun to use. building opportunity for Adopt-a-Beach  A monitoring project that involves groups. people from a wide range of contexts (e.g. coastal / inland; children The Adopt-a-Beach network enabled / adults; schools / conservancies, other organisations to get in touch with etc.) must have a flexible project coastal environmental groups that were framework that can be adapted keen to assist with related projects (e.g. according to the needs and abili- the Sustainable Seafood Initiative, biodi- ties of a wide range of users. versity monitoring projects). The network also strengthened community involve-  Making explicit links with the cur- ment in campaigns like the International riculum via lesson plans made the Coastal Cleanup and National Marine project more useful to schools. Week.  The notion of “adoption” involves taking responsibility to act when Where to now? necessary. This worked well in the case of groups like conservancies Environmental issues are complex and that are responsible for manag- often difficult for school and community ing the site they monitor; however, groups to address. Adopt-a-Beach was schools and interest groups may undertaken to practically implement the lack the authority to take direct Education and Awareness-raising theme action to address issues at their of the White Paper on Sustainable Coastal monitoring sites and may need to Development. The initiative enabled lobby the relevant authorities and people to get to know and understand enlist the support of local action their environment better, and to respond groups. to the issues they identified. Opportuni- ties for people to develop confidence and  Local co-ordinators were essential capacity as environmentally responsible to project success; they helped to citizens are vital, but they are essentially train and motivate the groups, long-term processes, not short-term proj- access local support and allow ects. groups to feel that their findings were being shared with a wider Unfortunately, due to restructuring at network. MCM, funding for the Adopt-a-Beach project came to an end in October 2005. Other sources of funding could be tapped, and the success of (ii) Sustaining coastal the project is such that there is no environments and livelihoods doubt that it will be able to attract Coastal communities depend to a large support. However, the extent on the resources and services that relationship between marine and coastal ecosystems provide. Adopt-a-Beach and In the Cape Floristic Region, tourism MCM, should they no and fishing are two major industries longer be prepared to that depend on effective marine and fund the project, will coastal management for their sustain- need to be negotiated ability. Allowing these environments to allow this vital pro- and resources to become degraded and cess to continue. over-exploited, threatens the livelihoods 144 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Kassiesbaai community’s livelihood depends on the sustainability of fishing— of coastal communities. Already many to consolidate and expand the network declines in fishstocks have people have lost their jobs as a result of of MPAs in the Cape Floristic Region and created great hardship in the the decline in linefish populations. Dam- to ensure that these MPAs are effectively community. age to coastal environments can also pose managed. C.A.P.E. Partners like SANParks, a safety hazard, with erosion and flood- CapeNature, the Western Cape provin- ing threatening properties in some areas. cial government and coastal As marine and coastal environments municipalities are involved in come under increasing human pressure, the Marine Task Team, which co-ordinated efforts to safeguard these is giving impetus and cohesion Fierce fishing pressure areas and their resources are desperately to marine conservation efforts needed. in the region. s the human population has grown A and the demand for seafood has Using fine-scale conserva- rocketed, fishing technologies have become A C.A.P.E. Marine Task Team tion planning techniques, the increasingly sophisticated. Over the last In 2004 the National Spatial Biodiversity Marine Task Team aims to eval- 100 years, the populations of many South Assessment revealed that South Africa’s uate existing MPAs in the Cape African fish species have plummeted and existing network of Marine Protected Floristic Region in order to catch rates of some fish have declined by Areas (MPAs) was inadequate to con- establish a more representative more than 95%. serve marine ecosystems and sustain and effective network of MPAs. populations of harvested species. In They are also establishing 2005 C.A.P.E. established a Marine Task local task teams and develop- Team to guide the implementation of the ing conservation management marine component of the C.A.P.E. strat- strategies and business plans to address egy. Co-chaired and supported by the issues like responsible tourism, sustain- WWF Sanlam Marine Programme and able fishing and effective management of the Department of Environmental Affairs specific MPAs. These initiatives aim to and Tourism (DEAT), the task team aims enhance the conservation of biodiversity people making biodiversity work 145 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Manager for the TMNP MPA, describes it as “rock solid training” that should be offered as a National Diploma in Marine Conservation Management. He argues that South Africa, with its commitment to establishing a network of MPAs, needs suitably qualified people to manage these areas, and this course complements the terrestrial emphasis of existing conservation diplomas.

Useful data fter only six months, data col- A lected by community monitors showed that, contrary to what was previously thought, more limpets and periwinkles are being harvested than mussels. Findings like this will help MCM to improve its management guidelines.

Involving the community in marine monitoring Value analysis Also in the TMNP MPA, collaboration between the TMNP, Kommetjie Environ- o MPAs help to sustain local mental Awareness Group (KEAG) and D livelihoods? A research project WWF Marine Programme (with funding is under way to estimate how much from Vodacom) has spawned a unique MPAs contribute to the production project. Ten people from disadvantaged of inshore marine resources harvest- communities on the Cape Peninsula are ed along the Garden Route. now employed to monitor the impact of people who use the coastline of the National Park for recreational purposes. and ecosystem services, and to ensure that people can continue to enjoy the Armed with palm computers, mobile socio-economic benefits of well-managed phones and measuring instruments, the marine and coastal environments. monitors patrol harbours, slipways and beaches, counting and measuring fish Building MPA management capacity and shellfish collected by Expanding the network of MPAs in South recreational and commercial fishers. Africa is not enough, however. The peo- They also observe and record how people ple who manage these areas must be well are using the coast for recreation, and equipped to do so. To address the train- report on any interesting observations. ing needs of MPA managers, the WWF Back at the KEAG office at Imhoff’s Gift Marine Programme in partnership with Farm, data are fed directly into a central Rhodes University Environmental Educa- computerised database and are then tion and Sustainability Unit co-ordinated available to any organisation that needs the development of an in-service train- the information. The data can be ana- ing process through which participants lysed statistically in order to reveal trends deepen their knowledge about marine in populations and use of resources. The and coastal environments and develop TMNP and Marine and Coastal Manage- workable operational plans for their ment will use the information collected MPAs. The Table Mountain National Park by the community monitors to improve (TMNP) MPA (Chapter 2.2) was selected management of the health of inshore Fish weighing and measuring as the first pilot site for implementation marine resources and strategic manage- are important monitoring because, having been established in 2004, ment of the MPA. Although it is early techniques to improve its management team was very new and days, this project has been so successful decision-making regarding in need of training. The first course was that there is a good chance that it will be use. so effective that Robin Adams, Operations implemented nationally. 146 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Clearing up creatively KEAG runs the Working for the Coast project on the Cape Peninsula, providing work for 40 people from local townships, who help to keep the beaches, streams and scenic routes of the South Peninsula litter-free. Tired of seeing all the litter they collected simply being dumped in the local landfill site, KEAG manager Wally Petersen invited a talented local artist, Monique Fagan, to share her ideas and inspiration for making crafts from waste. With support from the Community Chest, ten people who started with the Working for the Coast team are now turning brightly coloured plastic bottle tops, lost flip-flops and used milk bottles into a surprisingly funky range of merchandise. And they aren’t selling it at flea markets either; their clients include Spier wine estate, African Image art gallery and even a gift shop on Bondi Beach in Australia. The challenge for the year ahead is to make this emerging business more sustainable. In addition to developing new product ranges, the team will also be developing their literacy and numeracy skills, so that Ilithalomsa (meaning “a new dawn” in isiXhosa) will become their own fully fledged business.

Bring on the MARINES! Another innovative project that involves the local community in marine conservation is the Overstrand MARINES (Management Action for Resources of the Inshore and Nearshore Environ- ments). Co-ordinated by the Overstrand Municipality and supported by DEAT and WWF-SA, this project is having a significant impact on the poaching of abalone and rock lobster along a 250 km stretch of coast between Rooi Els in the west and Rietfontein (near Cape Agulhas) in the east. Project manager of the MARINES, Craig This area has been at the epicentre of Spencer, recognises that there is more abalone poaching for many years. In fact, to compliance than heavy-handed law poaching has become something of a enforcement; information gathering, family business, providing an income for networking, awareness raising and creat- divers, couriers and even the owners of ing alternative economic opportunities domestic fridges and freezers who rent are all part of the compliance strategy. out cold storage space. The relatively The initial pilot project kicked off in Illegal fishing threatens both the fish stocks and livelihoods. lucrative pickings have attracted more 2003, employing five people in the Klein- poachers to the area, with the result that mond area. Since then the Overstrand pressure on marine resources has reached MARINES has grown into a major pov- crisis proportions. Poachers are now tar- erty relief project providing employment geting the MPAs where the last sizeable for more than 70 people at five different animals are to be found. bases. people making biodiversity work 147 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

and training opportunities, but is it also addressing the poaching problem? The figures speak for themselves: in just one month (September 2005), the MARINES confiscated 14 221 abalone in the Over- strand area. For Craig, this represents only partial success, however, as abalone removed by poachers do not survive, and are therefore lost to the population. But what he does acknowledge as a success is that during that time they managed to intercept and remove 658 divers from the water before they could destroy any animals. They also instituted 135 legal cases against poachers, which the team is now meticulously following up. The MARINES may not be able to influence the organised crime bosses who benefit most from dealing in abalone, but they do intend to make it so difficult for the divers that they eventually give up poaching and look for other ways of earning an income.

To make sure that sustainable employment opportunities exist, two more job creation projects (with equally clever Marine conservation also acronyms) have been launched. Sustain- includes programmes to able Harvesting Assuring Revenue and monitor and protect seabirds. Employment (SHARE) will allow con- Because poachers work around the clock, tractors to harvest limited amounts of an so do the MARINES. Some man the tele- indigenous medicinal plant in the Klein- phones at the central operations room mond Nature Reserve to supply a local in Hermanus, giving out information pharmaceutical firm. The Poverty Allevia- and receiving reports from the public 24 tion through the Long-term Management hours a day, seven days a week. Others of Inshore Environments for Tourism patrol the coast on foot, in vehicles and (PALMIET) project is appointing contrac- by boat, enforcing conservation regula- tors to manage and maintain access con- tions, gathering data, rescuing injured trol points along the coast like slipways, animals and educating the public about picnic sites, Blue Flag beaches and tourist marine conservation. For the MARINES, sites, in return for 75% of gate takings. public awareness and education involves Innovative projects like these don’t just far more than reminding anglers to com- happen; they are the result of the imagi- ply with fishing regulations; politicians nation, energy, dedication and co-opera- and magistrates also need to be kept tion of many role-players. The Overstrand informed as they play a vital role in the Municipality, through enabling and sup- overall compliance strategy. porting innovation, is becoming a leader in sustainable development practice in The wide range of functions carried out the Cape Floristic Region. by the MARINES necessitates a diverse programme of training opportunities, Rising to the challenge from peace officer training, firearm han- All along the coast, marine resources are Conservation managers have dling and advanced driving to under- being harvested at unsustainable rates. their work cut out for them in standing marine ecology and environ- While stocks of fish and shellfish decline, controlling illegal harvesting. mental legislation. The teams that patrol the demand for these resources contin- the different areas of the coast comprise ues to grow. On the Garden Route, for officers with a range of skills and ranks, instance, as fish stocks plummet, com- so within the MARINES there are oppor- munities are pressurising the authorities tunities to develop knowledge and skills to open the Tsitsikamma MPA for fishing, and to progress in terms of responsibility. an act that would be tantamount to envi- The MARINES project is obviously mak- ronmental and socio-economic suicide. ing a difference in terms of employment MPAs represent the last sanctuaries for 148 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

the breeding stock of many linefish species and supplement fishing activity and livelihoods outside these protected areas.

The formation of the C.A.P.E. Marine Task Team is an opportunity to share examples of good practice and to address these challenges co-operatively across the region. By strengthening both the network of MPAs and the capacity of people to manage marine and coastal resources more effectively at a local level, we have a chance to sustain the environments and resources on which so many of our liveli- Kalk Bay harbour, a marine protected area. hoods depend.

project is that the human resource What have we development department of the learned? Overstrand Municipality manages this function.  The success of the MARINES  Delays in the availability of pov- depends on effective partnerships erty relief funding from central between agencies representing government undermine projects; different tiers of government (e.g. the MARINES project has ensured DEAT, CapeNature, Overstrand project continuity between funding Municipality). cycles by having a project partner  Dealing effectively with poaching who provides bridging loans. requires a comprehensive, inte-  To encourage compliance with grated programme; in addition sustainable harvesting regula- to effective law enforcement, the tions, the authorities must make it programme must respond to the easy for resource users to access underlying causes of the problem information and obtain permits; like unemployment and poverty by resource management must there- offering alternative income-gener- fore become decentralised. ating opportunities.  Because poaching is often linked to organised crime, people involved in combating poaching can expect to be subject to intimi- dation. Systems need to be put in place to protect staff and reduce opportunities for corruption to take root.  Managing a large and decentralised group of contractors can place an enormous burden on the project management team; one of the reasons for the success of this people making biodiversity work 149 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

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A growing focus of the C.A.P.E. Programme has been investigating what it means in practice to develop the “biodiversity economy” of the Cape Floristic Region. The landscapes and biodiversity of the region are an obvious tourism draw-card, and the natural marine and plant resources, if wisely managed, have the potential to sustain livelihoods in the region in the long term. Programmes like the Department of Agriculture’s LandCare programme and SANBI’s Conservation Farming project have provided opportunities for conservation managers to work with farmers to identify, conserve and sustainably use the biodiversity treasures on their land.

This chapter highlights both community-based initiatives like the sustainable harvesting of rooibos tea and fynbos cut flowers, and innovative partnerships between conservation and the tourism and wine industries. The stories illustrate both the potential and pitfalls of these partnerships, and bring to the fore the need to go beyond the rhetoric of sustainable development to an honest appraisal of what sustainability as a value position means in terms of our lifestyles and business choices.

CHAPTER Building the biodiversity economy

5.1 Valuing the Cape much of what is culturally unique about the region: the snoek fishery that sustains Floristic Region thousands of coastal dwellers; a belief in 5 the healing powers of “buchu brandy”; hen the Cape Floristic Region thatched roofed cottages—these are all (CFR) was declared a World quintessentially Cape. Heritage Site in 2004, it said somethingW significant to the people of The people of the Cape have sometimes South Africa: the world values this region been slow to benefit from their biodiver- as a site of “outstanding universal signifi- sity heritage. In the field of horticulture cance to humanity”. in particular, European plant breeders have, since the earliest days of colonisa- There are many tion, produced countless showy, even reasons why people value this bizarre, hybrids from the genetic raw place: its land- materials of Cape plants. Cape-based scapes, waters plant breeders, on the other hand, have and living things. been few and far between. Today this is For a start, it is changing. The Convention on Biological simply stunning. Diversity, as one of its three aims, empha- Whether it is sises the need for biodiversity benefits the grandeur of to be shared with the people of the the coastal and countries of origin of that biodiversity. mountain scen- Slowly but surely, the communities with ery, or the perfect traditional knowledge of healing plants, detail of the tini- and the government agencies with the est flower, the mandate to conserve the country’s floral region is a visual riches, are starting to derive benefits from The Cape coastline has always inspiration. The the multinationals that invest in their been a source of livelihoods biodiversity of the region—the diverse beneficiation. for people of the region, and unique ecosystems and species of the although tourism is beginning land, rivers and sea—is valuable in its Although it is easy to draw up a long list to outweigh consumptive use own right, as well as in terms of the many of the reasons why the world values the in some areas. goods, services and opportunities it offers biodiversity of the CFR (and therefore to the people of the region and the world. why this biodiversity should be con- This biodiversity has also given rise to served), our society does not permit the 152 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Although flowers have been traded for decades, it is only relatively recently that value is being added through bouquet-making using flowers certified as sustainably harvested.

Floral fortunes utch and German plant breed- D ers have created a multi-billion dollar horticultural The aspect of biodiversity that is most industry by developing many fynbos difficult to quantify, and therefore most often overlooked, is what we call “ecosys- plant species into garden plants. tem services”, those essential processes like water purification, soil generation, erosion control, pollination and pest control that well-functioning natural systems luxury of vague, qualitative generalisa- carry out automatically. We take these The theme of the 2006 tions. On the one hand, government services for granted, until they are no C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference was Biodiversity Business, must be able to justify why, in a country longer there. And then, when we have to pay scientists and engineers to restore or exploring linkages and plagued by HIV/Aids, poor levels of opportunities for business artificially replicate the essential life-sup- education and soaring unemployment, based on biodiversity and biodiversity conservation deserves a slice port systems that nature provides freely, businesses that could make of the budget pie. On the other hand, in we start to count the cost. a difference to the way in a society that seems to value only what which biodiversity is used and It could be argued, that if people were beneficiated sustainably e.g. illustrates a profit on a balance sheet, it rooibos products. is necessary to start describing not only expected to pay for the services that in words and pictures, but also in hard ecosystems provide, nobody would ques- numbers, why the biodiversity of the CFR tion the value of biodiversity. But for the is worth looking after. This is the justifi- most part, these services are invisible on cation for trying to quantify, in rands and balance sheets. Were these services cents, what biodiversity actually contrib- to be paid for by users, the agencies utes to the economy of the region—in which remove thirsty alien vegetation other words, the monetary value of the from water catchment areas, that con- “biodiversity economy”. serve the stands of fynbos in which honeybees over-winter, and manage Some elements of the biodiversity econo- the estuaries that act as nurseries for my are obvious: the value to communities many marine fish species, would no of harvests of fish, reeds, flowers and tea; longer have to feel the pinch of inad- the value to the economy of nature-based equate budget allocations. tourism; the income derived from the sale of game animals and the issuing of licenc- What’s it worth? The C.A.P.E. Partners’ es by government conservation agen- It isn’t easy to put a monetary value to the Conference provided an cies; and the employment opportunities biodiversity of the CFR, but a recent natu- opportunity for discussion and that these various industries provide. At ral resource economics study estimated debate as well as showcasing another level, many of the poverty relief the total economic value of the CFR as of biodiversity-based programmes that the South African gov- at least R10 000 million per year, which enterprises. ernment has developed to provide short- is equivalent to over 10% of the regional term employment for the destitute, have Gross Geographic Product for the Western been created in the biodiversity sector. Cape.

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A detailed natural resource economics tage of the Western Cape attract 24% of study conducted on the Agulhas Plain South Africa’s foreign visitors. A recent found that, in 1999, fynbos flowers har- survey of tourism trends in the Western vested from natural vegetation on the Cape revealed that activities relating to Agulhas Plain contributed about R10 mil- nature and wildlife are among the most lion to farm incomes. In that same year, significant reasons why foreigners visit the fynbos flower industry as a whole the Western Cape (exceeded only by generated a gross income of nearly R150 shopping and nightlife!). Caring for the million from exports and local sales. Of natural environment is therefore a wise this, about R86 million worth of flowers investment in sustaining tourism in the were harvested from natural vegetation. province. t the C.A.P.E. 2006 Con- In terms of other fynbos products, about A ference on Biodiversity R12 million worth of buchu is exported Getting involved in the Business, Brent Walters from each year, their oils being used to make biodiversity economy the Department of the Premier food flavourants and cosmetic fragrances. The C.A.P.E. programme has identified provided a sound framework for And about R5.6 million worth of thatch three opportunities to build the biodiver- discussion. was harvested in 1999. Marine resources sity economy of the CFR in ways that will such as linefish, rock lobster, abalone and sustain both people and nature. First is bait species, contribute a huge amount to investing in and extending the network of the provincial economy, with the industry protected areas, in order to unleash their being worth over R1 300 million per year. potential to contribute more effectively to sustainability. Second is by developing a In addition to these harvested products, system of incentives to encourage private fynbos vegetation also contributes sig- land owners to conserve critical biodiver- nificantly to the success of the deciduous sity on their land through involvement in fruit industry and to the honey industry. conservation stewardship. And thirdly, About half the honey produced in the C.A.P.E. is working to influence and fynbos region comes from bees collect- engage the business sector, such as the ing from fynbos flowers, amounting to wine and fynbos cut-flower industries, in about R5.8 million per year. In addition, order to conserve biodiversity in produc- irector of Conservation Cape honeybees carry out an essential tive areas of the landscape. D International’s Southern pollination service in the deciduous fruit- African Hotspots Programme, producing areas of the Western Cape. Sarah Frazee, has not only con- These bees forage in the fynbos for most 5.2 Making agriculture tributed directly to the initiation of the year when the fruit trees are not in and roll-out of both the C.A.P.E. flower. Without the fynbos to sustain the more sustainable and Succulent Karoo Ecosystem bee hives, the fruit industry could not be (i) LandCare Area-wide planning Programme (SKEP) but has with sustained. boundless enthusiasm worked at a he Department of Agriculture in local level to catalyse opportuni- Tourism is the fastest growing sector of the Western Cape has adopted ties and funding for local con- the South African economy. In the West- a strategy known as LandCare Area-wideT Planning (AWP) to promote servation and development, such ern Cape, which has very little mining or as the Nieuwoudtville Tourism heavy industry, tourism and agriculture the sustainable management of land and Charette. are two of the most important economic natural resources. Area-wide planning sectors. It is estimated that the scenic recognises that many natural resource beauty and the natural and cultural heri- issues, such as erosion control, water management and control of invasive alien plants, need to be addressed at a community level as well as at individual farm level. The programme also appreciates that addressing social and economic issues is an essential component of sustainable rural development.

LandCare AWP provides a framework to enable people on farms to work with their neighbours and the wider community to identify issues of common concern and to develop and implement plans to address social and environmental priorities. Ideal- ly, the process should be led by members of the farming community, with support

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Setting an example he Department of Agri- T culture is itself involved LandCare Area-wide in a LandCare AWP process at its headquarters at Elsenburg. Planning Elsenburg, together with its comprehensive proble -solving neighbours, the Klapmutskop A process that integrates social, Conservancy, undertook an ohn Donaldson is Director economic and ecological concerns alien clearing and fynbos res- J of the Kirstenbosch Research within a defined geographic area. toration project. Despite the Centre and has co-ordinated an severe drought, springs in the extensive research programme area started running again for on the principles and practice of the first time in 30 years! conservation farming. provided by government agencies and local service providers. LandCare AWP processes feed into the development of municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDP), which means that projects are for- They see the streams drying up malised and may qualify for part-funding as a result of the spread of inva- from the government. sive alien trees; they understand better than anyone how climate LandCare AWP provides groups of people change could impact on rural in agricultural areas, whether they are livelihoods; and they know that members of a conservancy, wine co- they must meet high standards operative, farmers’ union or biosphere of environmental and social reserve, with a framework for addressing responsibility if they are to con- environmental and social problems in tinue supplying lucrative export their area. Reflecting on the growing com- markets.” In this context, Land- mitment of farmers to sustainable rural Care AWP helps people in rural development, Francis Steyn observes, areas to identify and address the “The more I visit rural areas, the more I most pressing local issues, and realise that I am just a ‘conservation tour- to mobilise limited resources ist’. It is the people who live on farms and expertise to achieve a com- who are most committed to sustainability. mon purpose.

Francis Steyn LandCare AWP is a process that enables communities to craft their “future desired condition” and then implement projects to reach this sustainable objective.

Francis Steyn, who champions LandCare AWP at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, reports that 42 LandCare projects are PROFILE currently under way in the province, most of them in the CFR. A number of key C.A.P.E. projects have been initiated through LandCare AWP, such as addressing priority issues in the Slanghoek Valley, conserving the Nuwejaars catchment and establishing the Bredasdorp integrated centre on the Agulhas Plain, and monitoring agricultural development in the Sandveld. Francis is particularly excited about a project in the Gouritz Initiative area where LandCare, in partnership with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and other NGOs, is responding to the community’s request for more information about their unique environment. In 2006, through the medium of a puppet show, LandCare hopes to reach 17 000 children in the region. LandCare is also running ten three-day camps for underprivileged children through which they hope to reach another 1 000 children in all the districts of the Western Cape. Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate by sponsoring children to attend these camps.

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(ii) Heiveld Co-operative— What have we everybody’s cup of tea learned? Tea and tradition  To become sustainable, LandCare The Suid Bokkeveld, lying at the far AWP must be led by the commu- northwestern end of the CFR, is not an nity; when institutional partners environment for the faint-hearted. Par- start to play too dominant a role, ticularly in the southern parts, the land- this tends to undermine commu- scape is arid, the temperatures extreme nity participation. and droughts frequent. For most people of  LandCare AWP processes can the region, small-stock farming, rooibos help to identify IDP projects in tea production and social grants are the rural areas and LandCare AWP main sources of income. In this marginal groups can assist with project farming area, overgrazing and inappro- akobus Koopman is one of the implementation in areas where priate cultivation can easily degrade the J founders of the Heiveld Rooi- municipalities often lack staff and land, making livelihoods even more pre- bos Co-operative. experience. carious.  Starting by identifying an issue that needs to be addressed infuses Most of the small-scale rooibos tea farm- energy into the LandCare AWP ers in this region are members of the process; the group has a common Heiveld Co-operative, a registered co- purpose and there is no room for operative established in 2001. complacency.  Environmentally conscious farm- Establishing the Heiveld Co-operative ers make excellent resource man- The Heiveld Co-operative was formed agers; they have intimate knowl- with the support of the Environmental edge of natural resources and are Monitoring Group (EMG), an NGO with a motivated to care for the land as particular interest in ensuring that global their livelihoods depend upon its environmental policies are implemented continued health and productivity. at a local level. In 1998 the Northern  LandCare AWP exercises demon- Cape Department of Agriculture asked strate that poor land management EMG to help them honour their commit- on one property can have adverse ment to implementing the United Nations impacts on neighbouring proper- Convention to Combat Desertification ties. This awareness is contribut- (UNCCD) by supporting sustainable agri- ing to growing social pressure cultural development in marginalised Katie Stafford from within farming circles for landowners to manage the land more communities. The Suid Bokkeveld was Marks and Spencer in the chosen because of the need to address the United Kingdom provided sustainably. impact of decades of neglect during the insights to the Biodiversity  LandCare AWP creates oppor- apartheid years, when some “coloured” Business Conference on the tunities for various government requirements of retailers for farmers did not qualify for agricultural agencies and service providers authentic products. extension services. Unfortunately, due to to respond to project priorities budgetary constraints, extension services identified by local communities. Because these priorities represent are currently not available in the district. a diversity of social and environmental issues, it is important that At an initial workshop, members of the a number of different agencies Suid Bokkeveld community identified support planning and implemen- the problems they faced and agreed on tation. a common objective that clearly established the link between sustaining the  It is sometimes difficult for government agencies to deliver due to local environment and their livelihoods. staffing and resource shortages, EMG and the community agreed on a set but this can be bridged by commu- of principles that would guide their inter- nity efforts. actions, including active participation, mutual respect and transparency.  It is difficult to focus on processes like LandCare AWP in the midst of Woman harvesting rooibos a crisis like a severe drought. But One of the catalysts that led to the forma- plants for the Heideveld Co- the harsh realities of a disaster tion of the Heiveld Co-operative was the operative. are often the trigger that motivates concept of “knowledge exchange visits”. people to start managing the land Members of the Suid Bokkeveld commu- more sustainably. nity visited other community groups to observe a community-based ecotourism 156 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Rooibos tea and climate change Drought kills Rooibos tea is a traditional, health-giving South African tea he drought of 2003 destroyed produced from the shrub Aspalathus linearis, which grows T many hectares of rooibos naturally in the Cederberg and Bokkeveld regions of the plantations in the Suid Bokkeveld. Western and Northern Cape. Most commercially harvested Rainfall in 2004 and 2005 was also rooibos is cultivated, while some is gathered from the veld. below average. Some wild-harvested varieties of rooibos are longer-lived and more resistant to drought and fire than the cultivated varieties. With concerns mounting about the impact of global climate An inspiring change on agriculture in the arid western areas of the country, researchers are starting to investigate how to adapt to this threat. objective Scientists are working with the harvesters, drawing on both local he people of Suid Bokkeveld knowledge and scientific methods to investigate these drought T are empowered to manage their resistant varieties and develop guidelines for the sustainable natural environment productively harvesting of wild rooibos. This research aims to help secure the and sustainably and to establish livelihoods of rooibos tea farmers in the region. sustainable livelihoods which satisfy the needs of all.

project and alternative production and attracted the interest of the Fair Trade marketing strategies for rooibos tea. Com- Organisation of the Netherlands. Mem- munity members were inspired by what bers of the Heiveld Co-operative were they saw and realised that they could certified as organic producers and now achieve something similar in their own supply a niche market of context. consumers in nine countries who are willing to pay a Harvesters’ handbook A premium product premium for organic, fairly embers of the co-op are involved in The lack of agricultural extension ser- traded products. In fact, the M research that will result in publica- vices in the past meant that members of co-op currently attracts the tion of a harvester’s handbook to promote the Heiveld Co-operative either harvested highest price per kilogram in the sustainable harvesting of wild rooibos. wild rooibos tea from the veld or culti- the rooibos tea industry. The vated it without pesticides or artificial co-op has passed this benefit fertilisers. Ironically, this meant that the on to their members by set- product was in effect “organic”. This, ting a minimum wage for tea planters and coupled with the fact that sales of the harvesters that is nearly twice the legis- tea would benefit marginalised farmers, lated minimum for the area!

Koos Koopman speaking at the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference Koos Koopman, a founder member and Secretary of the co-op, explains how it started: “Local people have harvested rooibos tea from the veld for hundreds of years. When it became a popular drink, we started cultivating the tea and selling it. But it was hard to get a good price working alone. We needed PROFILE to bring our small amounts of tea together and share the costs of production. So we started the co-op and got a chopping machine that all the members can use. Working together has created work for young and old, men and women. We harvest the tea, chop it and dry it in the sun on our tea-court using traditional methods. Some of the women in our community sew the cotton bags the tea is packaged in. Now they have work even after the harvest time is over. When chances come, you must grab them with both hands and then you will have a bright future!”

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Collective action Membership of the Heiveld Co-operative has grown from 14 to 36 small-scale farmers in just five years. The co-op has enabled rooibos tea farmers in this sparsely populated district to organise themselves within a democratic structure, to share the cost of equipment and infrastructure, and to supply a high-end overseas market that would have been extremely difficult to access individually. As a collective, members are now eil Oettlé: We believe that every person or able to compete in the market N community has a potential for development place with the large rooibos tea that can be enhanced by positive experiences, or producers. eroded by negative experiences. Conservation is inextricably linked to developing and expressing Through the co-op, members one’s self-worth, and love for others and the envi- have been able to share knowl- ronment.” The Heiveld Co-operative edge and skills of sustainable production, puts traditional knowledge to and this is helping the group to address ers” to advise fellow farmers. Further- work producing sustainably problems like soil erosion and crop losses more, the co-op participates in forums harvested organic rooibos tea due to drought. In the absence of agri- for the export market. and broader sustainable development cultural extension officers, two members debates with representatives from govern- of the co-op have been given additional ment, researchers, other farmer groups training and appointed as “mentor farm- and NGOs.

Sustainability—beyond the rhetoric Multiple Environmental Imperatives Noel Oettlé from EMG explains that they In its work in the Suid Bokkeveld, EMG is responding in an are partners with the Heiveld Co-operative in an action research project that integrated way to the imperatives of three United Nations aims to inform national legislation and environmental conventions: policy by presenting “best practice”  The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change experience in the field of sustainable rural development. Through involvement (UNFCCC): wild rooibos is more drought resistant than cultivat- in cycles of planning, acting and reflected rooibos; learning to harvest wild rooibos sustainably is one ing, project partners have been develop- way in which farmers can adapt to the more frequent droughts ing a deeper and more practical under- that are anticipated. standing of what sustainability means to them.  Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): EMG and the Heiveld Co-operative promote agricultural practices that contribute to The research has also shown that there is biodiversity conservation, like retaining strips of natural vegeta- no place for “quick-fix” solutions when tion between cultivated fields to reduce soil erosion, and sus- trying to integrate marginalised communities into the mainstream of a globalis- tainably harvesting rooibos tea from the wild. ing economy. Developing socially and  United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): economically sustainable communities by enhancing livelihoods through the sustainable use of natural requires people to be conscious of the global context, and confident and compe- resources, the Heiveld Co-operative is addressing the causes of tent to solve their own problems in local- desertification. ly appropriate ways. Agencies involved In summary, an integrated approach seeks to build more resilient in sustainable development projects have ecosystems and social systems by retaining or re-establishing a responsibility to act ethically and not indigenous plant diversity, enriching the soil with organic material, to subject communities to projects with unrealistic outcomes, budgets or time limiting erosion, and enhancing livelihoods through participatory frames. approaches that lead to enhanced capacities. Involvement in the Heiveld Co-operative has been an opportunity for members of the Suid Bokkeveld community to 158 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

endrik Hesselman has a commanding knowl- H edge of every aspect of the sustainable harvesting of wild rooibos. develop knowledge, skills, confidence and a sense of self-worth. Through harvesting and selling their tea to an overseas niche market, co-op members are The Koopman brothers of the Heiveld Co- contributing economically and socially to operative receive their C.A.P.E. Gold Award their families and community. By farm- from Minister Tasneem Essop. ing more sustainably they are caring for the local and global environment. And what they are learning and sharing about sustainable farming methods is making a contribution in intellectual and policy Help them learn from the inevita- circles. Locally and globally, the members ble mistakes, and to develop their of the Heiveld Co-operative are making capacities and wisdom in response a difference. Knowing this makes them to difficulties. Don’t try to solve very proud. other people’s problems: even if you succeed in the short term, in the long term the problem will re- surface. atiena Kotze explains how partnerships What have we work for sustainable conservation and  Building sound relations with local K learned? development in local communities. government may take time but is  It is vital to have a principled necessary and worthwhile. approach that is methodologically  Avoid undertaking unrealistic grounded: conservation and devel- projects or throwing money at opment do not just “happen”, but problems. need to be carefully planned and facilitated.  A learning approach has enabled  members and office-bearers of the Don’t move ahead of where the co-op to effectively manage an community is and push your own increasingly complex business. agenda or process faster or harder than is appropriate: trust and  Integrating a number of funded understanding are delicate and if projects into a holistic develop- damaged can take enormous effort ment programme can be chal- to re-establish. lenging: each donor expects their  particular objectives to be met and Don’t take ownership of the prob- the burden of reporting becomes Members of the Heiveld lems that land users experience, considerable. or the solutions that present them- Co-operative compare experiences with Grootbos selves: this is a sure way to kill  Unless small-scale rooibos tea farmers in the Suid Bokkeveld can in terms of developing and local initiative. marketing products. access more land, the business  Wherever possible encourage local will not be able to grow and will be institutions to take responsibility. in danger of stagnation.

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Taming the Wild iii) Conservation farming: lobally, agriculture is the larg- lessons from Nieuwoudtville Gest single cause of habitat modi- With about 80% of land in South Africa fication. managed by farmers, and only about 6% formally conserved, no national or regional biodiversity conservation strategy can ville (at the far north-western end of the afford to ignore the agricultural sector. region), and the other the thicket biome Many farmers are committed to conserv- in the Albany district of the Eastern Cape. ing biodiversity and farming in ecologi- The project investigated the economic cally sensitive ways. But with farming and ecological implications of conserving becoming an increasingly costly exercise, biodiversity on productive agricultural Spring flowers attract many conservation measures can place an addi- land. The project also considered what visitors to Niewoudtville, tional financial burden on farmers, which interventions would be necessary to albeit for a short season. may be hard to justify in purely financial enable farmers to conserve biodiversity, terms. in cases where this might prove costly. An interesting aspect of the project was Between 2000 and 2004, the National probing the factors that motivate farmers Botanical Institute (now SANBI) co-ordi- to conserve biodiversity on their proper- nated the Conservation Farming Project, ties, even when this does not make imme- with GEF support through the World diate economic sense. Bank, in four regions of the country where biodiversity is particularly rich but Researchers developed an economic poorly conserved. Two of the four sites model (opposite) that represents the “pro- fell within the CFR, the first being the duction ecosystem” of a farm. This model Bokkeveld Plateau around Nieuwoudt- reflects the fundamental challenge facing 160 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

t was the efforts of local farmer Neil Mac- I Gregor to stimulate bulb diversity and flower tourism on his farm that first attracted the Conser- vation Farming project to Nieuwoudtville.

The Conservation Farming agriculture, which is balancing the need Project developed this model to produce commodities and developing to illustrate the relative costs rural livelihoods, with the imperative to pollinators that promote the develop- and benefits to farmers and to conserve biodiversity and the ecosystem ment of fruit and seed; biological control society of different approaches services that are essential for our survival organisms that help to control agricul- to farming. and sustainable development. The project tural pests; trees and shrubs that provide identified farms with rich biodiversity shelter for stock; natural products such and evaluated the economic costs and as firewood, cut flowers and medicinal benefits, as well as the biodiversity ben- plants; and ecotourism opportunities like What do we value? efits, of biodiversity-friendly farming birding and hiking. In working out which practices. land use options were the Conserving species and ecosystems on most appropriate in the farms can also have broader benefits for What is conservation farming? four areas studied, the society. Meeting South Africa’s Research conducted in South Africa over Conservation Farming obligations to conserve biodiversity is an Project drew on principles many years has shown that conserv- obvious and direct benefit. Conserving ing soil and natural vegetation on farms indigenous vegetation along river courses of ecological economics, improves soil fertility and water infiltra- and removing invasive alien plants from which attempts to give tion, which in turn enhances agricultural catchment areas on farms enhances the a value to elements that production and the resilience of veld to provision of clean water. Natural vegeta- traditional economic drought. Since the 1920s the government tion and healthy soils also act as impor- systems often overlook. The has developed various pieces of legisla- tant “carbon sinks”, removing from the value elements the project tion, incentive schemes and extension atmosphere carbon dioxide, which is one services to persuade commercial farmers considered were: of the most important greenhouse gases to farm in ways that conserve soil, water  contributing to global climate change. Value of farming activi- and vegetation resources. In general, ties these efforts have resulted in an improve- The project investigated the relative bene- ment in the quality of farmland. The con-  Tourism and recreation- fits to farmers and society of conservation cept of conservation farming is therefore al value farming, and compared this with other not new in South Africa. However, in the land use options in the four study areas.  Indirect use value, e.g. face of international and national impera- carbon sequestration, tives to conserve biodiversity, the concept water provision is starting to broaden to include the con- A focus on Nieuwoudtville servation of indigenous species and eco- The Bokkeveld Plateau around Nieu-  Option value, i.e. the systems in production landscapes. woudtville is a world-famous hotspot of value of potential future plant diversity. It lies at the meeting place uses of the land and A farm with a rich diversity of indigenous of two global centres of plant biodiver- natural resources sity—the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo plants and animals can provide many  Existence value, i.e. the benefits for the farmer. In addition to Biomes. During the short 30–40-day value people ascribe to obvious agricultural inputs like grazing flower season in August and September, the existence of species, and healthy soil, many of the benefits the town welcomes nearly 12 000 tourists that biodiversity provides are taken for who come to admire possibly the richest landscapes, etc. granted. These may include the natural variety of flowering bulbs on the planet. people making biodiversity work 161 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

However much a land owner may want to conserve biodiversity, few can afford to take action if this implies a heavy financial investment. The Conservation Farm- ing Project therefore compared four possible scenarios to see what impact different land use options would have on biodiversity and livelihoods. They concluded that increasing farming pressure or continuing with current levels of cultivation and grazing would both result in biodiversity loss, and could eventually undermine the carrying capacity of the veld. If losses of bulb-rich habitats were significant, this would also have an adverse impact on ecotourism.

On the other hand, implementing biodiversity-friendly conservation farming methods would safeguard the unique plant and animal diversity of the area. If landowners with priority biodiversity on their farms formed a conservancy, this could serve to strengthen local networks, Nieuwoudtville farmer ecotourism opportunities and efforts to Neil MacGregor welcomes thousands of visitors to his secure rates rebates for the conserved farm every spring and autumn areas. Over the centuries, sheep farming and to marvel at the spectacular the cultivation of crops have transformed displays of flowers. The researchers also considered a fourth most of the natural veld around Nieu- option: converting farmland into a pro- woudtville resulting in habitat fragmenta- tected area. While this would be the most tion and biodiversity loss, particularly beneficial option in terms of biodiversity on the richer soils. The Conservation Farming Project found that the costs of and ecotourism, it was also the least rehabilitating cultivated areas to a natural likely, as few farmers in the area were state would be prohibitive, so if the biodi- interested in selling their land. In any case, the research revealed that until Traditional income comes versity heritage of the Bokkeveld Plateau from livestock farming. It is is to be conserved, as much as possible of more tourism opportunities are developed not a simple choice to switch the remaining natural landscape needs to in the area (see Nieuwoudtville Tourism to new forms of land use and be retained. Design Charette Chapter 5.5), it is unlike- economic activity. ly that ecotourism will provide a viable alternative to farming in Nieuwoudtville.

It is interesting to note that the research found that some disturbance by livestock (e.g. rotational grazing with periods when the land is rested), is actually beneficial for biodiversity. This, coupled with the fact that most farmers are not actually interested in developing ecotourism activities, suggests that conservation farming may be the most viable option both ecologically and socially. Indeed, when all measures of value were taken into account, conservation farming within a conservancy proved to be the most viable option economically. The conservancy option ensures biodiversity conservation and secures rural livelihoods and networks; it therefore meets all three criteria of sustainable development: ecological, social and economic sustainability. 162 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Counting the cost Although the creation of a conservancy in the Nieuwoudtville area may provide significant benefits to farmers and society in the medium to long term, in the short term biodiversity conservation is likely to represent an overall cost to farmers. The Conservation Farming Project identified various ways in which farmers could be assisted to implement conservation- friendly farming:  Providing networking and capacity building opportunities to strengthen conservation farming knowledge and share best practice;  Securing property rates rebates for conservation land on farms;  Tourism companies paying farmers a Projected financial benefits fee if they allow tourists to view flow- for four land use scenarios on ers on their farms; the Bokkeveld Plateau around Nieuwoudtville, which take  Establishing a research station where into account a range of values. scientists and farmers could share their knowledge and experiences and choices. This should be remem- learn together. bered when considering possible incentives for conserving biodiver- Most of the world-famous biodiversity sity. in the Nieuwoudtville area is found on  Farming can satisfy all the funda- less than 20 farms. Ensuring that Nieu- mental human needs within one woudtville remains the “bulb capital of integrated lifestyle. Farmers are the world” presents these land owners generally reluctant to leave farm- with an awesome responsibility. How- ing and turn to other ways of mak- ever, while farmers are the day-to-day ing a living; this means that it is managers of the land, South Africa’s bio- more realistic to work with farmers diversity is a national asset that benefits to achieve conservation objectives society as a whole. Society must therefore than to consider converting farm- share the knowledge, skills and resources land into protected areas. necessary to conserve this heritage. We  cannot expect a handful of farmers to Our perceptions and actions are shoulder the responsibility alone. strongly influenced by our social and professional networks. New ideas have little impact on social Worth boasting What have we groups until they are accepted by influential members of a network. about! learned?  he diversity of plants on If scientists wish to contribute the Bokkeveld Plateau,  Conservation farming is a com- to conservation on farms, they T in the area around Nieuwoudt- plex notion; relationships between must be prepared to listen to and farming systems and ecosystems empathise with farmers. Through ville, reflects its complex vary widely, and a model devel- equal learning partnerships, farm- geology: oped in one area cannot simply be ers and scientists will be able to • 1 360 plant species extrapolated to other areas. develop strategies for an improved and more conservation-conscious • 309 bulbous plants  The dominant economic system farming approach. is based on an assumption that • 70 Red Data plant species people are primarily motivated  Bioregional planning initiatives • 18 species endemic to just by anticipated monetary benefit; like C.A.P.E. provide farmer groups one quarter-degree square! however, people are motivated with opportunities to implement by a number of other values and innovative conservation approach- once subsistence needs are satis- es, e.g. through stewardship pro- fied, these other values can have grammes and making funds avail- a powerful influence on people’s able for projects. people making biodiversity work 163 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

raising. The international NGO Fauna and Flora International (FFI) stepped into Flower Valley—ABI Partner the breach and Flower Valley Farm, com- One of the original C.A.P.E. programmes, the Agulhas Biodiversity plete with its flower processing plant and Initiative (Chapter 2), was established to conserve the unique export business, was secured. That same year the Flower Valley Conservation Trust lowland habitats of the Agulhas Plain and to promote sustainable (FVCT) was established to run the farm, livelihoods. In this region the harvesting of fynbos flowers is a with a few added elements in line with major industry. ABI therefore identified the sustainable harvesting FFI’s sustainable development agenda. of wild fynbos as one of its key goals and appointed the Flower Valley Conservation Trust to manage this component of the project. A sustainable development vision FVCT set out to manage Flower Valley with three inter-related goals in mind: to conserve biodiversity, promote the The women at Flower Valley sustainable use of fynbos and assist local have become very skilled at 5.3 A focus on flowers producing export qualities communities to improve their quality of bunches of flowers. (i) Flower Valley Conservation life. With consumers becoming increas- Trust ingly environmentally and socially conscious, the idea was to use Flower Valley Securing Flower Valley Farm as the base from which to encourage ome of the best fynbos operations on the Agulhas Plain environmental ini- to harvest wild fynbos more sustainably tiatives begin with and to improve the social and economic aS crisis, and such is the conditions of workers in the industry. story of Flower Valley. Ethically traded products can command In 1999 Flower Valley, premium prices, so operators supplying a 580 ha farm near the Flower Valley’s export business would hamlet of Baard- have an incentive to comply with strict skeerdersbos came up codes of sustainable harvesting, environ- for sale. Neighbour Car- mental management and social develop- ol Blumenthal was wor- ment. FVCT would help to access these ried: with wine farming niche markets and investigate issues like spreading to the Over- eco-labelling. berg, how secure was the indigenous fynbos and forest on this An innovative social development pro- Flower Valley Farm could well-watered farm? There was no time to gramme was developed at Flower Val- have been cultivated for wine production if it had not been waste. Carol made an offer to purchase, ley focusing in part on early childhood for supportive donors. put down the deposit, and went fund- development (ECD). An early learning centre provided pre-primary education and day care for children from local farms, and women from the community were trained as ECD practitioners. To provide year-round employment in a seasonal flower-picking industry, alternative income streams like hand-made paper were investigated. The environment and development vision was clear and inspirational. There was hope for a sustainable future.

But Flower Valley was not just a development project relying on external funding; it also had to become economically sustainable. The conservationists and development practitioners needed a commercial partner to manage and expand the business locally and internationally and to develop a marketing strategy. Changes in South African tax law also required the separation of the commercial and non- profit aspects of the Trust’s operations. Consequently, in 2003 a group of UK- 164 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

oger Bailey is currently the esley Richardson, whose initial involvement Flower Valley farm was one of the first farms R farm manager at Flower Lin C.A.P.E. was through her responsibilities to be certified by CapeNature as meeting Valley, but more importantly pro- at WWF-SA, took up a position as CEO of the sustainable harvesting standards. Lesley vides a key service to landowners Richardson is seen here flanked by Gail on the Agulhas Plain to certify Flower Valley Conservation Trust and was the lead Cleaver on the left and Roger Bailey on the their flower harvesting practices negotiator for the Trust with Flower Valley. Lesley right. has combined her deep passion for the development as sustainable. of people with her commitment to conservation, helping maintain trust and confidence in the activities of the FVCT. new managers who were more in tune with the sustainable development vision and willing to co-operate with the supply based investors bought the business from network on the Agulhas Plain. Alterna- FVCT and established FYNSA (Pty) Ltd. tive agreements were proposed in March Together, FVCT and FYNSA were to make 2005 and the negotiations began. FVCT the three-fold sustainable development also learnt about the importance of struc- dream come true, sustaining the planet, turing contracts carefully in advance, and people and profits. of spending enough time at the outset negotiating mutually acceptable terms. No common ground Sadly, this attempt at building a working Developing sustainable systems aurette Afrikaner became of relationship between conservation, rural Supplying a niche market with sustain- Lthe first women at Flower development and business had in the ably harvested flowers sounds like a fairly Valley to take up a management early days met with difficulties. There straightforward exercise, but it isn’t. The position. She is now a partner in were misunderstandings by both parties market first needs to be developed and a flower harvesting business on of the others’ commitments and under- this takes time. Flower Valley had worked the Agulhas Plain. standing of the relationship. Decisions hard to find new customers and was that were taken for good business reasons delighted when one of its funders was had negative impacts on stakeholders. able to broker a relationship with a super- As a result, many of the farm workers market chain in the United Kingdom that were retrenched and replaced, projects has an ethical procurement policy. like the permaculture garden were closed down, and the management relationship Ensuring that your product is sustainably faltered. Eventually, after 18 months, the harvested is also an extremely complex and time-consuming process. The Flower parties had to agree to re-negotiate the Valley team acknowledges that their tar- arrangement. gets were over-optimistic for the first two years. We now look at some of the obsta- A new start cles they faced in the quest to promote FVCT and FYNSA learnt much from this the sustainable harvesting of wild fynbos experience. FYNSA agreed to appoint on the Agulhas Plain.

Gabbi Cook Gabbi Cook who has the responsibility for Flower Valley’s Early Childhood Education programme has also been the organiser of the capacity-building project to promote sustainable harvesting PROFILE people making biodiversity work 165 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Flower picker with pincusions.

 sustainably by people who have earned Getting accredited a fair wage. Trade organisations exist in Consumers who have concerns about different countries to accredit producers In an attempt to provide year- the environmental and social impacts of in various agricultural sectors. In order round employment for the their purchases want to be confident that flower pickers, Flower Valley to supply the European market, Flower when they buy eco-friendly, fair trade has investigated additional Valley applied to the Flower Label Pro- produce this has indeed been harvested product lines like hand-made gramme (FLP) in Germany for ethical paper with pressed-flower trading accreditation. decorations.

Obtaining FLP accreditation is a relatively costly exercise: international inspectors must visit potential suppliers to conduct an audit, and FLP certification fees are high. To make this process more affordable for local producers, Flower Val- ley invited other suppliers to apply for accreditation with them as a collective and offered to subsidise the FLP fees. FVCT is trying to build up a network of suppliers who could be accredited by FLP and benefit from the market for flowers bearing their label. Failing to secure this market would naturally diminish the interest shown by other suppliers in the network. A concerted effort is being made to secure FLP accreditation.

FLP focuses mainly on labour and environmental standards, and not specifically on the conservation of biodiversity, and 166 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

SAPPEX Sustainable Harvesting Guide What does it actually mean to harvest wild fynbos sustainably? What criteria do organisations like CapeNature use when deciding whether or not to accredit a supplier? Until ABI started investigating sustainable harvesting, no comprehensive guidelines existed to inform aryke Middelman was one of the founders farmers, contractors or M of SAPPEX and responsible for putting exporters. A few researchers together the guidelines for sustainable harvesting. were investigating the impact of harvesting and some managers were developing experience in this was a gap the Trust sought to fill by developing an accreditation system for the field, but this information biodiversity-friendly harvesting practice. was not widely shared. As CapeNature issues the permits for harvesting it was thought best to expand this The South African Protea Producers and Exporters network into the certification scheme. Funding (SAPPEX) took the initiative to compile the first set of guidelines and capacity constraints have made this a time-consuming process, but great strides for the sustainable harvesting of wild fynbos plants, including cut have been made in the past year towards flowers, medicinal plants, indigenous teas and thatching reeds. putting in place a system to accredit sup- They also organised a road show to draw attention to the need pliers who harvest wild fynbos sustain- for sustainable harvesting and to distribute the handbook. ably. Together with FVCT, Cape Nature has developed a Code of Practice for Sustainable Harvesting. The Code needed to be tested and finalised so that it could form the other, as yet missing, leg of the accreditation system In 2005 FVCT, in slower than expected. Membership of partnership with CapeNature, used grant the Forum is open to suppliers who are funding to pilot an auditing system for harvesting sustainably and who are either sustainable harvesting of wild fynbos accredited or working towards certifica- based on a draft version of the Code of tion. A steering committee will arrange Practice. Branding and a consumer edu- regular meetings, workshops and field cation strategy are the next stage in the trips for members. process.  Building capacity to harvest  Developing a Supply Network sustainably In order to produce sufficient sustain- With no courses in the sustainable har- osie Theunissen is one of the ably harvested wild fynbos to supply the vesting of wild fynbos being available at R workers at Flower Valley, developing market, FVCT needs a net- the time, and with the need for an accred- pioneering the production of fyn- work of accredited suppliers. FVCT has ited supply network, FVCT joined forces bos bouquets that meet interna- conducted surveys to identify potential with local and other experts to put togeth- tional consumer standards. suppliers, who are then invited to join the er courses for flower pickers, supervisors supply network and apply for accredita- and managers. The aim was to mesh tion. FVCT offers incentives to potential local knowledge with scientific informa- members, including training, subsidised tion in an appropriate learning package. FLP fees and marketing support. This required the development of Unit Standards at three levels within the Pri- One of the goals of the sustainable har- mary Agriculture Education and Training vesting project is to improve commu- Authority (PAETA, now AGRISETA), the nication with suppliers by setting up a Sector Education and Training Authority Supply Network Forum. Suppliers are (SETA) that regulates accredited training very willing to co-operate, even though in the primary agriculture sector. A grant the establishment of the forum has been from PAETA then made it possible for people making biodiversity work 167 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Green Futures (Chapter 5.4 (iii)) simple. The Flower Valley story high- to offer the courses to those in lights the many difficulties inherent in the FVCT supply network. trying to develop a fully sustainable business within a commercial and regulatory The courses cover a wide range context that has not yet come to terms of topics, including sustainable with the tenets of sustainable develop- development, fynbos ecology, ment. If this project has taken longer than basic plant identification, map the funders or project managers anticipat- work, sustainable resource man- ed, it is because (in common with many agement, appropriate harvesting other initiatives in South Africa’s young techniques, environmental regu- democracy) the project partners have lations and marketing. The pilot been “making the path by walking it”. course was presented in 2005 and, despite a few logistical hiccups, Despite the problems caused by a lack of went extremely well. CapeNature alignment between FVCT and the first has since asked Green Futures, FYNSA management team, there are signs the accredited training provider, to that the partnership with the current repeat the course for a number of its FYNSA Board and managers is working. staff members. The new business partners have extensive marketing experience and an entre-  Strengthening the regulatory preneurial edge, and already the project has managed to expand its markets in environment the United Kingdom and the Netherlands FVCT’s sustainable harvesting project beyond its expectations. The demand for has also been slower than anticipated flowers has been growing, even during because CapeNature has simultaneously traditionally quiet periods, enabling the been revising the provincial regulations project to provide greater employment (the Ordinance) which affect the harvest- security and income for the people of the ing of wild fynbos. FVCT has Agulhas Plain. contributed in a small though valuable way to the process by employing a botanical expert to update the list of fynbos What have we species that may be harvested for the flower trade on the learned? Agulhas Plain. CapeNature will  Achieving sustainable develop- now use this list to guide their ment is complex and partnerships issuing of permits to fynbos har- should not be entered into lightly. vesters. Satisfying the “triple bottom line” requires people with experience in FVCT also convened an expert diverse, even potentially conflict- group to develop a “Species Vulner- ing, fields (e.g. conservation, rural ability Index”, which is a tool that can development, farming, marketing) be used to determine how susceptible to work together. The partners may a plant species is to harvesting and to have very different ideas of what recommend a sustainable level of har- sustainable development means, vesting for each species. They and the business environment in have worked out vulnerability which they operate may also not indices for 79 plant species understand or support sustainable and the botanical consultant has development. Allow enough time compiled digital images of all these to develop a common understand- species, which will enable both ing of the issues—and be wary of harvesters and conservation officers to entering into contracts too soon in ensure sustainable levels of harvesting of the process. appropriate species.  When projects arise in response to a crisis, there may not be time Back on track to establish a sound foundation Proposal documents usually outline of partnerships and project goals clear, simple and logical steps that will before starting work. An adaptive be followed to achieve project aims and management approach that allows outcomes. However, real life is far from flexibility in the early stages can 168 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

enable the project team to respond to emerging opportunities and developing insights. Big bush – small  Partners involved in a business shrub founded on sustainability princi- rootbos means “big bush” ples must share an understanding G and refers to the groves of of these principles and be commit- milkwood trees found there. ted to implementing them in prac- The estate has in turn given its tice. Where the fundamental val- name to an Erica species found ues of the business are not shared, only on the property, Erica there is a lack of coherence and magnisylva. integrity. This in turn undermines open communication, trust and confidence. Ensure balanced pow- ichael Lutzeyer and his family invested er relations through representation M in one of the first biodiversity-based tour- by all parties on project commit- ism businesses in the Cape. The tourism lodge at tees and boards, and equitable Grootbos is also closely involved in the Walker Bay shareholding of the business. Fynbos Conservancy, the Green Futures horticul-  Tailoring promotional materi- tural college and with Flower Valley. He never als for international markets is loses an opportunity to explain the fascinating costly. It requires constant product relationship of fynbos and fire to guests at Grootbos. research and development, since Despite enormous losses due to fires that damaged trends in the fresh flower market part of the lodge in early 2006, Michael is buoyant are governed by fashion and senti- about the valuable relationship between the lodge ment and are therefore transient. business, the conservation of biodiversity and the upliftment of people.  Running an on-site capacity building programme for staff requires management commitment and good planning, so as to avoid peak (ii) Grootbos Private Nature production times and minimise Reserve impact on production. What has happened at Grootbos Private  Funders who see themselves as Nature Reserve since the Lutzeyer broth- project partners rather than sim- ers bought the property in 1990 is noth- ply as providers of finance can ing short of transformational. Starting add a great deal of value to a proj- with an overgrazed cattle farm infested ect by providing strategic advice, with alien plants, in a remarkably short business skills and access to mar- space of time the family has created one kets, especially those with ethical of South Africa’s premier guest lodges, procurement policies. offering the discerning ecotourist an abundance of experiences. The lodge  Relying on an international body shares with visitors the spectacular views for accreditation is difficult for a of Walker Bay that first attracted the local project in its development interest of Michael and Tertius Lutzeyer. stages. Standards are high and The reserve offers hikes and horse trails meeting them is time-consuming through fynbos and thicket, and the bay and costly for small, growing is awash with options, from boat trips operations. View accreditation to see sharks and whales, to beautiful as a developmental process, with beaches and strandloper caves. each step in the process of reaching the standards resulting in For all the magnificence of the stone some improvement. and thatch lodges, with their taste-  Progress can be limited by a lack fully appointed rooms and delectable of capacity, funding and equip- dining, the tourism establishment is only Grootbos set a new standard one facet of the gem that is Grootbos. ment by key partners responsible for biodiversity business in the for critical aspects of a project. The Lutzeyer family sees a deeper beauty tourism industry, supporting Innovative partnerships between and purpose in the estate, and this vision both conservation and skills civil society, government and busi- is reflected in one of the founding prin- development. ness can help projects find “out ciples of Grootbos: “The business should of the box” solutions to carry out generate employment and training for tasks and share responsibilities. local people as well as income for con- people making biodiversity work 169 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Green Futures, the horticulture and landscaping school at Grootbos Private Nature servation related activities.” Today more digenous species. Sean has worked for Reserve, has provided unemployed members of the than half the employees on the property Grootbos ever since, and has played a Gansbaai community with come from nearby townships, benefit- vital role in establishing the indigenous training and opportunities ing from the estate’s commitment to job nursery and educational centre on the for employment. When the creation and professional development in property. These developments culminated Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative various fields. in the establishment in 2003 of Green needed a venue for accredited Futures Horticulture and Lifeskills Col- training in sustainable harvesting, Green Futures One of the first jobs the Lutzeyers under- lege (see below). stepped in to assist. took after buying the Grootbos property was to start rehabilitating degraded natu- The lodge employs biologists and con- ral areas. They employed botanist Sean servationists who undertake a number Privett to oversee the removal of invasive of environmental projects, run tours for alien plants and the restoration of in- visitors and assist with staff development.

Sean Privett Sean Privett has found the ideal niche. His research on sustainable harvesting has been of crucial importance in the development of accreditation schemes for flower harvesting on the Agulhas Plain, and his conservation management expertise has helped Grootbos become a leading private sector conservation manager. In addition, he is a Trustee PROFILE of the Flower Valley Conservation Trust and Director of the Green Futures College. One of the “fynmense” wearing multiple hats.

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Grootbos has its own herbarium and conducts species surveys on the property. Already botanists have identified more than 674 different types of plants at Grootbos, including 54 Red Data species and three previously undescribed species.

Grootbos is a prime example of an ecotourism enterprise that is walking the talk of sustainable development. Economi- cally, the business is not only sustaining itself but has stimulated tourism in the Gansbaai area. Ecologically, it is restoring and conserving a valuable piece of lowland vegetation. And socially, this remarkable family business is creating training and employment opportunities for local people, and increasing the environmental awareness of visitors from all over the world.

(iii) Green Futures Sean Privett, Director of Green Futures Valuable Horticulture and Life-skills College, is qualifications inspired by the Green Futures mission reen Futures is an accredited Successful because he has seen it work. Based at training provider registered Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, the col- G with AGRISETA, the Agricul- graduates lege opened in 2003 and is committed to Grootbos is so proud of the “building sustainable livelihoods through ture Sector Education & Training nature-based education”. Authority. This means that its Green Futures graduates qualifications are officially recog- that they don’t want to Each year 12 students from nearby town- nised. let them go. The Grootbos ships are selected to participate in a estate manager, landscape horticulture, landscaping and life-skills manager at the new Forest course. Most have no prior knowledge of indigenous plants, but within a year they Lodge, nursery assistant, is teaching three students to grow vegeta- are brimming with enthusiasm and ready and three of their nature bles and propagate indigenous plants. to put their new knowledge and skills guides are all ex-students. to work. The course combines essential Guide Nzuzo Nkhili has Becoming sustainable life skills like personal finance, busi- made such an impression ness skills, driving and health education, Seed funding to establish the Green with knowledge of environmental and Futures College was donated by the Ger- at Grootbos that the South conservation issues, and skills of horti- man Development Bank (DEG), which African government culture and landscaping. Classroom ses- matched an investment by Grootbos recently honoured him sions, practical involvement in nursery Private Nature Reserve on a rand-for- with a merit award for his and landscaping projects, and field trips rand basis. In terms of the original grant, contribution to ecotourism. to interesting places make learning rel- Green Futures was expected to become Graduates have also found evant, stimulating and fun. Already two self-funding after two years. This was cohorts of students have graduated from the incentive for some creative thinking employment at landscaping this exciting programme. What is most that resulted in the college building eco- companies, nurseries and encouraging is that all Green Futures nomic sustainability into the design of its a local golf course, where graduates have either been snapped up by courses. their specialist knowledge employers or, in one notable case, opted of indigenous plants and for self-employment. All students spend about 20% of their time at college working in the Grootbos water-wise gardening is After graduating in 2004, Nozuko Pelem plant nursery and assisting with the fyn- greatly valued. decided to share what she had learnt at bos landscaping business. This not only Green Futures with friends in Masakhane provides them with essential practical township who had been unable to attend experience but also enables them to gen- the course. She started a project called erate funds through the sale of plants and Siyakula, meaning “we are growing up” provision of landscaping services. These in isiXhosa. Based at the local crèche, she earnings are invested into the Grootbos people making biodiversity work 171 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

college economically sustainable. He is also delighted that this project is demonstrating that the conservation and sustainable use of the natural resources of the region can provide real benefits in the form of sustainable, nature-based livelihoods.

What have we learned?  A major factor contributing to the success of Green Futures is that it is a full-time course that runs for a whole year and only 12 students are involved at one time. Too many of this kind of courses are funded on the basis of “credits x students”, which results in rushed courses and inadequate supervision. Each year a few hard-working Green Futures students have  Student selection is extremely Green Futures Foundation, which helps to the unparalleled opportunity important: they must have an to visit the Eden Project in finance students attending the following interest in nature and be self-moti- Cornwall for a few weeks. year’s course. Grootbos also uses the col- vated and able to grasp what is lege facilities to run residential courses taught. for the public on indigenous water-wise gardening. Income from these courses  One of the most gratifying aspects helps to fund Green Futures. of Green Futures is to see how people’s confidence and sense If you want to give a donation, the col- of self-worth grows as the course lege won’t turn it down, but Sean would develops. rather not rely on external funding. He is proud of the fact that the symbiotic relationship between Green Futures and The Green Futures Siyakula Grootbos has enabled them to make the 5.4 The Biodiversity Project. and Wine Initiative A successful coloniser he introduced species, Why indigenous? Vitis vinifera—the grape- The Green Futures course is offered to unemployed young vine—has made itself very people from townships around Gansbaai and Stanford. Tmuch at home amongst the fyn- So why the focus on indigenous gardening—wouldn’t food bos of the Cape. Since the early gardening be more relevant? Director Sean Privett explains: years of Dutch settlement when Jan van Riebeeck established “There is a growing trend in the Cape to grow water-wise the first vineyards on Wyn- gardens using indigenous plants. Not only does this make berg Hill, the promise of fine practical sense in a hot, dry region, but also indigenous wine and smooth brandy has plants are exceptionally varied, very beautiful and attract brought rich and poor into a wide variety of birds and other wildlife into gardens. But its service. Unable to invade who is going to do this gardening? There is a severe shortage the landscape unaided, the grapevine has enlisted people to of knowledgeable people with the practical and theoretical plough, plant, pluck and press, ensur- experience to develop indigenous private or public gardens.” ing its successful colonisation of the Cape Green Futures is equipping young people to fill this gap in the lowlands. Today it is hard to imagine the market, and at the same time enabling them to play an important Cape without its winelands. They are as role in helping to conserve the unique flora of the Cape. deeply embedded within the region’s cultural identity and economy as its natural landscapes and biodiversity. 172 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

which only 9% remained, were threatened by this new wave of viticultural expansion. A vital industry  South Africa is the Wine and conservation—finding eighth largest wine pro- synergy ducer in the world, con- Building on its extensive experience in lowlands conservation, the Botanical tributing 3.5% of global Society of South Africa, with Conserva- production. tion International, undertook a research  90% of South African project in 2002 to assess the status of the wine industry and investigate possible wine is produced in the impacts of its expansion on critical veg- CFR. sing his experience in marketing (and clearly etation fragments. Dr Johan van Rooyen,  4 600 wine farmers, 505 Chief Executive Officer of the South U a passion for wine), Tony Hansen has been private cellars and 66 able to win over many champions of the wine African Wine and Brandy Company co-ops provide employ- industry to the conservation cause. (SAWB), acknowledges the “non-arrogant manner” in which the Botanical Society ment in SA. approached the industry to discuss their  The post-apartheid period breathed new findings and concerns. Currently 110 200 ha life into the wine industry, as foreign of vineyard in South markets started to welcome South Afri- The meeting came at an opportune time. Africa. The wine industry was under pressure can products once more. Exchange rates  made Cape wine farms irresistable to mainly from the European market to By Decem- foreign investors and the development of demonstrate its commitment to social, ber 2005, new cultivars opened up opportunities to ecological and economic sustainability 11 700 ha plant vines in new areas. In the ten years (the triple bottom line). The industry had been from 1990 to 2000, the area under vines had set up an accreditation system, set aside for increased by 15%. It was boom time in Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) to the winelands. ensure sustainable production standards conservation at farms and cellars; however, biodiver- through BWI As vineyards started creeping up moun- sity conservation was not included as a (21 members tain slopes and expanding into the Over- criterion. The meeting between SAWB and one cham- berg, conservationists started getting and the conservation sector enabled the pion). worried. The already embattled fragments wine industry to expand the IPW stan- of lowland renosterveld and fynbos, of dards to include biodiversity conserva-

Vergelegen: South Africa’s first Biodiversity and Wine Champion The famous Vergelegen Estate owned by Anglo American was appointed as South Africa’s first BWI Champion at a launch event held on 22 March 2005. The BWI’s Champion Programme honours wine estates and wine farms that are playing exemplary roles in conserving the highly threatened species and habitats found in the Western Cape winelands. Vergelegen has spent nearly R4 million to date on alien clearing and environmental projects, paid for by profits from wine sales. In ten years the estate has restored 316 ha of endangered Boland Granite Fynbos, previously invaded by woody alien plants, to a pristine condition and kept 250 ha of Swartland Shale Renosterveld unploughed on the Schapenberg ridge, despite the renowned viticultural potential of these habitats. To assist them in this major conservation project, the estate employed Gerald Wright, previously the manager of the Helderberg Nature Reserve, to oversee the implementation of the veld management plan.

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The Biodiversity and Wine champions have adopted stringent measures to ensure best practices in production of wine, but also stewardship of biodiversity on farms.

and cellars. Individual estates and privately owned farms are required to fulfil different criteria than BWI Co- operative Cellar Members.  A Biodiversity and Wine Champion must demonstrate a two-year track record of good conservation practice, have started implementing conserva- The Vergelegen Estate leads tion actions in management plans, the way in the removal of and conserve at least 10% of the invasive alien plants and property, preferably under one of the the restoration of threatened tion guidelines. As an economic incen- Conservation Stewardship options habitats. tive, the BWI strategically presented the (Chapter 4). concept of biodiversity to Wines of South Africa (WOSA, the marketing wing of the A unique selling point industry) as a unique marketing angle for South African wines. The South African wine industry will never be able to compete with high volume, low-cost wine producers like The Biodiversity and Wine Australia and Chile. The strength of Initiative launched the South African wine industry is its Co-operation between the wine potential to produce a great diversity of industry and the conservation sec- interesting, specialist wines, establishing tor led to the launch in March 2004 it firmly as a high-quality, niche market of a further two-year project, the Bio- player. WOSA had been looking for a unique angle from which to market South diversity and Wine Initiative (BWI). African wines, which is exactly what This partnership project has developed BWI’s emphasis on biodiversity provided. a strategy to minimise the loss of threatened natural habitat on farms and to pro- Both the wines and the flora of the Cape mote sustainable wine production. are unusually diverse. This diversity results from the varied topography, soils An early achievement of BWI was the and micro-climates of the region, known development of biodiversity guidelines to wine makers as “terroir”. Just as the for the wine industry, which were adopt- diverse terroir of the Cape has created a ed by IPW in August 2004. These guide- richer biodiversity than is found in any lines enable the industry to promote bio- other wine-producing country on Earth, diversity-friendly wine farming among its it has also enabled South Africa to make members and to acknowledge good prac- the world’s most interesting wines. This Vergelegen in Somerset West tice. Wine farmers and producers may be is the concept behind WOSA’s new slogan was the very first Biodiversity recognised in one of two categories: in their advertising campaign: “Variety is and Wine Initiative Champion. in our nature”. Handing over the award are  A Biodiversity and Wine Member IUCN President Mohammed allows entry-level membership, with During the initial two-year implementa- Valli Moosa and CEO of the the member signing a statement of tion phase of the BWI project, wine pro- BotSoc, Dr Bruce McKenzie. intent to set aside an area of natural ducers with existing track records in bio- habitat and implement IPW sustain- diversity conservation, are being enlisted able production guidelines for farms as champions to promote the initiative 174 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

What have we learned? Support these wine producers!  The conservation and business sectors must work together to con- In November 2005, the serve biodiversity and realise sus- Botanical Society of South tainable development goals. Africa honoured the first  Substantial research into the group of 21 BWI members industry is required, prior to and the existing BWI engagement, in order to under- champion, Vergelegen. stand its core business, market Rooiberg Winery, leaders, key markets, marketing strategy, approach towards representing eight farms ue Winter impressed the Fynbos Forum with sustainable production, missed in the Robertson district, is her research on land owner attitudes to conser- S opportunities, etc. the first BWI co-operative vation, concluding that farmers were only too keen  to co-operate when they were well-informed about In general, the conservation sector cellar member to be the special biodiversity in their care. She has fol- lacks people with business skills to registered. The following 20 engage with industry. lowed this through in her work with conservation individual producers have stewards among the wine industry.  Developing innovative cross-sec- also been registered as toral programmes requires stake- BWI members. By choosing holders to collaborate from project conceptualisation to implementa- wines produced by BWI to their peers. BWI extension officers are tion. champions and members, helping these champions to implement  To secure long-term commitment you will be supporting the biodiversity guidelines and to inte- biodiversity-friendly wine grate biodiversity conservation into the from the industry, creative short- identity of their winery. The current focus term economic incentives are production: needed. for BWI is broadening the membership  Stellenbosch wine route: base as widely as possible, particularly in  There is a need to work through wine regions where threatened vegetation existing industry structures rather Delheim, Hartenberg, fragments still exist, such as the Bottelary, than creating new institutions. Koopmanskloof, Lou- Darling Hills, Paarl Mountain and Slang- This reduces implementation costs isenhof, Mooiplaas, hoek Valley. and time, and is far more likely to Spier Vineyards, Water- result in industry endorsement. A membership recruiting phase coincided kloof (False Bay Vine-  It is more productive to co-operate with Cape Wine 2006, a wine trade show yards) than to make enemies; maintain that also hosted a Wine Diversity Con- good relationships with all sectors  Paarl wine route: Avon- ference in April 2006. For the first time, of the industry and be sensitive the conference included sessions on the dale, Backsberg, Black to how far you can push an issue Pearl Wines, Boschen- biodiversity of the Cape Winelands. It before it leads to conflict. demonstrated to the world’s wine media dal, Montagne, Plaisir  the extent of conservation commitment of Sustainable production systems de Merle can be a useful tool to acquire the Cape’s wine producers. market share; bear this in mind  Overberg wine route: when engaging with the industry. The first biodiversity wine route involv- Beaumont, Oak Valley &  ing BWI members, the Green Mountain Synthesise relevant environmen- Paul Cluver Wines Eco-Route, has been developed in the tal and agricultural laws into an  De Grendel (Tygerberg), Elgin-Bot River area. This route is an understandable format for farmers, and demonstrate that sustain- opportunity for participating estates and Glenwood (Franschoek), able production and conservation Towers (Swartland) & cellars to develop a wider range of bio- guidelines are a tool to help them diversity-related products and services, comply with the legislation. Tulbagh Mountain Vine- and to tap into the growing ecotourism  yards market. This in turn has the potential of It is important to speak to and motivate different players in the creating additional employment oppor- industry (e.g. farmers, wine-mak- tunities and revenue streams for these ers, marketers) in ways that are companies. It’s early days, but Dr van meaningful to them. Rooyen believes that through this kind of  innovative partnership, the wine industry Land owners can be influenced to farm sustainably by working is paving the way for other agricultural through the agricultural industries sectors to follow. they supply. people making biodiversity work 175 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

5.5 Towards sustainable tourism Local website ncouraged by the route devel- (i) Open Africa – enabling E opment process, guest house Afrikatourism in the Overberg owner Andy Carpenter developed o discussion on sustainable a website for the Gansbaai area development opportunities in (www.danger-point-peninsula. the CFR would be complete co.za), which provides detailed Nwithout a focus on tourism. Open Africa information on the local environ- is a tourism development company that ment and tourism opportunities. takes seriously the principles of sustainable development and community participation, encouraging tourism ventures that generate job opportunities and time. Because there is no charge to con- conserve the environment. tribute information, Open Africa routes This non-profit organisation promote all businesses equally, whether promotes a vision of “Afrika- they are large or small, established or tourism”—creating a continuous emergent. network of sustainable nature-based tourism routes linking Cape Town Reviewing the original Fynbos Route to Cairo. “Africa’s greatest strength The original Open Africa Fynbos Route is its natural resources,” says route was reviewed in 2004 and renamed the developer Georgie Nelson, “so we Overberg Fynbos Route. The route incor- work with communities to use this rather porates the towns of Gansbaai, Stanford, than destroy it.” Not surprisingly, the first Napier, Elim and Pearly Beach. It falls Open Africa route was the Fynbos Route within the broader Agulhas Biodiversity established in 1999 in collaboration with Initiative (ABI, Chapter 2) area, where a tourism forum in the Overberg. Since numerous C.A.P.E. partner organisations then, another 55 routes have been devel- are actively involved in biodiversity- oped in five African countries. related projects and businesses.

Open Africa responds The route forum recognises the value of to requests from com- working as a collective, and organises munities needing help regular workshops to keep both route to develop local tour- members and the general public informed ism routes. Facilita- about opportunities like adventure tour- tors take participants ism, ecotourism and sustainable resource through a systematic use in the Overberg. The forum provides three-month route an opportunity for C.A.P.E. partners development process, and others to develop a more strategic, helping them to recog- regional approach to sustainable tour- nise the uniqueness ism, and to benefit from promotion of of their natural and the route as a whole. In addition to using cultural heritage, and the Open Africa website, the forum also building the capacity works through tourist information offices, of a representative the local media, and expos and shows community forum throughout the region. that develops and manages the route. Open Africa raises For Hardus Botha, chairperson of the funding to cover the costs of this process, Overberg Fynbos Route, promoting the to ensure that nobody is excluded from uniqueness of the Overberg is necessary participating. not only to attract tourists, but also to generate an interest in tourism in local The route development process culmi- communities that have not previously nates in the publishing of the route on the been involved in the sector. Through Open Africa website (www.africandream. forum meetings, tours and workshops, org). Using GIS technology, information cultural festivals and articles in commu- on all the tourism partners and their nity newspapers, awareness is starting to products and services is linked to the grow and the first township-based tour- route map. Once the route exists on the ism operation has been established in the website, new entries can be added at any area. 176 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Overberg Fynbos Route has started to (ii) Nieuwoudtville Tourism strengthen sustainable nature-based tour- Design Charette ism in the Gansbaai area. Now Hardus Sustainable believes it is time to start developing a Nieuwoudtville is a unique community network of Open Africa routes through- perched high on the Bokkeveld Plateau Tourism out the Overberg. Other nodes already above Vanrhynsdorp. A village estab- Development lished to serve the needs of a sheep farm- exist, like Blue Crane routes around “Tourism development Agulhas, Caledon and Heidelberg, but ing community, it is also famously known must play a critical new opportunities need to be explored to as the “bulb capital of the world”. The spread the Afrikatourism vision through- veld is jam-packed with an extraordinary role in supporting the out the Overberg. variety and number of plants that grow constitution’s commitment from bulbs, corms and tubers. For much to improve the quality of of the year, these plants beat the heat by lying dormant in the soil. But come the life of all citizens, while What have we first autumn rains, buds and leaves start protecting the natural to break through in profusion. From ama- environment for the learned? ryllids in autumn to spectacular spring benefit of existing and displays, this is a plant-lover’s paradise.  Tourism routes can provide com- future generations. The policy is guided by the munities with an incentive to con- Nieuwoudtville’s botanical bounty has serve their environment, particu- attracted a lot of interest in recent years. goals of reconstruction larly if the benefits of tourism are Research projects like the Conservation and development to meet shared broadly by the community. Farming Project and CREW (Chapter 4.2), basic needs, to develop and sustainable development initiatives human resources, to  For a tourism route to be sustain- like the Heiveld Rooibos Tea project (see build the economy and to able, the community must be above) have brought scientists and devel- democratise the state and involved in its development and opment practitioners to the town. Local society.” make all the management deci- NGO, Indigo Development and Change, has been exploring job creation opportu- sions. - White Paper on Sustainable nities based on the sustainable use of the Tourism Development  A tourism route enhances local region’s resources, such as the rooibos tea co-operative and a nursery to propagate business through referrals between indigenous bulbs. Tourism was an obvi- members. ous possibility, but the limited focus on a short  Many communities have become and fickle flower season cynical about development proj- was not enough to gener- ects that promise much but deliver ate sustainable year-round little. The fact that Open Africa employment. can establish a route within only 90 days is motivating and gener- During March 2004 rep- ates commitment. resentatives from the Hantam Municipality,  The involvement of talented and the Nieuwoudtville com- energetic local champions is munity and Conservation essential to the process of route International convened development. a five-day workshop in Nieuwoudtville to develop  A route forum stimulates the a community vision for development of local tourism prod- tourism that would benefit ucts, and provides a supportive biodiversity and improve local livelihoods. Called environment in which emergent a “Design Charette”, providers can develop capacity. this opportunity brought together local Porcupine heaven residents and international consultants,  Especially in rural areas, lack of ulbs are so plentiful in the subsistence farmers and architects, local Nieuwoudtville area that transport can make it difficult for shop owners and tourism specialists, B people to attend forum meetings. as many as 10 000 have been scholars and conservationists. Up to 120 counted in a single square metre It is important to overcome this people from all walks of life met each of veld! problem to enable a representative day to discuss how tourism could help forum to meet regularly and main- to create a brighter future for the people tain enthusiasm. of Nieuwoudtville. It was the first time

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What is a Charette? A charette is an intensive workshop organised to solve a specific design or planning problem in a short space of time. The process brings members of various sectors together into a flexible workshop format that generates consensus and practical design solutions relating to the particular problem. Although this process is widely used in other parts of the world, the charette in Nieuwoudtville was the first time this effective methodology had been implemented in South Africa. (The origin of the term ‘charette’ is that architecture students at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in France were given a design problem to solve within an allotted time. When hoda Louw, an environmental scientist work- that time was up, the students would rush their drawings from R ing in the Nieuwoudtville district, found the the studio to the Ecole in a cart called a charette. Students often Design Charette inspirational: “I have never seen jumped in the cart to finish drawings on the way.) or heard of the kind of intra-community participation that we experienced during those five days.”

locally appropriate, eco-friendly design Reasons to visit in living memory that such a large and and construction. diverse group of people had met together Charette participants in the town—it was certainly the first The community identified three major identified many reasons time that such a diverse group had lis- projects: why Nieuwoudtville is worth tened to one another so intently.  Redesigning the proposed upgrading visiting at any time of year: of the caravan park according to eco- During the Design Charette, Mr J F van friendly principles;  Ancient geological forma- Wyk, the Northern Cape MEC for Safety  Constructing a new visitors’ centre; tions and Liaison, pointed out that Nieuwoudt- ville needed “a co-ordinated, integrated,  Developing a community park in the  Dramatic vistas and and community-driven tourism develop- town. waterfall views ment strategy” to enable the community to benefit from the “abundant assets”  Pioneer architecture Plans to redevelop the existing caravan of the region. This is precisely what park had been set prior to the Charette.  Country guest houses emerged from the workshop process. The However, in a demonstration of commit- and restaurants group identified a theme that gave cohe- ment to community participation and sion to the region’s many tourism oppor- sustainable development, the municipal-  Hiking in Oorlogskloof tunities: “Experience Evolution: Nieu- ity halted its activities on the site, allow-  woudtville, place of hidden treasures”. ing the Charette process to transform Warm hospitality They have since chosen a logo their plans for a conventional upgrade of  And, of course, the wild for Nieuwoudtville tourism municipal facilities into an innovative, initiatives, and are working flowers eco-friendly, community-oriented facility on an integrated sys- with the potential to become a year-round tem of interpretive attraction. signage for the natural, cultural and Also during the Design Charette, three historical routes that learners from Nieuwoudtville High are being developed. School came up with the idea to develop a neglected and unattractive piece of In a region with land adjacent to the local taxi rank into a rich but threatened local park. A group drew up a proposals biodiversity and and one of the architects attending the many people in desper- Charette invited the learners to partici- ate need of employment, it pate in a short internship at his office in was appropriate that the Design Cape Town, where they helped to build a Charette focused explicitly on sustainable model of the planned visitor centre. tourism development. The group established principles of responsible tourism Tourism has the potential to stimulate development that would benefit the local complementary industries, such as crafts, community, and generated guidelines for products and services. The Charette gen- 178 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

erated a variety of innovative craft ideas, and identified local artists and crafters who could both benefit from tourism development and contribute to skills development in the community. As tourism routes are developed, the need for branded items—from route markers to tea towels—will grow. Who better to supply and is planning to expand their range by these items than the crafters of Nieu- sustainably harvesting plants that will woudtville? produce seeds and bulbs in the coming years. Seeds Aplenty exported their first Things are happening! seed to the United Kingdom under the The Charette inspired many dreams, Fair Trade label in December 2005. ideas and possibilities, and enabled the Nieuwoudtville community to develop Two biodiversity facilitators have been their own vision for local tourism. A appointed and one of their roles is to sup- comprehensive report was published port the recently established Eco-Club outlining the priorities identified by the that involves the youth of Nieuwoudt- Charette, and this is currently guiding the ville. Lu-Anne de Beer and Donna Kotze local task team and working groups that help teachers and learners from the local are responsible for developing and imple- primary and secondary schools with menting more specific action plans. biodiversity projects and field work during the term. With help from CREW they Sustainable tourism is starting to take off convene week-long summer and winter in Nieuwoudtville. The caravan park has schools during the holidays. Learning been redesigned, the Eco Chalets should about nature can only be fun when it be completed by mid-2006, and an eco- includes activities like “Nieuwoudtville friendly rock pool has been built that is Survivor” and “Caterpillar race—stuff the pride of Nieuwoudtville. Although your face!”—complete with a biscuit-eat- the Community Resource Centre has not ing competition! yet been built, a tourism office has been opened in the town. It is staffed by two The youth love learning and are develop- previously unemployed Nieuwoudtville ing a deep respect for their town, reports residents who are honing their skills in Lu-Anne. “The Eco-Club started learn- tourism management through knowledge ing about the threatened plants of Nieu- exchange visits to other tourism offices. woudtville. They realised that municipal Now the South African National Biodi- workers were actually destroying some versity Institute is conducting a feasibil- of these plants when they mowed and ity study to develop a National Botanical weeded the parks and verges. First they Garden in the town….. watch this space! identified the threatened plants and marked their positions with wire. They A group of people with a passion for then had a meeting with the municipality bulbs and other plants has formed an to ask them not to weed in areas where There was participation in the organisation growing and marketing these plants grow.” This story reflects the Design Charette from every indigenous seed under a fair trade label. spirit of the Nieuwoudtville Design Cha- part of the community. The group, Seeds Aplenty, started in their rette—every voice was listened to, every first season with seed from Kirstenbosch link in the chain was valued. people making biodiversity work 179 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

(iii) CapeNature – exploring commercialisation In the late 1990’s, the provincial nature conservation function in the Western Cape was placed under the control of a new statutory board. At the time, the organisation could not realise its optimal potential, as support from government funding was declining. More importantly, the organisation was not able to retain its own funds or to aggressively seek other means of revenue-generation to support conservation. The C.A.P.E. programme was about to enter its implementation phase, and Board-status would enable the organisation to access donor funding for projects, in addition to generating income from other sources. Once established, the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board undertook many initiatives, one being a due diligence investigation into ecotourism.

The Eco-Club gets involved in It is now five years later. The Western all sorts of activities Cape Nature Conservation Board has since become CapeNature, complete with a revamped corporate image. It is What have we time to reflect: has its financial situation learned? improved? The Annual Report for 2004/5 suggests that during this reporting period  Flower tourism is insufficient CapeNature experienced severe cash flow to create a sustainable tourism problems as a result of tourism revenues industry as it is seasonal, weather- being below expectations. dependent and appeals to a limit- So, what challenges has CapeNature ed market; other aspects of nature, faced as it has striven to become more plus cultural, historical and financially sustainable? Have there been adventure tourism are year-round successes in the past five years, and what attractions that can stimulate a can we learn from their experiences? local tourism industry. To start with, becoming a Board did  Participation and active involve- enable CapeNature to access significant ment of all parts of the community amounts of funding during 2005: about takes time but once it is achieved R30 million in a single year, in fact, from it changes the community for the state and private donors. More than two better. thirds of this amount represents poverty relief funding for projects like the devel-  By bringing diverse sectors of the opment of a new hiking trail and employ- community together; the Charette ment of baboon monitors. During 2004 process generated a much wider CapeNature received poverty relief fund- range of ideas that would other- ing from Umsobomvu for a Youth Ser- wise have been the case. vice Programme (Chapter 6.4) as well as funding for invasive alien plant clearing.  Awareness raising and increased While this enabled CapeNature to achieve networking with service providers a number of its goals, there have been and others have been important problems associated with some funding. outcomes of this successful project. Not least of these is the time lags between funding cycles, which causes projects to  Local capacity development is cru- lose momentum. It was partly because cial for local ownership and thus a major provider of funding reduced for the success of such a project. its annual payment to CapeNature by 180 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

dnaan Abrahams has the challenge of devel- A oping the potential of protected areas in the Western Cape to meet the needs of growing numbers of domestic and international visitors, and of ensuring that this results in a net increase in revenue for effective conservation management. Income breakdown for 2003 reveals that government R1 million in 2004 that the organisation experience in hospitality and marketing funding, although inadequate, experienced serious cash flow problems would allow CapeNature’s staff to focus outweighs combined income in the last financial year. on their core business of conservation. from donor funding and CapeNature also anticipated that neigh- services. Another problem associated with donor bouring communities would benefit from funding is that it is invariably project- increased tourism, by being able to sup- linked and does not fund personnel or ply goods and services. project administration costs. The money may be used for specified purposes only In 2003, CapeNature advertised a number and the organisation generally has to con- of ecotourism concessions and invited tribute about 15% of the overall project businesses to tender. The response was budget. In the case of CapeNature, this amounted to R3.6 million over five years, placing a significant burden on their operating budget.

And what of commercialisation? How have plans progressed in the past five years? Currently, CapeNature earns income from accommodation, visitors, Wild Card subscriptions and the provision of permits and licenses for a range of activities, from filming to events. Ecotour- ism concessions, which were expected to contribute significantly to the income stream, take time to establish and have not yet generated sufficient income for the organisation. Income from tourism In 2000, ecotourism looked like an obvi- very poor and there are currently two has risen steadily since ous income-generating opportunity to PPPs in the pipeline, one at Robberg and CapeNature became a Board; explore. CapeNature undertook a due the other at De Hoop Nature Reserve. It however, this represents a diligence audit, which identified 17 sites is important to understand why this plan very small proportion of the organisation’s total operating in 12 of its reserves where ecotourism has been so slow to bear fruit. Adnaan budget. products could be established. Abrahams, Director of Business Devel- CapeNature planned to enter into formal opment for CapeNature explains that, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with despite being a Board, CapeNature must the hospitality industry, allowing inves- comply with government PPP applica- tors to build and run lodges in return for tion procedures, which are particularly a percentage levy on earnings. Outsourc- onerous and time-consuming. Few poten- ing tourism operations to providers with tial business partners are willing to get people making biodiversity work 181 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Time to reflect … The difficult financial situation in which CapeNature found itself is of concern to C.A.P.E. for a number of reasons. CapeNature is one of C.A.P.E.’s key institutional partners, responsible not only for rolling out a number of donor- funded projects but also for managing 5 000 km2 of protected areas in the Western Cape. The success of the C.A.P.E. programme and the future of biodiversity in the Western bogged down in the bureaucratic mire of standards, their activities in the reserve Cape relies on the effective lengthy studies, thick reports and nego- would be limited, and they would be functioning of this major tiations. expected to contribute to black economic conservation agency. empowerment as well as job creation and Business partners may also not purchase social upliftment in neighbouring com- the State land upon which they develop munities. In a region that does not actu- their tourist facilities; nor is CapeNature, ally have a well-established safari lodge as a parastatal agency body, per- culture, investors had ample reasons mitted to borrow money to invest not to engage in a PPP with CapeNature, in infrastructure. So the private however socially responsible this would partner stands to lose any invest- be. ment made in infrastructure upon termination of the PPP contract. An CapeNature has certainly learnt a great investor would far rather purchase their deal about PPPs over the past three years, own property outside of the not least that these agreements take a lot protected area where their longer to set up than initially anticipated. investment in infrastructure As a result, they have been actively nego- will be secure. Add to this tiating more workable agreements with the fact that CapeNature government and potential business part- wished to restrict infrastruc- ners. The first concessions will probably ture development to already come on stream in 2006, whereupon the developed sites within the next phase of learning will begin. reserves (which were seldom the most appealing to devel- The greatest tourism success during this opers), and it is not surpris- period has been the Whale Trail at De ing that what had initially Hoop Nature Reserve, one of the complex looked like a winning combi- of sites making up the Cape Floristic nation started to feel bogged Region World Heritage Site. Offering down in complexity. world-class land-based whale watching opportunities and stunning coastal and Furthermore, in trying to mountain scenery, this five-day hiking fulfill its many obligations trail is booked out a year in advance. Hik- to government, CapeNature ers have the option of having their packs placed too many demands delivered to the cabins, which provide on its potential partners. Not basic creature comforts like electricity only would they be expected and hot showers, so the trail appeals to to pay a levy to the organi- a wide audience. CapeNature is keen to sation, but their developments would develop similar trails in other reserves, be subject to exacting environmental but a lack of investment funding is

182 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) hampering developments. They have, potential to help the provincial however, recently received poverty relief government fulfill its job creation funding to develop a second whale trail, mandate, particularly in rural this time for the “high-end” tourist. areas.  Delays in receiving donor fund- In the face of insufficient financial sup- ing can put an organisation under port from provincial government, serious financial pressure, espe- CapeNature is looking at providing a mix- cially if it has to provide bridg- ture of products for all income groups. ing finance for projects that are Currently CapeNature does not offer any already underway. high-end tourist facilities, and is looking at adding a few such facilities to boost  While poverty relief funding income. “We can afford to employ three enables conservation organisa- staff members for every high-end tourist, tions to accomplish numerous but we actually make a loss providing tasks, it does not provide neigh- accommodation for the middle income bouring communities with stable self-catering visitor who has tradition- employment, and more sustain- ally stayed in our protected areas” says able funding streams are essential. Adnaan. He believes that CapeNature can  no longer afford to use core funding to Trying to address too many subsidise visitor accommodation, as their imperatives through any single first priority is biodiversity conservation. commercial venture is unrealis- This financial predicament has forced tic. Making money, addressing them to ask some tough questions, like: the socio-economic development “Is free or subsidised access to reserves needs of neighbours, and promot- part of CapeNature’s mandate?” and ing Black Economic Empowerment “What is the benefit of access to biodiver- are all important goals, but should sity?” be accomplished as part of an overall commercialisation strategy, not necessarily by each individual CapeNature has in the meantime had A range of experiences is many discussions with the Ministry and project. offered by CapeNature. Provincial Government regarding the organisation’s financial position. Provin- cial government fully understands, and the provincial treasury agrees, that the organisation is unsustainable at current levels of government funding. CapeNa- ture anticipates a positive response to its request for greater funding in the future. In fact, the Western Cape provincial government recently provided R15 million for capital improvements. This is a sure sign that provincial government is keen to see CapeNature adequately funded and achieve its potential.

What have we learned?  Becoming a Board gave CapeNature access to funding that they would not have been able to use as a government department.  Donor funding is no substitute for core funding from government; without adequate core funding for staff and project administration, spending donor funding can put a strain on the organisation.  CapeNature, as a major land- holder in the province, has the people making biodiversity work 183

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The C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy acknowledges that if the people of the Cape Floristic Region are to understand the benefits of biodiversity and participate in addressing biodiversity issues, then environmental education processes in the region must be strengthened.

For decades, many organisations and individuals have been involved in raising awareness, developing environmental literacy and involving people in environmental action projects in the region. But over the years, as conservation budgets have declined, a number of organisations that were once leaders in the field have lost environmental education capacity. Guided by the Rhodes University Environmental Education and Sustainability Unit, C.A.P.E. is striving to reverse this trend by developing a strategic framework for conservation education in particular, conducting audits of organisational capacity and resource materials, and providing professional development opportunities for practitioners.

This chapter reflects on a range of existing environmental education and youth development initiatives in the region and describes how the advent of C.A.P.E. has started to provide existing programmes with a stronger biodiversity conservation focus.

CHAPTER Supporting conservation education

6.1 A long tradition and a non-governmental organisations, such as the Wildlife and Environment Society 6 vibrant programme of South Africa (WESSA), CapeNature, WWF-SA and the Environmental Educa- (i) Biodiversity tion Association of Southern Africa (EEA- conservation and SA), environmental education evolved education in the out of concerns about the need to con- Cape Floristic serve nature and the natural resources of Region the country. he big picture Many of the early efforts in conservation of conserva- education were championed by environ- tion education mental education centres, which became inT the Cape Floristic popular throughout South Africa in the Region (CFR) is so 1980s. It is worth noting, however, that expansive that the chal- one of the very first “centres” dedicated lenge in this section is to to teaching scholars about the natural select a few illustrative environment was established at the Kirst- Why examples to focus on drawn from the enbosch National Botanical Gardens in conservation numerous projects and programmes. We 1923. Run for 70 years by the Provincial shall look in detail at a few current initia- Department of Education, the Nature education? tives It is also important to acknowledge Study School was taken over by the C.A.P.E. refers quite the many committed educators who have National Botanical Institute in 1993 and specifically to “conservation inspired and enabled learners of all ages renamed the Gold Fields Environmental to understand more about, and care more education” rather than Education Centre (Chapter 6.3 iv). This deeply for, the fynbos and “fyn mense” environmental education or and other centres, such as the Parmalat (fine people) of this region. Enviro Centre near Kommetjie and the education for sustainability. Environmental Education and Resources C.A.P.E. sees its role as Centres of influence Unit at the University of the Western supporting education Conservation education has been one of Cape, continue to provide people with initiatives with a particular the strongest influences on the devel- places to meet, share, learn, and mobilise focus on biodiversity. opment of what could be called the around environmental concerns. Unfor- environmental education movement in tunately, declining levels of investment Southern Africa. Led by government and in education as a key performance area 186 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Luzuko Primary School in Gugulethu was one of the first schools in South Africa to receive their Eco-Schools flag. in some conservation organisations has resulted in the loss of some highly influential environmental educators, centres and programmes.

C.A.P.E. meets Eco-Schools It is not surprising that schools are very Environmental education often the focus of environmental cam- centres in the Cape Floristic paigns and programmes. They are, after being converted into a parking lot for the Region involve hundreds library,” reports Rhian. “They motivated of thousands of learners in all, sites of learning and socialisation, environmental learning and where environmental knowledge can be that the area be leased to the school and action every year. infused and the habits of sustainable liv- have been granted a ten-year lease from ing inculcated. An organisation or project the City of Cape Town. Now they are wanting to disseminate information or cleaning up, protecting and utilising the promote a cause can reach large numbers area for environmental education. The of people relatively efficiently and effec- learners played an integral, proactive role tively through these institutions. In fact, in preventing the destruction of the wet- schools do sometimes feel besieged by the good causes they are expected to adopt!

The international environmental pro- Educators doing it for themselves gramme Eco-Schools has developed a One of the most inspiring stories of environmental education useful framework that helps schools to capacity development in the CFR is an initiative undertaken by respond more strategically to environmental challenges by identifying their Natsoc (the Naturalists’ Society), an interest group started during particular environmental priorities and the 1980s by a group of biologists, mainly from the University of developing policies and action plans for the Western Cape, and teachers employed by the then House of sustainable management and lifestyle Representatives. For Natsoc members, the Potberg Environmental choices. Since the programme was first Education Centre at De Hoop Nature Reserve became their introduced in South Africa in 2002, a second home. The educators regularly took their students there growing number of schools have signed up, with 224 nationally and 20 in the CFR on field trips, and as a group, they shared their knowledge of achieving Eco-Schools status in 2005. the diverse ecosystems at the reserve as well as field work and Some C.A.P.E. partner organisations are outdoor education skills. As their competence grew, they started finding that the Eco-Schools programme sharing their knowledge and skills with colleagues. The cadre is helping them to work more productive- of skilled and committed environmental educators that was ly with schools, and some have chosen to support a cluster of local schools as a developed as a result of these processes of peer education and “node co-ordinator”. mentorship has had a significant impact on environmental learning in schools, community groups and further education Rhian Berning, regional co-ordinator of institutions, and on environmental education policy in the Eco-Schools in the Western Cape, reports Western Cape Education Department (WCED). Potberg has that Crestway Secondary School in Retreat on the Cape Flats, is one school continued to be involved in the Environmental Education Lead that has made a significant contribution Teacher Project co-ordinated by the WCED’s district office, to local biodiversity conservation. “Learn- serving the southern areas of Cape Town. ers protested against the Blouvlei wetland people making biodiversity work 187 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Enabling environmental education in the City of Cape Town C.A.P.E. has identified the critical role of municipalities in enabling biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. At the Fynbos Forum workshop, the City of Cape Town stood out as a local authority that has taken its role in environmental education to heart. Through the vision and commitment of its environmental education co-ordinator, Lindie Buirski, the City’s Environmental Management Department has taken the lead in supporting and strengthening environmental education processes in the City. indie Buirski , City of Cape Town environmen- The City’s Environmental Education and Training Strategy and its Ltal education coordinator, has taken the lead in supporting and strengthening environmental educa- monitoring and evaluation handbook for environmental education tion processes in the city. serve to guide and strengthen the City’s initiatives and those of its many partners. One of the City’s initiatives that has had a in this publication. Richard Cowling, a profound effect on schools and environmental organisations is C.A.P.E. Gold Award winner received the annual Youth Environmental School. Every year since 1998, this recognition, for among other things, children and teachers from primary schools all over the City his contribution to a whole generation of have participated in a week-long programme of environmental scientists and practitioners (Chapter 7). lessons provided by City departments and environmental service Working with learners of a very differ- providers, which has raised awareness of environmental issues ent age, Ali Corbett of Cape for Kids has developed story books about the adven- as well as the organisations and learning support materials that tures of “Monty the Mongoose” that have can help people live more sustainably. This annual event has delighted thousands of pre-schoolers also strengthened networking among environmental education over the last ten years. Presenting regular providers in the City and, through the implementation of an environmental puppet shows at venues evaluation component, provided partners with valuable feedback like Kirstenbosch, Table Mountain and Rondevlei, Ali and her team focus on an to help them improve the quality of their programmes. age group that is often overlooked by conservation organisations, but who are open Through organising or supporting a busy programme of and responsive to learning and caring environmental events, workshops, resource material development about their world. initiatives and partnership projects such as Eco-Schools and the EduTrain, Lindie has done more than most people to enable The scope of it environmental education in the largest metropolitan area in the At the Fynbos Forum in 2004, a workshop CFR. session was held to investigate the scope of environmental education processes in the region. People involved in a wide range of initiatives, from public awareness, community development and for- land and made a short video of mal education to agricultural extension their success story. Crestway and skills training, shared their experi- High School achieved Eco- ences. School status in 2005 and certainly is a role model for other In addition to numerous projects support- schools!” ing environmental learning and action in schools, the session also revealed that Educating at many levels there is a lively tradition of community In the CFR, the educators based at further participation in biodiversity monitoring eliberations at the Fynbos Forum education institutions—the universi- and conservation projects in the region. D and C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference ties and colleges—have had a profound The Protea Atlas Project and CREW were have resulted in sound recommendations for impact on many generations of students, highlighted as projects encouraging com- both policy and practice in the Conservation equipping them with knowledge, hon- munity participation and a “learning Education Programme, managed by Jayne ing their critical faculties and fanning through doing” approach (Chapter 4.2). Coleman (left). the “fire in the belly” that has motivated People also reported on initiatives in agri- people to initiate many of the projects cultural areas, such as LandCare (Chapter 188 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

5.2), the Gouritz Initiative (Chapter 2.7)  Enthusiastic individuals or “cham- and the Badger / Beekeeper Extension pions” can have an enormous Project, which are vital because of the influence within their communi- challenge to conserve biodiversity within ties. productive landscapes. Some of the  The new National Curriculum for workshop participants (e.g. Flower Valley schools provides numerous oppor- Conservation Trust and Green Futures, tunities for environmental learn- (Chapter 5.3 i)) discussed the accredited ing, but many educators need a training programmes they were develop- period of mentoring and support to ing, which were starting to contribute to integrate biodiversity and sustain- the development of sustainable nature- ability issues. based livelihoods in the region.  Environmental education processes within the CFR can be ob O’Donoghue, now Pro- What have we strengthened by networking. Net- R fessor of Environmental works such as the EE Friends and Education at Rhodes University, learned? GREEN exist, and there are also manages to combine the opportunities to communicate via challenges of academic rigour in The Fynbos Forum workshop identi- the C.A.P.E. Coordination Unit conservation education research fied a number of issues as well as and the Fynbos Forum. with its practical application in opportunities in relation to environ-  Opportunities to share information the field. Indeed, his particu- mental education processes in the about biodiversity and sustain- lar approach to action research region: able living are limited only by the embodies learning for local action, particularly among educators,  In most conservation organisa- imagination. whatever their back ground. This tions, education capacity and approach provides a firm founda- resources are extremely limited; tion for the C.A.P.E. Conserva- there is a need for capacity build- tion Education programme. ing in education and communica- (ii) The C.A.P.E. Conservation tions. Education programme  Education programmes must C.A.P.E. has identified educa- be relevant to their particular tion and capacity building context (e.g. age, social group, as one of its cross-cutting A question of language, aspirations). It is impor- programmes. In September sustainability tant to monitor and evaluate pro- 2004, the C.A.P.E. Conserva- grammes. o we know what sustainable develop- tion Education programme ment is so that we can educate people  was launched to work with D Working through existing commu- “for” it? Sustainability is a question; as educa- C.A.P.E. partners to strength- nity structures, meeting places and tors, we need to provoke people to ask ques- communication channels is effec- en learning and local action tions, rather than lead people to answers we tive and contributes to the sustain- for sustainable living in the ability of programmes. CFR. The project manage- already have. ment team is based at the —Rob O’Donoghue  In a region of huge biodiversity, Rhodes University Environ- there is a need for more site-spe- mental Education and Sus- cific information. tainability Unit in Grahamstown.  The cities are generally very well provided for in terms of environ- Through the C.A.P.E. Conservation Edu- mental service providers and education programme, developments in bio- cation programmes; rural areas diversity conservation policy and practice tend to be overlooked. in the region can inform approaches to conservation education, and vice versa.  An “us and them” approach tends For instance, the project team has identi- to polarise rather than involve fied a number of biodiversity research people and is not effective. and planning approaches in C.A.P.E. that  The process of accrediting training resonate with active learning approaches in the National Curriculum (see diagram). providers and courses is extremely Practically, educators and learners in the bureaucratic, slow and challeng- CFR can survey landscapes, audit bio- ing, especially for micro-enterpris- diversity, investigate ecosystem services es. However, trainees would rather and livelihoods and assess risks. These attend accredited courses. investigations can inform discussions on people making biodiversity work 189 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

C.A.P.E. Conservation Education programme activities The C.A.P.E. Conservation Education programme works with C.A.P.E. partners and provides support through the following activities:  Co-ordination and networking  Strategy development  Professional develop- The C.A.P.E. Conservation Education programme has identified opportunities for learning and ment action that respond to issues of biodiversity and sustainable living in the CFR.  Materials development

 School and education human well-being and lifestyle choices, basis to ensure that it serves as a useful sector support enabling educators and learners to make first port of call for people seeking infor- informed decisions about living sustain- mation on biodiversity and conservation ably. education in the region.

The C.A.P.E. Conservation Education The audit revealed a large number and Programme began with a road show and variety of materials dealing with the bio- audit of resource materials for conser- diversity of the region, most of which pro- vation education at the end of 2004. vide fairly generic information. However, During 2005 a number of people because of the high levels of endemism involved in conservation educa- in the CFR, the challenge is to develop tion in the CFR participated in materials that help people to identify, a certificate course run through investigate and care for the biodiversity Rhodes University, which of their particular area. The Botanical served to strengthen conserva- Society’s series of wildflower guides is tion education capacity and net- an excellent example of field guides that working in the region. This section focus on particular areas and therefore highlights some of the projects that par- enable relative novices to make sense of ayne Coleman’s involvement as C.A.P.E. ticipants in this in-service professional South Africa’s rich biodiversity. A num- J Conservation Education co-ordinator, development course have been involved ber of C.A.P.E. partners also demonstrated began at the C.A.P.E. Strategy workshop with (see articles on the education initia- that digital technology can enable people in 2000. She brought with her experience tives of GREEN (6.3 v), Kirstenbosch (6.4 to design and produce small print-runs from the Land Claims Commission and on- iv), Natures Valley Trust (6.1 ii), SEED of interpretative and educational materi- the- ground experience in the Eastern Cape. (6.3 iii) and Table Mountain National Park als that are relevant at a local level. For Jayne has been responsible for the compila- (6.3 ii)). example, CREW, Nature’s Valley Trust tion of a database of materials available to and the Table Mountain National Park support biodiversity conservation education An audit of resource materials have used digital photography and desk- in the CFR. Jayne discusses the programme The resource materials audit led to the top publishing very effectively to develop with Rob O’Donoghue and Trevor Sandwith. compilation of a data base of many of the full-colour materials such as plant iden- materials that are available to support tification guides for vegetation monitors, biodiversity conservation education in interpretative signage for self-guided the CFR. This list of books, field guides, trails, and activity cards for visiting magazines, posters, videos, websites school groups. and teachers’ guides is available from the C.A.P.E. Conservation Education co- The audit encouraged educators to ordinator. It will be updated on a regular work more closely with researchers and 190 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The EnviroLearn What have we portal learned? he Department of Education  One of the principles upon which T has set up an environmental the new National Curriculum in education Internet portal, enhancing South Africa is based is to promote access by schools to environmental a healthy environment, as defined information and learning activities. by the Constitution. All learning www.envirolearn.org.za. areas provide opportunities for environmental learning, and conservation agencies need to explore eila Lotz-Sisitka heads how they can best use these oppor- H the Rhodes University resource managers and to draw on the tunities to work with schools. Environmental Education for rich stores of biodiversity information  Simply “raising awareness” about Sustainability Unit. With a being compiled through C.A.P.E., for environmental issues like biodi- back ground in participatory edu- example by the BGIS Unit (Chapter 7.5). versity loss is not enough; it tends cational materials development, Closer collaboration can enhance both to lead to a sense of fear and dis- she has been a leading figure the relevance of conservation education empowerment. Learning through in establishing environmental programmes, and the ability of research- doing enables people to become education in Curriculum 2005 ers and resource managers to communi- aware and learn while doing and the National Qualifications cate with the public. something practical about these Framework in South Africa. Her issues. research interests include Cur- Educational materials tend to be used  Once-off education projects have riculum Policy Research, course most effectively when they are developed limited value; in order for educa- accreditation within the National to support learning and action within tion processes to be sustained and Qualifications Framework , envi- the context of a programme, rather than effective, they need to be embed- ronmental education in industry when they are produced as an end in ded within institutions. and participatory approaches to themselves. People intending to develop  For conservation agencies to be adult learning. materials should consider the context effective, they need in which they will be used and in some to make education cases may need to help people to use the an integral part of materials. A pilot phase is also recom- their core business. mended in order to refine the resource materials through observing them in use.  To support local action, locally rel- The audit noted that people wanting to evant information develop resource materials for schools is necessary. Con- must take the requirements of the curric- servation agencies ulum into account. The fact that the new can help to adapt National Curriculum provides many envi- generic ronmental learning opportunities should materials encourage environmental organisations for local to identify where they can most usefully use. support learners and teachers with information and active learning opportunities.

Andy Gubb Andy Gubb provides leadership for the Western Cape Branch of the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Southern Africa. He has championed the role of NGOs, not only as advocacy organisations, but more recently, as effective project implementers. Andy has not been afraid to take on even the most powerful adversaries when the PROFILE principles of environmental justice or sound decision-making are at stake. It has largely been under his influence that the membership of WESSA has been effective in a range of programmes, including EcoSchools, CoastCare, Working for Water and many “Friends” groups that undertake local environmental action programmes. A willing and active participant in the many C.A.P.E. structures, Andy provides a critical and constructive voice in CFR conservation circles.

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6.2 The children of number of the reserves have managed to make conservation education a priority, C.A.P.E. and have made considerable and effective progress. (i) Conservation education in the City Making a plan for education of Cape Town’s nature In 2004 an evaluation of conservation reserves education programmes in four nature olitically and admin- reserves revealed that, despite a severe istratively, the City of shortage of nature conservation posts Cape Town has been in within the City, one reserve had chosen P to dedicate one of its two conserva- a state of transition for over a decade. Separate municipali- tion positions full-time to education. In ties have been welded into a UniCity, and another reserve, the Friends group had elected representatives and managers made education a priority, and appointed have come and gone. Despite the ongoing a full-time education officer plus a part- belt-tightening a, it is noteworthy that a time assistant to run their well-equipped resource centre. The managers and friends of these urban nature reserves know that education capacity is essential Transforming young lives at Zandvlei in order to enhance access to, and sup- Zandvlei, which enters the sea at Muizenberg on the False Bay port for, these open spaces in the midst of coast, is one of the most important functioning estuaries in the densely populated suburbs. CFR. The Zandvlei Trust is an NGO that has been taking a keen The reserves that participated in the sur- interest in the conservation of the vlei since 1988. In partnership vey, Helderberg, Rondevlei (Chapter 2.3), with the City of Cape Town, which manages the nature reserve, Tygerberg / Durbanville and Zandvlei the Trust started an education and outreach programme in 2002. Nature Reserves, are not the only ones In only three years, school visitor numbers have grown from 300 offering education programmes. Cape to more than 2000 per year, with most children arriving either on Flats Nature (Chapter 2.3) co-ordinates programmes at four small natural areas, a foot from local schools or by train. Friends group is active at Rietvlei, and the Blaauwberg Conservation Area (Chapter The Zandvlei Trust has a special relationship with three local 2.3) appointed an education officer in schools – children from Lavender Hill and Steenberg have formed 2005. environmental clubs and visit the reserve regularly. The club from At Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve, a non- Zerilda Park Primary has been visiting every month for more profit Trust runs the Zeekoevlei Environ- than five years, and these experiences have had a profound effect mental Education Programme (ZEEP), on some of the learners. Erika employing five staff members plus inter- Foot, the manager of Zandvlei national volunteers to offer high quality, low-cost three-day programmes for Nature Reserve has experienced schools and community groups from the the transformative impact of Cape Flats. Participants have the unique conservation education on one experience of spending one of the two young learner, Giovanni, who nights in a bush camp at Rondevlei, the only wetland in Cape Town with resident started visiting Zandvlei in hippos. The educators provide environ- Grade Five, a number of years mental programmes for schools that are ago: “He became so interested in relevant to the curriculum and can cus- the environment that he would tom-design programmes that include life- skills, leadership and health education. take bird books out of the library on weekends. He developed his Sharing across the City own knowledge and shared it With the formation of the UniCity and with others. Giovanni often gets the planning of a Biodiversity Network a group of children together (Chapter 2.3), the opportunity exists during the school holidays and to build on the efforts of these nature takes them on guided tours of the reserves, and to develop a more integrat- Giovanni with a leopard toad. reserve.” ed approach to conservation education across the network of natural areas in the City. 192 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

As part of the evaluation process in 2004, the education officers participated in an “Educators’ Week” during which they visited one another’s centres, shared programme ideas and materials, explored new opportunities and developed common procedures and systems. Having worked fairly independently and in dif- quality biodiversity experiences acces- ferent contexts, the education officers sible to all neighbouring communities, had much to learn from the approaches and that every learner in Cape Town of their peers, and the week was an should visit a City nature reserve at least eye-opener in terms of what different once during their school career. With the people and centres had to offer. They left nature reserves recently having amalgam- determined to make Educators’ Week an ated with the environmental planning annual event. department in the City of Cape Town, it may be time to start developing a more Benefiting from biodiversity co-ordinated approach to conservation The City’s network of nature reserve is education within the City’s Biodiversity ideally placed to serve the people of Cape Network. Town and provide access to a wide range of natural areas and biodiversity, from wetlands and coastal areas to fynbos and What have we renosterveld. Small reserves scattered learned? throughout the metropolitan area mean that, in theory at least, most communities  Conservation education pro- can enjoy the recreational, educational grammes in local nature reserves and economic benefits of biodiversity are helping the City of Cape Town literally “on their doorstep”. This reduces to achieve a key objective in its the cost of transport and can serve to Biodiversity Strategy: the empow- enhance the sense of local ownership of erment of the citizens of Cape these natural areas by neighbouring com- Town with regard to biodiversity munities. However, it is generally only issues in order to effectively share, those natural areas that have adequate own and take collective respon- staff and basic facilities that are truly sibility for the City’s exceptional accessible to people. In a society where biodiversity resource. most people see the bush as a hazardous place where people are in danger, hav-  Conservation education in the City ing biodiversity on your doorstep may of Cape Town’s nature reserves not necessarily be seen as an advantage. could be managed as an inte- It can take as little as access control and grated programme. This would clean toilets to start turning a natural increase co-ordinated planning area into a community asset rather than a and reporting, analysis of the over- liability. all effectiveness of programmes, and opportunities for staff to Despite limited staff, the nature reserves collaborate to address issues of in the City that have education officers common concern (e.g. visits from offer an impressive range of services, township schools). including educational visits for all ages  The majority of groups visiting the from pre-school to the elderly, environ- City’s nature reserves for educa- mental clubs, overnight camps, teacher tion programmes are from areas workshops, an annual environmental close to the reserves; in addition to Olympiad, and support for school proj- communities benefiting from their ects. The four education officers who par- neighbouring reserves, the reserves ticipated in the evaluation engage with also benefit from greater support about 20 000 people each year between them; that’s 20 000 opportunities to make from their neighbours. these natural areas and their biodiversity  Conservation education pro- more meaningful to neighbouring com- grammes in natural areas need munities and visitors. to provide more opportunities for active learning in order to A vision worth cultivating for the City’s enhance not only environmental network of nature reserves is to make literacy, but also action compe- people making biodiversity work 193 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

tence (the will and ability to take action) in response to understanding of environmental issues and risks.  The new National Curriculum, with its emphasis on the development of skills and its foundation in principles of a healthy environment and social justice, can guide the development of relevant, innovative education programmes in urban nature reserves. ulie Carlisle, project manager of Nature’s Valley  The appointment of a full-time J Trust, has been involved in projects such as the education specialist would pro- re-introduction of the Brenton Blue butterfly to vide needed guidance and sup- Nature’s Valley, raising awareness about threats to port for education officers in the the Salt River in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay City’s nature reserves and improve (home to unique aquatic insect species probably dat- career opportunities. ing back to the ancient continent of Gondwanaland)  Because senior management from a number of proposed new property develop- required education officers to ments, and the establishment of the Salt River as report on monthly visitor statistics an “outdoor classroom” in Nature’s Valley. only, it appeared that they had little interest in programme content ber of projects to conserve and restore or quality. their natural environment.  Most of the education programmes in the City of Cape Town’s nature Bring back the Brenton Blue! reserves depend on partnerships Just how far the community is willing to with other organisations (e.g. go in their efforts to restore their natural Friends groups, clubs, Trusts and environment is demonstrated in their project to “Bring back the Brenton Blue”. environmental organisations). This critically endangered butterfly, the emblem of NVT, was found in the valley until the 1980s. Unfortunately, it lived exactly where most people wanted to (ii) Nature’s Valley Trust build their houses—in the coastal dune fynbos between the estuary and the for- Nature’s Valley is a small coastal village est. Fortuitously, right in the middle of lying alongside the Groot River the residential area of Nature’s Valley, estuary, just east of Plettenberg Bay on the a small area of coastal dune fynbos still southern Cape coast. Entirely surrounded remains. Without regular veld fires, the by the Tsitsikamma National Park and fynbos vegetation had become very old Marine Protected Area, the village attracts and the butterfly’s host plant (Indigofera residents and holiday-makers who appre- erecta) could no longer be found. After ciate its natural beauty and tranquility. considerable negotiation with neighbours, NVT organised a controlled burn In December 2000, a group of local fami- in this remnant patch of fynbos! In early lies who were concerned about the possi- summer of 2005, hand-reared butterfly ble impacts of inappropriate development NVT Mission larvae were carefully placed on healthy on the area, launched a community initia- specimens of the regenerated host plant; o maintain the long term tive to proactively maintain the environ- the community now eagerly awaits the T environmental integrity mental integrity of Nature’s Valley and emergence of the first Brenton Blues in of Nature’s Valley and sur- its surrounds. The Nature’s Valley Trust Nature’s Valley in about 25 years. rounds by becoming proactively (NVT) now takes the lead in mobilising involved in issues that impact an environmentally aware community, on the future of the area. promoting appropriate and sustainable Children’s routes through Nature’s development in the area, and minimising Valley negative impacts on the environment. The diversity of natural ecosystems in Its energetic members have raised funds, and around Nature’s Valley is remark- formed partnerships and taken on a num- able, and NVT has been making sure that 194 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The Natures Valley Trust provides children from local schools and holiday visitors alike with exciting opportunities to experience and protect their environment, including coastal monitoring.

the “little people” of the valley have fun exploring them. Drawing on her story- telling and design skills, NVT Project Manager, Julie Carlisle, has created fasci- Ashby Prins, Brigette Alexander, Ashleigh nating “outdoor classrooms” for children Solomons and Nathan Windvogel from Crags of all ages, complete with resource book- Primary presented their own play on the lets and activities. Brenton Blue Butterfly at the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference. The Hobbit Trail wends its magical way through a tiny patch of indigenous forest; visit to Nature’s Valley. It showed not Billy (the Brenton Blue butterfly) leads only how much they had learnt about children on a journey through the Fynbos the environment in the Fynbos Reserve Reserve; and the Treasure Route opens outdoor classroom, but also that they their eyes to unexpected finds in the local were willing to advocate its conservation. botanical garden. Using WESSA’s “Adopt “Never underestimate a child’s ability to a Beach” materials (Chapter 4.3), young absorb information and reason through people from two local schools regularly monitor the beach and rocky shore; and the Jurassic Trail draws attention to unique and ancient invertebrates recently Weird, wonderful and VERY old! discovered in the Salt River. The Salt River near Nature’s Valley is a unique river system. A Julie explains that developing outdoor few years ago, surveys revealed that it is home to a number of classrooms has enabled NVT, which lacks very unusual aquatic insect species, most of which had not yet the staff or resources to visit schools, to been described by scientists. These insects seem to be related make the diverse habitats of the valley to species that lived before the super-continent Gondwanaland accessible and interesting to teachers, broke up, and Africa separated from South America, Australia learners and families. While having fun in beautiful surroundings, children gain and Antarctica. Some of these insects were so unusual that a deeper insight into these sensitive habi- scientists had to create new groups (genera) in order to classify tats and learn to think critically about and name them. actions that impact negatively on these environments. The outdoor classrooms Ongoing developments in the Salt River catchment pose a very are also having an impact on the community as a whole, with parents reporting real threat to the quantity and quality of water in the river, and that their children are sharing with them to the survival of these strange invertebrates. NVT has raised what they have learnt and experienced. funds to commission a survey to monitor the health of the river, and a stakeholder engagement process to produce management During 2005, four Grade Eight learn- guidelines for river users. ers from The Crags Primary School impressed audiences at both the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference and The Fynbos Forum with a play they had written about the Brenton Blue butterfly after a class people making biodiversity work 195 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

action, or to critically look at his or her NVT invited 18 people from the area who environment,” Julie cautions. “Children are part of the CoastCare programme to have an enormous capacity to make a dif- become accredited Tsitsikamma Eco- ference and to raise awareness in their Guides, providing them with an oppor- own communities.” tunity to earn an income from sharing the Nature’s Valley environment with Seeking tangible benefits from visitors. They appointed an accredited company to run a six-month eco-guid- conserving nature ing course focusing on various aspects People who live in the area are not only Advocate Naledi Burwana- of local natural history and culture, plus interested in the Salt River because of Bisiwe hands over a C.A.P.E. training in small business development its strange insects, but also because this Recognition Certificate to and marketing. SANParks is a partner small river supplies The Crags with Julie Carlisle for the project in this project and provides the office work being undertaken by the water. Plans to build a low-cost hous- space from which the trainee guides can Nature’s Valley Trust. ing development, Kurland Village, in the operate. The training experience is very catchment of the Salt River resulted in practical, with the students participating concerns about possible impacts on river in market research and the development flow and water quality. As an “inter- of a business plan, and obtaining practi- ested and affected party”, NVT par- cal experience as “development guides” ticipated in meetings to discuss the during the December school holidays. environmental impacts of the devel- Once qualified, the Eco-Guides will be opment. Misgivings about the quality able to earn an income from conducting of the environmental management plan interpretative trails in the forest, fynbos drove a wedge between the Nature’s Val- and along the coast, as well as specialist ley and Kurland Village communities, birding and cultural trails. and it soon became clear that something needed to be done to address the mis- This project aims to demonstrate to both understandings and foster more positive visitors and residents of Nature’s Valley relationships between these neighbouring and Kurland Village that when natural communities. ecosystems are conserved, people benefit. By ensuring that the Kurland Adopting a ‘triple bottom line’ approach Village development does not negatively has helped the communities to move impact on the sensitive Salt River eco- beyond the stage where focusing on their system, not only will the river be more separate interests left them vulnerable to likely to supply sufficient clean water political manipulation by the developers. to meet local needs, but the Eco-Guides They have worked together to develop a will be able to earn an income from intro- project that both raises awareness of the ducing people to this and other unique value of the natural environment and ecosystems. This innovative response to a contributes towards local job creation. conflict situation promises to address not only concerns about biodiversity conser- Brenton Blue Champs. vation and local economic development, but also to contribute to better relationships between neighbouring communities in this part of the Garden Route.

6.3 Working with the educators (i) Ushering in the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) T he 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro marked the beginning of an unprecedented effort to understand and work toward achieving sustainable development – addressing human needs holistically by integrating environmental, economic and social goals. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held 196 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) in Johannesburg in 2002 highlighted the vital role of education, not only in building awareness of the need for sustainable Objectives of the UNDESD development, but in fostering the neces-  sary changes to make it a reality at all lev- Enhance the profile of the central role played by education els. Even so, sustainable development is and learning in the common pursuit of sustainable develop- still a foreign concept to most people, and ment; we generally lack the will and motivation to make the necessary changes in our life-  Facilitate networking, exchange and interaction among stake- styles and actions. As a result, the global holders; environment continues to deteriorate.  The United Nations therefore appointed Provide an opportunity to refine and promote the vision of, UNESCO as the lead agency to promote and transition to, sustainable development – through all Education for Sustainable Development forms of learning and public awareness; during the decade 2005-2014, creating an  opportunity to rally the support of people Improve the quality of teaching and learning in ESD; at all levels to learn to live in a way that  Develop strategies at every level to strengthen capacity in sustains all life on earth. ESD. The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) was officially launched at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 1 March 2005, by UNESCO’s Director General Koïchiro Matsuura. Recognising the significance of this international initiative, the EE Friends, a network of environmental educators based in Cape Town (Chap- ter 7.6) approached the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) to launch the Decade in the Western Cape at the Sustainable Development Conference in June 2005. MEC Tasneem Essop gave her full support and consequently the Western Cape became the first province in South Africa to launch the Decade. This took place on 20 June 2005 at the International Convention Centre, with the MEC for Education, Cameron Dugmore, officiating.

In the Western Cape, environmental educators have seen the UNDESD as an opportunity to initiate new partnerships  EnviroEds and SEED (6.3 iii), with and programmes: the support of the City of Cape Town  The City of Cape Town hosted its first and in collaboration with six environ- Youth Environmental Symposium mental organisations, worked with the during World Environment Week Western Cape Education Department 2005, providing learners from Grades (WCED) to pilot an environmental 7 to 12 with a platform to share their education course for teachers at the environmental concerns, dreams and Cape Teaching Institute (CTI), the The City of Cape Town projects. Learners from more than 20 WCED’s in-service professional devel- celebrated the start of the schools presented their posters and opment college. Fifty teachers partici- United Nations Decade on displays, computer presentations, pated in the five-day course “Enabling Education for Sustainable videos and environmental dramas on Environmental Education in the Inter- Development by launching a Youth Environmental a range of issues affecting them and mediate Phase”. The course enabled Symposium and an their City. In response to what they teachers to work closely with environ- environmental education had heard in the presentations, they mental service providers to interrogate course for teachers at the participated in discussions and drew the National Curriculum Statements, education department’s Cape up a list of recommendations for the identify environmental learning Teaching Institute. Junior Mayor. opportunities, research their issues people making biodiversity work 197 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

in depth with the help of the service providers, and develop exciting lesson plans. The programme served not only to strengthen environmental learning in the curriculum but also to enhance networking between environmental service providers and the WCED.  The WCED, DEA&DP and CapeNature have joined forces in a pilot programme to strengthen environmental education in the schools in the south- From the official ern part of the City of Cape Town. By lly Ashwell has specialised in developing working with environmental organisa- Aresource materials for conservation education. UNDESD launch tions that support schools in this part She is seen here with Trevor Farr who has been address … of Cape Town, the WCED is trying to one of the driving forces in CapeNature’s Youth improve the co-ordination of environ- Development programme that incorporates conser- At the heart of the UNDESD mental education and ensure that all vation education approaches. Collaboration among is a simple idea with schools in the district are responding environmental education practitioners is a hallmark complex implications; to the imperatives of the UNDESD. of the EE friends network , who work with people after being taught over from all walks of life. Whilst common principles of environmental education are applied with diverse past centuries to live The Decade is an opportunity to integrate the principles of sustainable development stakeholders, resource materials are customised to unsustainably, we now have into a multitude of different learning situ- meet a particular need. to learn to live sustainably ations. Through these initiatives, organi- … Ultimately, the test of the sations and individuals can be catalysts Decade of Education for for action, contributing to the goals and established in 1998, education was not a Sustainable Development objectives of the Decade and participating high priority and the decision was made actively in the global movement for sus- to develop resource materials for teach- will be its capacity to tainable development. ers and to leave it up to them to organise foster educational change their own visits to the Park. A wonderful and improvement so For more information, see the UNESCO resource pack was developed, covering that, in learning to live website: http://portal.unesco.org/educa- topics as diverse as the history, ecology sustainably, we learn to tion/en/ev.php and management of various sections of the Park. It soon became clear that this live together in peace and was not enough; teachers needed guid- in productive harmony (ii) Table Mountain National Park: environmental experiences ance to become familiar with the TMNP, with our environment. to work through the materials and to Education has a key role programme – resourcing develop appropriate fieldwork lessons for to play in addressing educators their learners. challenges like poverty, The educational value of protected areas is self-evident. They are important heri- In 2004, the TMNP made a concerted wasteful consumption, tage sites – part of the birthright of every effort to make the Park more accessible environmental degradation, citizen to know and enjoy. They are also to Cape Town schools through their urban decay, population magnificent “outdoor classrooms” where Environmental Experiences programme. growth, gender inequality, students of all ages can experience, A significant first step was entering into health, conflict, and the investigate and respond to a multitude of a formal agreement with the Western learning opportunities. The new National Cape Education Department by signing violation of human rights. Curriculum for schools promotes active a Memorandum of Understanding. This Education must help us environmental learning in all areas of enabled the education officers to work to acquire the values, learning, giving teachers and learners closely with curriculum advisors in the attitudes, capabilities and more reasons than ever before to get to four education districts in Cape Town behaviours essential for know their local heritage sites. to develop a professional development meeting those challenges. programme for teachers. Because teachers Ironically, while the need for educa- were at that time being introduced to the tion support in protected areas has been new National Curriculum, an important Koïchiro Matsuura, increasing, declining government spend- aim of the workshops was for teachers to Director-General of ing on conservation agencies has resulted develop their own lessons based on the UNESCO in a number of organisations shedding curriculum that incorporated a visit to 1 March 2005, UN their education departments. When the the Park. Teachers participated in three Table Mountain National Park (then workshops and a field trip to the Cape of Headquarters, New York the Cape Peninsula National Park) was Good Hope, sharing ideas and inspiration

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hrista Botha, Education Officer with Table C Mountain National Park , perceives that turning community attitudes away from poaching towards conservation is a slow process and that children are the key to achieving this aim. with colleagues from other schools in their district. Each teacher who completed the course was then eligible to bring a class to the Park on the brand new Table Mountain Bus. biodiversity in South Africa. Despite its small area, about 43% of all the country’s For many of the teachers, the field trip marine species are found around the during the course was their first visit to Cape Peninsula. The pressures on the the TMNP. It is therefore not surprising marine environment from development, that, despite the workshops, many of pollution and over-exploitation are enor- these teachers still lacked confidence to mous, not to mention the impact of illegal conduct their own lessons in the Park. poaching of abalone (perlemoen) and TMNP therefore made additional sup- rock lobster. port available in the form of a group of Park volunteers. While the teacher is In addition to trying to address the poach- responsible for preparing and presenting ing problem through law enforcement the lesson, the volunteer (who may have (Chapter 2.2), the TMNP also recognises only introductory knowledge of the cur- the need to educate the public about riculum) knows the area well and can the impacts of poaching and to encour- welcome the group, answer questions age communities to live more sustain- about the TMNP, recommend an appro- ably. Education Officer Christa Botha priate route and assist the teacher where understands that there are no quick-fix necessary. solutions to this problem: “To change behaviour towards poaching in a commu- Through the Environmental Experiences nity that has been using this resource for programme, about 100 teachers from all years is a very sensitive and slow process. over Cape Town were introduced to the The process of learning and changing is TMNP. The Park is committed to keeping continuous and will need to be sustained in touch with these educators and provid- over years to become a part of everyday The Table Mountain National ing them with ongoing opportunities to life.” Park encourages teachers to get to know new sections of the Park, find bring learners to the Park, out about other aspects of the environ- Because many of the people arrested and providing training, resource ment and explore different approaches to fined for poaching live in Ocean View, the materials, subsidised transport learning. TMNP decided to make a start by involv- and volunteer assistance. ing children from this community in a Sustainable Living pilot programme dur- Table Mountain National Park: ing Marine Week 2005. Christa invited 90 Working together for sustainable children from the two primary schools in communities Ocean View to visit the TMNP’s marine The Table Mountain National Park education centre at Bordjiesrif at the Cape (TMNP) is responsible for managing one of Good Hope. During their visit, the of the richest areas of marine and coastal children built an understanding of what people making biodiversity work 199 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

the concept of sustainability means to  Under-investment in education them, and spent time exploring some of capacity in conservation organisa- the most beautiful rock pools on the Cape tions militates against the develop- Peninsula. ment of substantive and sustained Christa was surprised to find that most of programmes with education stake- the children had very little knowledge of holders. For example, in the case the marine environment, despite living in of the Environmental Experiences a community where many people make programme, valuable lesson plans a living from the sea. She realises that it developed by teachers in 2004 will take time to address this: “Environ- have not yet been published. mental learning is a continuous life-long  By collaborating closely and process and schools need guidance and strategically with other environ- support from environmental organisa- mental organisations and projects, tions.” The TMNP therefore intends it is possible to provide schools involving the teachers from Ocean View with a framework and sustained in the Park’s teacher development pro- support to enable environmental gramme next year, and introducing the learning and action. schools to other environmental organisa-  tions like SEED, Kirstenbosch and Eco- Addressing critical environmen- Schools, which can provide ongoing sup- tal issues requires both short- port for environmental learning. and long-term approaches; law enforcement needs to be comple- mented by education and sustain- What have we able livelihood opportunities.  The imperative to live more learned? sustainably is not just about what  In the new National Curriculum, others should be doing; it is pri- environmental health is a funda- marily a challenge that applies to mental principle and there are each one of us. The TMNP Sus- numerous environmental learning tainable Living project urges us to opportunities in all learning areas. reflect on the environmental and The curriculum therefore provides social impacts of our own lives, environmental organisations with and to engage with the individuals a basis for productive collabora- and organisations that can guide tion with schools. and support us to live more sus-  For environmental organisations tainable lives. to work productively with schools, it is advisable that they work through the Department of Educa- tion and become conversant with the curriculum and the realities in (iii) Rediscovering indigenous schools. food plants - Schools  Many teachers lack the site-spe- Environmental Education and cific knowledge and fieldwork Development (SEED) skills to effectively integrate visits On the Cape Flats, the NGO SEED to heritage sites into their learning (Schools Environmental Education and programmes. It is not enough to Development) is introducing an innova- Conservation education produce learning support tive angle to their Education-through- activities apply sound materials and expect teachers to Permaculture programme. Co-ordinator education theory to learning use them. in action. Addressing the of their “Curriculum for Growing” proj- needs of children and adults  Building the capacity of educa- ect, Kirsten Zsilavecz explains: “SEED alike, the scope and depth of tors to integrate knowledge of, is involved in establishing food gar- activities can be customised to dens using common exotic food plants. meet learners’ needs. and visits to, natural and cultural heritage sites into their learning Because we are experiencing a loss of programmes is a developmental indigenous plants and indigenous knowl- process, which cannot be achieved edge, I thought it would be an interest- through once-off interventions. ing challenge to plant a few indigenous Ongoing engagement is necessary edible plants and see what the learners to build knowledge, skills and con- thought about them as a potential food fidence. source.” 200 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Few people realise that most of the plants they eat originated in other parts of the world. While making children aware of this fact, SEED decided to introduce them to a few unusual indigenous food plants. The plants would give SEED the opportunity to introduce discussions on indigenous knowledge systems – and give the learners a good (edible) reason to value indigenous flora!

The “edible fynbos” project started off as a pilot project in 2005 and will continue to be refined through implementation in 2006. For Kirsten it has been a surprise to discover just how few edible plants the fynbos biome has to offer, and how little information is available on the subject. Because of the ever-present risks of poisoning, it is important to be absolutely sure about the plants chosen, how to prepare them and what information to present to the learners. Once a reliable list has been compiled, SEED will be able to introduce these species into its permaculture plantings, enhancing both the culinary and biological diversity of their food gardens. Being indigenous, these plants may also demand less water and fertiliser than the more commonly eaten exotic species. Rocklands Primary School Kirsten Zsilavecz, Co-ordinator of the learners were each given a different name of an SEED “Curriculum for Growing” Project, indigenous edible plant and has identified a paucity of information (iv) Biodiversity, education and then proceeded to look for about indigenous knowledge in the use of sustainability at Kirstenbosch “their” plant in the school’s food forest. fynbos plants and hopes that the project Generous funding from the National Lot- will help fill this gap and raise awareness tery has enabled the Gold Fields Centre at about the heritage of the past. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden This project has in a very practical way to undertake an exciting and compre- illustrated to Kirsten why the fynbos hensive education programme involving biome was, in the past, able to support teachers and learners from schools in dis- only small, relatively nomadic popula- advantaged areas of Cape Town. Appro- tions of San hunter-gatherers and Khoi priately, in the wake of the transformation herders. “There are not that many edible of the National Botanical Institute (NBI) plant species, nor are they available into the South African National Biodi- throughout the year”, she says, suggest- versity Institute (SANBI), this three-year ing that people may have migrated in project (2005-2007) focuses on Biodiver- response to the availability of food plants, sity and Sustainable Living. as much as in response to the movements of game animals. Each year, this sponsorship enables Kirst- Kirsten makes a final, rather poignant, enbosch to invite 50 schools to bring 180 observation: “We have lost an incredible learners each to the Garden for a fully- amount of indigenous knowledge … and subsidised educational excursion. Deter- it is difficult to ‘trust’ the little we have, mined to make the most of this opportu- since there are very few sources to verify nity, the Kirstenbosch education officers what we think we know to be right.” delved into the new National Curriculum Zwai Peter worked as an educator for Working Hopefully this project will retrieve and documents looking for opportunities to for Water, building both consolidate much of this knowledge, and make the programme as relevant as pos- understanding and know- kindle a sense of respect for the people sible to schools. Thanks to the strong how to support restoration who once lived far more sustainably than environmental focus of the curriculum, programmes. we do today in this biologically diverse they were able to develop lessons on but food-scarce environment. biodiversity and sustainable living to suit people making biodiversity work 201 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

five different grades at primary and high conduct lessons on these topics in their school levels. Dedicated education offi- classrooms, school gardens, surrounding cers welcome the learners and provide an communities or local nature reserves.” active learning experience in the Garden that is fun, challenging and memorable. In order to emphasise to schools that biodiversity and sustainable living are While the garden-based lesson stimulates locally relevant issues, the Gold Fields a great deal of interest in biodiversity Centre has especially invited schools situ- and sustainable living, it is not enough ated close to protected areas on the Cape to ensure that learners engage fully with Flats to participate in the project. They these topics. Kirstenbosch therefore also have also asked Cape Flats Nature (Chap- invites the educators of these classes ter 2.3) to provide follow-up support to The Kirstenbosch courtesy to participate in a Teacher Professional help educators who have participated in bus. Development programme that explores the workshops at Kirstenbosch to develop these two issues in greater and conduct their own lessons at Edith depth. Over the course of three Stevens Wetland Park, Wolfgat Nature workshops, educators conduct Reserve or the Macassar Dunes. a school environmental audit, develop an in-depth understand- While ‘biodiversity’ and ‘sustainable living of terms and concepts, and ing’ may be new topics in the curriculum, work on their own lesson plans. they are issues that feature prominently in the media and everyday discussions. Roleen Ellman is the education Roleen was therefore surprised to discov- officer responsible for this part er, through the results of an audit that she of the programme, while Sally conducted, that almost 90% of the educa- Hey coordinates the lessons in tors involved in the programme in 2005 the Kirstenbosch Garden. Roleen either had no understanding of these explains that they are trying terms or only a vague idea of what they George Davis uses video to equip educators to continue meant. Despite the importance of these technology to capture and exploring these topics with learners when issues and the fact that the National Cur- communicate conservation they return to school after their visit messages involving people and riculum requires educators to teach about to Kirstenbosch. “We are building the action particularly in urban them, most educators had never actually capacity of educators to engage with envi- areas. included these topics in their lessons. ronmental education in all the learning areas,” she says. “We focus specifically on The implications of this lack of environ- The sustainability game allows the topics of ‘biodiversity’ and ‘sustain- mental literacy are disturbing. Without educators to create their own able living’ and encourage educators to definition of sustainable the basic vocabulary or understanding of development. concepts, a large proportion of educators and, presumably, huge numbers of learners, are currently unable to participate in debates regarding biodiversity and sustainability. Without even introductory knowledge of these issues, it is unlikely that people will be concerned about them or indeed have the will or the ability to make informed decisions about sustainable living.

The Biodiversity and Sustainable Liv- ing project has proven not only to be a response to the need for more education around these issues; it has also served to demonstrate just how serious that need is. Through its comprehensive response to the need for greater environmental literacy amongst educators and learners, and its involvement of partners, Kirsten- bosch is playing a vital role in ensuring that the people of Cape Town understand environmental issues and are prepared to make the choice to live more sustainably.

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(v) Garden Route Environmental teachers and learners Education Network (GREEN) prepare their projects. She visits the schools, Environmental education is alive and provides information, well in schools in the southern Cape. helps to organise out- Teachers and learners from about 40 ings and guest speak- schools from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg ers, and ensures that Bay, and as far inland as Oudtshoorn, project planning is on regularly participate in environmental track. Schools book to projects, workshops and events with visit the exhibitions organisations such as WESSA, the and the learners who Southern Cape Herbarium and Garden prepared the displays Route Botanical Garden, CapeNature, present their projects to SANParks and SKEP. Helping to keep the small groups of visitors momentum going is Lorraine McGibbon, during their hour-long co-ordinator of the Garden Route Envi- tours. ronmental Education Network (GREEN). Funded by WESSA Southern Cape since The annual Expo is an 2003, with office space provided by the excellent opportunity Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust, for local schools to net- GREEN organises and supports a wide work with one another range of environmental education activi- and with environmen- ties, including Eco-Schools (Chapter 6.1 tal organisations, and i), Adopt-a-Beach (Chapter 4.2), regular to share their ideas workshops with teachers, Arbor Day and achievements. It events and the annual Schools Environ- has helped to raise mental Expo in George. environmental awareness amongst teachers Each year, Southern Cape The Schools Environmental Expo and learners, encouraged schools to learn learners participate in an environmental expo held at The Schools Environmental Expo has more about the southern Cape environ- the Conville Community Hall. come a long way since 2001. It was initi- ment and to investigate local issues, and ated in response to concerns expressed strengthened environmental learning in by local schools that could not afford the new curriculum. Visitors are amazed the cost of transport to attend the annual by the quality of environmental learning Wild Flower Show at the George reflected in the learners’ projects. Museum. So that year, the Southern Cape Herbarium took their display of southern Cape biomes to the Conville Community What have we Centre and organised presentations and activities for visiting classes. In 2001, learned? only four school projects were displayed;  Having a dedicated environmen- three years later the 14 schools from tal education networking posi- George and Mossel Bay that participated tion in the southern Cape has had to limit their displays to four metres strengthened communication and of wall space and two metal tables each co-operation between schools, the so that everyone could fit into the hall. Each year teachers decide on a theme for education department and the Expo and Lorraine invites suitable environmental organisations. environmental organisations to exhibit.  GREEN has contributed greatly to The Expo provides teachers with a focus the professional development of for setting environmental projects, and teachers and the quality of planning starts early in the year with a environmental project work teachers’ workshop in February to help because of the developmental teachers develop and schedule projects approach taken by the coordina- that learners will present at the Expo. tor.  The quality of projects and presentations The value to teachers and learn- has improved noticeably over the years. ers of a regular gathering like the This is due in part to schools learn- Environmental Expo cannot be ing from one another, but support from underestimated: it has a positive GREEN cannot be underestimated. Lor- impact on many levels, from help- raine pays special attention to helping ing teachers to plan meaningful people making biodiversity work 203 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

projects, to improving environmental learning, enhancing the Successful quality of projects, and developing the confidence of learners. Having graduates a dedicated environmental edu- f the 72 students who enrolled cation networking position in the O in CapeNature’s course, 65 southern Cape has strengthened graduated. 60% were later employed, communication and co-operation 2% enrolled in learnerships, 5% between schools, the education started their own businesses and 8% department and environmental took up volunteer positions. organisations.  GREEN has contributed greatly to the professional development of eNature reserves. The in-service training teachers and the quality of envi- approach enabled them to apply what ronmental project work because of they were learning practically, and to the developmental approach taken develop experience and confidence. by the coordinator.  The value to teachers and learn- The course was run by a project manage- ers of a regular gathering like the ment team of ten people, comprising This team from the Baviaanskloof used educators, managers and peer councillors theatre to convey their message about environmental expo cannot be recruited by Umsobomvu. CapeNature the importance of the Baviaanskloof underestimated: it has a positive mega-reserve, one way to catch and hold impact on many levels, from help- provided logistical support and the team attention. ing teachers to plan meaningful reported to Trevor Farr, CapeNature’s projects to improving environmen- Youth Development manager. Although tal learning, enhancing the quality the project management team had limited of projects, and developing the conservation background, Trevor explains confidence of learners. that they brought with them “people skills”, which were essential to the developmental nature of the course.

6.4 Youth development in Because the course was fully sponsored, CapeNature was able to attract people CapeNature who might otherwise never have apeNature has a vision of estab- considered a career in conservation. The lishing a “conservation economy” youth proved to be great ambassadors for C in the Western Cape, which entails CapeNature in their communities, shar- making biodiversity conservation a key ing their knowledge and experiences of component of local economic develop- the organisation and biodiversity conser- ment in the province. One of the ways vation with their families and friends. in which the organisation is striving to achieve this is through youth develop- The students brought energy and enthusi- ment. siasm to CapeNature, as well as new perspectives. Their constant questions The first major initiative within Cap- required staff members to look afresh eNature’s Youth Development Pro- at old assumptions and ways of doing gramme took place during 2004/5 and things. “The programme was the start of was funded by the Umsobomvu Youth real, constructive transformation; slowly Fund to the tune of nearly R5.5 million. and gradually we started to see a change During that year, 72 young people were in attitude and significant changes in management style,” recalls Trevor. “What revor Farr, CapeNature’s Youth Devel- selected from an overwhelming 2 500 started as a training course and job cre- opment manager, appreciates the fresh applicants to participate in an accredited T ation opportunity stretched us far beyond perspectives and enthusiasm of students who National Resource Guardianship Certifi- what we had expected.” The programme attend the Youth Development Programme. cate course. served to place youth development firmly He considers that their involvement has led on the agenda of CapeNature, elevating to constructive transformation in attitudes Based at Driftsands, George or it to one of the organisation’s key focus of both managers within CapeNature and Vrolijkheid, the full-time students received accommodation, transport, areas, which all staff members must the broader community. He is seen here with clothing, food and a stipend. In addition report on. Hettie Gets who anchors WWF-SA’s to learning environmental and life skills, Environmental Education Programme. the students visited and had practical Unfortunately, despite the success of the work experience at a number of Cap- pilot project, funding has not yet been 204 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) forthcoming to continue the project, so CapeNature has been unable to implement the improvements recommended Vrolijkheid in the detailed evaluation of the pilot course. The organisation is involved in student involved ongoing negotiations with Umsobomvu in partnership and other funders in an effort to secure the funding necessary for the next cycle project of implementation. In the interim, Cape- Nature has been planning for the strategic roll-out of the programme in rural areas. Proud graduates of the first Youth Service They have identified possible learning Programme run by CapeNature. centres for youth development and have drawn up a schedule of renovations that will commence as soon as funding becomes available.

a loss of momentum; to repeat the What have we course at a later date will require much greater effort than if the learned? course could simply have kept going. Externally funded develop- Reginald Jantjies,  The youth brought new energy, ment projects that provide only nominated by the project enthusiasm and passion into short-term funding are problem- CapeNature and had a definite management team as top atic, as development is essentially positive impact on the organisa- student in CapeNature’s a long-term process. tion. Youth Service Programme  Fundraising for major projects like  Implementing a youth develop- in 2003/4, is now involved the YSP requires a great deal of ment programme, especially for in an exciting project experience and project adminis- the first time, requires high levels on Paarl Mountain. tration time (e.g. compiling proof commitment, co-ordination posals, monitoring and evaluating, Partners in the project and co-operation between the dif- reporting, ensuring publicity for include CapeNature, ferent staff members and service funders, etc). Staff members who the Table Mountain providers involved. For such a pro- were appointed as nature conser- gramme to succeed, it must have Fund, LandCare, the vationists are not always trained the full backing of management. Department of Water or skilled in these areas. Affairs and Forestry, the  It is very difficult to implement a  The involvement of a cadre of programme demanding this level Drakenstein Municipality youth in CapeNature had a proof commitment within a large and and local land owners. found effect on the staff, many of under-resourced organisation. The project involves fine- whom had not previously had to  In addition to providing job- interact with youth and youth- scale biodiversity planning related training, youth develop- related issues. of this core lowland ment programmes also need to area, and Reginald is  CapeNature cannot employ all the take account of the social needs of graduates of their Youth Service responsible for taking fixed students and provide general life- Programme; the challenge is to point photographs and skills training to address the nega- work with other C.A.P.E. Partners mapping invasive alien tive impacts of social problems in to identify employment opportuni- the students’ communities. plants. He is also helping ties in advance, and to develop to educate land owners  Full-time youth development future courses accordingly. about the need to conserve programmes often require that students be paid a stipend. Admin- biodiversity. The Table istrative arrangements must be Mountain Fund is funding made well in advance to ensure incentives to encourage that the organisation is able to landowners to commit to pay students on time, particu- Stewardship agreements, larly if such arrangements require while LandCare is helping changes to normal organisational Photo: Lambert Smith policies. land owners with alien clearing projects.  A lack of funding to continue the YSP after its pilot year resulted in people making biodiversity work 205 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

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A vital component of the C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy, which supports all the activities covered in previous chapters, is the strengthening of the many institutions responsible for biodiversity conservation in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR).

The C.A.P.E. Strategy (Chapter 1) provides the strategic framework that enables institutions in the region to align and co-ordinate their activities. Some organisations like CapeNature have used the C.A.P.E. Strategy as a model for developing their own strategic plans. In other cases, organisations have aligned project proposals with components of the C.A.P.E. Strategy in order to qualify for funding. The numerous inter-agency committees and task teams convened by C.A.P.E. also strengthen co-ordination and contribute to a more integrated approach to conservation management across the bioregion.

C.A.P.E. recognises that in order to build strong, capable institutions, all partners must have access to information and participate in relevant “knowledge networks”. Projects such as the C.A.P.E. fynbos i-Forum, BGIS, fine-scale planning and the development of a wetland inventory for the CFR are all helping to generate, collate and make available locally relevant biodiversity information. Many networks and forums also bring the people of the CFR together to share information and experience, and some key capacity building initiatives are contributing to more effective conservation management.

CHAPTER Strengthening institutions

7.1 An enabling policy At the time that the C.A.P.E. Strategy 7 context for C.A.P.E. was drafted, two processes that offered some respite to this situation were in h e analysis of the root causes progress, namely the promulgation of of biodiversity loss in the CFR the World Heritage Convention Act that (CFR) identified many issues, brought the World Heritage Convention describedT in Chapter 1. Many of these into South African domestic law, and the have ultimate causes in economic policies and conditions that promote short- establishment of a new nature conserva- term exploitation without consider- tion agency in the Western Cape. The ing the long-term consequences World Heritage Convention Act offered of change. But at the heart of this an opportunity to assert the significance problem are the prevailing legal and of the CFR internationally and to encour- institutional arrangements in the age an appropriate domestic response to country and the region. At the time secure its integrity through effective long- of the development of the C.A.P.E. term management. The establishment of Strategy, there was no effective law the Western Cape Nature Conservation for the conservation of biodiversity in Board offered the opportunity for a new the region; protected areas legislation vibrant statutory body, with responsibil- was contained in a variety of statutes at ity for most of the CFR, to adopt the key both national and provincial levels; there interventions embodied in the C.A.P.E. was contestation of powers at national Strategy as the basis for re-engineering and provincial levels; and the land- conservation management in the region. use planning and development laws did not adequately provide for the The C.A.P.E. Strategy recognised that integration of biodiversity priorities policy and legal gaps, institutional frag- into spatial planning frameworks. mentation and a lack of co-operation This resulted in a reactive decision-mak- among key management agencies was ing process that relied on environmental the cause of ineffective and inefficient impact assessment on a case by case management. At that time, the choices basis. were clear, but the means to implement 208 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Two World Heritage Sites in the variety of options were less certain. tutions, rather than to seek alternative the Cape Floristic Region. Robben Island commemorates For example, it was argued that the CFR means to achieve programme outcomes. the intangible triumph of the was so important that it demanded a pur- This choice is in the interests of institu- human spirit over adversity, pose-built institution such as a CFR Man- tional sustainability. and the history of banishment agement Authority to convene and drive and reconciliation symbolised a programme that would effect change. by the island and mainland. Realising the impracticability of that 7.2 Establishing C.A.P.E. From Robben Island, Table Mountain stands as an icon option, it was conceded that there were (i) Learning about institutional of the Cape Floristic Region’s so many institutional role-players that the World Heritage properties. only feasible alternative was to support governance the strengthening of a range of institu- s described further in Chapter 8, tions to undertake their responsibilities the key organisational response in such a way that they would be aligned recommended by the C.A.P.E. StrategyA was the development of an inter- with the goals of the C.A.P.E. Strategy. Specific actions to address weaknesses agency Memorandum of Understanding in the legal and policy environment, to (MoU) that would result in a co-operative support organisational strengthening and framework for governing the programme. to develop technical skills and capacity Its most profound effect has been the were therefore identified and promoted. willingness of organisations to collaborate At the same time, a need was expressed with one another in undertaking some to investigate alternative arrangements of the most important interventions that for rationalisation and consolidation of are required by the C.A.P.E. Strategy. The functions in the future. Fundamentally, C.A.P.E. programme has learned from and despite the weaknesses evident in the supports a number of initiatives that pilot institutional framework, the programme inter-agency co-operation and therefore has sought to strengthen existing insti- strengthen the institutional framework for people making biodiversity work 209 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

implementation. As these processes are ongoing, they are inconclusive, but offer many insights and experiences for implementing agencies and observers. Among these are:

 the development of legislative provisions for bioregional programmes by the National Department of Environ- mental Affairs and Tourism;  the establishment of the South Afri- ohammed Valli Moosa, can National Biodiversity Institute; Mheld the position of Minis-  the ongoing management of the Table aroline Gelderblom played a significant role in ter of Environmental Affairs and Mountain Fund; C the development of the C.A.P.E. Strategy and Tourism of the Republic of South in co-ordinating the activities of the Interim Co-  Africa from 1999–2004. He is an the establishment of the Western Cape ordinating Committee. environmental leader who is pas- Nature Conservation Board (Cape- Nature); sionate about democracy, sustain- Environmental Management: Biodiversity able development and freedom. An  the establishment of the Eastern Cape Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) and the National anti-apartheid activist, he was Parks Board; Environmental Management: Protected one of the key negotiators of the Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) prepared  the mobilisation of implementation African National Congress during by this Minister and promulgated since capacity by NGOs, e.g. the Botani- the drafting of South Africa’s new 2000, are evidence of government’s com- cal Society of South Africa and the constitution and the country’s mitment to the implementation of the Wildlife and Environmental Society of transition to a new democratic C.A.P.E. Strategy, and of enabling other Southern Africa (WESSA); order. Moosa has won acclaim similar processes countrywide. both in South Africa and abroad  the exploration of interagency imple- as a competent and insightful mentation programmes, including The Biodiversity Act provides for the mediator, especially during the Working for Water, Ukuvuka and management, conservation and sustain- preparation process leading to the Working for Wetlands; able use of biodiversity in South Africa. World Summit on Sustainable The legislation promotes an ecosystem  the involvement of civil society Development held in Johannes- and programmatic approach to the man- in planning and decision-mak- burg in 2002 and the Vth IUCN agement of biodiversity, which takes into ing, including the Table Mountain World Parks Congress in Durban account the need for key social trans- National Park Advisory Forum and formation and developmental goals to in September 2003; both events the Department of Agriculture’s Area- be met. It provides specifically for the were held in South Africa largely wide Planning process. due to his initiative and effort. preparation and adoption of a national Valli Moosa was the first signa- biodiversity framework that will ensure tory of the C.A.P.E. MoU and an integrated, co-ordinated and uniform has supported many aspects of the (ii) The genesis of bioregional approach to biodiversity management by programme, not least of which programmes organs of state in all spheres of govern- was to pursue the agenda of legis- The C.A.P.E. Strategy noted that biodi- ment, non-governmental organisations, lative reform for the environment versity conservation was promoted in a the private sector, local communities, and for biodiversity. number of policies and laws, but for these other stakeholders and the public. It also to be effective, national legislation was provides for the identification of bio- required that would draw together and regions, the preparation of bioregional focus biodiversity conservation policies plans and biodiversity management from different sectors. The then national plans. The promulgation of this legisla- Minister of Environmental Affairs and tion is a significant milestone in South Tourism, Mohammed Valli Moosa, in Africa’s legislative reform process, in that introducing the C.A.P.E. Strategy, noted it is the first time that biodiversity has that the government’s priority was imple- been explicitly recognised, and that mea- mentation, to be guided by a National sures to secure an ecosystem approach Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to biodiversity management have been (NBSAP), and that because of its global introduced in South African law. significance and vulnerability to threat, The Government has subsequently also the CFR would be a high priority in this completed a National Spatial Biodiversity plan. He noted further that the C.A.P.E. Assessment, and the NBSAP. The Nation- Strategy provided an important example al Spatial Biodiversity Assessment has, of how the government would go about without doubt, benefitted from the world- implementing its priorities. The National class conservation planning that emerged 210 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) from the C.A.P.E. Strategy. The need for power of this new legislation becomes systematic conservation planning and apparent. the identification of explicit and measur- In the preparation of SANBI’s Business able targets was asserted by these plan- Case to the South African Treasury, the ning exercises. These have subsequently preferred institutional design is that become requirements in law, as expressed of a ‘managed network’, whereby the in provisions regarding bioregional plans national agency determines relationships in the Biodiversity Act. with other institutions of government and civil society and delivers its func- In the absence of national laws governing tions more efficiently and effectively. the implementation of bioregional con- SANBI’s experience in building the man- servation programmes, the more informal aged network of organisations that is the Participants at the Western mechanism of the MoU entered into by Cape Sustainable Development C.A.P.E. programme has been identified key national and provincial ministries Conference were exposed as an example of the ‘managed network’ to the C.A.P.E. programme was used to give effect to this intention. approach to institutional governance and through exhibits and farm This MoU (Chapter 8) provides legiti- coordination in the pursuit of SANBI’s workers preparing bouquets of macy and authority for the programme. broader mandate. wild flowers. It is now necessary for the C.A.P.E. programme to undertake a transition where the bioregional priorities embedded in (ii) The ongoing management of the C.A.P.E. Strategy are adopted as the the Table Mountain Fund key elements of statutory bioregional The Table Mountain Fund (TMF) was plans, and the interim co-ordination founded by WWF-SA in 1998 based on arrangements are formalised in terms of donations amounting to approximately the Biodiversity Act. R10 million, and focussed initially on the conservation of biodiversity on the Cape Peninsula mountain chain. The 7.3 A Focus on C.A.P.E. contribution by the GEF of a further US$5 Partners million boosted the fund to R40 million (i) The establishment of the South What have we learned from TMF’s African National performance? Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) A recent participatory review of TMF’s performance has h e promulga- underlined its role as the original and sustained source of tion of the funding for the implementation of the C.A.P.E. Strategy. It Biodiversity highlighted its role as a project catalyst, as many of the projects Act has resulted Tin the National Botani- initiated by TMF have been carried forward and grown by cal Institute (NBI) becoming the South African National Biodiversity Institute others. It is regarded as a successful and sustainable means (SANBI). The Act provides for the Nation- of achieving significant conservation interventions. It remains al Minister to mandate SANBI to advise widely accessible, flexible and local in its application, and him, inter alia, on matters pertaining to consequently enjoys positive support from stakeholders. the identification of bioregions and the contents of any bioregional plans. In this Stakeholders identified that TMF should continue to provide a way, biodiversity programmes that had mechanism for sustainable funding support to implement the their foundations in NGO-moderated C.A.P.E. Strategy. In particular it should remain a gap-filler, planning exercises like C.A.P.E., have especially for smaller scale projects that are identified on an become part of the mainstream of envi- ongoing basis. To do this, it needs to grow its capital base over ronmental governance in South Africa. A new statutory agency has been mandated the next five years and increase the funding support to a wide to nurture and expand the programme, range of projects. It also needs to develop funding mechanisms, and to ensure horizontal integration at including “ring-fenced” funds for project support and land both national and provincial levels, and acquisition. As far as direction is concerned, stakeholders vertical integration among implementing felt that there should be further investment in capacity agencies at both levels. It remains for the building, promoting conservation stewardship on private land, regulatory provisions in the legislation to environmental education, urban conservation and applied be prepared, and this could elicit a strong research. reaction across sectoral interests as the

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and enabled its mandate to expand over This involvement has had the effect of the whole of the Cape Floristic Region, leveraging the implementation capacity guided by the strategic priorities of of these NGOs in a way not previously the C.A.P.E. Programme. As a reg- experienced in the region. For example, istered trust in South Africa, it BotSoc established a Cape Conserva- is governed by a Board of Trust- tion Unit with full-time staff including ees, and has specific objec- Kristal Maze and Mark Botha, enabling tives, aligned to the C.A.P.E. the organisation to seek and use project Strategy. funding for specific priorities the BotSoc had identified. In a review of the Cape Since its inception, the Conservation Unit’s strategy, it was noted TMF has sought to catalyse that its NGO home provided freedom for organisations and individuals both advocacy and project implementa- to address priority research tion, unencumbered by the official man- and management interven- dates of the government departments tions in the CFR. It uses a por- and parastatals. Having been involved in tion of its income to sustain a identifying a number of key interventions flow of project funds in terms of relating to land-use planning and conser- its strategy. The management of the vation stewardship (Chapter 4), BotSoc TMF is undertaken by WWF-SA which was able to lobby extensively, based on a provides financial management services, sound understanding of the context, for ireless efforts by Mark Botha ensured out-sources investment functions, co- improved land owner incentives in the that the relevant legal drafting teams, T ordinates the review and approval of proj- emerging biodiversity, protected areas consultants, portfolio committees and gov- ects, and administers funded projects. A and municipal legislation. Having dedi- ernment officials were provided with clear review of the activities and outputs of the cated staff-time allocated to this quest information and argument regarding the need TMF from 1998 until 2005 indicated that meant that BotSoc could respond with to include fiscal and non-fiscal incentives the fund had grown to approximately R60 agility to the stop-start nature of the legis- in the Biodiversity Act, Protected Areas million and that project disbursement lation drafting process. Act and Property Rates Act. Mark Botha had yielded R12.8 million. A total of 75 has subsequently been appointed as Director projects have been supported (Appendix Through its initial project implementa- of Conservation for BotSoc. In his personal 2 for a complete list of projects current at tion successes, BotSoc was also able to capacity, he was nominated to the Board of 31 March 2006, or visit the project data- secure follow-up funding to support a CapeNature, and is consequently in a position base on www.capeaction.org.za.). pilot study to improve conservation stew- to support sustainable implementation of the ardship on private land and to progres- programmes that BotSoc helped to initiate. sively embed this responsibility as a core Mark was elected as Deputy-Chair of the (iii) The role and influence of South African non-governmental function of CapeNature. Today, Conserva- C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Committee in 2005 tion Stewardship is one of the cross-cut- and is seen here with Wandile Mzazi, Chief organisations ting business units of this parastatal and Operating Officer of the Eastern Cape Parks The Botanical Society of South Africa BotSoc’s role has been scaled back to one Board. The stakeholder process that generated of strategy advisory support. The success the C.A.P.E. Strategy had the effect of of these interventions provided sufficient drawing comment and involvement from justification for BotSoc to invest in pro- a range of non-governmental organisa- grammatic rather than project funding for tions (NGOs) that had until that point these positions. acted primarily as membership and advocacy organisations. Both the Botani- A second example of BotSoc’s influ- cal Society (BotSoc) and WESSA have ence was that their Cape Conservation traditionally acted as public watchdogs Unit was able to mobilise a project team of development processes while focusing including Kristal Maze and Mandy Driver on a number of core conservation projects to support conservation planning for the involving willing partners. Many of these Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme are reported elsewhere, e.g. BotSoc’s Cape (SKEP). The experience and skills gained Flats Flora Conservation Project that laid enabled Mandy Driver to be deployed the foundation for the biodiversity net- as the leader of a project to ensure that work now adopted by the City of Cape conservation plans are customised to Town as part of its Integrated Metropoli- support the Integrated Development Plan- tan Environmental Policy (IMEP) (Chap- ning (IDP) processes being conducted in ter 2: Making a Plan for Biodiversity on municipalities, and to build capacity of the Cape Flats) and the work that WESSA municipal officials to incorporate biodi- has done as an implementation partner versity concerns into decision-making. for CoastCare and Working for Water proj- This provided BotSoc with an opportuni- ects. ty to engage with the consultants prepar- 212 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) ing the Western Cape Provincial Spatial national CoastCare programme under Development Framework (PSDF), ensur- the auspices of the National Depart- ing that biodiversity priorities informed ment of Environmental Affairs and the ultimate product (see First steps Tourism. towards building capacity below). WESSA’s involvement in these pro- The Wildlife and Environmental grammes has demanded the development Society of Southern Africa of project management capacity within the organisation, not only to ensure that The Wildlife and Environ- grant funds are properly accounted for, mental Society of Southern but also to develop a new cadre of project Africa (WESSA) has played managers. Through a series of project- an extremely important role based internships, WESSA has provided in identifying and reacting opportunities for work experience. It has to planning and develop- furthermore extended capacity-building ment processes that negatively impact on and environmental education to a large biodiversity and the achievement of the dv Naledi Burwana-Bisiwe number of workers on its projects, who C.A.P.E. Strategy. As with BotSoc, its key A is the Head of the Eastern have not only learned valuable techni- strategies have involved advocacy and Cape Department of Economic cal skills that support their eligibility for engagement with public participation Affairs, Environment and Tour- processes that accompany development employment opportunities, but have also ism, the lead agency for envi- proposals. A strength of WESSA has been introduced them to environmental man- ronmental management in the to mobilise understanding and knowl- agement principles. Eastern Cape. edge through environmental education and through “Friends” groups that take In the Eastern Cape, WESSA emulated responsibility for particularly important BotSoc by establishing a Biodiversity places across the region (Chapter 2 for Conservation Unit under the leadership Friends of Tokai, Die Oog and the Blaauw- of Warrick Stewart that aims “to promote berg Conservation Area). and make substantive contributions to the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom, More recently, under the leadership of eastern Succulent Karoo and Maputaland- Andy Gubb, WESSA has also become Pondoland Hotspots, the last-mentioned involved in managing projects that incorporating the Subtropical Thicket address specific threats to biodiversity or biome, through strategic interventions”. which offer opportunities to make conser- In the CFR, it has adopted a project focus. vation gains. For example, WESSA in the Its first priorities have been to support the Western Cape has: implementation of projects that underpin  taken on contracts to clear invasive the C.A.P.E. Strategy. These include sup- alien plants in areas such as the Kom- port to the St Francis Conservancy, ongo- metjie Wetlands; ing work in the Nelson Mandela Metro- pole and, most recently, a project funded  managed a CEPF project to mobilise by the Development Bank of South Africa Kristal Maze is seen here with conservation management in the (DBSA) in conjunction with SANBI that Donne Murray (Cape Town Blaauwberg Conservation Area in con- will build capacity in municipalities to City Councillor) and Ruan junction with the City of Cape Town; Kruger of the Development take account of biodiversity priorities (see Bank of South Africa.  implemented components of the below). This latter project has afforded an

Kristal Maze Kristal Maze was the driving force behind BotSoc’s Cape Flats Flora Project, the source of many important initiatives in the City of Cape Town. As head of BotSoc’s Cape Conservation Unit, she helped develop the role of BotSoc as a catalyst rather than primary implementer of conservation programmes, an approach which has leveraged much PROFILE greater support and maintained the independence and advocacy role of BotSoc. This has led to its reputation as a “buzzy little NGO” putting pressure on the larger organisations to improve their performance. Kristal is now head of the Bioregional Policy and Programmes Directorate for SANBI and is influencing the roll-out of bioregional programmes countrywide. Under her direction, several C.A.P.E. fynmense are scaling up C.A.P.E. project interventions at a national level. Kristal served as Deputy- Chair of the C.A.P.E. Implementation Committee from 2002–2005.

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opportunity for projects in the Western right, contributing to the governance Cape and the Eastern Cape to develop of the programme. It has also sought to and share experiences in different biodi- invest in its own internal programmatic versity, socio-economic and institutional management capacity; instead of simply contexts, and to derive some common managing a portfolio of projects, it has principles and approaches. developed some key national programmes that are highly supportive of the C.A.P.E. (iv) The role of Programme. For example, under Dr Deon Nel and Aaniyah Omardien, an aquatic international NGOs ecosystems group is promoting marine WWF-SA and freshwater conservation programmes, Through its interna- each of which is closely linked to activi- tional Global 200 Ecore- ties in the C.A.P.E. Programme. In respect gions Programme, WWF of the marine function, WWF-SA has s Director of Conservation International provides an international anchored the C.A.P.E. Marine Task Team, ensuring that all relevant marine stake- for WWF-SA, Rob Little resource and network to over 60 other A holders influence the direction and pri- has had his finger on the pulse ecoregional conservation programmes in orities of marine conservation activities of many aspects of the C.A.P.E. various stages of development worldwide. in C.A.P.E. A long-term function has been programme. He supervised the It has arranged a number of meetings its involvement in environmental educa- development of the C.A.P.E. where coordinators of these programmes tion, supporting the development and Strategy under contract to the have come together to explore and gener- implementation of a range of projects, World Bank , helped establish alise experience and to develop common and more importantly a focal point for the Table Mountain Fund, and methods for conservation planning and conservation educators undergoing pro- facilitated the establishment of monitoring and evaluation. WWF-SA is fessional development. the C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Unit. the South African affiliate of WWF-Inter- national and applies its mandate in the More recently, he has advo- Cape Fynbos Ecoregion. cated a programmatic approach to Conservation International— WWF’s work and a new aquatic Southern African Hotspots Programme WWF-SA played a unique role in the programme and bioregional con- The C.A.P.E. 2000 Conference was pre- development of the C.A.P.E. Strategy and servation programme are being ceded by a study that examined oppor- in mobilising its implementation. It set developed currently. up the Table Mountain Fund, managed tunities for alignment with international the GEF project to develop the C.A.P.E. conservation programmes with a view to Strategy and supported the initial estab- seeking support for implementation. One lishment of the C.A.P.E. Co-ordination of the most positive responses came from Unit. Its approach has generally been to Conservation International (CI) which initiate activities where these are most had, by this time, identified both the CFR needed, to garner and mobilise resources and the Succulent Karoo among the 25 to kick-start programmes, and to hand priority biodiversity hotspots on earth. these over when they are sufficiently CI had also become a founding partner of mature to be sustained on their own. the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (see 7.7 Finding funding below). In respect of the C.A.P.E. Programme, this has meant that from an initial role of CI invested in a small management unit supporting the development and adop- based at Kirstenbosch in Cape Town to tion of the C.A.P.E. Strategy, WWF-SA has anchor its interests in the region, based retained its interest in the CFR through primarily on partnering South African its management responsibilities to the implementers to prepare and mobilise Table Mountain Fund, and through influ- portfolios of projects using CEPF fund- encing investment in the region through ing. In 2001, Sarah Frazee was given the other fundsto which it has access, such task of preparing the CFR Ecosystem Pro- as the Green Trust (See Finding funding file that would catalyse a grant for spe- below). By managing a suite of funds, cific activities in support of the C.A.P.E. each with slightly different objectives Strategy. From 2003–2004, Conservation and portfolios, and by applying a defen- International supported the implementa- sible decision-making process, WWF-SA tion of C.A.P.E. through a CEPF-funded has catalysed many important activities set of activities including support to the which have been foundational for the mega-reserves. It simultaneously forged wide-scale implementation of the C.A.P.E. ahead with work on the Succulent Karoo Strategy. hotspots programme, which yielded the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme WWF-SA has also played a role as a (SKEP). The major role played by CI was C.A.P.E. signatory organisation in its own to support C.A.P.E. Partners to execute 214 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) projects, build capacity and broker the was instrumental in setting up the Flower exchange of lessons learned across the Valley Conservation Trust (Chapter 5). programme. In addition, knowledge and During 2000, as the C.A.P.E. Strategy was access to expertise within CI and its part- nearing completion, and under the expert ners helped with early efforts to develop guidance of Adriana Dinu-Wright, FFI and sound projects and to seek project fund- SANParks began a process to develop one ing. of the key C.A.P.E. projects, namely the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative, essen- In the course of CI’s involvement, its own tially paving the way for the kind of part- substantive contribution was heightened nerships that characterise the C.A.P.E. by the formalisation of the unit as CI’s Programme. As a signatory to the C.A.P.E. Southern African Hotspots Programme. MoU, FFI undertook a responsibility in hile assisting with By 2010 CI intends to catalyse a variety C.A.P.E. to steer ABI together with its lead the refinement of the of achievements to protect South Africa’s W implementing agencies, SANParks, the C.A.P.E. Strategy in 2000, unique biodiversity, habitats and ecosys- Western Cape Department of Agriculture Adriana Dinu-Wright was tems and provide sustainable economic and CapeNature. Within ABI, it maintains instrumental in supporting the activities that relieve poverty. The pro- its support and involvement in the activi- development of the Flower Val- gramme aims to provide ongoing support ties of the Flower Valley Conservation ley Conservation Trust, and, in to bioregional programmes, engaging land Trust, which in turn is piloting important particular, in providing technical owners in the creation of ecological cor- components of the ABI programme. FFI’s support for ABI itself. Adriana ridors, influencing business to support involvement demonstrates the multi- championed the cause of local biodiversity and expanding local capacity layered governance, advisory, catalytic community empowerment and for conservation. In many complex proj- and implementation roles that C.A.P.E. involvement, inspiring everyone ects around the world, the large conserva- partner organisations play in delivering she met with her enthusiasm and tion NGOs have tended, despite their own not only an effective programme, but energy. efforts to avoid the situation, to become building the kinds of relationships that primary project implementers. The sup- underpin sustainability. portive role the CI-SA programme has adopted in the CFR has helped to ensure that South African implementing agen- 7.4 First steps towards cies take and retain ownership of their building capacity programme. he C.A.P.E. Strategy correctly prioritises capacity-building as Fauna and Flora a pillar of the approach. Indeed, International theT whole programme can be considered One of the oldest to be one of capacity-building, if one conservation NGOs defines this as encompassing the devel- in the world, FFI opment of an enabling environment and stepped up its organisational capacity as well as skills. een here with Ndihleli Khandelane, Sheri involvement in However, the priority remains to ensure S Lim has contributed to the activities of the CFR programme during the develop- that, within capable, mandated organi- the C.A.P.E. Capacity-building task team. ment of the C.A.P.E. Strategy in 1999. In sations, individuals are able to do their addition to providing advice to the teams work. When asked the question “What preparing the Strategy, it facilitated the capacity is needed?” the C.A.P.E. Partners purchase of the Flower Valley farms and came up with an unwieldy list, and fur-

Sarah Frazee Sarah Frazee’s involvement in C.A.P.E. began with a year’s study at the University of Cape Town where she undertook research to examine the cost of conserving the CFR’s protected areas. Having worked on Conservation International’s programmes in West Africa, she was ideally placed to assist CI with the preparation PROFILE of an Ecosystem Profile for the Cape Floristic Region at the time that the new Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund was founded. Sarah helped to establish CI’s Southern African Hotspots Programme and is now its Director. Ever enthusiastic, Sarah has been involved in every aspect of the C.A.P.E. Programme, and in particular helped to mobilise the mega-reserve initiatives and forged links between the CFR and the adjacent Succulent Karoo.

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ther work is being undertaken to define (i) Table Mountain Fund Capacity the capacity-building needs in a more Building Programme strategic way. Nevertheless, there were some obvious priorities. These included Funded by the CEPF and managed by seizing early opportunities to build WWF-SA, the TMF Capacity Building capacity among emergent managers in a Programme (CBP) was established in variety of organisational and project con- 2003 to address the need for transforma- texts, and using a participatory approach tion in the conservation sector within the with municipal “clients” when develop- CFR. By sponsoring attendance at rel- ing methods to introduce biodiversity evant short and long courses, as well as The C.A.P.E. Toolbox was concerns into land-use plans. The general work experience placements in conserva- introduced as a resource for tion organisations, the TMF CBP has been C.A.P.E. Partners to undertake approach was to leverage existing capac- many of the critical functions ity wherever possible; hence the exist- building capacity, particularly of black of project development and ing management structure of the TMF and women managers, in a programme management. It is proposed to offered an opportunity to mobilise small managed by Rodney February. supplement the contents with grant funding with CEPF support, and the a range of capacity-building How do the sponsorships work? Con- materials. Putting Plans to Work project was established to examine needs at a municipal servation agencies identify candidates level. These two programmes are detailed and apply to the CBP for funding to below. attend courses or to work with a mentor

Proud participants in the TMF Capacity-building programme Barry Stoffels completed an Associate In Management (AIM) course at the UCT Graduate School of Business and is now Manager of Administration and Finance at the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).

Lewine Walters completed a B.Tech in Nature Conservation and a placement with the City of Cape Town. She is now based at the Macassar CBP students in lecture. Dunes project site.

Zwai Peter, originally the Working for Wetlands Project Manager responsible for the rehabilitation of the Isoetes vlei at Edith Stephens Wetland Park, completed the AIM course in 2003 and is now Communications Manager for Cape Flats Nature.

Xola Mkefe, previously Communications Manager at Cape Flats Nature completed a B.Tech in Education Management and is now Park Manager for the West Coast National Park.

Joram Mkosana also completed the AIM Course. He was promoted to Manager of Bontebok National Park and has subsequently taken up a post as Manager of Environmental Management with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.

Sian Davies completed her B.Tech in Nature Conservation at the end of 2004 with funding from TMF CBP. She has received full funding from Rhodes University to undertake her Masters in Education.

Natasha Wilson has just completed her B.Tech in Nature Conservation. She is a nature conservator for CapeNature.

Terence Coller received funding for placement as a Conservation Technician with CapeNature. He has recently been appointed in a permanent position as a Community Conservation Officer.

Ismail Ebrahim received funding for various short courses as well as placement funding for the Project Co- ordinator of the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) project. He will soon be promoted to manager of the project.

Sue Winter received co-funding for placement with BotSoc for a year. Her post as Conservation Stewardship Manager has been continued by the South African Wine and Brandy Company, to which she is seconded.

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candidates were actually able to do their jobs more effectively after the training intervention or placement. However, a survey of participants indicated that most of them, particularly those who had attended the longer courses, felt better equipped in their positions.

Since its first year of operation, when two general capacity building workshops were for participants, the CBP has tended to interact with students on a one-to-one basis. While this has been helpful, the review recommended that opportunities arlene Laros was one of ith a back ground in freshwater systems, be provided for students to meet with one M the participants at the W Rodney February took up the position another as a group, as there is great value C.A.P.E. Strategy workshop in of manager of the TMF Capacity-Building Pro- in sharing experiences within a network 2000 and was also appointed as gramme, which he managed in a close relationship of peers. It also recommended that the a member of the first Board of with the Table Mountain Fund’s management CBP offer a training course for mentors in CapeNature. Since then, as a con- unit. Rodney has helped to identify and mentor a order to improve the quality of support sultant, she has participated in large group of up-and-coming new conservation provided during placements, and develop an extensive set of projects in the managers. Applying his own philosophy of ‘layer- a general skills profile for managers with- Table Mountain National Park ing’ investment, Rodney has now joined the WWF in C.A.P.E. Partner organisations, to make and has conducted several evalu- Aquatic Unit and is blending his original interests the skills required more explicit. ations of ongoing projects, includ- with the wider concerns of freshwater conserva- ing Working for Water, Ukuvuka tion, now countrywide. The way forward and the Table Mountain Fund. As with many C.A.P.E. projects, a chal- in a management capacity. The Project lenge facing the CBP is how its efforts Approval Group reviews applications and will be sustained beyond the period of awards funding. Following their stud- CEPF funding. The need to develop man- ies or placements, successful candidates agement capacity in the conservation sec- agree to work for a conservation agency tor is unlikely to disappear in the foresee- in the CFR for the same period as they able future, so funds must continue to be received support. Already more than 20 found to provide potential managers with students have been placed in C.A.P.E. training and work experience opportuni- Partner organisations across the region, ties. For as long as there is uncertainty with 15 of these in management posi- regarding the Sector Education and Train- tions. ing Authority (SETA) system, it will be difficult to rely on accessing funding from How are we doing? this potential source. Private funding sources may need to be tapped for some A mid-term review of the CBP was con- ohra Parkar-Salie began her time to come. ducted in August 2005, and provided Zcareer in C.A.P.E. with the the programme with some very valu- Table Mountain Fund, where she It is likely that, once the CBP comes to an able insights to provide direction for the provided essential support for the end, this function will become part of the remaining project term and beyond. The development and management C.A.P.E. Capacity Building Programme, evaluator, Marlene Laros, noted that the of a suite of 75 projects. Since which will probably be based at the programme had done well by already then, she has taken up a position exceeding its targets in terms of the num- C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Unit at SANBI. in WWF’s Aquatic Programme. bers of people supported and courses Zohra was honoured with a sponsored. (ii) Putting Biodiversity Plans to C.A.P.E. Silver Conservation Work Award for her considerable efforts She drew attention to a few key areas in support of effective project requiring attention, the main one being New systems – new opportunities management in the CFR. the need for a baseline assessment of Since 1994, the South African govern- training and capacity building needs, so ment has been putting sustainable devel- that support could be provided in a more opment principles into practice through strategic manner and progress could be integrated development planning. The more effectively monitored and evalu- intention has been to encourage integrat- ated. She noted that, while the project ed planning at all levels, from national to had exceeded its quantitative targets, local, in order to ensure that development there were no criteria available to enable is ecologically, socially and economically Table Mountain Fund the CBP to determine whether or not the sustainable. people making biodiversity work 217 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Broadening the definition of Core Conservation Areas In terms of the Western Cape Provincial Government’s bioregional planning approach (Chapter 2), areas in the province that are designated Core Conservation Areas should be protected from development. In the past, only formally protected nature reserves qualified as Core Areas. The draft Western Cape SDF, however, expanded the Core category to include provincial ecological corridors (including river systems) as well as critically endangered andy Driver emphasizes that: Integrat- ecosystems. The Putting Biodiversity Plans to Work project M ing biodiversity priorities into land-use contributed to the development of the PSDF and is helping develop planning and decision-making at municipal and SDFs at local municipality level that dovetail with the provincial provincial levels is 10% maps and 90% other stuff!” framework. says Mandy Driver. Mandy joined the conservation sector with a back ground in business, and has proved to be an extremely effective project manager. Having worked for BotSoc on several projects, she Municipalities, once responsible for has now taken up a position with SANBI working administering urban areas only, now as Deputy-Director for Biodiversity Monitoring. stretch “wall to wall” across the landscape. Municipal officials, in addition to officials can have on biodiversity as a planning and developing urban settle- result of wise development planning, the ments and infrastructure, now also have BotSoc’s Conservation Unit launched a to oversee developments two-year pilot project (2004-2005), Put- in rural areas. To support ting Biodiversity Plans to Work, in four integrated development local municipalities in the Western Cape planning, municipalities lowlands. This project made the results are drawing up Spatial of research into biodiversity priorities Development Frame- available to municipal officials who are works (SDFs), which responsible for land-use planning and show how the land is decision-making. Since early 2004, proj- currently used, identify ect co-ordinators Nancy Job and Mandy development opportuni- Driver, supported by Susie Brownlie ties and constraints, and worked with environmental agencies, pri- outline desired develop- vate consultants, provincial government ment patterns. and municipal officials in the Overberg district municipality (including Cape Drawing up an SDF is Agulhas local municipality) and the Drak- a complex process that enstein and Swartland local municipali- culminates in the pro- ties to promote development planning duction of bulky reports that takes biodiversity into account. and maps. The most important outputs are an overview map and Maps, guidelines and “other stuff” guideline document that Mandy and Nancy prepared a biodiver- together summarise and sity priorities summary map for each integrate the key fea- pilot local municipality. The maps draw tures of the framework. on the findings of the Cape Lowlands Because these are the Renosterveld fine-scale conservation plan resources intended to and the National Spatial Biodiversity Guidance for municipalities guide development planning and day- Assessment, and highlight the important for including biodiversity to-day decision-making, it is critical that biodiversity features in the munici- principles in decision-making has been captured in attractive biodiversity priorities are included on the palities. Each biodiversity priorities map books for each priority area. final map. forms part of a “biodiversity package” that also includes the GIS layers making up Realising the significance of the munici- the map, plus guidelines to help people pal SDF process, and acknowledging interpret and use the map and GIS infor- the positive impact that municipal mation. The materials enable the munici- 218 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

pality to assess land-use applications (e.g. rezoning and development applications) in terms of their potential impacts on threatened ecosystems, special habitats and ecological corridors. They also provide the municipalities with biodiversity information needed to develop their SDFs and other relevant documents such as State of the Environment Reports or Stra- tegic Environmental Assessments.

Although the maps and guidelines are a very visible output of this project, like the proverbial tip of the iceberg, their development represents only one aspect of a much more comprehensive effort – the other stuff! Much of Mandy and Nancy’s time was spent consulting municipal officials, conservation managers and consultants to find out what kind of biodiversity planning information they need and how they will use this information, so that they could refine the maps and guidelines The Putting Plans to Work project ensured accordingly. They also spent time helping that biodiversity municipal officials to interpret and use By working with officials from the priorities were included the maps and guidelines to develop their various natural resource management in the Provincial Spatial SDFs and to inform development deci- agencies that are active within the pilot Development Framework. sions in biodiversity priority areas. municipalities, Nancy played a vital people making biodiversity work 219 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

effrey Manuel became he success of this project is due in large mea- harl de Villiers is an experienced journalist J involved with the C.A.P.E. T sure to the disposition of Nancy Job, and in C and environmental management practitioner Programme during the prepara- particular her commitment to building relationships who is using his communication skills as a writer tory phase of the GEF project, at a local level. By coming alongside the implement- and analyst to build capacity, especially among working as an intern under the ers, listening to their particular needs for informa- consultants and officials in various capacities, to mentorship of Mandy Barnett tion, giving the necessary support and involving take account of biodiversity in decision-making on the Lowlands component. them in a broader network of biodiversity practi- for development. “We view biodiversity as a basic His experience and exposure to tioners, Nancy helped to turn the bioregional vision informant to socially and economically justifi- the organisations involved in into reality at a local level. able development, not an obstacle that stands in C.A.P.E. resulted in his rapid its way. Thanks to systematic conservation plans, deployment by BotSoc in a num- comprehensive biodiversity guidelines and strong ber of priority initiatives. government support for proactive planning and pre- role in fostering sound working relation- emptive impact assessment, this philosophy has an ships between the municipalities and excellent chance of being realised,” Charl says. CapeNature, DWAF, Working for Water, the Department of Agriculture and the provincial environmental affairs department. The biodiversity plans more user-friendly, biodiversity priorities but is really about people—the managers map for each municipality and other officials, the ‘implementers’. provides a useful point of The project is about the people who use reference to enable these the products—not only the municipal organisations to work officials but the many agencies that the together for a common municipalities draw upon for information purpose. In this way, the about the environment.” project contributed significantly to integrated natural (iii) Biodiversity in Environmental resource management at a Assessment local level. Through its ‘Biodiversity in Environmen- tal Assessment Project, BotSoc’s Conser- Products, processes and vation Unit advocates an integrated and people precautionary approach to the screen- Working with municipal ing of development applications. This planners, conservation “pre-application biodiversity screening agencies and consultants and environmental impact assessment to put the results of biodi- process” draws on the regulations under The Fynbos Forum Ecosystem the National Environmental Management Guidelines for Environmental versity research and planning initiatives Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) as well as other Assessment in the Western into practice at a local level was a rich Cape have set a new standard experience. From designing user-friendly applicable laws. It also draws on the for informed decision-making GIS products to influencing provincial biodiversity plans, ecosystem guidelines in the region. and local government planning processes, and a robust but basic terms of reference the project was an exhilarating learn- that were devised in this project for the ing curve. But one of the most profound consideration of biodiversity in Environ- outcomes of the project was not antici- mental Impact Assessment. The approach pated at project commencement. Nancy has been captured in the Fynbos Forum explains: “This project started out being Ecosystem Guidelines for Environmental about products, i.e. making outputs of Assessment in the Western Cape (pub- 220 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) lished in 2005). This publication has  Municipal officials are willing to been made available to all C.A.P.E. Part- defend biodiversity priorities if ners and is the basis for training of envi- given the necessary information ronmental authorities and practitioners and support. throughout the region.  GIS maps are a very useful tool Since its publication, Charl de Villiers for developing a conservation and Jeffrey Manuel of BotSoc’s Conserva- vision and plans in municipalities; tion Unit have initiated a review to test however, they need to be simple to the assumption that comments made use and interpret (e.g. show recog- on development applications in prior- nisable landscape features) and ity threatened ecosystems have resulted most municipalities initially need in the improved consideration of bio- support to use them. diversity. The review covers some 60  It shouldn’t be assumed that peo- applications for environmental, mining ple understand the significance of or agricultural authorisation between biodiversity features; guidelines October 2004 and December 2005. The are needed that explain why biodi- review will be used to investigate strate- versity is important and to recom- gies, with the C.A.P.E. programme and mend ways to conserve it. other partners, to effectively overcome obstacles that are preventing the effective  Because each municipality is dif- ‘mainstreaming’ and consideration of bio- ferent, the project coordinators diversity in EIAs and, ultimately, decision found it more effective to work on making in the region. a one-to-one basis with officials, rather than to hold training work- The BotSoc review is understood to rep- shops for all the municipalities resent the first known attempt in South together. This approach may be Africa to evaluate the extent to which sys- time-consuming but it proved to be tematic conservation plans and interpre- effective. tive guidelines have informed environ-  It is necessary to work with exist- mental reporting and decision-making in ing structures where possible; this one or more global ‘biodiversity hotspots’. encourages buy-in, enables all parties to learn, and ensures sustainability once the intervention is over.

What have we 7.5 Information management learned? ne of the reasons for interna-  Recent environmental legisla- tional support and interest in the tion in South Africa has created C.A.P.E. Programme has been an enabling framework for the Othe solid base of science, information, development and implementation knowledge and capability demonstrated of plans to safeguard biodiversity. by the implementing agencies. One of the The Western Cape provincial gov- first opportunities offered by the C.A.P.E. ernment’s commitment to biore- Strategy was to mobilise a co-ordinated gional planning has strengthened approach to information management in conservation planning efforts. a project led by CapeNature, which was  Research into biodiversity pri- initially called the Conservation Plan- orities (e.g. the NSBA) and the ning Unit and later BGIS (see below). Its development of biodiversity plans primary purpose was to act as an infor- (e.g. Cape Lowlands Renosterveld mation warehouse for the conservation fine-scale plan) has enabled con- planning products of the C.A.P.E. Strategy servation planners to contribute phase. A key objective of the C.A.P.E. significantly to the development of Strategy was to build on this knowl- sound provincial and municipal edge and information and to use it as a planning frameworks (e.g. SDFs). resource for improved decision-making.  Municipalities have a crucial role to play in preventing the loss of In parallel, the technology for ensuring natural habitat in priority areas that fine-scale conservation planning is through their SDFs and land-use undertaken with rigour and in such a way decision-making processes. that it can be fed into decision-making people making biodiversity work 221 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

in municipalities, was enhanced by the SKEP and Putting Plans to Work projects. What is GIS? This has led to a substantive component GIS stands for Geographic Information System. This information in the C.A.P.E. Programme to address management system is essentially a tool that integrates digital the priority areas in the lowlands where information at this scale is lacking. Fur- maps and information databases to support environmental ther work is being done on specific com- interpretation, planning and decision-making. Through the use of ponents of biodiversity, such as wetlands satellite photographs, global positioning system (GPS) technology and marine environments, with at least and computerised databases, GIS makes it possible to link some products now able to be integrated information to maps, thereby creating spatial information. into the overall Biodiversity Geographic Information System (BGIS). GIS creates map (i) The BGIS Unit “layers”, with each The C.A.P.E. Strategy compiled extensive layer representing information on every aspect of the legal, a different category institutional, social and economic context of information of the CFR. It also resulted in informa- (e.g. municipal tion regarding the pattern and processes boundaries, rainfall of biodiversity across the region, and products relating to threats and oppor- figures, vegetation, tunities for protection. Before the ink on land-use types, the strategy was dry, a project was being population census developed to capture this information in data, etc). It is a way that would make it accessible to a powerful tool scientists, planners and decision-makers in the future. It was agreed that Cape- for working with Nature would be the natural host for environmental what became known as the Conservation information, as it is Planning Unit. The project evolved to possible to overlay the extent that SANBI’s new institutional these layers and see how different elements relate to one another. mandate provided a more appropriate Being able to display information in the form of maps, and overlay home for this initiative, and it now forms part of SANBI BGIS. these onto satellite photographs of the landscape, makes it very easy to interpret the information. GIS is therefore a valuable tool BGIS receives spatial information gener- for sharing environmental information with the public. ated by C.A.P.E. Partners and task teams, manages this information and makes it freely available on a website (http://bgis. sanbi.org). The BGIS maps and databases The representation of ecosystems and their conservation status overlain onto a provide information on ecosystems, veg- satellite image. etation types, rivers and wetlands, protected areas, habitat transformation, and much more. The website also has links to digital copies of relevant reports, for example the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA), giving people access to a vast amount of biodiversity information at the click of a mouse button.

Promoting access to biodiversity information The BGIS unit is responsible for managing spatial biodiversity planning information and making it available on the website. The unit also provides value-added services, which include:  making data and information accessible by producing it on compact disk and in hard copy map format; 222 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

elwyn Willoughby, BGIS unit manager, is S conscious of the many barriers that can impede access to and sharing of information, and is deter- The online GIS facility with interactive GIS functionality mined to overcome these obstacles. The first major challenge was trying to get the C.A.P.E. Partners to use one set of standards when submitting infor- nominal charge from the unit. In all these mation for the website. After nearly two years of ways, the BGIS unit is helping to put bio- negotiating between partners, the unit has managed diversity information and GIS tools into to set data and metadata standards which allow the the hands of people, to enable sustainable and appropriate development. Planners and developers can seamless flow of data and information between all check the BGIS website to partners in C.A.P.E. determine the conservation status Guiding appropriate development of land they are intending to develop. Critically endangered One of the original reasons for estab- habitats are “red-flagged”,  data and information analysis, inter- lishing the BGIS unit was to encourage indicating that detailed pretation and application; and appropriate development by making investigation is required to biodiversity information available to assess the potential impact of  specialist advice on information man- developers and to local authority land development. agement practices.

The BGIS team also noticed that some users were unable to use the information because they just couldn’t understand the scientific jargon and abbreviations used by the researchers who submitted the original information. They have made an effort to use simple language, include illustrations and design the website clearly and logically so that the information is meaningful to the general public. Because many C.A.P.E. Partners cannot afford broad-band internet connections, BGIS has designed the website so that even the GIS maps are available to people with dial-up modems.

The high cost of GIS software packages is another potential barrier to people being able to access biodiversity information. Selwyn explains that they have overcome this problem by enabling certain use planners and decision-makers. BGIS GIS functions to take place on-line. Even therefore organises the information on the without GIS software, you can access the website according to municipal boundar- on-line maps or databases, add informa- ies as well as ecological regions. A land- tion and e-mail these modified files to use planner, developer or farmer can call others, whether or not they have GIS soft- up a map of their municipality, identify ware. To further enhance access to infor- the administrative boundaries, and use mation, the entire website is available as the conservation maps to pinpoint any a double CD set, which is available at a threatened habitat types. people making biodiversity work 223 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Environmental regulations aim to negate generated by all partner organisa- or minimise the impact of any form of tions in a format that can be used Systematic development on critically endangered immediately. or endangered habitats. The information  conservation on the BGIS website can save planners Making information accessible planning and developers time and money by help- requires more than technology— the information must be presented Land is under intense ing them to choose appropriate sites to develop. Because of the growing resis- in simple language that can be pressure to be developed, tance from the public to environmentally understood by all potential users; whether for agricultural, inappropriate developments, this infor- good illustrations are also impor- industrial, residential or mation can also help developers to avoid tant. commercial purposes. potential conflict situations and the bad  A knowledge network must serve Although conservationists publicity that ensues. its partners, so in setting up the might want all remaining systems and protocols, it is impor- natural areas to be left Building community through sharing tant to consult partners and find out what they need from the net- undeveloped, this is simply information work. not realistic. Systematic Having a central database of spatial biodiversity planning information in the  conservation planning is Making information freely avail- CFR, as well as standardised systems able, rather than seeing it as a a strategic and pragmatic that enable people to interact with this commodity to be sold, is what approach to identifying database, creates limitless opportunities enables a knowledge network to and conserving biodiversity for sharing spatial information. While the thrive. As partners benefit from priorities. The approach sets focus at the moment may be on building receiving information freely, they up the databases and developing acces- clear and defensible targets are more likely to make their infor- sible web-based information management based on sound data for mation available, thus enabling a systems, the ultimate aim of the BGIS free flow of information. conserving both biodiversity unit is to use this technology to promote pattern (a representative on-line communities of practice.  GIS is far more than an informa- sample of all species and tion management system; it is a tool to enable community-based habitats) and the ecological As people start using the BGIS information to address environmental and environmental problem-solving. and evolutionary processes development issues in the CFR, they will that enable biodiversity to be able to share what they are doing and persist. With biodiversity learning with people across the region (ii) Fine-scale biodiversity via web-based discussion groups. “GIS priorities clearly stated, and planning valid development needs is essentially a problem-solving tool, not just an information system,” says Selwyn. The original C.A.P.E. Strategy painted in acknowledged, land use “As people start sharing their ideas and broad brush-strokes a 20-year vision for planning negotiations can experiences across different sectors, we biodiversity conservation and sustainable proceed in a constructive will start building communities of prac- development in the CFR. The conserva- manner. The C.A.P.E. Fine- tice. What really inspires the BGIS unit is tion planning tool used to develop that vision, called C-Plan, defined and worked scale Planning project is being able to help people to work together for sustainable development.” with broad habitat units at a scale of based on the principles of 1:250 000 to identify areas of conserva- systematic conservation tion concern and to recommend where planning. What have we mega-reserves or conservation corridors should be established. learned? Now that the C.A.P.E. Strategy is being  You can’t force organisations to implemented, it is time to add detail to participate in a knowledge net- this picture. The detail comes in the form work; willingness develops as of fine-scale biodiversity plans (1:10 000) the benefits of working together with their associated GIS layers. These become clear. The job requires critical biodiversity planning tools put patience and persistence! research findings into the hands of land-  Although it may be time-con- use planners, developers, landowners and suming and costly to align an resource managers, helping them to make organisation’s information systems informed decisions about biodiversity to the standards of the knowledge priorities. network, this initial investment is insignificant in comparison to Conducting a systematic conservation being able to access information assessment of an area requires specialised 224 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) knowledge and skills in the fields of plans, which will detail at least those ecology, GIS and conservation planning. areas that the National Spatial Biodiver- GIS data layers need to be developed, sity Assessment identified as being under including information on biodiversity threat. These systematic biodiversity pattern and process, existing protected plans will guide land use planning and areas, levels of habitat transformation decision-making by municipalities and and potential causes of habitat loss. In provincial environmental and agriculture addition, conservation targets must be departments, and inform conservation set. While the IUCN recommends that agencies in terms of the selection of pri- 10% of the land surface area of a country ority sites to expand the network of pro- should be formally conserved, this target tected areas. is somewhat simplistic in that it tends to overlook the diversity of habitats in a Regional-scale conservation planning erry te Roller is co-ordinat- landscape and the fact that some habitats led to the development of the C.A.P.E. ing the preparation of fine- are richer in species diversity than oth- K Strategy, but fine-scale biodiversity plan- scale conservation plans in criti- ers. While conserving 10% of a particular ning has become an essential tool in the cal lowland sites across the CFR. habitat may be sufficient in some cases, C.A.P.E. implementation toolbox. Origi- Kerry te Roller is co-ordinating South African researchers have found nally piloted by the Botanical Society and the preparation of fine-scale con- that as much as 50% of some species- ABI, this project is currently being rolled servation plans in critical low- rich habitats may need to be conserved out by CapeNature, with support from land sites across the CFR. in order to safeguard biodiversity pattern BGIS. Its implementation at municipal and process. level is being supported by the Putting Biodiversity Plans to Work project. The Fine-scale biodiversity planning produces roll-out of this initiative clearly illustrates maps that display information about the highly integrated nature of projects the conservation status of recognisable within the broader C.A.P.E. Programme. biodiversity features, such as particular habitat or vegetation types. Different systems exist, but one that is commonly used colour-codes habitats as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or What have we currently not vulnerable, drawing on the learned? results of the National Spatial Biodiver- sity Assessment. Land-use planners and  In South Africa, information on decision-makers can use these plans and biodiversity pattern (e.g. vegetation associated guideline documents to ensure type, species distribution data) is rnst Baard manages Cape- that development does not prevent generally available, whereas very Nature’s Scientific Services municipalities meeting their conservation little spatial information exists on E division. An expert herpetologist, targets. ecological and evolutionary processes. Ernst has applied his passion for understanding species’ distribu- Already a number of fine-scale biodiver-  Systematic biodiversity planning tions to the development of Cape- sity plans have been developed for parts relies on ground-truthing and local Nature’s biodiversity information of the CFR where biodiversity is under knowledge as well as spatial infor- warehouse. His unit provided the threat. In the Western Cape, these areas mation. home for C.A.P.E.’s Conserva- include the Agulhas Plain, the Cape Flats  and the Renosterveld Lowlands of the Spatial information on vegetation Planning Unit. Ernst is also tion or habitat types is more use- Swartland and Overberg. In the East- concerned that conservation man- ful than species distribution data ern Cape, the STEP project developed agers should get “back to basics”; when assessing biodiversity pat- a fine-scale biodiversity plan for the they should understand the system tern. south-east lowlands. Plans are currently that they are trying to manage. being developed as part of the Baviaans-  IUCN conservation guidelines kloof, Cederberg, Gouritz and Garden (conserving 10% of land surface Route Initiatives (Chapter 2). A four-year area) are inadequate in species- C.A.P.E. Fine-scale Biodiversity Planning rich environments. Project, launched in May 2005, is focus-  Fine-scale biodiversity plans ing on another five priority areas, namely should be mapped according to Nieuwoudtville, the north-west Sandveld, bioregions but clipped according Saldanha peninsula, upper Breede River to municipal boundaries. This will Valley and the Riversdale coastal plain. ensure that a comprehensive deci- By the time all these fine-scale planning sion-making tool is produced at projects are complete, 19 of the 25 local the appropriate level for local gov- municipalities in the Western Cape will ernment officials to make land-use have access to fine-scale biodiversity planning decisions. people making biodiversity work 225 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

(iii) Compiling a Wetlands 7.6 Knowledge-networking Inventory he exceptional scientific know- Healthy river systems need functioning how and capacity that enabled wetlands. They help to filter the water the development of the C.A.P.E. and reduce flooding; they also provide TStrategy and C.A.P.E. implementation habitat for numerous plants and animals. programme has been emphasized in However, wetlands in both rural and Chapter 1. But how was this capacity urban areas continue to be undervalued developed in the first place? Although and abused. They are overgrazed, burned, there is a proud academic and institu- canalised, bulldozed, used as dump sites tional tradition in the region, with several and choked by invasive reeds and grasses. world-class universities, research institutes and learned societies, a uniquely The Western Cape Wetlands Forum, a net- loosely structured and powerful organi- work representing wetland researchers, sation, known as the Fynbos Forum (see conservationists and resource managers, below), was formed in the early 1980s, identified the need for a co-ordinated and continues to provide the primary approach to gathering information on the knowledge network for the C.A.P.E. Pro- location and condition of wetlands. This gramme. information is essential to the effective management and conservation of wet- In addition to the Fynbos Forum, the lands in the province. With the support C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference, a “general of the Table Mountain Fund, researchers assembly” of the C.A.P.E. Implementa- at the University of Cape Town developed tion Partners is held annually in June. Its a standardised data sheet that wetland purpose is to provide an opportunity for researchers in the province can use to programme implementers and stakehold- survey wetlands. Data collected contrib- ers to interact, share and learn from one ute to the compilation of the Wetland another’s experience with implementa- Inventory. Everyone with an interest in tion, but more importantly to make rec- wetlands, including local authorities, national and provincial government ommendations that can be considered for departments, civil society groups, envi- adoption by the C.A.P.E. Implementation ronmental impact assessment practi- Committee (Chapter 8). tioners, South African National Parks, CapeNature, researchers and freshwater There are also a number of thematic specialists, is encouraged to contribute. discussion groups that bring together organisations and people with com- Many organisations in South Africa mon interests such as the Western Cape are researching and addressing wetland Wetlands Forum and the Environmental related issues and a vast amount of infor- Education (EE) Friends group. These mation exists to support wetland con- informal structures continue to inspire servation and rehabilitation. However, collaboration and exchange and are the until recently, this information was basis for a number of new groups that dispersed and relatively inaccessible. now form the core knowledge networking The Wetland Inventory team under- mechanism for the C.A.P.E. Programme. took an extensive literature survey During the year, C.A.P.E. Partners also and consulted numerous individu- convene the C.A.P.E. Protected Areas als in order to develop the first com- Forum and the C.A.P.E. Project Develop- prehensive database of information ers’ Forum, with the explicit purpose of on wetlands in the Western Cape. The exchanging lessons and building capacity first phase of the project was complet- in these knowledge areas. In the course ed at the end of 2005, and the Wetland of establishing implementation arrange- Inventory (Version 1) database is being ments for the substantive components made available to all interested parties of the C.A.P.E. Programme, a number of via the Western Cape Wetlands Forum task teams and steering committees have and BGIS. Both the database and data been formed to bring together key partner sheets will enable information sharing organisations. These are described more and support biodiversity planning initia- fully in Chapter 8. Their influence and tives in the region. The challenge lies in usefulness extends beyond merely steer- ensuring that the database is updated and ing project work to providing an interface maintained, thereby ensuring its ongoing among agencies and individuals with value to wetland conservation and man- common interests in either particular agement. spatial domains or knowledge areas. An 226 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) emerging challenge is to develop enabling mechanisms to ensure the integrity, qual- The EE Friends Group ity and persistence of the knowledge and Just as GREEN (the Garden Route Environmental Education insights achieved. A starting point is to Network, Chapter 6) has strengthened environmental document the experiences and lessons education processes in the southern Cape, EE Friends has learned from some of the key initiatives. provided an opportunity for environmental educators in South Africa to keep in touch and informed. Established in (i) The Fynbos Forum 2000 by Ally Ashwell of EnviroEds, this network has, since South Africa’s Coun- 2002, been ably co-ordinated on a voluntary basis by Mary cil for Scientific and Murphy of the environmental NGO Poloandfriends. Industrial Research (CSIR) established Meetings take place on a quarterly basis in Cape Town. the Co-operative Sci- entific Programmes Members of the ever-growing network host the gatherings, in 1975, as a means and agendas emerge in response to the willingness of of focusing effort on participants to share their projects and ideas, as well as research of critical developments in environmental education and advocacy. national importance. There is no geographical limit to electronic networking, and Its approach was to channel funds to uni- the data-base lists members from all corners of the world. versities and research organisations and to support government research require- The informal nature of this network has resulted in a natural ments by convening and co-ordinating ebb and flow of participation, with every meeting being an interdisciplinary and multi-organisational opportunity to meet new people. Having “no fixed abode” has programmes. The CSIR’s Fynbos Biome Project established in 1977 was one of made meetings a movable feast of visits to a wide range of these, and it contributed to the Interna- service providers within the region. As the network grows, its tional Council for Science’s International form is likely to evolve; but for now one of its strengths is the Geosphere-Biosphere Programme. Dur- fact that the group is living up to its name, and strengthening ing its implementation phase, the Fyn- friendships within the environmental education community. bos Biome Project convened an Annual Research Symposium, where research findings and priorities were discussed, Research Development (FRD), having and where emergent topics and insights observed the influence of the Fynbos for conservation were tabled. Apart from Forum, continued to support the secre- the annual meetings, a bibliography of tariat function. This enabled an annual published and unpublished material was Fynbos Forum meeting to be convened. prepared, which was updated continu- Each year, an Annual General Meeting ally during the programme’s lifespan. is held at which a Committee is elected At the end of the funded phase of the through nomination, with the main task programme in 1990, the Foundation for being to determine the venue and agenda

Ally Ashwell Ally Ashwell first made her presence felt when WESSA established an environmental education centre at Treasure Beach in Durban. From a landmark project that almost defined environmental education as a place where schoolchildren learned about the environment, Ally has become one of South Africa’s foremost practitioners of “learning PROFILE in action” where people, of all ages and all walks of life, engage with environmental problems in their own lives and learn through developing and applying solutions. With a teaching background, and after helping develop environemental education programmes at Kirstenbosch, Ally found a niche in the participatory development of resource materials for educators and students alike. Some of her most effective work has been done with teachers and conservation staff as she has tried to link the requirements of the new outcomes-based educational curricula with the available resources, but always in the context of issues confronting conservation. More recently, she has developed the education and development unit standards for Further Education and Training and is an accredited assessor for these courses and qualifications. As the principal author of this book, Ally has applied a principled and thoughtful approach to drawing out the lessons from practice of all of our Fynbos Fynmense. The product is a credit to this integrity, experience and simple hard work.

people making biodiversity work 227 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

of the next meeting. The Chair of the Fynbos Forum plays an integral role in setting direction, keeping the Forum and its Committee active, and identifying key issues that need to be discussed. Since 1990, the Chairs have been:

Dr Christo Marais (1990 – 2001) Kristal Maze (2002 – 2004) Julia Wood (2004 – present)

Early in Christo Marais’ tenure, he saw the usefulness of inviting conserva- hristo Marais explains that: “The informality tion managers and other practitioners Cof the Fynbos Forum has been what has kept it to attend the forum to give practical going for years”. He chaired his last session in 2001. expression to the scientific content. The “Now it has a tremendous new youthful energy and programme is a fine balance of scientific there are more planners and managers present than and management considerations, and the ever before”, he enthuses. Committee tries to ensure that it meets the needs of both constituencies. This is tribute to an improved quality of life for something of a swinging pendulum, but many South Africans. In the spirit of the has been effectively managed, evidenced emerging new South Africa, a resolution by the ever-growing interest in the Fynbos to mainstream biodiversity concerns into Forum meetings. the reconstruction and development of the country was enthusiastically adopted. The Fynbos Forum draws strength from From this Fynbos Forum resolution, a both its informality and the unusual roadshow to demonstrate the logic of this sense of solidarity among its long-stand- approach was launched, and this grew ing constituency. A number of key initia- ultimately into the very powerful Work- tives have grown out of the Forum, some ing for Water Programme (Chapter 3), by design and others by chance. In 1993, which has inspired many other similar- at a Fynbos Forum workshop entitled programmes. ‘Managing Fynbos Catchments for Water’, the discussions concerned the threats to Co-incidentally, the same Fynbos Forum fynbos posed by invasive alien plants. Dr concluded that a powerful attempt should Guy Preston, who had been promoting be made to take the critical issues of responsible use of water as an alterna- fynbos conservation to the international tive to the construction of new dams in community. As Working for Water was the region, proposed that alien clearing leaving the starting blocks, the Forum would both improve catchment manage- began working on a Strategic Plan for ment and promote employment and con- Conservation Priorities in the CFR. With

Guy Preston A pioneer in the development of water and energy saving measures in South Africa, perhaps even Guy Preston would not have realised what an impact his promotion of “water-saving sanitary hardware” would have on our opinions and lifestyles. Now the Chairman and Co-ordinator of South Africa’s premier expanded public works programme, Working for PROFILE Water, Guy has had the opportunity not only to promote the idea that water-saving measures would result in less expensive water supplies, but also to show that conserving water could be tied to biodiversity conservation, livelihoods promotion as well as institutional and entrepreneurial development. The full story is told elsewhere in this book, but Guy can tell stories of how any effective programme that involves multiple stakeholders must deal with power, influence, persuasion, mobilisation, measurement, reflection, but probably mostly dogged determination and exceptionally hard work (It’s even harder work to pin him down, unless you’re up at 3 a.m!). Guy’s work has resulted in one of the most effective demonstrations of mainstreaming of biodiversity into development processes anywhere in the world, and has influenced a suite of programmes including Ukuvuka, Working on Fire, Working for Wetlands and CoastCare. He is the original champion of C.A.P.E.

228 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) the Institute for Plant Conservation at the helm, the Cape Action Plan for the Environment began to take shape, with a view to an application for funding to the Global Environment Facility. The rest, as they say is history…!

Since 2001, the Fynbos Forum has embraced every part of the C.A.P.E. Programme, and is the best networking opportunity for those involved. Each year, progress in the C.A.P.E. Programme is discussed and debated, and a fascinating suite of projects is presented that testifies to a growing body of scientific enquiry and management practice. A deliberate attempt, supported by C.A.P.E. and enthusiastically adopted by Forum members, has been to induct new project implementers, staff and especially students by facilitating their involvement The Minister of Environmental in the annual meeting. This has resulted grow co-operative research programmes Affairs, Marthinus van in a major shift in attendance, with a Schalkwyk and the Country in conjunction with the leading universi- growing constituency of new recruits pre- Director of the World Bank senting papers, learning from their peers ties, research institutes and scientists in in South Africa, Pamela Cox, and contributing to the growing body of C.A.P.E. Partner organisations. sign the grant agreements for C.A.P.E. while Brian Huntley knowledge and experience. Some remark (CEO SANBI) and Chippy on the absence of the “elder statesmen” (ii) The C.A.P.E. Partners’ Olver (Director-General of who originated the programme, but all Conference Environmental Affairs and are pleased with the vibrancy and inno- The C.A.P.E. Strategy was adopted at the Tourism) look on. vation of the new constituency. C.A.P.E. 2000 Conference. Four years later, the primary grant agreements nego- Ironically, the implementation of the tiated through the World Bank and UNDP, C.A.P.E. Programme has not been able to for the C.A.P.E. Biodiversity Conservation address one of the key issues raised by and Sustainable Development Project the Fynbos Forum, namely the ongoing were signed at the first C.A.P.E. Partners’ need for high quality research that will Conference at Kirstenbosch. At this meet- sustain the kind of innovation required ing, attended by the new Minister of by the C.A.P.E. Strategy. An early appeal Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr to the Fynbos Forum to act as a conve- Marthinus van Schalkwyk, as well as the nor of a fynbos research programme Western Cape Minister for Environmental yielded the perspective that if there was Affairs and Development Planning, Ms no pot of funds, it would be difficult to Tasneem Essop, project implementers achieve research co-operation. In addi- were able to demonstrate progress in pro- EC Tasneem Essop has tion, the overt conservation goals of the gramme implementation in the first three been a staunch supporter C.A.P.E. Programme and the particular years. M of environmental reform in the funders who have engaged with the pro- Western Cape and a champion of gramme have only supported research Presenters highlighted the lessons learned ensuring that environmental gov- that directly supports implementation. through projects, many of which are ernance underpins social and eco- The Fynbos Forum, with support from documented in this book. An innovation nomic development in the region. C.A.P.E. has invested in a survey to deter- was to open the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Con- Since taking over the Environ- mine research priorities for the CFR. A ference to all organisational and institu- mental Portfolio, she has provided workshop was held at the 2005 Fynbos tional stakeholders, to capture insights C.A.P.E. stakeholders with one Forum and steps are now being taken to and to present formal recommendations of the most powerful incentives ensure that the Research Task Team is regarding the programme’s future to the for their often selfless work , and constituted and takes leadership for this final plenary. The recommendations that that is her own personal interest important aspect of the C.A.P.E. Strategy. were adopted at the meeting were sub- in a better environment and a The FRD-supported South African Envi- sequently formally tabled at the C.A.P.E. better future for every fynmens in ronmental Observatory Node (SAEON) for Implementation Committee for inclusion the region. the Fynbos, which is to be implemented in the work programmes of the C.A.P.E. by SANBI in terms of its new mandate, Coordination Unit and the various forums offers a possible means to consolidate and and task teams. Ongoing accountability people making biodiversity work 229 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

2005 David Daitz Richard Cowling Zwai Peter Heiveld Rooibos Co-operative Guardians of the Garden Route Christi Kloppers Olinka Mackintosh, Lance Kabot and Laurette Afrikaner

It was agreed to present C.A.P.E. recognition certificates and awards at two occa- sions during the year, namely the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference and the Fynbos Forum, with the focus on the former being for signatories and implementation partners, and the latter being for excel- lence in research, capacity development and exceptional volunteer efforts. Richard Cowling’s Gold Award was presented at the 2005 Fynbos Forum in recognition would be assured in this way. The meet- of his exceptional role in the establishing also included an Independent Review ment and growth of the Fynbos Forum. Panel, which was invited to comment on Although in its infancy, it is hoped that programme progress. One of the key find- the C.A.P.E. Conservation Awards will be ings was that the programme needed to a simple, yet powerful recognition of the deepen its contact and involvement with organisations and people that have made the stakeholders of projects, rather than exceptional contributions to the conserva- simply the managers. tion of the CFR.

Consequently, the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference 2005, working on a theme of (ii) Fynbos i-Forum “Fynbos Fynmense”, sought to highlight A resolution of the Fynbos Forum AGM the people dimension. An opportunity in 2005 was that C.A.P.E. should try to revitalise the Fynbos Bibliography that was provided for project stakeholders had been developed through the Fynbos to tell their own stories, whether it was Biome Project, and make it a central core school children from the Baviaanskloof, of the knowledge network that is repre- farmers from the Breede River, Rastafar- sented by the Fynbos Forum researchers ians from the Cape Flats, or rooibos tea and managers, and the C.A.P.E. imple- growers from the Suid Bokkeveld. The mentation partners. To this end, and in event was also marked by the presenta- partnership with the Niven Library at tion of C.A.P.E. Conservation Awards by UCT’s Percy FitzPatrick Institute, a library the Western Cape MEC of Environmental and information studies intern Nomgcobo Affairs to six of the most worthy projects, Ntsham captured and cleaned up the following a nomination and evaluation original literature database and placed it process moderated by the C.A.P.E. Imple- within a web-accessible database. With mentation Committee. The awards were funding from the CEPF-supported Capaci- of two types. Ordinary recognition certifi- ty-Building Programme, a second intern is cates were presented to all C.A.P.E. signa- being employed to develop this database tory organisations and registered projects, further and to make it a vital resource for and Gold Awards were presented to those the Fynbos Forum and C.A.P.E. constitu- who have made exceptional contribu- ency. The intention is to grow the Fynbos i-Forum as an electronic learning network tions. that draws together the people, projects, literature, experiences, insights, products By the end of 2005, the Gold Award Win- and plans of the whole of the C.A.P.E. ners are as follows: programme, as a mirror of the live net- 2004 work of the individuals and organisations Chris Burgers (posthumously) that make up the Fynbos Forum and the Guy Palmer C.A.P.E. implementation partners. The James Jackelman stories in this volume are but one contri- Paul Britton bution to this Fynbos i-Forum. Reach the Lee Jones Fynbos i-Forum on www.capeaction.org. Adriana Dinu-Wright za. 230 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

David Daitz presents a Gold Certificate to Colleen Simons representing the Guardians of the Garden Route at the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference

7.7 Finding funding he most significant sources of funding for implementation of C.A.P.E. are the organisations Tand individuals who through their mandates, constitutions and commitments have taken responsibility for implementation. However, at the time that the C.A.P.E. Strategy was formulated, it was realised that additional support would The C.A.P.E. Partners’ also be needed, especially from domestic Conference is an opportunity and international donors. Although it for the Eastern Cape and was debated hotly at the time, there was Western Cape Provinces to a tendency to think that any scaled-up it will be possible in the future to demon- meet. Here Albert Mfenyana strate with more confidence this leverage representing the Eastern Cape implementation would be contingent on MEC hands over the new effect. There is no doubt however, that international donor support; this to some Baviaanskloof publication to extent hid the reality that significant the availability of significant amounts of MEC Tasneem Essop. resources were being allocated by the externally sourced funding has permit- large number of organisations involved in ted a more strategic and comprehensive the CFR. approach to implementation, compared to what would have been possible with the A significant challenge is to ensure that opportunistic and these resources are appropriately applied uncertain funding to the most important components of the that is usually avail- strategy and, even more importantly, to able. See the table on major direct ensure that there is no wastage as a result Margaret Sandwith of the Percy investment by funders on page 232. of overlapping mandates or unnecessar- FitzPatrick Institute at the Univer- ily conflicting approaches. Although it is sity of Cape Town is mentoring difficult, if not impossible, to answer the (i) Global Environment Facility library interns to develop the Fynbos question “How much money is needed?”, (GEF) i-Forum. Nomgcobo Ntsham com- the proposals embodied in the C.A.P.E. pleted the first phase and is now The GEF is an indepen- Strategy modestly requested at least $100 employed by SANBI in the Harry dent financial organiza- million over a 20 year period to supple- Molteno Library at Kirstenbosch. ment South Africa’s own resources and tion established in 1991. to leverage alignment and efficient use of It provides grants to the available funds. developing countries for projects and programmes More detailed analysis of the base- that benefit the global environment and line funding available in South Africa promote sustainable livelihoods in local revealed that international donor funds communities. GEF supports projects relat- would leverage domestic investment in ed to biodiversity, climate change, inter- the order of 1:4. Since this co-financing national waters, land degradation, the is being tracked throughout the imple- ozone layer and persistent organic pollut- mentation of Phase 1 of the programme, ants. Its projects are managed through: people making biodiversity work 231 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

The major direct investment by funders for the implementation of the C.A.P.E. Strategy Funder Recipient Period Amount (ZAR) GEF (World Bank) SANParks 1998-2003 37,000,000

GEF (World Bank) Table Mountain Fund 1998-2003 30,000,000

GEF (World Bank) WWF-SA 1998-2003 6,000,000

WWF-US WWF-SA 2001-2002 450,000

GEF (World Bank) SANBI 2002-2003 1.380,000

GEF-UNDP SANParks 2004-2009 19,200,000

CEPF Various (48 projects) 2003-2007 36,000,000

GEF (World Bank) SANBI 2004-2009 54,000,000

GEF-UNDP SANBI 2004-2009 12,000,000

Table Mountain Fund Various (75 projects) to date 12,800,000

Green Trust Various (15 projects) to date 292,000

Global Conservation Fund Wilderness Foundation 2004 1,500,000

Roland and Leta Hill Trust Various (7 projects) to date 178,382

Malago Fund WWF-SA 2004-2005 380,000

Mazda Wildlife Fund Various to date 5,055,000

Development Bank of SA Various to date 1,182,646

Umsobomvu Youth Fund CapeNature 2005 5,700,00

Business Linkages Challenge Fund CapeNature/Afriplex 2004- 3,000,000

Development Marketplace Flower Valley Conservation Trust 2004-2005 930,000

Shell International Flower Valley Conservation Trust 2005- 1,800,000

 the United Nations Environment Pro- Biodiversity Initiative, and the C.A.P.E. gramme Biodiversity Conservation and Sustain- able Development Project. For more infor-  the United Nations Development Pro- mation, visit www.thegef.org . gramme  the World Bank. The GEF Secretariat and its implementing partners in the World Bank and UNDP GEF contributions to the CFR include have maintained a close dialogue with a capital fund contribution to the Table the C.A.P.E. Programme, and their staff Mountain Fund, investment in the Cape have helped to steer the preparation, Peninsula Biodiversity Project which appraisal and implementation of the proj- resulted in the formation of the Table ects in their respective portfolios. Task Mountain National Park, and the develop- Managers Dr Francois Falloux, Dr Jan ment of the C.A.P.E. Strategy, the Agulhus Bojö, Chris Warner and Aziz Bouzaher

232 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Technical support at field supervision missions by the GEF implementing agencies is very helpful. Here Andrew Skowno of the Baviaanskloof Project Management Unit discusses proposals with Slaheddine Ben- Halima and Aziz Bouzaher of the World Bank.

have acted ably for the World Bank under the guidance of the Country Directors Pamela Cox, Fayez Omar, Ritva Reinikka, as have UNDP Staff Nik Sekhran, Eddy Russell and more recently Mohamed Abdisalam and Alexandre Côte under At the signing of the the UNDP Resident Representatives John preparatory grant agreement Ohiorhenuan and Scholastica Kimaryo. for C.A.P.E. at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, World (ii) The Critical Ecosystem or which have catalysed new programme Bank Country Director Fayez Partnership Fund (CEPF) pilot activities. In particular, it has assist- Omar is assisted by Chris Warner on the left and Brian CEPF is a fund ed with the development of capacity to Huntley and Walter Lusigi on design, plan and execute projects involv- designed to bet- the right. Trevor Sandwith and ter safeguard the ing a wide range of stakeholders and has David Daitz look on. world’s threat- supplemented this with small grants for ened biodiversity hotspots in developing bursaries, internships and short courses. countries. It is a joint initiative of Conser- This has had the impact of widening the vation International, the Global Environ- scope of involvement in the programme ment Facility, the Government of Japan, and of reinforcing and further develop- the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur ing skills of implementers. The lessons Foundation and the World Bank. CEPF learned in applying these funds have aims to dramatically advance conserva- influenced participatory approaches, tion of Earth’s biodiversity hotspots by including increased dialogue with pri- providing support to non-governmental vate sector stakeholders. They have also organizations, community groups and underscored the developmental nature of other civil society partners. A fundamen- projects in building expertise and piloting and scaling up interventions. One of the tal goal is to ensure that civil society is ina Marshall engaged in biodiversity conservation. In harder lessons has been the time taken to 2002, CEPF approved a contribution of effectively mobilise projects, especially N $6 million dollars over five years to the among under-capacitated organisations, CFR, allocated in terms of four strategic and the need to maintain scrupulous funding directions, which has catalysed governance oversight over decision-mak- more than 50 civil society projects in the ing. The programme managers, and par- region. ticularly the Grant Manager for the CEPF, Nina Marshall and the CEPF Executive Many of the lessons regarding these proj- Manager, Jorgen Thomsen have interacted ects are reported elsewhere in this book. with project executants and CCU staff The CEPF investment in C.A.P.E. has extensively over the funding period. been instrumental in allowing the establishment of the C.A.P.E. Co-ordination For more information visit www.cepf.net Unit as the programme hub, and provid- and for a full set of projects supported, orgen Thomsen ing funds that have scaled up initiatives see Appendix 2. J people making biodiversity work 233 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Strategic Directions of the CEPF CFR Portfolio Strategic Direction 1: Strategic Direction 2: Support civil society involvement in the establish- Promote innovative private sector and community ment of protected areas and management plans in involvement in conservation in landscapes sur- CFR biodiversity corridors rounding CFR biodiversity corridors 1. Through civil society efforts identify and design 1. Promote civil society efforts to establish and sup- innovative mechanisms and strategies for conserva- port biodiversity-based businesses among disad- tion of private, corporate or communal landhold- vantaged groups, in particular in areas surroundings within biodiversity corridors ing the Gouritz and Baviaanskloof corridors 2. Support private sector and local community par- 2. Implement best practices within industries affect- ticipation in the development and implementation ing biodiversity in the CFR, e.g. the wine and of management plans for biodiversity corridors flower industries 3. Especially within the Gouritz and Cederberg corridors, identify priority landholdings requiring immediate conservation action

Strategic Direction 3: Strategic Direction 4: Support civil society efforts to create an institutional Establish a small grants fund to build capacity environment that enables effective conservation among institutions and individuals working on con- action servation in the CFR 1. Support civil society efforts to consolidate data to 1. Support internships and training programs to raise support appropriate land use and policy decisions capacity for conservation, particularly targeting previously disadvantaged groups 2. Support civil society initiatives to integrate biodiversity concerns into policy and local government 2. Support initiatives to increase technical capacity procedures in priority municipalities of organizations involved in CFR conservation, particularly in relation to the priority geographic 3. Improve coordination among institutions involved areas in conservation of CFR biodiversity corridors through targeted civil society interventions

(iii) Table Mountain Fund (TMF) (iv) Mazda Wildlife Fund TMF is a capital trust fund designed to provide a sustainable source of funding to support biodiversity conservation within the CFR. Its vision is that the people of the CFR are inspired to act collectively as custodians of the CFR’s natural heritage. In particular it emphasizes that biodiver- The Mazda Wildlife Fund was launched sity conservation is a necessity not a lux- in April 1990 and has played a vital and ury, with conservation an integral part of constructive role within the conservation our economy and able to deliver jobs and fraternity. The Fund allocates R1–R1.5 social development; the natural treasures million per annum for investment in of the region should be conserved, acces- nature conservation. Mazda views its sible and enjoyed by all South Africans. commitment to preserving the environ- TMF’s main objective is the conservation of the biodiversity of the Cape Peninsula ment as long term. With this in mind it and the CFR as a whole, including the has formed partnerships with leading adjacent marine systems. Brett Myrdal nature conservation organisations and was the first manager of the TMF. fol- has created an Advisory Board. Numer- lowed by Julia Wood, supported by Zohra ous projects that support the conserva- Parker-Salie. To date, TMF has supported tion of the CFR have been supported, more than 75 projects and managed many including the C.A.P.E. Co-ordination more (Chapter 7.3). Unit, BotSoc’s lowland conservation and For more information visit www.panda. SANBI’s Threatened Plant projects. Mr org.za Humphrey le Grice has provided manage- 234 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Lessons learned from fund-raising

All conservation programmes in South Africa, and particularly in the CFR, require funding over and above that which is allocated by government to achieve legal and institutional mandates. It is an explicit goal of the C.A.P.E. Programme to seek and obtain funding via international and domestic funders, not only to raise the profile of the CFR and the threats that it faces, but also to develop a more secure Vehicles with Mazda logos are providing platform for continued investment in programmes that address ongoing essential transport for projects all over the threats and that will unlock opportunities. Although fund-raising is Cape in a unique partnership with the private complex and time-consuming, there is no doubt that the engagement of sector. Mazda dealerships support and funders with the C.A.P.E. Programme has added intellectual value. It has maintain the vehicles. not only raised the bar in terms of the Programme’s aspirations, but has introduced a measure of realism in terms of the kinds of outputs that can ment assistance to the project executants be expected. throughout the region. For more information please visit www. The C.A.P.E. Strategy envisaged programmatic funding, i.e. funding mazdawildlife.co.za that would comprehensively support all aspects of the Strategy, as compared with funding for individual projects. All the funders in the (v) The Green Trust current portfolio have committed to the programmatic model, although grant agreements and implementation protocols tend to complicate The Green Trust was implementation. The major funders agreed that supervision missions co-founded by Nedbank would be carried out concurrently and, where possible, that joint reports and WWF-SA in 1990. covering all funders’ requirements would be prepared by the Programme The trust is funded sole- executants. Funding has had the advantage/disadvantage of quickly ly by Nedbank through exposing the weaknesses and constraints of project planning and clients’ use of the bank’s management, and it is clear by the end of the current funding cycle that Green Affinity products, institutional capacity for project management, reporting and financial and management of control across the programme partners will be greatly enhanced. disbursement is undertaken by WWF-SA. In the CFR, the Green Trust has provided support to 15 projects that address prior- Although the continual quest for funds can occasion delays and ity research and management needs. frustration among programme implementers anxious to get on with the work, the availability of funding and the careful scrutiny of funders have For more information please visit www. the necessary and beneficial impact of creating greater solidarity and panda.org.za commitment among the C.A.P.E. Partners.

Brett Myrdal Brett Myrdal has stamped the C.A.P.E. programme with his indelible touch bringing a lifelong commitment to the transformation of South Africa to the conservation sector. Brett is a role- model for many, since he brings skills from community housing and project management to the delivery of people-centric conservation and development. People sometimes say that it is easier to learn how to be a conservationist than PROFILE to be an effective project manager, and the skill that is most in demand in conservation is to be able to effectively plan, mobilise and manage resources and people. Brett brings an unusually charismatic and capable drive to the teams that he leads, and has been able to inspire both the experienced managers as well as the new entrants to do their best. As the first manager of the Table Mountain Fund, Brett set the bar high, and ensured that the fund was used in a catalytic way to leverage much greater effort and investment than it provided. Having been intimately involved in the conservation programmes in the Table Mountain National Park, he was a natural choice to take over the management of the park and to begin the process of reconciliation between the park and its major constituents, the people who had been removed during the years of apartheid. Ever a collaborator, Brett ensures that the Park is part of the whole effort and has designs and linkages planned that will surprise many once they come to fruition. In particular, Brett believes in the essential linkage between people and nature, between the fynbos and its fynmense.

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Although the C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy did not originally make provision for a co-ordinating unit, it soon became apparent that effective communication and programme management would not be possible without a dedicated unit to give effect to decisions made by the C.A.P.E. Partners.

This chapter describes how implementation of the C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy is being co- ordinated, managed and monitored through both committee structures and the “lean and mean” C.A.P.E. Co-ordinating Unit based at SANBI in Cape Town. This independent unit, which reports to the C.A.P.E. Committee, provides a range of services to C.A.P.E. committees, task teams and partner organisations, from co-ordinating meetings and forums, to administering donor funding, to developing systems to monitor and evaluate projects and achievement of strategic goals.

CHAPTER Co-ordinating C.A.P.E.

8.1 The basis for This co-ordination of the C.A.P.E. Pro- gramme happens at several levels, creat- 8 coordination ing a decentralized system that facilitates the participation of organizations and s discussed in Chapter 1, the institutions from across the CFR, and the C.A.P.E. Strategy was developed in collaboration between sectors at vari- 2000 by way of an extensive stake- ous levels of implementation. This has holderA engagement process that, though allowed for context-specific co-ordination consensus, gave rise to at the site level. It has provided a com- a vision, strategy and munication and brokering mechanism action plan for conserv- among implementation agencies, cata- ing biodiversity in the lysed innovative collaboration between region while delivering government, non-governmental organisa- socio-economic benefits tions and the private sector, and fostered to local stakeholders. new partnerships between conservation, planning, agricultural and development The C.A.P.E. Strategy agencies. identified poor institutional co-operation and coordination, non-align- (i) The C.A.P.E. Memorandum of ment of resources and Understanding inadequate communica- In the absence of national laws governing tion as challenges con- the implementation of bioregional conser- tributing to the decline vation programmes, the C.A.P.E. Memo- of biodiversity in the randum of Understanding (C.A.P.E. MoU) Gwen Mahlangu, Brian Cape Floristic Region (CFR). In response, Huntley and Valli Moosa the C.A.P.E. Programme has invested in was introduced to secure the co-operation are celebrating the signing several mechanisms to coordinate imple- and participation of implementing agen- of the MoU. Valli Moosa is mentation of the strategy, both horizontal- cies for the C.A.P.E. Strategy. The C.A.P.E. now President of the World ly (across sectors) and vertically (between MoU is an informal mechanism that Conservation Union (IUCN), spheres of government and at different was entered into by political and imple- Gwen Mahlangu is Deputy- Speaker of Parliament. scales). mentation partners to give effect to their 238 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) commitment to co-operate in implementing the provisions of the strategy, and to ensure the alignment of the C.A.P.E. C.A.P.E. Implementing Agencies (signatories Partners. The MoU gives legitimacy and authority to the programme and to the C.A.P.E. MoU) provides a mechanism to broker agree- Birdlife South Africa ments about the use of and impact on Botanical Society of South Africa the natural resource base. It clearly sets City of Cape Town out the objectives of the programme and Conservation International the agreed institutional behaviours that Development Bank of South Africa would support them. By involving key national, provincial and local stakehold- Fauna and Flora International ers from across several sectors, it provides Open Africa a mechanism for facilitating vertical and South African National Biodiversity Institute horizontal integration of implement- South African National Parks ing agency activities. The C.A.P.E. MoU Table Mountain Fund now has 23 signatories. As discussed in Chapter 7, there is an opportunity now The Department of Agriculture under the Biodiversity Act, to formalise The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism this arrangement. Whether this would be The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry supported by the signatory partners is not The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs known. The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism (ii) Implementation mechanisms The Western Cape Department of Economic Affairs, Agriculture Taking direction from the C.A.P.E. MoU, and Tourism the C.A.P.E. Coordination Commit- tee (CCC) and C.A.P.E. Implementation The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Committee (CIC) play oversight roles at Development Planning the level of the programme. The CCC The Wilderness Foundation includes representatives of the princi- Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (CapeNature) pal ministries that signed the MoU, and Wildlife and Environment Society of Southern Africa ensures joint national and provincial policy oversight. The CIC facilitates the World Wide Fund for Nature (South Africa) day to day management of the programme Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and ensures co-operation among the Eastern Cape Parks Board C.A.P.E. Partners. For the major geographical and thematic components of the programme, Steering Committees across met less frequently than the CIC due to the region mirror this responsibility at the demanding schedules of its members. the local level. The oversight and steering The recent promulgation of the National committees are supported by co-ordina- Environmental Management: Biodiversity tion and project management units. The Act has prompted a reassessment of the C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Unit (CCU) sup- role of the CCC. One suggestion is that it ports programme co-ordination centrally, could play the role of a national co-ordi- and a number of Project Management nation structure for all bioregional pro- Units support co-ordination at the level grammes, rather than focusing solely on of the programme’s landscape initiatives the C.A.P.E. Programme. This discussion (Chapter 2). The programme is further is ongoing. supported by a number of thematic task teams that support innovation and insti- The C.A.P.E. Implementation Committee ipolelo Elford was elected tutional co-ordination across the region. (CIC) comprises representatives of the D as Chair of the C.A.P.E. signatories of the C.A.P.E. Memorandum Implementation Committee The C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Committee of Understanding (MoU). The CIC has in 2005. She is Chief Direc- (CCC) was established as a high level met every quarter since May 2001 with tor in the Western Cape Dept oversight committee for the programme, representation from all sectors involved of Environmental Affairs and comprising its national partners includ- in implementing the C.A.P.E. Strat- Development Planning, and so ing the Department of Environmental egy. Its primary functions are to assess highly influential in the way in Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Department implementation progress in light of the which environmental governance of Water Affairs and forestry (DWAF) and MoU and subsequent agreements, and and decision-making takes place. the respective provincial Ministries for to discuss emerging issues. It plays an Under her leadership, the prov- the Environment in each of the Western important role in the governance of the ince has pushed forward with its Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. It has programme, including oversight of the law reform programme. people making biodiversity work 239 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

activities of the C.A.P.E. Co-ordination agencies within SANBI’s Centre for Bio- Unit, and the facilitation of a co-ordinat- diversity Conservation in Cape Town, the ed and co-operative approach to imple- C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Unit (CCU) com- mentation by the C.A.P.E. partnership. It prises a small core of staff responsible for also provides a mechanism to agree on its functions which are: priorities for funding, to seek alignment  to perform only those essential func- and to facilitate and broker partnership tions that would otherwise not be per- arrangements. formed by other partner agencies;  to facilitate coordination of activi- The elected Chair and Deputy-Chair posi- ties across the CFR and co-operation tions have included: between C.A.P.E. partner organisa-  David Daitz and Kristal Maze tions; revor Sandwith was (2000 – 2005) T appointed as C.A.P.E. Co-  to catalyse new areas of work; and  Dipolelo Elford and Mark Botha ordinator in 2001 after having  to act as a secretariat for the CIC and (2006 to present) led the Institutional Component CCC. of the C.A.P.E. Strategy process. Prior to this he was Head: (iii) The C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Unit Three staff members support the pro- Planning for KZN Wildlife and gramme technically: Trevor Sandwith The C.A.P.E. MoU led to the then Nation- is a conservation biologist and (C.A.P.E. Coordinator), Mandy Barnett al Botanical Institute (NBI) becoming strategy consultant by profession. (C.A.P.E. Programme Developer) and the programme management agency for Azisa Parker (C.A.P.E. Project Developer). Trevor is also Deputy-Chair of C.A.P.E. This was a fortuitous arrange- the IUCN World Commission Samantha Court (C.A.P.E. Financial Man- ment with the NBI’s transition to becom- ager) supports the financial management on Protected Areas and has spe- ing the national agency responsible for cialized in the governance and of the programme, and a secretary/recep- both biodiversity and bioregional plan- tionist provides office support. implementation of transboundary ning, and hence the mandated home of conservation programmes. the C.A.P.E. Programme. Now housed With support from the CEPF-funded Table together with several other conservation Mountain Fund Capacity Building Pro-

David Daitz David Daitz was appointed as the Park Manager/ Project Manager for the Cape Peninsula National Park before the park was a reality, and was given the brief that he should do whatever was necessary to make this park a reality. Today we have the Table Mountain National Park, a component of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, as a tribute to this perseverance and aptitude.

PROFILE When the time came to launch the new Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, David was appointed as its only staff member and given the responsibility of developing this new institution from scratch. Today we have a new nature conservation parastatal that has fundamentally changed the approach and status of conservation in the Western Cape.

When the C.A.P.E. Strategy was being prepared, it was David who accepted leadership of the Interim C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Committee, and who assisted in negotiating the agreements that led to a ministerial mandate for the C.A.P.E. Programme. He was then unanimously elected as the first Chairman of the C.A.P.E. Implementation Committee, where he has energized the relationship among 20 organisations that have a significant role to play in the implementation of the C.A.P.E. programme. He was also responsible for ensuring that his own organization, CapeNature was aligned to and indeed adopted the C.A.P.E. Strategy in its entirety.

With his forthright no-nonsense attitude, he sometimes pushed hard to make these things happen, and this is the nature of being a pioneer. What sets David apart is that he has never abandoned his previous commitments but has built on them, accepting his responsibility without fear or favour, and doing everything in pursuit of the conservation of the CFR’s globally significant biodiversity, but also passionately committed to the people of the region and the people in conservation. It is David who fashioned the ideas that led to the positioning of the C.A.P.E. Programme’s purpose to stimulate an economy based on conservation: the biodiversity economy, and to make nature conservation a real force for socio-economic development in the region.

240 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) gramme, and DeNovo Communications Pty (Ltd), two interns complete the team. Monique Damons and Fumanekile Wisani are all employed on contracts as part of the programme’s strategy to build capacity for conservation management in the CFR.

The CCU’s activities are supported by the Eastern Cape Bioregional Programmes Coordination Unit, which is also housed within SANBI and based in Port Eliza- beth. This unit is headed by Mandy Cad- zisa Parker joined the pro- man and is supported by a small team gramme in March 2005 to which is tasked with the co-ordination of andy Barnett joined the CCU in 2003, with A support its communication and the C.A.P.E., SKEP, STEP, Wild Coast and a PhD in Behavioural Ecology and a back- M project development functions. Grasslands programmes in the Eastern ground as a consultant in environmental manage- With a back ground in social Cape. ment and corporate sustainability. Her experience development, Azisa brings skills When the programme was initiated, in stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution of social work and community it was not clear what functions would processes, and orientation to participatory planning engagement to the programme. have to be performed, and the size and have been invaluable tools in her work as C.A.P.E. Her experience of working with diversity of the CCU has grown with Programme Developer, where relationship building rural communities and managing the growing responsibilities of the CCU. has emerged as a key element of the work. Mandy a small grants fund has provided Many functions emerged over the life of first consulted to the C.A.P.E. Programme in 2002 her with the necessary skills to the programme and have proved essential during project preparation. for setting direction and maintaining the support the implementation of the momentum of the C.A.P.E. Programme. CEPF portfolio for the CFR. finding a balance. Current initiatives are The unit’s ability to respond to the needs focusing on increasing the staff comple- of partners, to give effect to the conven- ment of the CCU, looking at rationalising ing power of the C.A.P.E. Programme its functions, and experimenting with and to support the building of capacity formats for our meetings and workshops. in partner institutions adds value to the programme. Significant effort has been A principle of the C.A.P.E. Programme is needed to support these functions, and not to build new institutions to address the this has been an interesting emerging les- problems of the region: one of its primary son: it takes time to build a culture of co- roles is to work with existing institutions to operation, and the CCU must be respon- build their capacity to be more effective, sive to the needs of C.A.P.E. Partners if and to raise awareness among local actors the enthusiasm for and commitment to so that participation in and support for the the programme is to be sustained. programme is increased. A vibrant forum. Concern has been raised about the num- In the Eastern Cape, however, because of ber of meetings and workshops that are the intersection of a number of bioregions held, and efforts are being made towards that involve many Eastern Cape organi-

Glenda Kayster reflects: Glenda Kayster, the Human Resources Manager of CapeNature reflects: “David Daitz’s brutal honesty with himself and with others, in my opinion, is his single-most outstanding character trait, as well as his Achilles’ heel. In today’s highly competitive workplaces, where outsmarting one another is the name of the game, such honesty is both refreshing and a rare find. I feel hugely

PROFILE privileged to be part of an amazing high performance team. It is difficult to describe the magic, the warmth, the energy and mental stimulation that exist within the team. David built a team, which comprises of high calibre professionals where collegial respect is real and where difference is valued. He conducts himself in such a way that he builds the confidence of those around him – which is not a trivial matter considering our country’s history. His annual Whale Trail walk with the most promising young up and coming employees typifies this point. CapeNature is richer for having him on board.”

people making biodiversity work 241 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

zations, it was considered necessary to The CCU also works with implementing establish an Eastern Cape “C.A.P.E.” Hub. agencies to develop work programmes Dr Mandy Cadman was appointed as and terms of reference for new positions Eastern Cape Bioregional Programmes Co- or pieces of work, manages a project ordinator. Her first responsibility was to monitoring, reporting and financial man- seek greater commitment to C.A.P.E. from agement system and guides procurement Eastern Cape-based organizations and she so that it meets donor requirements. successfully negotiated the establishment of the Eastern Cape Implementation Com- (ii) Sub-regional co-ordination mittee, which also co-ordinates activities and implementation in other adjacent bioregions. Secondly, The co-ordination of implementation with support from Michelle Myles and spatially and across thematic areas of the Tracey Cummings, she is assisting with andy Cadman is the pro- programme is achieved through Project project development and capacity-build- gramme co-ordinator for Management Units (PMUs) and C.A.P.E. M ing for C.A.P.E. priorities in the eastern the Eastern Cape’s bioregional Implementation Task Teams. These portion of the CFR. programmes. With a responsibili- units and task teams facilitate ongoing ty that far outweighs the resourc- networking between CFR institutions es available, Mandy’s key role 8.2 Services of the CCU and and individuals and are a powerful force has been to negotiate buy-in from behind the co-ordinated implementation government departments and other co-ordination of the programme. municipalities for specific project mechanisms interventions in the region. Sub-regional Project Management Units (i) Programme management operate in the larger spatial initiatives lear governance and co-ordinated of the programme to co-ordinate and implementation are dependent on support local efforts (Chapter 2). These Ceffective communication between include the Greater Cederberg Biodi- C.A.P.E. partners and implementers, and versity Corridor, Agulhas Biodiversity a primary function of the CCU is to con- Initiative, Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve, vene formal mechanisms through which Garden Route Initiative and Gouritz Ini- regular communication between partners tiative PMUs. Strategies that are adopted can take place. In this role, the CCU co- are developed in response to the unique ordinates a managed network of imple- characteristics of each landscape initia- menters: it acts as a secretariat for the tive, and implementation is guided by CCC and CIC, supports quarterly meeting steering committees that comprise repre- One of the CCU’s main responsibilities is to convene of all task team leaders and attends vari- sentative regional stakeholders including meetings of implementers to ous meetings, steering committees and local government, NGOs and civil society address strategic issues. It workshops with a view to promoting representatives with an interest and stake provides a neutral meeting alignment, co-operation and co-ordina- in the outputs. These steering committees space and facilitates dialogue tion among C.A.P.E. Partners ensure effective governance and integra- and consensus decision- making. tion at the sub-regional scale.

Taking guidance from their steering structures, the PMUs support stewardship activities, project development and stakeholder engagement processes, and work closely to support local actors to fulfil their commitments to the programme. The main function of these units is to co- ordinate and support local implementation, and to build lasting capacity in local actors to ensure that the efforts of the programmes are sustainable.

The C.A.P.E. Implementation Task Teams function to coordinate themed activities across the region. These task teams operate in different ways: some are co-ordinated by individuals who were specifically appointed by institutions for this purpose; others are led by champions from within C.A.P.E. partner institutions who see the value and importance of this 242 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Co-ordination takes place function. Importantly, the leadership of ship of the Task Teams and PMUs has across the geographical extent the programme is shared across institu- been indicated overleaf. of the programmes, with governance and management tions. This sharing of responsibility is structures in each sub-regional essential to the success of a programme (iii) Cultivating relationships location. that is based on partnerships and an One of the most powerful contributions acknowledgement that success will only of the programme has been its role in be achieved with sustained support from introducing implementers at various lev- all actors. els of the programme to one another, and creating a non-threatening space for dia- The pathway of implementation has not logue and innovation. Many of the inno- been predictable, and a characteristic vations of the programme are devised by of the programme has been its flexibil- individuals who, through mutual respect ity and ability to scale up (or down) in and understanding of one another’s per- response to opportunities and challenges. spectives, are able to devise win-win Leadership has been an important factor, situations in previous areas of poor co- and across the programme, champions operation. A good example illustrating have been, and are emerging to advance this point is the case of the Bredasdorp particular agendas. These champions can Multipurpose Centre that has been devel- be found across the CFR, in NGOs and institutions, leading local initiatives that oped as a result of co-operation between are advancing new approaches. people and organisations in the Overberg (Chapter 2). Co-ordination is further supported through quarterly meetings of all task (iv) Co-ordinating investment team leaders and PMU co-ordinators. An interesting, and perhaps obvious, Conference discussion. These meetings are known as Task Team emerging property of the programme is Roundtables and facilitate sharing of les- that impact is likely to be greater and sons, reporting on progress and the iden- more sustainable where investment tification of emerging issues that require focuses on priorities and is co-ordinated, a co-ordinated response. To date, leader- and where projects are designed to people making biodiversity work 243 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Leadership of the Task Teams and PMUs Task Team Agency Task Team Leader Institutional Strengthening SANBI Trevor Sandwith

Catchment Management CapeNature Wille Enright

Capacity Building SANBI Glenda Kayster/Trevor Sandwith

Biodiversity GIS CapeNature Selwyn Willoughby

Conservation Education SANBI/ GFEESC Heila Lotz-Sisitka

C.A.P.E. Coordination Unit SANBI Trevor Sandwith

Monitoring and Evaluation SANBI Mandy Barnett

Eastern Cape Coordination Unit SANBI Mandy Cadman

Baviaanskloof Megareserve WF Matthew Norval

Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor CapeNature Jaco Venter

Garden Route Initiative SANP Andrew Brown

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve CapeNature Gonald Present

Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative SANParks Tertius Carinus

Gouritz Initiative CapeNature Albert Ackhurst/Jan Vlok/ Ivan Donian

Marine WWF/ MCM Deon Nel, Belamani Semoli/Alan Boyd

West Coast Biosphere Reserve SANParks Gary de Kock

Conservation Planning CapeNature Ernst Baard

Land Use Planning SANBI/ DEA&DP Mandy Driver/ Dennis Laidler

Conservation Stewardship CapeNature Chris Martens

Resource Economics SANBI Mandy Barnett

Urban Biodiversity SANBI George Davis

Fire Management CapeNature Zane Erasmus

Invasive Aliens CapeNature Fanie Bekker/ Louise Stafford/ Dean Impson

Estuaries CapeNature Kas Hamman

Wetlands SANBI/ DWAF Mandy Noffke/ Naomi Fourie

244 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006) complement and reinforce one another. The co-ordination structures of the programme assist in securing financial and Multiple agency contributions to initiating institutional effort, focusing it on priorities, and then reinforcing this investment and scaling up projects. with further complementary investments. The following are examples of projects where different funders This is attractive to local and interna- have made significant contributions, either sequentially or in a tional partners, and both large and small complementary manner according to their mandates. In each funders, as it ensures that investments case, local implementing agencies have provided co-financing are bolstered by strong institutional sup- and continuity for implementation. port and committed co-financing, and that they form part of integrated strategies with high stakeholder support and Biodiversity and Wine Initiative: BotSoc+ CI + CEPF + Mazda improved chances of sustainability. Wildlife Fund + SA Wine and Brandy + Green Trust

This approach has seen integrated invest- Conservation Stewardship: BotSoc + TMF + CapeNature + ment support the exploration, piloting CEPF + GEF + Malago Foundation and scaling up of novel approaches to conservation, and has facilitated the Baviaanskloof Megareserve: Wilderness Foundation + TMF+ development of innovative partnerships Eastern Cape Development Corporation+ CEPF + Global and new collaborations between previ- Conservation Fund + GEF ously competing actors.

The CCU plays a coordination role for the CEPF’s CFR portfolio, supporting project development and a peer review process. that are material to the objectives of the Over time, and as CEPF has shifted its C.A.P.E. Strategy. Focal areas to date have emphasis to local coordination and gover- included the implementation of manage- nance, the unit has played an increasing ment systems for protected areas, includ- role in guiding CEPF investment in the ing the CFR’s World Heritage Sites, the region. This role has been particularly roll-out of stewardship programmes, and useful, both to the C.A.P.E. Programme the development of tourism strategies and to CEPF. This responsibility has not across the region. come without its challenges, however, and the unit has grappled with the some- (vi) Programme and project times conflicting roles of building part- development nerships and co-operation, and adjudicat- ing investments. A recommendation of the 2005 C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference was that partners, and particularly smaller organisations, Mandy Barnett facilitates a The CCU is one of several locally-based discussion. co-ordination units that support CEPF should be supported to develop their investments globally. It was the first co- capacity to develop and implement ordination unit to be established, and is projects and to secure funding. In the most cost-effective of all. This effi- response to this, the CCU has initiated cient use of resources is partly a result the C.A.P.E. Project Developers’ Forum. of the unit playing a co-ordination role This is an annual forum where people across many dimensions of the pro- who are involved in project development gramme, which results in economies of activities can share their approaches, scale. ideas and challenges and build a supportive community of project developers and funders. The need comes from the fairly (v) Support for learning networks: significant focus on project development the C.A.P.E. Protected Areas Forum across the bioregion, and the levels of In addition to the C.A.P.E. Partners Con- capacity of people who are tasked with C.A.P.E. includes many ference and Fynbos i-Forum (Chapter 7), this responsibility. This forum had its learning networks where the CCU supports the C.A.P.E. Protected first meeting in March 2006, with good partners gather to discuss and Areas Forum (PAF). This bi-annual meet- participation from across the CFR. resolve issues of concern and ing of co-ordinators and staff of project build up technical know-how as well as network of expertise management units and task teams pro- The CCU has also appointed consultants and support. Here Owen motes collaboration across landscape to develop a series of simple tools, in the Henderson arranges ideas initiatives and between institutions. The form of a project development series, to generated by participants. PAF has proved to be a valuable vehicle guide project identification, planning, for looking at cross-institutional issues implementation and monitoring and eval- people making biodiversity work 245 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

uation. The approach will have a strong the communication programme, the CCU emphasis on participatory planning, and plays an important role in coordinating will include guidelines for “trainers” so media briefings around events that are that the technology can be rolled out material to the programme, and in sup- widely across the programme. It is being porting C.A.P.E. partners to do the same. developed in consultation with various funders, including WWF-SA, TMF, DBSA and CEPF. In its efforts to support capac- (viii) Advocacy ity-building for bioregional programmes The CIC and CCU also play important throughout South Africa, the tools that advocacy roles on behalf of the partner- are being developed will be relevant to ship, co-ordinating responses to policy all the bioregional programmes in the and law reform processes, and creating country. links between site-based initiatives and the political structures that are needed to (vii) Communication support them. A recent ministerial visit to the Sandveld area is an example of this Since the start of C.A.P.E. approach, where the convening power of Programme implementa- C.A.P.E. resulted in a high-level delega- tion, a communication tion to address mounting concern about strategy has guided the land-uses in the area. programme. This included the development of a The Sandveld area, 160 km north of Cape programme brand with Town, is the most threatened of all areas policies and guidelines in the GCBC. Agriculture is the dominant for production of com- employer in the broader GCBC, and the munication messages and main economic activities in the area are materials that were associ- potato farming, rooibos tea cultivation, ated with the programme. fishing and tourism. In the Sandveld, These guidelines have there are a number of economic and C.A.P.E. has enabled partners been used to support the resource utilisation factors that appear to to associate within an development of a collection of brochures be compromising the sustainability of the overall C.A.P.E. Partnership and publications that publicise the dominant potato and rooibos tea farming brand—this is an example of activities of C.A.P.E. partners, and provide a C.A.P.E. Brochure that links sectors. a programme with the overall them with an “umbrella” brand within partnership. which the individual partners continue to operate as independent entities. 8.3 Measuring progress

The C.A.P.E. Website www. The C.A.P.E. website is a cornerstone of (i) Towards an overarching capeaction.org.za is set to the programme’s communication strategy. system for monitoring and become the portal of the In addition to background and contextual evaluation C.A.P.E. Fynbos i-Forum. A bi- monthly electronic newsletter information about the programme, the everal monitoring and evaluation (C.A.P.E. e-News) is sent website lists all implementation partners (M&E) mechanisms are already to over 2000 stakeholders, and their contact details. It includes Sin place for measuring progress informing them of news, a complete database of projects that towards some of the stated objectives of innovations, upcoming or past receive funding from CEPF, TMF or other the C.A.P.E. Programme. events, consulting and jobs. donors, and a complete data- These include: base of C.A.P.E.  The Fynbos Forum, which has become stakeholders. an important annual “State of the It also contains C.A.P.E.” review mechanism; useful information about  The annual C.A.P.E. Partners’ Confer- employment ence, which ensures that the emergent and consulting insights and lessons learned from opportunities, a implementation are translated into library with rel- recommendations for the further evant documents adaptation and roll-out of the pro- and an archive gramme under the supervision of the of C.A.P.E. e- CIC; News stories.  Project level M&E systems for various Although not a projects, including the programme’s high profile of GEF projects; 246 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

Through the C.A.P.E. partnership, the Sandveld Task Team was able to host a Ministerial visit to the area, the aim of which was to expose the Ministries of Environment and Development Planning and Agriculture to the natural resource utilization issues of the area, and to agree on a course of action that will support the interests of local stakeholders and the broader community.

Minister Tasneem Essop accompanied departmental officials on a visit to the West Coast Sandveld, where it was agreed that an action plan was urgently required. Here children from the Cederberg ensure that the minister knows about their priorities.

 An M&E system for the CEPF invest- the CFR’s biodiversity, or in contributing ment. to its socio-economic objectives, but early signs seem to suggest that the partnership To complement these somewhat frag- is delivering on some of its intentions: mented systems, and to support the  Local co-ordination mechanisms that overall ongoing appraisal of the imple- were established by the programme mentation of the C.A.P.E. strategy, the Minister Essop provided a cake to are becoming valuable governance programme is currently investing in celebrate the launch of the Provincial and communication mechanisms for the development of an integrated M&E Spatial Development Framework. a range of activities in their planning system. This system will measure the domains. progress of the strategy towards its 2020 objectives, and will integrate its biodiver-  The programme has catalysed the sity and socio-economic objectives. involvement of a broader range and greater number of stakeholders than Clients of the emerging C.A.P.E. M&E ever before. It has resulted in new system include political leaders, partner partnerships that bridge the gaps agencies, donors and project imple- between government, civil society and menters. It will link to national and the private sector. This is building a international monitoring and reporting community of diverse project imple- frameworks, and will provide a feedback menters across the region, with lay- mechanism to implementers, allowing ered and complementary investments for adaptive management and the refine- in priority areas. ment of activities in response to emerging  Biome-wide co-ordination mecha- properties of the programme. Importantly, nisms have triggered policy and it will provide a barometer of the progress institutional responses: CapeNature of partnership and its impact. The first has adapted its strategy so that it is evaluation of the programme using this completely aligned with the C.A.P.E. system is planned for June 2007. Programme; DEA&DP is investing in an “Environmental Economy” pro- (ii) Impact gramme; policies that take account of The C.A.P.E. Programme has an explicit the critical biodiversity of the region purpose of conserving biodiversity and have been developed to control resort sustaining benefits to society. It is too development; and new legislation has early to judge conclusively the success of been promulgated that responds to the the partnership in reversing the decline of need for a policy framework to safe- people making biodiversity work 247 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

guard biodiversity within the context have been adopted by CEPF in other of the socio-economic priorities of the global hotspots. This includes sup- country. port for locally based co-ordination units in all hotspots that are receiv-  Across the programme and the CFR, ing CEPF support, and support for and outside the formal meetings and regional meetings along the lines of workshops, there are signs that a new the C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference as a culture of co-operation is emerging. means of bringing all implementation This is evident in the work of the partners together. For example, the Sandveld task team; the “one stop SKEP programme, which is also sup- shop” that is being piloted on the ported by CEPF, held its first meeting Agulhas Plain; the co-ordinated appli- in May 2006. cation of area-wide farm planning; and progress with the province’s Cul- Key success factors include: tivation MoU.  A common vision and implementation Further, the C.A.P.E. Programme is pio- strategy that is agreed to by institu- neering approaches to co-ordination that tions whose co-operation is required, are being adopted and adapted by initia- and that is consistent with national tives with similar co-ordination objec- biodiversity and development priori- tives: ties: i.e. one inclusive, integrated plan that is supported by all actors;  Approaches to conservation planning  that were initiated in C.A.P.E. have The preparation of a clear programme been improved upon, and applied in of action, with dedicated roles and other South African bioregional pro- responsibilities among C.A.P.E. Part- grammes; ners;   The Eastern Cape Implementing Com- An implementation plan that focuses mittee (ECIC) was able to develop an on threats and challenges, but is also MoU similar to that of the C.A.P.E. responsive to emerging opportunities; A wide range of stakeholders MoU, drawing largely on the institu-  The identification and proactive is involved in meetings like the C.A.P.E. Partners’ tional willingness that had been cre- development of important policies Conference. ated through the development of the and legislation that resonate with C.A.P.E. MoU; social priorities and reforms;  Several approaches that were initi-  The engagement of implementing ated by the C.A.P.E. Programme agencies at all levels in a non-threat- 248 people making biodiversity work SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

ening co-ordination mechanism that allows for peer review, analysis and discussion, as well as the celebration of successful initiatives and an honest appraisal of less successful ones;  The identification of institutional and community champions, who are prepared to undertake leadership roles and to work across institutional boundaries in a spirit of co-operation;  The use of catalytic funding, which leverages additional co-financing and in-kind support and commitment, and the co-ordination of investment to heo Tolmay brings his experience as a town priorities; T planner to bear on one of the most influential  Fair and effective systems of gover- portfolios in the Western Cape provincial admin- It was possible to achieve the nance and accountability that are istration. As Head of the Dept of Environmental signing of the Eastern Cape decentralized to the sub-regional Affairs and Developmental Planning, the planning Bioregional Programmes MoU in 2005 drawing together all of levels; and decision-making processes of the province fall the influential partners in the squarely in his court. Involved in the C.A.P.E.  A combination of top-down and bot- Eastern Cape. programme from the start, Theo has ensured that tom-up approaches that allow for the Provincial Spatial Development Framework alignment with the C.A.P.E. Strategy The C.A.P.E. Co-ordination has been put in place along with many other impor- as well as with stakeholder needs; Unit consists of (front left tant forward planning and decision-making policy to right) Trevor Sandwith  An implementation programme that and regulatory instruments. Under his leadership (Co-ordinator), Monique targets the enabling environment and that of his colleagues Rudi Ellis, Dipolelo Elf- Damons (Project intern), and while supporting sub-regional and ord, Chris Rabie, Dawie Kruger, Mark Gordon and Samantha Court (Financial Manager) as well as (back left site-level initiatives, and that is flex- Tony Barnes have promoted not only a sustainable to right) Fumanekile Wisani ible and responsive to opportunities development agenda for the province, but the means (communications intern), and challenges. to make it work in practice. Mandy Barnett (Programme Developer) and Asiza Parker (Project Developer).

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The C.A.P.E. Programme is an interplay of organisations and individuals with the imperatives of a strategy that sets goals and invites participation. One of the strengths of a co-ordinated programme is that there is an opportunity to reflect on progress, experiences, successes and failures and to share the insights of these lessons across and beyond the partnership. This is one of the purposes of this book, which is essentially a collection of stories captured from the people and projects that make up the C.A.P.E. Programme. In this Chapter, some of the most important insights, lessons and perspectives are highlighted. It is not comprehensive and nor is it authoritative. At worst, it should be regarded as an opportunity for criticism. At best, it should be regarded as a series of talking points, that the C.A.P.E. Implementation Partners will notice, respond to, incorporate into their thinking for the road ahead. As the C.A.P.E. Programme moves towards more formal reviews of progress, it will provide a checklist of issues that projects have generated that will stimulate discussion and adaptation. The perspectives raised have been organised in terms of the three overall objectives of the C.A.P.E. Strategy outlined in Chapter 1. Each C.A.P.E. Partners’ Conference has similarly derived lessons that have been couched as recommendations for the future implementation of the programme. A summary of these recommendations should be read in conjunction with the following perspectives (Appendix 3). CHAPTER9 Looking ahead hat we do in conservation achieves our conservation targets but how we do it achieves our social and economic goals. W —Trevor Sandwith, C.A.P.E. Coordinator

A summary of the C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy Themes Strategic Components 1. Conserving biodiversity in priority areas. Strengthening on-and off-reserve conservation  Supporting bioregional planning

2. Using resources sustainably.  Conserving biodiversity and natural resources in catchments  Improving the sustainability of harvesting  Promoting sustainable nature-based tourism

3. Strengthening institutions and governance. Strengthening institutions  Enhancing cooperative governance  Promoting community involvement

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A summary of the C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy Themes Strategic Components 1. Conserving biodiversity in priority areas. Strengthening on-and off-reserve conservation  Supporting bioregional planning

9.1 Conserving biodiversity in priority areas What have we learned about protected areas? Learning about conservation planning

 Systematic conservation planning requires the conservation of both a representative sample of species and their habitats (biodiversity pattern), as well as ecological and evolutionary processes. In species-rich regions, reservation targets may far exceed the minimum of 10% recommended by the IUCN.  Conservation planning incorporates both the establishment of protected areas as well as the sustainable management of biodiversity in the production landscape.  Both broad-scale (1:250 000) and fine-scale (1:50 000 or finer) planning are required in order to inform land-use planning and decision-making.  Geographic information systems (GIS) and fine-scale maps are essential tools for effective land-use planning by municipalities, and need to be able to be delimited at municipal boundaries.  Most land-use planners and decision-makers in local authorities require capacity-building and support to use these technologies and interpret spatial products effectively.  Every conservation plan must be backed up with an operational framework for implementation. Imple- menting agencies and interested stakeholders should be involved in the conservation planning process in a way that addresses their needs and interests.

Learning about conservation management

 Managing landscape-level conservation projects, such as mega-reserves and biodiversity corridors, is complex and challenging. Adaptive management enables the management unit to keep focusing on their objectives while remaining responsive to opportunities.  South Africa has impressive environmental legislation and regulations, but in order to put policy into practice this must be backed up by education and enforcement.  In some cases, laws and regulations provide disincentives for individuals and organisations to act in environmentally responsible ways.  Government agencies must invest in more effective extension services (e.g. conservation stewardship, agriculture and LandCare officers, and municipal environmental officers). Extension work is complex, both technically and socially, and should be the responsibility of skilled, experienced people, and not delegated to junior staff members.

 When addressing issues like illegal poaching, it is necessary to take an holistic view of the problem; provide educational programmes, invest in the creation of alternative livelihoods to provide employment and address poverty, and strictly enforce regulations.

 While a great deal of work has been done to remove invasive alien plants in the fynbos biome, more attention needs to be paid to ecological restoration.

 Protected areas in the Cape Floristic Region have yet to develop flagship responsible tourism operations that truly enhance the financial sustainability of these protected areas and benefit surrounding communities. One problem is that the current regulatory environment constrains opportunities for public-private partnerships.

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What have we learned about conservation stewardship? Learning about stewardship

 Many land owners are keen to conserve biodiversity on their properties, as demonstrated by the Land- Care and Stewardship projects; however they need information and advice to spark their interest and support their efforts.  Land-use decisions must be pragmatic; farmers will not move away from agriculture in order to embrace ecotourism, but will consider diversification if it results in tangible economic benefits.  LandCare and Conservation Stewardship have many goals in common, providing opportunities for nature conservation and agriculture departments to work together and support each other.  In order to encourage land owners to participate in the Conservation Stewardship programme, a range of options rather than “either / or” choices are necessary.  Researchers, extension officers and conservation managers need to communicate effectively (and hum- bly) with land owners. Equal learning partnerships contribute to respectful, effective communication.  Programmes like LandCare and Conservation Stewardship can both strengthen and benefit from frameworks and programmes like spatial development frameworks and integrated development plans that are striving for sustainable development.  Social and professional networks are extremely influential. Ideas like conservation farming and sustainable agriculture are more likely to be adopted in an area once they have been approved by influential peers.

A summary of the C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy Themes Strategic Components 2. Using resources sustainably.  Conserving biodiversity and natural resources in catchments  Improving the sustainability of harvesting  Promoting sustainable nature-based tourism

9.2 Using resources sustainably What have we learned about catchment management? Learning about poverty relief projects

 Poverty relief projects require implementing agencies to invest considerable time and resources in project management and administration. This responsibility should leverage existing capacity and resources and should not compromise the ability of staff to carry out their core functions.  Organisations involved in poverty relief projects in an area should ensure that they offer similar conditions of employment (e.g. different daily rates or services); organisations that offer higher wages or more perks undermine projects that cannot afford to do so.  Poverty relief projects require ongoing monitoring and evaluation on a variety of levels, from ensuring that the programme benefits the most needy members of the community, to demonstrating that operational targets are being met.  Poverty relief projects may help organisations to achieve certain labour-intensive projects, but they generally do not contribute to stable employment in neighbouring communities.  Poverty relief programmes provide a temporary lifeline for the most needy and vulnerable people in our communities. Agencies that disburse poverty relief funds must ensure that they have the necessary capacity and commitment in order that the needs of the poor are not compromised; administrative processes must enable and not undermine the implementation of poverty relief programmes.

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 Where possible, conservation agencies should become engaged in poverty relief programmes that leverage their conservation-specific skills and capacities, and where opportunities for advancement of entrants can be identified.

What have we learned about the biodiversity economy? Learning about biodiversity-based businesses

 Biodiversity business partnerships should not be entered into lightly. It is important that the different stakeholders should both understand and value the principle of sustainability and its social, ecological and economic goals.  In general, the conservation sector lacks people with business skills who can engage effectively with commerce and industry.  Working with industry structures is both more efficient and more effective than trying to work with individual businesses.  Most industries have sustainability programmes (e.g. ISO 14 001; green labelling), which provide opportunities for conservation initiatives to engage with them.  There is a need to be realistic in terms of the financial benefits that biodiversity can generate, and avoid trying to achieve too many goals through one project (e.g. conservation, income-generation, BEE, social upliftment, capacity development, etc.).

A summary of the C.A.P.E. 2000 Strategy Themes Strategic Components 3. Strengthening institutions and gover-  Strengthening institutions nance.  Enhancing cooperative governance  Promoting community involvement

9.3 Strengthening institutions and governance What have we learned about strengthening institutions? Learning about planning and developing activities

 Each project or component of the programme must adopt a clear strategy and goals to provide direction and enable monitoring and evaluation, while at the same time remaining open to emergent outcomes and adaptation to what is learned.  In a context of rapid change and limited resources, agility and flexibility in implementation is essential.  It is better to set realistic, achievable goals than to make impressive-sounding promises that cannot be kept. Pilot activities should be recognised and specific plans for taking to scale should be identified.  As large projects often take a long time to negotiate and get started, it is important to identify smaller, short-term activities to maintain interest among stakeholders, and to couple planning with implementation. A small grants fund is an important mechanism in this regard.  While projects from other places can inspire and teach us a great deal, they cannot simply be transferred to a different context; considerable adaptation may be required for projects to work in different ecological and social settings.  There is no shortage of innovative projects in the region. The challenge is for short-term catalytic projects to develop exit strategies that institutionalise the innovations so that they can be sustained. Steps should be taken immediately to secure institutional commitment to maintaining relevant short-term interventions and maintain impetus (e.g. stewardship).

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 Integrating activities of different tiers and sectors of government can strengthen implementation (e.g. LandCare’s Area-wide Planning together with conservation planning can strengthen the local IDP process).  Co-ordination mechanisms have enabled implementing agencies to participate in non-threatening processes of peer review.  Reporting to funders through the CCU has created an opportunity to reflect on and analyse lessons learned and to capture and disseminate insights widely within and between programmes.

Learning about partnerships

 Most of the C.A.P.E. Partners recognise that effective partnerships are vital to the success and sustainability of their activities. However, it is important to admit that, unless there are clear mutual benefits, there is no real partnership, and it is unlikely to be sustained when other priorities materialise or the partnership is put under pressure.  Partnerships are very easy to form but if they are to be sustained it is necessary to define roles and responsibilities clearly and to continue working at the relationship. A lack of clarity of purpose and responsibility can eventually destroy a partnership.  Partnerships require that individual organisations defer to the interests of the collective and value co- operation over competition.  Within C.A.P.E., many projects require the co-operation of a number of organisations. Individuals tasked with responsibilities must be accountable so that these multi-stakeholder processes are not undermined. Calling organisations to account should be in a non-confrontational process, often brokered by a third party.

 It is advisable to work in partnership with existing organisations and networks, rather than to try to establish new structures that will be difficult to sustain.

 Broadening participation not only generates numerous ideas and opportunities, but also enhances co- operation and ownership. Partners must be involved from as early as possible and participate in shaping the project or programme and therefore taking responsibility for it.

 Partnership projects (e.g. conservancies, community development projects) can be complicated. They take time to establish and require wise facilitation; rushing the process can undermine it entirely.

 The C.A.P.E. Programme has strengthened partnerships in the region, and enabled the sharing of information and expertise to the benefit of organisations and the environment. In some cases, where processes have been stalled for years, the neutral presence of the C.A.P.E. Programme has enabled consensus on a way forward.

Learning about capacity-building

 The success and sustainability of initiatives relies on the existence of significant capacity at a local level, including technical and administrative / managerial skills. In general, C.A.P.E. has found that capacity to initiate and plan new projects is limited; the CCU is therefore focusing on building project development skills.

 Within a context where skills are limited, effective project staff are quickly promoted into more senior positions. Succession planning and capacity-building are required in order to maintain operational capacity while enabling more experienced people to move into leadership positions. Programme partners must invest in mentorship and succession planning.

 Targeted support for capacity-building has proved to be extremely powerful, especially when individuals, organisations and relevant capacity-development processes are well-matched. The investment though has been insufficient and must be scaled up.

 Short courses are no substitute for longer term, in-depth education and training opportunities and internships; however, internship programmes are very demanding and should not be entered into lightly.

 High levels of bureaucracy and low levels of efficiency have undermined the potential of the SETAs to enable environmental agencies to offer accredited training, even though there is a high demand for these programmes.

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 Within the C.A.P.E. Programme, a sizeable web of biodiversity-related employment opportunities has developed, enhancing mobility within the sector. Ways must be found to ensure stable employment and career development, without undermining programme effectiveness through “job-hopping”.

Learning about funding and financial sustainability

 C.A.P.E. provides a focal point to enable funders and funding agencies to disburse funds for biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood development more strategically and appropriately. Encouraging even closer collaboration between agencies can help to streamline decision-making, use resources more wisely and make the funding process more efficient.  The C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Unit can help to engender confidence among potential donors regarding the risks of investment, and even shield implementing agencies from very laborious project development procedures where relationships and experience with fund-raisers by the CCU can be brought to bear.  C.A.P.E. has identified priority areas, such as the biodiversity corridors, within which a number of projects are taking place. Focusing funding in areas where there is a “critical mass” of activities makes investment in projects less risky.  Much of the funding allocated through the C.A.P.E. Programme has had a catalytic effect, serving to leverage additional co-financing and in-kind support and commitment for activities.  While donor funding can enable special projects, there is no substitute for core funding. Without adequate staffing and core funding, fulfilling the reporting requirements of donors can put strain on an organisation. In addition, delays in receiving funding for projects can put severe strain on organisations.  Funders can be highly effective if they view their role as a project partner rather than simply as donors. Projects can benefit from the skills and insights of funders.  One of the shortcomings of the C.A.P.E. funding strategy has been inadequate small-grant funding. This has made it difficult for new partners to enter the programme, with the result that some parts of the original strategy have not yet been addressed. Ideally, a funding agency like the Table Mountain Fund should fulfil this function, increasing the total value of grants provided each year through growth in the capital fund.

Learning about knowledge networking

 Informal, open networks such as the Fynbos Forum, the Protected Areas Forum and EE Friends, have served to encourage participation, make information accessible and stimulate innovation in the region. Programme partners should identify the factors leading to this success for application in the broadening of networks.  Willingness to participate in a knowledge network develops as the benefits of working together become clear.  Aligning an organisation’s information systems to the standards of the knowledge network enables access to and use of information generated by all partner organisations.  Making information accessible requires both technology and presentation of the information in a readable, user-friendly format, where possible supported by contact with experts in the partnership.  Making information freely available, rather than seeing it as a commodity to be sold, is what enables a knowledge network to thrive. As partners benefit from receiving information freely, they are more likely to make their information available, thus enabling a free flow of information.

What have we learned about promoting community involvement? Learning about community participation  Regional community-based projects involving volunteers (e.g. biodiversity monitoring, alien clearing) are most effective when a committed co-ordinator or project management team works with a network of champions, each of whom takes responsibility for a local cluster.  It is important to recognise what motivates volunteers and to provide these incentives (e.g. opportunities to learn; regular feedback; recognition).  Working in a biologically diverse region makes community-based biodiversity monitoring potentially

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difficult. Training and user-friendly materials and protocols are essential if monitors are to collect useful data.  Good communication between citizen groups and the relevant conservation authorities is vital, and project managers should ensure that systems are in place to facilitate this contact.  Both real and virtual networks are contributing greatly to information sharing, co-operation, capacity- building and innovation in the region.  Most of the C.A.P.E. projects have been inspired and enabled by true champions - the “fynmense” whose vision, passion and commitment catalyse action in the region. The challenge is to ensure that these initiatives are sustained, and this generally means securing an institutional home for projects, innovations and the “champions”.

Learning about environmental education processes

 The new curriculum provides numerous opportunities for learning about and taking action to address biodiversity issues. Many conservation agencies, having decided that environmental education was not “core business” have lost capacity in this field and are no longer able to engage effectively with teachers and learners.  Many teachers lack knowledge of their local environments and the skills and confidence to involve learners in active environmental learning (even though this is now required by the curriculum). Conser- vation agencies have an important role to play in helping to build the capacity and confidence of educators in this regard.  The high levels of biodiversity in the Cape Floristic Region call for the development of site-specific resource materials that will enable people to engage with their local environments.  The biodiversity sector offers many opportunities for “learning through doing”, which is a more positive and effective educational approach than the more conventional “message transfer” approaches, which tend to leave people feeling anxious and disempowered.  Environmental education, which develops both environmental literacy and action competence, is an essential part of the overall strategy to conserve biodiversity and develop sustainable livelihoods in the Cape Floristic Region. However, disinvestment in the field by a number of conservation agencies has resulted in a decline in capacity, particularly outside major cities and towns. It is incumbent on the C.A.P.E. signatory organisations to reinvest in their environmental education capacity in order to strengthen this element of the C.A.P.E. Strategy.  Current biodiversity research and conservation management practices need to inform environmental education processes more closely in order for environmental educators to make a meaningful contribution to biodiversity conservation in the Cape Floristic Region.

What have we learned about enhancing co-operative governance? Learning about programme coordination

 Developing the C.A.P.E. Strategy through a solid stakeholder process laid a firm foundation for what followed. The C.A.P.E. MoU and the C.A.P.E. Conference in 2000 promoted buy-in and ownership by partners that has enabled implementation ever since.  The C.A.P.E. Strategy remains the founding document of the C.A.P.E. Programme and signatories are very reluctant to amend it. Although the means to achieving the goals may change, the goals themselves remain as a powerful statement of intent of the C.A.P.E. Partners.  The C.A.P.E. Strategy and Action Plan were developed prior to the drafting of the National Environmen- tal Management: Biodiversity Act. The programme may have outgrown its interim governance arrangements and now needs to integrate these arrangements into the current legal frameworks.  Initially, one of the C.A.P.E. partner organisations was going to act as the lead agency; this did not tran- spire and in fact no provision had been made in the strategy or budgets for an independent co-ordination function. The C.A.P.E. Coordination Unit (CCU) has proved to be the most cost-effective such unit funded by the CEPF in its global portfolio.  Although hosted by SANBI and in accordance with its governance framework, the CCU operates inde-

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pendently, reporting to the C.A.P.E. Implementing Committee on matters of programme policy and priority. The unit is not encumbered by allegiances and can act as an “honest broker” among the partners without fear of favour. Being accountable to all C.A.P.E. Partners has also resulted in a heightened the sense of responsibility.  Demands of programme co-ordination and mobilising involvement by stakeholders leave the CCU little time for substantive technical work that the C.A.P.E. Programme requires, or for getting involved in the details of partner projects. The choice is either to scale back the functions of the CCU, employ more staff, or seek support from partner organisations.  The CCU has had to strike a balance between ensuring that projects contribute to the overall goals of the C.A.P.E. Programme, while not stifling innovation by trying to control projects too tightly.  With its limited resources, the CCU has elected to focus most attention on supporting the immediate C.A.P.E. Programme stakeholders, rather than spending precious resources on a broad-scale public awareness campaign. This choice has been informed by the desire to build a sound reputation based on solid delivery. 9.4 Concluding remarks

These observations and insights are part of the developing understanding of the way in which the implementation of C.A.P.E. is progressing. Together with the insights and recommendations of the C.A.P.E. Part- ners’ Conference, it is proposed that this knowledge be nurtured in the growing learning network that is C.A.P.E. In particular, it is intended that it form the core of the Fynbos i-forum.

Your comments and involvement are welcome, in any of the following ways:

Visit the website www.capeaction.org.za Send an e-mail to: [email protected] Write to: C.A.P.E. Private Bag X7 Claremont 7735

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Acknowledgements

Our grateful thanks are due to all of those who provided information, text or photographs for this book. In particular, we would like to thank all of the partner organisations of C.A.P.E. whose stories are reflected here, who provided information and insights and who reviewed Chapter and Section drafts. Specific contributions are listed below. We apologise for errors and omissions and invite further input and comment, which should be addressed to [email protected].

We would also like to thank Penny Waterkeyn who designed the collages and chapter title pages, Linette Fer- reira who provided the pen and ink drawings, Emsie du Plessis and Louisa Liebenberg who provided critical comment on layout, Jan Verboom for the photography of the beaded flowers and Margaret Sandwith for proof-reading and assistance with image selection.

In particular our grateful thanks are due to Sandra Turck who undertook the design and layout and who has created an attractive, engaging and readable product. Elizma Fouché undertook the layout of the Appendi- ces.

Samantha Court and Monique Damons provided support from the C.A.P.E. Co-ordination Unit.

The work was made possible by the generous contributions of C.A.P.E. Programme Partners, as well as grant funding from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, Global Environmental Facility through the World Bank and United Nations Development Programme, Table Mountain Fund, Green Trust and Mazda Wildlife Fund. The World Bank contributed generously to the publication and printing costs.

The support of Professor Brian Huntley, Kristal Maze and the staff of the South African National Biodiver- sity Institute is gratefully acknowledged.

Contributors to the text

Chapter 1: Introducing C.A.P.E.

Trevor Sandwith

Chapter 2: Unleashing the Potential of Protected Areas

2.1 What’s the issue?: Ally Ashwell 2.2 Consolidating the Table Mountain National Park: Mike Slayen, Fiona Kalk, Robin Adams, Xola Mkefe, Mbali Mthethwa, Pixie Littlewort 2.3 Lowland conservation in the City of Cape Town: Tania Katzschner, George Davis, Tanya Goldman, Zwai Peter, Willie Leith, Adelé Pretorius, Clifford Dorse, Joanne Jackson, Dalton Gibbs, Joy Bennett, James Forsyth, Prof. Dennis Davey, Michelle Preen, Joanne Eastman 2.4 Nelson MMM: Warrick Stewart, Deryk Langman, Eldrid Uithaler 2.5 Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor: Jaco Venter, Adrie Koch, Sean Ranger, Charl du Plessis, Kobie Hanekom 2.6 Baviaanskloof: Matthew Norval, Eleanor MacGregor, Colyn Scheltema, Carol Marsh, Linden Booth, John and Karen Kirkman, Lisa Lotter 2.7 Gouritz: Jan Vlok, Susan Botha, Marina Eilers, Ivan Donian 2.8 Garden Route Initiative: Andrew Brown, Pam Booth, Joan Berning, Elbie Burger, Colleen Simons, Angela Conway, Yvette van Wijk 2.9 Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative: Tertius Carinus, Hennis Germishuys, Gail Cleaver 2.10 Biosphere reserves: Ruida Stanvliet, Mark Johns, Donne Murray, Berchtwald Röde

Chapter 3: Managing Watersheds Wisely

3.1 Caring for rivers and wetlands (i) Working for Wetlands: Mandy Noffke, John Dini, Ivan Groenhof, Richard Erskine (ii) River Health Programme: Toni Belcher, Chantalle Petersen (iii) Wetlands Forum: Mandy Noffke, George Davis (iv) Catchment Management Agencies: Willie Enright people making biodiversity work 261 SANBI Biodiversity Series 4 (2006)

(v) Knysna Rastafarian Trail: Peet Joubert

3.2 Dealing with invasive alien plants: (i) Working for Water: Christo Marais (ii) TMNP: Herman Jungbauer (iii) Ukuvuka: Sandra Fowkes (iv) P.R.O.T.E.A.: Monique van Wyk (v) Adopt-A-Plot: Sandy Barnes (vi) Sandberg Fynbos Reserve: William Stafford and Gerhard van Deventer

Chapter 4: Conservation Stewardship

4.1 Conservation Stewardship – involving private landowners (i) Conservation stewardship pilot project: Chris Martens, Mark Botha, Sue Winter (ii) The first stewardship champions: Kerry Delahunt (iii) WCCSA: Stephen Smuts, Liz Eglington (iv) Slanghoek: Rudolph Röscher (v) St. Francis: Brian Reeves, Elizabeth Rautenbach

4.2 Monitoring Biodiversity – mobilising civil society action (i) Baboon Monitors: Jenni Trethowan (ii) Beginning with birds: Donella Young (iii) Monitoring the slimay and the scaly: Daphne du Toit (iv) Protea Atlas Project: Tony Rebelo (v) CREW: Ismail Ebrahim, Domitilla Raimondo (vi) Monitoring freshwater fish: Dean Impson (vii) Adopt a Beach: Patrick Dowling (viii) Sustaining coastal environments: Aaniyah Omardien, Deon Nel, Wally Petersen, Craig Spencer

Chapter 5: Building the Biodiversity Economy

5.1 Valuing the CFR: Ally Ashwell

5.2 Making agriculture more sustainable (i) LandCare Area-wide Planning: Francis Steyn (ii) Heiveld Co-operative: Noel Oettlé (ii) Conservation Farming: John Donaldson

5.3 A focus on flowers (i) Flower Valley: Lesley Richardson (ii) Grootbos: Sean Privett (iii) Green Futures: Sean Privett (iv) Biodiversity and Wine: Sue Winter, Tony Hansen

5.4 Towards sustainable tourism (i) Open Africa: Georgie Nelson, Hardus Botha (ii) Nieuwoudtville Tourism Charette: Tessa Mildenhall, Sarah Frazee, Bettina Koelle (iii) Cape Nature Commercial: Adnaan Abrahams

Chapter 6: Supporting Conservation Education

6.1 A long tradition and a vibrant programme: (i) Biodiversity conservaiont and education in the CFR: Ally Ashwell, Martin Hendricks, Rhian Berning, Lindie Buirski (ii) The C.A.P.E. Conservation Education programme: Ally Ashwell, Jayne Coleman

6.2 The Children of C.A.P.E. (i) City of Cape Town Nature Reserves: Ally Ashwell, Julia Wood, Hestelle Melville, Erika Foot and Andreas Groenewald (ii) Nature’s Valley Trust: Julie Carlisle

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6.3 Working with the educators (i) Ushering in the UNDESD: Ally Ashwell and Lindi Buirski (ii) Table Mountain National Park: Ally Ashwell and Christa Botha (iii) SEED: Kirsten Zsilavecz (iv) Kirstenbosch Gold Fields Environmental Education Centre: Roleen Ellman (v) Garden Route: Lorraine McGibbon

6.4 Youth development: Trevor Farr

Chapter 7: Strengthening Institutions

7.1 An enabling policy context for C.A.P.E.: Trevor Sandwith 7.2 Establishing C.A.P.E.: Trevor Sandwith 7.3 A focus on C.A.P.E. Partners: Trevor Sandwith 7.4 First steps towards building capacity (i) TMF: CBP: Rodney February, Julia Wood (ii) Putting plans to work: Mandy Driver, Nancy Job

7.5 Information management (i) BGIS: Selwyn Willoughby (ii) Fine scale planning: Kerry te Roller (iii) Wetland inventory: Colleen Seymour

7.6 Knowledge-networking: Trevor Sandwith 7.7 Finding funding: Trevor Sandwith

Chapter 8: Co-ordinating C.A.P.E.

Mandy Barnett; Trevor Sandwith

Chapter 9: Thinking ahead

Ally Ashwell, Trevor Sandwith and Mandy Barnett

Appendices and photograph collation

Aziza Parker, Fumanekile Wisani

Contributors to the photographs

Grateful thanks are due to the many participants in the programme that supplied photographs for use in this book. These include the following contributors. We apologise if photos supplied by programme partners have not been properly acknowledged, and request you to bring any omissions to our attention.

Ally Ashwell; Amida Johns; Amrei van Hase; Bettina Koelle; BGIS; Biodiversity and Wine Initiative; Blaauwberg Conservation Area; Brian Reeves; Bruce Sutherland; Cameron McMaster; CapeNature; Caroline Nicou; Charl du Ples- sis; Cherry Giljam; City of Cape Town; Clement Cupido; Clifford Dorse; Colin Attwood; Colin Patterson-Jones; Craig Spencer; CREW; Dalton Gibbs; David Rogers; Dean Impson; Dept of Environmental Affairs and Tourism; Donella Young; Eureta Rosenberg; Flower Valley Conservation Trust; Francis Steyn; Friends of Die Oog; Friends of Rondebosch Common; Friends of Tokai; Fumanekile Wisani; Gabbi Jonker; Gavin Oliver; Geoff Spiby; Gerhard van Deventer; Gold- fields Environment Education Centre; Green Futures; Grootbos Nature Reserve; Guardians of the Garden Route; Ismael Ebrahim; Jaco Venter; Jan Vlok; Jay Cowan; Jenni Trethowan/Baboon Monitors; Joanne Eastmann; Joanne Jackson; John Donaldson; Juan Pablo Moreiras; Julie Carlisle; Karen Kirkman; KEAG; Kirsten Zsilavecz; Kobie Hanekom; Lam- bert Smith; LandCare; Lesley Richardson; Mandy Noffke ; Mark Wing; Marylou Newdigate; Mike Powell; Nancy Job; Nature’s Valley Trust; Noel Oettlé; Overstrand District Municipality; Patrick Dowling; Peter Chadwick; Peter Pickford; Richard Cowling; River Health Programme; Rodney February; Rondevlei Nature Reserve; Rozelle Theron; Rupert Koop- man; S. Wils; SANBI; Sean Privett; STEP; Sue Matthews; Sue Winter; Table Mountain National Park; Toni Belcher; Trevor Farr; Trevor Sandwith; Ukuvuka; Vergelegen; Wally Peterson; Warrick Stewart; WESSA; West Coast Tourism; Wilderness Foundation; William Stafford; Working for Water; Working on Fire; Xola Mkefe; Yvette van Wijk.

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