G R A B O U W P A R K O F U N I T Y

P R O J E C T P R O P O S A L

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

INTRODUCTION PAGE 3-4 FORESTRY PAGE 5 FYNBOS HARVESTING PAGE 6 BEES PAGE 6 BIRD SANCTUARY PAGE 7 FOREST OF REMEMBERENCE PAGE 8 RECYCLING PLANT PAGE 9 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE & MUSEUM PAGE 10 FYNBOS NURSERY PAGE 11 MOUNTAIN BIKE CROSS COUNTRY COURSE PAGE 12 TRAIL RUNNING PAGE 12 ECO GOLF COURSE PAGE 13 ZIPLINE PAGE 13 CURRENT DIRECTORS & COLLABOTARIONS PAGE 14 PROJECT ESTIMATE PAGE 14 CONCLUSION PAGE 15 ANNEXURE A – DETAILED BUDET

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I N T R O D U C T I O N The Park of Unity is the centerpiece of a community driven initiative to transform Grabouw into a much needed exemplar of the South African liberation promise. Our vision is to create a facility set in an educational park which serves as both the growing medium for, and an engaging public representation of, the successful future which lies ahead for Grabouw. The Park of Unity facilities and impact will enable an achievable common purpose which takes full advantage of the significant economic opportunities presented by our awe- inspiring location as the gateway to the Unesco listed Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Over the last year the many efforts to gauge community needs have been correlated, interpreted and formulated by the Grabouw Beautiful Campaign team into a plan of action which is founded on the Unity Project. Whilst the concept is loosely framed on the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, the Park of Unity Project will focus externally on enabling the sustainable use and preservation of the surrounding Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and related Buffer-and Agricultural Zones in a captivating and galvanising demonstration of the Unesco “Man and Biosphere” concept. We are fortunate to have many economic development opportunities which are by their nature intertwined with the wellbeing of our greatest asset – the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve – including eco and outward bound tourism, education, forestry, fynbos harvesting, alternative energy generation, retirement provisioning, food production and processing. Once realised through focussed local skills development and investment, these various potential business streams will drive the upliftment and regeneration of Grabouw and its environs and the creation of viable long term employment opportunities for its residents. A virtuous circle of enlightened self-interest. The Park of Unity Project will also facilitate related initiatives, including a new Community Retail Centre with easy access to the majority of Grabouw‟s residents; the Klein Begin Skills Development Centre; a Sports facility; the re-organising and re- energising of Grabouw‟s Transport System; a Town Renewal and Riverfront Project. We are humbled to have enlisted wide ranging support for this critical project from many parties including the Development Bank of South Africa, World Wild Life Fund, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cape Nature, University of Stellenbosch, Theewaterskloof Municipality and local businesses. The various project streams listed above which comprise the Grabouw Beautiful Campaign have one common aim – to establish Grabouw as a prime visitor attraction, creating many investment and employment opportunities – with the tourism industry enabled as a major new driving force. In capacitating residents and home grown businesses, we aim to reverse more than two decades of apathy and degeneration. Our incredible journey starts with the Park of Unity Project. Please join us.

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P U R P O S E

P L A N V I E W

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T H E G R A B O U W P A R K O F U N I T Y

Location: Erf 4233 (Grabouw Park of Unity (GPOU) willing receiver) No of Jobs created: GPOU TOTAL: Directly: 300-400 Indirectly: Buffer Zone – 1000s Tourism – 1000‟s to 10 000‟s W O R K

1 F O R E S T R Y No of Jobs created: Directly: 50-100 Indirectly: Buffer Zone – 1000‟s Tourism – 1000‟s Forestry is considered one of the ideal activities in a biosphere buffer zone: it is gentle on the environment; it has low water usage when compared to other activities such as farming; and it is a renewable resource with multiple uses. DAFF (Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries) are re-introducing forestry into Grabouw from 2020. Planting has already begun in some of the „Vecon‟ identified areas. It is a requirement that forestry be community based in future. The GPOU is ideally situated for mentorship and the planting out of trials for the introduction of new species. Species should be non-invasive and fast growing to meet needs such as firewood, poles and construction timber – amongst others.

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2 F Y N B O S H A R V E S T I N G No of Jobs created: Directly: 10 Indirectly: Buffer Zone – 100s Tourism – 1000‟s

Fynbos harvesting was well controlled in the past. This is no longer the case. We would like to run a project similar to Flower Valley in the Bredasdorp district (Leslie Richardson). Corridors of fynbos are planned between the lowlands and the highlands of the forestry trials. This will allow small birds to move freely around the park without being hindered by tall trees. In the buffer zone, controlled Fynbos harvesting will create 100s of job opportunities.

3 B E E S No of Jobs created: Directly: 5 Indirectly: Tourism (undefined)

There are six floral kingdoms on earth. The Cape fynbos is the smallest, but the richest floral kingdom in the world. This floral kingdom is kept alive by its pollinators. Apis mellifera capensis (Cape honeybee) pollinates more than 85% of the fynbos flowers. Without these bees we would lose this floral kingdom. Bees keep it together. They ensure the bio-diversity of the world around us. We have to understand how these bees have adapted to this amazing floral kingdom and what we can do to keep them safe. Bees worldwide are dying at the moment and if A. m. capensis were to die we would lose this race of bee that has evolved over time to survive in this harsh bee environment. Researching them is of great value to ensuring the longevity of our natural world. Accordingly, we would like this to be part of the research that is undertaken at the Park of Unity. (Quoted from Ujubee – Jenny Cullinan)

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4 B I R D S A N C T U A R Y

No of Jobs created: Directly: 5 Indirectly: Tourism – 100‟s

The area around the sewerage works attracts birds. The tall trees along the river banks are also home to many birds – especially the larger predators that appear to have been displaced with the removal of the plantations.

This will be a great facility for the education of adults and children alike and a wonderful introduction for young school children to the impressive wildlife that is so abundant in our valley. A learned respect for nature by young minds is often the foundation of a lifelong dedication to conservation principles.

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5 F O R E S T O F R E M E M B E R E N C E

No of Jobs created: Directly: 10 Indirectly: Tourism (undefined)

Aside from any religious or cultural arguments, we no longer have the space for fields and fields of graveyards. This is a worldwide problem. A Forest of Remembrance, scattering the ashes of our departed loved ones and planting indigenous trees leaves a zero carbon footprint. This also eliminates the contamination of groundwater with embalming chemicals. Millions of litres of formaldehyde are put into the ground around the world each year. With a massive growth in population, which will eventually be translated into burials, we need start to do things differently while we still have a small window of opportunity.

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6 R E C Y C L I N G P L A N T

No of Jobs created: Directly: 20-30 Indirectly: Tourism – 1000‟s When Grabouw is clean Tourism will naturally follow & many thousands of jobs will be created through this industry.

This much needed facility to be set aside alongside the present Transfer Station where recycling will take place. This facility will service the greater Overberg region as there is no such service available on the region.

Waste products will be used to hand-craft retail goods for resale purposes.

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7 I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O N F E R E N C I N G & M U S E U M

No of Jobs created: Directly: 15-20 Indirectly: Tourism – 100‟s

The GPOU will be dealing with issues that affect us locally and globally and as such a Conference Centre to host international workshops and debate is planned. So little is known of our ancient - and recent past. We have some knowledgeable and enthusiastic historians in Grabouw who would like to research, teach and discover the diverse past that has formed us into who we are today. This will be a vital, educational base combined with the conference centre. We would also like to see a section of the Conference Centre dedicated to the research of our natural surroundings and inhabitants.

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8 F Y N B O S & F O R E S T R Y N U R S E R Y

No of Jobs created: Directly: 10 Indirectly: Buffer Zone – 100‟s Tourism – 1000‟s

The nursery section of the GPOU will be used to promote the fynbos of this valley to locals and visitors alike and to educate all. The use of fynbos in the creation of low maintenance gardens will also be encouraged. More importantly, seedbanks will be created to help propagate fynbos in the Buffer Zone for medicinal, decorative and other harvesting purposes.

The nursery will also be used to restore areas where alien vegetation has recently been cleared, reestablishing Fynbos and thus inhibiting further alien invasion.

The forestry section of the nursery will be vital for the return to forestry of this valley and should include species ready for planting out as well as species to be used for trials. A close working relationship with the Forestry Faculty of Stellenbosch is envisaged – with an emphasis on non-invasive hybrids which will include species for multiple uses.

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P L A Y

9 M O U N T A I N B I K E C R O S S C O U N T R Y C O U R S E

No of Jobs created: Directly: 10 Indirectly: Tourism 1 000‟s

The sport of mountain biking is gentle on the environment. Grabouw has become known as South Africa‟s “mecca of mountain biking”. It is therefore appropriate that the Elgin/Grabouw Valley be the host to a top quality international mountain bike (MTB) cross-country course. Cycling as a means of transport and as a sport is being used proactively to improve the lives of all in Grabouw and so the symbolism of having such a facility in the Park of Unity is pertinent.

The tourism potential of the MTB phenomenon has already proved itself in this valley. An international cross-country course, centrally situated and highly visible in the Park of Unity will add a huge new dimension to the tourism potential of the project.

A course has already been designed and could be implemented at short notice. The international TV impact for the Park of Unity could be immense.

10 T R A I L R U N N I N G

No of Jobs created: Directly: 10 Indirectly: Tourism – 1000‟s

Trail Running is one of the biggest growing sports attracting runners from all over the world to this valley. There will also be a Park Run starting at Trail‟s End this coming September / October. The plan is to move this to the Park of Unity as a further sporting drawcard. Participation is free - so there is no reason for anyone in reasonable physical health not to take part.

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11 E C O G O L F C O U R S E No of Jobs created: Directly: 10 Indirectly: Tourism – 100‟s

The Grabouw Community have been in search for a potential site for a golf course for many years. A proposal has been put forward for an eco-friendly golf course in the Park of Unity. The suggested area is below the sewerage works – and following the contour line. The course surface will be planted with Fynbos grasses and the surrounds planted up with indigenous trees. The course will be gravity-watered from the sewerage works‟ recycled water overflow – putting no strain on the town‟s water supply. The golf course will supply a local need as well as attracting visitors from other towns and tourists from further afield.

12 Z I P L I N E No of Jobs created: Directly: 10 Indirectly: Tourism – 100‟s

One of the most impressive aspects of the GPOU will be the aerial view. At the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, the Zipline running above the project has proved very popular. Our biggest tourist attraction in the Grabouw/ Elgin Valley is the Cape Canopy Tour in the Nuweberg Mountain Range. Having a mini-version of this would be wonderful promotion for our valley and a further tourist drawcard to the GPOU.

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C U R R E N T D I R E C T O R S

Dr. Paul Cluver Mawethu Mhlaba Stuart Duncan Maxwell Margaret le Roux Pieter Anthony Silberbauer Joyan Bader Sabelo Lindani

C U R R E N T C O L L A B O R A T O R S

P R O J E C T E S T I M A T E

R 115 000 000.00 Please refer to Annexure „A‟ for the detailed budget estimate.

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C O N C L U S I O N

We can no longer carry on with business as usual. The world has reached its tipping point with man‟s carbon footprint way in excess of what our fragile globe can handle. Africa‟s population is presently around 1bn. It is estimated that it will reach 2bn by the year 2050 – which is alarmingly close. The Grabouw Park of Unity will show Man and Biosphere in a sustainable union, a model that is not only important for research - but essential for man‟s survival on this planet. The GPOU will establish Grabouw as a world class destination, re-enforcing tourism as our major new industry and creating many new employment opportunities. It will also establish Grabouw as a centre of practical conservation- based knowledge and learning right in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere. The Grabouw Park of Unity will create a space where this once divided town will work and play together, all the time being mindful of the fact that the future of this fragile planet lies in our hands and in the choices that we make.

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