A wonderous desert...

North of , up the west coast of southern Africa to just beyond the Gariep River, and into the lowlands and over the mountains to the east towards the Great Basin, lies a vast and amazing land. In the dry summer it is parched and seemingly lifeless with some very weird-looking giant succulents and low fossilized termite mounds (called “heuweltjies” locally) to break the monotony. But following a good spring rain, this blackened land bursts into breathtaking and world-renowned flower displays. On top of this, the variety of plant species in the region is spectacular. Known as the , this land is the world’s most diverse semi-arid environment and is listed by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership as one of 34 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots. It is also a vitally important ecosystem providing food, shelter and water for people and animals as well Baby Toes, Argyroderma pearsonii, flowering in April on the Knersvlakte as the plants for which it is PHOTO GREG NICOLSON famous.

1 succulEnt karoo ecosystem programme sustainable futures 1 conservation and human development, with What is a ? enormous value for commerce, recreation, ...that needs culture and history. However, at the end of A global biodiversity hotspot is a region the 20th Century the conservation status of that harbours a great diversity of endemic the Succulent Karoo was extremely poor. species (i.e. species that are found Only 30 000 km2 (27%) of the region is still nowhere else on earth) that has been in a pristine state, and in 2001, only 3.4% severely impacted on and altered by was conserved in statutory reserves that people. Such a region usually contains our help protected just 10% of the 900 Red Data about 1 500 endemic plant species and plant species in the region. Accelerated has been reduced to less than 30% of land transformation in the last 100 years its original size. Thirty-four of these caused by mining, cropping, overgrazing hotspots have been identified globally and now – climate change – threaten this for urgent conservation action and wonderous, but fragile, region. they contain about 44% of all known The situation calls for a new approach to land management, one that plant species on the planet. involves robust partnerships between funding agencies (local, national People in the Succulent Karoo have been “ resident in the system for thousands of The Succulent Karoo has about and international), government, civil society and local residents and is years, but today they are putting increasing 6 300 plant species of which 38% underpinned by good ecological science. pressure on the land which is threatening are endemic. The unique feature their own survival. The situation calls for of the Biome is the concentration a new approach to land management, one of dwarf leaf-succulents that that involves robust partnerships between occur over its 112 000 km2 funding agencies (local, national and area. What makes it even more international), government, civil society interesting is that globally arid ” and local residents and is underpinned by and semi-arid ecosystems with good ecological science. an annual rainfall of less than 400 mm generally have low The Succulent Karoo is a biodiversity Africa, a factor that makes this probably The Succulent Karoo has a long history of biodiversity, but because the hotspot rich in life and variety. In addition one of the most spectacular flower regions adaptation and evolution that has enabled Succulent Karoo is millions to its well known annual flowering displays globally. Added to this floral extravaganza it to survive for millennia. With these of years old many unique it also boasts a huge number of geophytes is breathtaking scenery, a range of pressures it is facing its greatest adaptation species have been able to and other tiny succulents, some of which interesting and endemic animals (particu- challenge yet. But through initiatives evolve over that long time are hidden below the soil surface in white larly reptiles and insects), a geological such as reducing domestic stock numbers period.Thus the diversity quartz patches and are only visible when paradise with many mines and a coastal and changing the way stock are allowed of succulent growth flowering in a blaze of colour. strip that is rich in alluvial diamonds, and to use the veld, conserving rather than forms is greater here some of the oldest communities of peo- cultivating marginal agricultural land than anywhere else on Although most of the plants in the region ple, many of whom still follow aspects of a with valuable biodiversity, reducing the earth, with some 40% of flower in spring and early winter, there are traditional lifestyle. number of artificially created water- the world’s 6 000-odd a few that flower in summer. In fact, the points, and providing alternative livelihood species of succulents flora of the region has elements of both the Such an extraordinary land provides opportunities for people living off the land, occurring in the summer and winter flowering flora of South opportunities for both biodiversity the region and its people can flourish. Pachypodium namaquanum region.

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T he critically endangered g r e e n f l o w e r e d Lachenalia viridiflora A programme PHOTO: GREG NICHOLSON to serve

SKEP’s vision is that the people of the Succulent Karoo take “ownership of and enjoy their living landscape in a way that maintains biodiversity and improves livelihoods, now and into perpetuity.

In response to the challenges facing the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank, SKEP identifies sustainable development and land use pressures in the region, ” Succulent Karoo, an innovative programme and led by Conservation International’s as the key to successful biodiversity and applied systematic conservation called the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem South African Hotspots programme. conservation. By changing people’s planning methods to identify priorities for Programme (SKEP) has emerged that is perception of conservation, it has worked conservation and investment. More than 60 showing that the seemingly impossible is in From the start, SKEP took a collaborative to develop conservation as a land use in its scientific organisations as well as 400 local fact possible – by being a bit creative. approach and set out to draw all the own right, rather than instead of land use. stakeholders and “champions” representing accumulated knowledge and existing The programme’s vision is that the people of government, academics, non-governmental SKEP champions a new and adapted model conservation projects for the region into the Succulent Karoo take ownership of and organisations (NGOs), private sector of conservation that integrates high-level a co-ordinated conservation response that enjoy their living landscape in a way that interests and local communities took part scientific expertise with socio-economic would not only serve to protect this unique maintains biodiversity and improves in this planning process. and institutional concerns. It is funded biodiversity hotspot, but would also serve livelihoods, now and into perpetuity. by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership the interests of the local population. With The programme is also in tune with national Fund (CEPF), a joint initiative of l’Agence its emphasis squarely on human well-being, To ensure that the programme was priorities as the SKEP partnership has Française de Développement, Conservation the acronym “SKEP” means “to serve” heading in the right direction, a one endorsed the principles enshrined in the International, the Global Environment in Afrikaans, the most commonly spoken year planning process, initiated in 2001, National Environmental Management Act of Facility, the Government of Japan, the language in the region. gathered information on biodiversity 1998 and the Biodiversity Act of 2004.

4 succulEnt karoo ecosystem programme sustainable futures 5 SKEP champions: Priscilla a unique model

Local champions played a crucial role in helping to gather information that led to champions the 20 Year Strategy that drives SKEP. People were identified in each of the SKEP sub-regions to act as “champions” in existing organisations such as state conservation agencies or development NGOs. Some champions had expertise SKEP cause and experience in biodiversity and conservation, others in the socio-political arena. To help with the workload, each champion was provided with a full-time Ferraria divaricata, t h e CASE STUDY: A passion for conservation spider Iris or Krulletjie assistant funded by CEPF.

These champions played a vital and Each year a splendid tapestry unfolds years been afflicted by poverty and a lack about conservation projects and was given my horizons hugely and opened doors to empowerment, environmental education, unique role in informing people across the Namaqua landscape – a diversity of opportunities. an opportunity to work on a handful of new possibilities I had not even dreamt of.” youth development, community facilitation in their sub-regions about SKEP of flora overcome the harsh semi-arid research initiatives in the area. At the time and cultural heritage management – and and running workshops to gather conditions to grow and show their true “There are today few employment I didn’t know anything about conservation One of these doors came in the form of much of her time is spent in communities information for the conservation colours to the world. opportunities and I too felt this as a young or national parks – I did have a love of the SANParks who recognised her talents and doing the work that fulfils both her work planning process, for example on person in this town. When you sit in a small outdoors and the landscape here, but never gave her a one year contract to join them duties and her personal goals. She is agricultural activities, the state Like these indigenous flowers, Priscilla town with no opportunities it is easy to get at all thought that there was a career that in 2003 as a Social Ecologist at the Namaqua optimistic about the future of the region of grazed land, mining, tourism Magerman – a Senior People and stuck. With the lack of opportunities, there could grow from this,” she says. National Park. The contract was renewed and that development challenges can be and communal areas. Many of Conservation Practitioner at the Namaqua are lots of social problems in the region – for two years after that and by 2007 she overcome. the original SKEP champions National Park – has spent her entire life in unemployment stands at more than 70%, One of the first projects she had the had become a permanent employee as a remain with the programme. In and much of her youth facing alchohol abuse is a problem as is drug chance to work on was SKEP and she was Conservation Officer – the position she “There is still much to be done to develop addition, their assistants, many a myriad of challenges. Overcoming these use, and many young girls are also falling recruited by Conservation International as a currently holds. the Namaqua Park and there will be a lot of whom were unemployed odds has not been easy, but with a little pregnant. Many of our youth simply don’t champion’s assistant during the initiative’s of opportunities in the future for people in before joining the programme, help from SKEP, which provided her with an have the opportunity to find a path.” foundation phase. “I have developed a passion for conservation this area. What is exciting is that we have have taken up employment opportunity to grow and learn, Magerman – it has become a deep way to express my just added another 38 000 hectares given to in, or furthered their studies has today developed into an inspirational, Magerman could have easily become one “During the SKEP work I got a real eye- love of the landscape here,” she says. us by De Beers – bringing the size to around in, the conservation sector. vibrant force in the region. of those young people, but thanks to her opener on the environment around me and 144 000 hectares – currently ’s This is helping to build desire to learn and make a difference she about conservation. I had the opportunity Uplifting her community and the other fifth largest national park. People will have capacity and create a Magerman, who grew up in the town of has triumphed to become an inspiration to learn and travel, to see the big picture communities of the region is also a key many more opportunities to make something sustainable conservation Hondeklip Bay, says her community like to her community. “It was in 2002, when of what is happening in the region and meet priority for Magerman. She has five of themselves, including through the growing movement in the region. many others in the region has for many I was in my early twenties, that I learnt a lot of people. Working on SKEP expanded key elements to her role – economic tourism industry.”

6 succulEnt karoo ecosystem programme sustainable futures 7 At the end of the SKEP planning process, a 20-Year Strategy was drawn up with a comprehensive set of actions, targeting SKEP’s conservation, farming, mining, tourism, local government, education and law enforcement. These actions aim to achieve conservation targets by addressing constraints and maximising 20-year opportunities in key priority areas. The strategy is informed by four core objectives which are to: • Identify a hierarchy of biodiversity priority areas. • Build on existing initiatives (socio-political vision issues). • Expand human resource capacity. • Secure institutional and governmental support.

The key priority areas

At the start of the planning phase, the technical team was confronted with a planning domain covering a large area with differing land use patterns and socio-economic issues, as well as a

variety of vegetation patterns and types. To deal A 20-Year Strategy for SKEP has been drawn up with with these differences, the team divided the area into four sub-regions and further into eight

a set of actions designed to achieve conservation geographical priority areas. A ninth area, the “ Sperregebiet in , falls under a Namibian targets by addressing contraints and maximising co-ordination unit which collaborates with SKEP opportunities in key priority areas. Each of “ these in South Africa on the sustainable management areas is special, with special land use patterns, socio- and development of the region. Each of these areas is special, with special land use patterns, economic needs and conservation strategies, but each socio-economic needs and conservation of them is connected to the whole. strategies, but each of them is connected to the whole. One of the criteria for their being chosen was that they form corridors where fauna and flora can migrate within the Succulent Karoo as well as connecting to the other through vital transitional areas. Experts consider these zones crucial for continued speciation and resilience to climate change.

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SKEP key priority areas in

1 Greater 3 Central Namaqualand 5 Knersvlakte 7 Central Little Karoo Coast

South Africa“ Key Facts Key facts Key facts Highest succulent and lichen Key facts Fields of white quartz pebbles A succulent desert. diversity in the world. 30 km of relatively pristine with miniature succulents. coastline. Site of the new Flagship species Experts consider these zones crucial for continued Flagship species Namaqua Coastal Park. Flagship species Drosanthemum bicolor, Bastard Quiver Tree; Aloe The bababoudjies, Argyroderma; tweekleurporseleinbos; Hoodia speciation and resilience to climate change. pillansii; Hartmann’s Mountain Flagship species Greater Kestrel and Conophytum pilifera; Gloveria integrifolia, “ ; Brown Hyena. Bokbaai vygies; Wooleya uviforme. giant spikethorn; Disa farinose; Grant’s Golden Mole; schlechteriana; , Well known places Gronovi’s Dwarf Burrowing Skink. Famous places the 13th most endangered Richtersveld National Park; Vanrhynsdorp; Rooiberg hills; mammal in the world. The Gariep River; and RAMSAR- Famous places Sout River Canyon; Quaggaskop designated wetland at the Gariep Quartz patches at Soebatsfontein private nature reserve. Famous places River mouth. Succulent Reserve. Langeberg and Swartberg Pressures mountain ranges. Pressures Pressures Small-scale mining for gypsum, Overgrazing and diamond mining Diamond mining. diamonds and limestone/marble; Pressures scars; Illegal harvesting and overgrazing; illegal harvesting of Agriculture; Ostrich ranching. poaching; off-road vehicles. 4 Namaqualand (Kamiesberg) rare plants. Uplands 8 Central Breede River 2 Bushmanland Inselbergs 6 Hantam/Tanqua/Roggeveld Valley (Southern Karoo) 2 Key facts 1 Key Facts Highest mountains in Key facts Key facts Refuge for plants and animals Namaqualand; spring flowers; Interface between the , Succulent Karoo and in a time of climate change. transitional zones between and Succulent Renosterveld meet. Spectacularly diverse dwarf succulent and fynbos habitats. Karoo. 4 succulent shrublands. Flagship species 3 Flagship species Flagship species Green ixia; Worcester iris, Flagship species Dimorphotheca sinuata, the Sparaxis elegans and Sparaxis Drosanthemum speciosum; Lithops dorotheae; The Red Lark; Namaqualand daisy; Long- tricolor; Black Rhinoceros; Monkey beetles; Harvester Burger’s Onion, Conophytum tongue flies; Oil-collecting bees; Clanwilliam sandfish. termites resident in the 5 burgeri. ; Leopard. ‘heuweltjies’. 6 Famous places Famous places Famous places Calvinia; Bokkeveld and Famous places Gamsberg Inselberg and Pella. The Rooiberg Peaks Trail; Historic Roggeveld escarpments; Tanqua Breede River. 7 communal grazing towns of ; Hantam 8 Pressures Leliefontein and Tweerivier. National Botanical Garden. Pressures Mining; overgrazing. Low conservation status; Pressures Pressures Irrigated agriculture. Agriculture; overgrazing. Livestock grazing.

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its first five years in creating a framework New discoveries made (using innovative strategies, drawing on A number of projects targeting species in sound advice and modern technology, and the Succulent Karoo hotspot have advanced Five years of creating capacity) for a sustainable future scientific knowledge on, amongst others, for the area. It has provided a new vision the red-listed grass (Secale africanum), the for the conservation of a very important tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius), the part of South Africa’s national heritage. The Kokerboom (Aloe dichotoma), the porcupine people of the Succulent Karoo believe that (Hystrix africaeautralis) and the leopard their natural heritage will be lost unless (Panthera p. pardus). Other projects have achievement – action is taken to preserve it for future looked at larger taxonomic groups such generations. SKEP has provided a framework as insects – with one even resulting in the for coordinated action and new ways for description of new genera and species. people to conserve their environment while continuing to live and prosper in it. Conservation jobs created Close to 400 local short- to medium-term

SKEP milestones jobs were created in the first five years of SKEP, more than half of them biodiversity- Protected areas doubled based jobs in the tourism sector. A small

Land under formal protection in the SKEP grants facility called SKEPPIES was launched T h e A r m a d i l l o L i z a r d o r Working within the three tenets of sustainability – environment, region has nearly doubled from 3.4% in 2001 in 2006 and has made R4.8million of Blinkogie, Cordylus cataphractus to 6.3% in 2007 – representing almost half funding available to projects generating

economy and society – SKEP has been successful in its“ first “ a million hectares. Further gains have also both conservation and socio-economic five years in creating a framework (using innovative strategies, been made with stewardship contracts with benefits. The fund makes grants of upto such as local communities has led to better campaigns across South Africa that have drawing on sound advice and modern technology, and creating private landowners to protect key areas. R140 000 to small, income-generating knowledge exchange and the achievement catalysed significant interest in the In all 63% of the vegetation types in the projects. SKEPPIES receives its funding of common goals. Succulent Karoo. In addition, the creation capacity) for a sustainable future for the area. area now receive some degree of formal from the Development Bank of South of conservation champions has resulted in protection – up from around just 20% before Africa (DBSA) and the Critical Ecosystem State support secured new wave of people with good conservation the programme started. Partnership Fund (CEPF) and is led by SKEP has been formally institutionalized knowledge and skills in the region. Conservation International. It takes a as a bioregional programme within the Half a million hectares better managed grassroots approach to development and South African National Biodiversity Institute Industry brought on board An additional 541 984 hectares of land provides technical assistance and advice (SANBI) which will enable it to achieve SKEP has worked hard to mainstream The Succulent Karoo Ecosystem By forging partnerships (public-private- in the region is now under biodiversity- to start-up businesses to help develop systemic change in the long term. In biodiversity into industry practices particu– Programme reached a key five-year communal-corporate) crucial groundwork friendly land use control – over and above sustainabile business models and give them addition, a South African Implementation larly mining, which plays a key role in the milestone in 2008. Guided by the has been laid for the expansion of protected the formal protected areas. This has been every chance of succeeding. Committee consisting of implementation region. A newly formed company engages 20-year strategy and with vital funding areas and the creation of effective achieved through a mixture of stewardship partners who provide input and guidance on mine operators by bringing restoration from the CEPF, projects and scientific conservation areas. Local capacity has agreements that enable landowners to set Social capital strengthened SKEP’s progress has been established. expertise and scientific knowledge to research covering land use, training and been strengthened and awareness of the aside land for conservation or to use their Civil society involvement in biodiversity develop effective restoration methods. education, and targeting different groups importance of the Succulent Karoo hotspot land sustainably. The concept of ecosystem conservation in the Succulent Karoo has More support mobilised Best practice guidelines for the potatoes, – from local communal farmers to the has been raised at home and internationally. services is also gaining ground in the increased significantly, growing from fewer SKEP has initiated extensive stakeholder rooibos, wine and 4X4 industries have been largest mining company in the world – Working within the three tenets of region, thanks to efforts by SKEP to raise than five organizations in 2003 to over 20 engagement with both government and non- developed and are under way for the ostrich have been successfully rolled out over the sustainability – environment, economy awareness about the economic benefits of by 2008. Strengthening beneficial networks governmental organisations, and mobilised industry. In the Klein Karoo, guidelines for last five years under the SKEP banner. and society – SKEP has been successful in conservation. between government and other roleplayers environmental education and awareness the game industry have been developed.

12 succulEnt karoo ecosystem programme sustainable futures 13 Anatolian dogs working on farms i n t h e K a m i e s b e r g D i s t r i c t a r e helping to reduce stock losses and protect wildlife in the area. Biodiversity- the sheep or goats and grow up with the flock. They have a strong protective instinct but unlike the other dogs that local farmers use, they are not good hunters so do not go out and kill everything in sight.”

friendly land use The Park has initiated its own breeding programme and currently has four breeding pairs that will be ready for mating very soon – it is hoped that this will reduce the costs of the project and increase the number of practices dogs in the area, making the project more sustainable in the long term.

Van Lente says the benefits of the project CASE STUDY Dogs create win-win for farmers and wildlife have been twofold.

“Our primary intention was to protect wildlife but the farmers are benefiting too,” he says. “Farmers target jackals and caracals but we find that countless other species – like honey badgers, aardvark and tortoises – An additional 541 984 hectares of land in the region is now get killed in their traps as well. There is a big under biodiversity-friendly land use control. difference between the numbers of these “ animals found inside the park and outside it, which shows that humans are having a negative impact on indigenous wildlife.

“With these dogs we hope to see a ” dramatic reversal of the situation,” History has shown that when people clash Not happy to stand by and watch the battle to introduce the Anatolian shepherd dog to “Farmers with Anatolian dogs have seen , free of charge, with explains Van Lente. with nature, both sides invariably end rage on, the Namaqua National Park, with farmers in the Kamiesberg District as an livestock losses drop from around 100 per the aid of funding from SKEPPIES over the up losing. The conflict between farmers funding from SKEPPIES – SKEP’s small alternative to trapping to protect farmer’s year to about ten and many report an past three years. With each puppy having “The farmers are also extremely proud and wildlife is an ancient example of grants facility – has initiated a project livestock and reduce the impact of farming increase of wild animals on and around a market value of R3000 – R4000, this is of their dogs and look after them very this tension. In South Africa, farmers which illustrates that when people work on indigenous wildlife. After three years of their farms.” no small gift. Van Lente maintains that the well, they are beautiful animals and more lose precious livestock to predators like with rather than against nature, everyone testing the project has shown that it can be Anatolian breed – which originates from and more farmers are asking for them – leopards while, in return, countless benefits. Bernard van Lente, Park Manager a major success. Currently there are eight Anatolian dogs Turkey – is perfectly suited to its job. which shows that they themselves now indigenous animals get killed or damaged as at the Namaqua National Park, and his wife living and working on farms in the area, all see the benefits of farming in harmony farmers seek to protect their livlihoods. Elanza have together spearheaded a scheme The dogs work like magic,” says Van Lente. of which were given to the farmers by the “At six weeks old the puppies are put with with nature.”

14 succulEnt karoo ecosystem programme sustainable futures 15 Diamonds may be forever, but the damage The team identified a strong need to mining companies has won the Initiative the correct balance of species and other Better done by mining to the natural environment co-ordinate restoration measures and the support of companies like De Beers conditions for a specific area. need not be. This is the philosophy of develop effective restoration techniques for Namaqualand Mines and Namakwasands. Dr Peter Carrick, Project Director of the Namaqualand coastal area as a whole, De Beers in particular has been a key “The first four to five months are the most the Namaqualand Restoration Initiative, rather than for mining operators to attempt contributor to the success of the project. critical for the seedlings and once they have a project funded through SKEP since to do this in an ad hoc fashion. Dr Carrick says that another key success of survived these they tend to make it through 2005 that has yielded a breakthrough the Initiative has been the deciphering of the dry summer season,” says Dr Carrick. industry restoration strategy for mine dumps in “Ecologists are often the first in line to the recipe for restoring life to mine dump Namaqualand. condemn mining companies, but solutions sites, and in particular, how to enable non- “We have developed techniques to ensure can only be developed if these companies succulent perennial species to establish on that as many seedlings as possible become Mining and prospecting has occurred for and other stakeholders are engaged restored areas. adult plants. This target of maximising eighty years along 400 kilometres of the properly. We endeavoured to bridge the the yield has led to some novel solutions, practices Namaqualand coastline. Despite the wealth divide and learn as much as we could from The team has developed innovative such as setting up wind shields on sites to that has been generated, however, little those who have been doing restoration for “restoration packs” that contain seeds, soil protect the new topsoil and plants from the was being done at most mining operations some time in the region,” he says. ameliorants and equipment for planting – strong Namaqualand winds and planting the to restore the unique landscapes and these can be tailored for each site which seedlings in large cardboard boxes which ecosystems to their pre-mining state. This high level of engagement with is to be restored so that they contain provides them with extra protection from the elements.” Dr Carrick, based at the Institute for Plant Conservation at the University of Cape Over 2500 experimental plots have been Town, is working to change this. Along planted to date but Dr Carrick adds that

CASE STUDY Making mine dumps disappear with his research colleagues, he has set there is a huge amount of restoration still

up a pioneering framework for healing the to be done. scarred Namaqualand Coast.

“This initiative is nearing completion so developing a way to make the restoration R estoration work on old system sustainable was critical to us, as was

“ mines creates jobs and involving the local people in the region in restores biodiversity. SKEP has worked hard to mainstream biodiversity into industry this,” he says. practices – particularly in the mining industry which plays a “ To this end over 80 people have been key role in the region. given training to enable them to work on restoration projects of this nature in future and two businesses have already been facilitated to start up and implement the new restoration system for mine companies. Carrick has also set up a new business – Nurture Restore Innovate – to sustain the scientific input in the region and refine the new approaches developed.

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Close on 400 local short- to medium-term jobs were created in the first five

Improved livelihoods “ “years of SKEP, more than half of them biodiversity-based jobs in the tourism sector. In addition, SKEPPIES, SKEP’s small grants facility, launched in 2006, has made R4.8million of funding available to projects generating both conservation CASE STUDY When high tech meets traditional and socio-economic benefits.

Peter van Niekerk at work in his studio. In the small town of Kharkams in the in fine arts as well as the social sciences, presented to him. Shapiro helped with lives a talented man called Shapiro was asked to identify which skills training, sourcing the needed materials and Pieter van Niekerk who, with the help of the town’s residents had to offer, and how a bit of marketing to help get the business SKEP, has managed to build up a business they might be adapted into a sustainable off the ground. Soon Kharkams Wood that is boosting interest in the sleepy business model. Crafters was employing a total of five men town, earning him an income and putting and producing orders for the Department the alien doringboom trees of the area to “I was asked to come up with a product idea of Water Affairs and Forestry, SANParks, good use. that had a conservational element as well Conservation International and a ministerial as an enterprise element,” says Shapiro. conference in the area, amongst others. Van Niekerk’s business – Kharkams Wood “At that point in time I was hooked on the Crafters – stands as a great example of the idea of combining high-technology with Although the product was introduced by ecologically-based enterprise that SKEP traditional craftsmanship and that is why Shapiro, Van Niekerk greatly improved the promotes. It also illustrates how small- this memory stick was introduced. technical idea of how to insert the actual town skills can be honed to create big-city USB mechanism into the wood, he has also products with just a bit of creative thinking “Often you see these beautiful ethnic crafts refined the original design and created two and the right level of support. but they are not adapted to the needs of new versions of his own, which is where today’s market,” he adds. his real strength lies – sitting alone in his Surprisingly, Kharkams Wood Crafters is best workshop working with the natural material known for a creation not usually associated It was with this in mind that Shapiro walked that he loves. with rural South Africa or even wood: through the streets of a nearby town called memory sticks. Kamieskroon asking to be directed to any In addition to the memory sticks, the talented woodworkers in the area. He was business continues to produce more The memory stick concept was introduced soon told about Van Niekerk living just 20 traditional ‘low-tech’ products like the to van Niekerk by Leonard Shapiro of kilometres away with a fully functional wooden salad forks and spoons that Van Craft SouthAfrica. Shapiro is a crafts workshop ready to be put to good use. Niekerk has been producing for years – and enterprise developer who visited the area is proving that unwanted alien vegetation on a mandate from SKEPPIES, SKEP’s small The two met and Van Niekerk was does have a commercial value when paired grants facility, in 2007. With a background immediately taken with the opportunity with the spirit of enterprise.

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Expanded scientific A number of projects“ targeting “species in the Succulent Karoo knowledge have furthered scientific knowledge.

CASE STUDY Uncovering the private life of insects

An astonishing world of previously at present. Some of the key discoveries the Monkey Beetle, Lacewings are graceful, mountain streams. Colville says they are unknown and rare insects has been that the study made include: delicate ballerinas of Namaqualand and a vulnerable insect species due to their discovered by a team of SKEP project of extreme rarity. With their uniquely specific habitat needs. scientists working in the Kamiesberg Monkeys of the Kamiesberg elongated thread-like hind wings, they Uplands, a remote, magnificent and Brightly coloured and charismatic Monkey are remarkable but mysterious creatures. In addition to unearthing new species, the mountainous corner of Namaqualand. Beetles are one of the most abundant and Very little is known about the biology of research also turned up some interesting important pollinators in the region and many species of Lacewings, with the larvae new data on the way insects are ecologically A total of 164 species were recorded in the males, with their large claw-like hind legs, of most species completely unknown. linked to the flora and fauna in their 12 month study – including over 20 new can be found tousling on pollen-rich flowers Colville says Ribbon-wing Lacewings have habitat, and some insight into their unusual species, some of which are highly significant like sumo wrestlers trying to toss each other the potential to be a conservation flagship lifestyles. Some species, for example, have as they are similar to their ancestors from the ring. A remarkable 17 new species species for the Kamiesberg Uplands, and larva that live in symbiotic association of hundreds of millions of years ago. were found and one species, last seen 80 the Succulent Karoo in general, due to with heuweltjies (termite mounds) or dung It is one of the most exciting finds in the years ago, was re-discovered. One of the their beauty and rareness. middens, while some adult beetles only region and has researchers hopping to most eye-catching new finds is a beetle appear intermittently for just a few days, return to this Garden of Eden. covered with iridescent pink scales and thick A new population of Southern often in response to atypical rainfall events white hairs. This shimmering gem is a high Stoneflies such as large summer thundershowers. Jonathan Colville of the University of altitude fynbos specialist and is only found on The finding of a new species of Southern The male monkey beetle Cape Town’s Zoology Department and the Rooiberg Mountain, the highest peak Stoneflies in the Kamiesberg Uplands Colville says the rich diversity of insects Pachycnema flavolineata i s one of the most important Plant Conservation Unit, one of the lead in the area. reflects a substantial range extension for encountered by the researchers and the and abundant pollinators in researchers on the project, says the find this group and is a significant discovery. intricate and critical relationships between the Succulent Karoo. PHOTO JONATHAN COLVILLE highlights the critical need to address the Three new species of Ribbon-wing Stoneflies belong to a small primitive, organisms was the key take-away from the conservation status of Kamiesberg and Lacewing aquatic order of insects and are restricted project. “This must inform conservation Succulent Karoo insects, which is very poor Unlike their bustling, bulbous neighbours to cool, well oxygenated, un-polluted efforts in the future,” he says.

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Male and female orange monkey beetles, Scelophysa scheffoldi, visit a large G a z a n i a flower heads. The flower provides both food and a mating platform.

What lies ahead? PHOTO JONATHAN COLVILLE

The ability of SKEP to realize its vision depends on striking a balance between“ “conservation and sustainable livelihoods. The programme aims to continue to create awareness of and facilitate support for alternative economic opportunities and promote opportunities for ecosystem services.

While much has been achieved in the first five years of SKEP, more still needs to be Agriculture, Land Affairs and Minerals and government in South Africa is to align its 6. Capitalising on climate change and local business, community and government done to make sure that this vital, sensitive region, and its people, are able to survive – Energy) will be vital in ensuring the long- work. SKEP must take this opportunity renewable energy and ensure its projects meet international and indeed thrive – in the face of mounting pressures. The next phase of SKEP needs to term sustainability of any conservation to support local government structures Models of global climate change predict Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) see stronger links with key government departments and programmes with a focus on undertaking in the Succulent Karoo. A wider by making them aware of the resources that the Succulent Karoo will mostly get Standards. strengthening local government capacity. Additional skills training and environmental funding base and additional volunteers are available and helping to build capacity – hotter and drier in the future. This fact, education are needed to improve scientific leadership and knowledge management. also needed. particularly in planning – at this level. The superimposed on an already over utilised 7. Involving the mining sector With a greater understanding of SKEP’s strengths and weaknesses and five year’s of programme aims to ensure that by 2014 and very fragmented landscape, threatens While promising progress has been made experience in what works and what does not – the programme aims to address eight 3. Linking livelihoods and biodiversity all municipalities in the planning domain species survival and ecosystem services like with the mining industry, in the coming strategic priorities over the next five years (2009-2014). The ability of SKEP to realize its vision de- have prioritized SKEP in their Integrated grazing and water provision. Livelihoods years these efforts will be scaled up. By 2014 pends on striking a balance between con- Development Plans and will implement based on the land are particularly vulnerable. SKEP seeks to have a mining biodiversity skep’S eight Strategic priorities for the next five years servation and sustainable livelihoods. The specific projects in collaboration with all standard for mine rehabilitation in place programme will continue to identify, cre- relevant stakeholders. SKEP can enhance the resilience of both and a system of independent environmental 1. Securing land in priority areas will also continue to facilitate stewardship ate awareness of and facilitate support for people and biodiversity to climate change auditing up and running. The 2014 target for the formal protection agreements that demonstrate that proper alternative, biodiversity friendly economic 5. Strengthening linkages between impacts by ensuring that there is a scientific of high value biodiversity land within veld management protects the ecosystem opportunities and research ecosystem serv- natural and social science and understanding of these trends in the 8. Continuing to raise awareness the SKEP priority areas is 8.5%. To this services that provide a safety net for poor ices. It will also seek to expand and institu- management in the Succulent Karoo Succulent Karoo, and supporting adaptation Thanks to extensive involvement of local end, SKEP will continue to engage with and vulnerable communities. tionalize the SKEPPIES small grants facility The programme aims to review the science strategies among its rural people that will stakeholders and members of the academic agencies such as WWF South Africa (through to enable the development of additional mi- behind SKEP through a forum of scientists. conserve water and promote sustainable and scientific communities in the first the Leslie Hill Succculent Karoo Trust), 2. Expanding the partnership cro enterprises with a biodiversity benefit. In addition, scientific information needs land use. In this context, renewable solar phase of SKEP, there is a good awareness SANParks, CapeNature and the Northern Harnessing government programmes that to be packaged in a more accessible form and wind energy may offer significant of the programme and its objectives. Cape Government’s Department of Tourism, could be targeted towards biodiversity 4. Building local government capacity to facilitate good communication between potential as an alternative land use that can However, at a national level, recognition of Environment and Conservation, as well as goals such as rehabilitation, and building The environment recently became a stakeholders and researchers. New research create new investment and employment the region and its importance needs to be communal and commercial farmers. SKEP links with key departments (for example sixth focal area within which local will also be encouraged. opportunities. Again, SKEP needs to involve further raised.

22 succulEnt karoo ecosystem programme sustainable futures 23 T h e N amaqua speckled padloper – the world’s smallest tortoise - is endemic to the S u c c l e n t Karoo. PHOTO JOHN MANNING Join our journey...

Like the region it seeks to serve, SKEP is a living and changing entity. Its strategy and priority actions have evolved over time and will continue to do so as the programme learns and discovers new things.

In the years ahead SKEP will seek to expand its network in the Succulent Karoo so that an ever greater impact on the region can be made. There is still much to achieve and there will be a continued need for scientific and technological input, regular monitoring programmes, and education, training and empowerment. Sufficient and sustainable funding and support from the highest levels must be generated if this valuable, arid biodiversity hotspot is to be protected and used to the full. Let us not lose the momentum!

24 succulEnt karoo ecosystem programme sustainable futures