ADVERTISEMENT
Saturday, January 28, 2023
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Involve Africa
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
Involve Africa
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Food & Agriculture

Conservation alliances protect natural heritage

Involve Africa by Involve Africa
May 27, 2022
in Food & Agriculture
0
Conservation alliances protect natural heritage
585
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
https://web.facebook.com/involveafricanews?_rdc=1&https://twitter.com/involveafricanews


In 1984, when Charl van der Merwe purchased Brakfontein in the Northern Cape for sheep production, he could never have guessed that his farm would one day become a key element in the creation of a 240 000ha interprovincial protected area. Wouter Kriel spoke to two people involved in this far-reaching development.

You might also like

6 things poultry producers can do to cut antibiotics further

New entrants sought for two Norfolk County Council tenancies

Farmers living on HS2 route ‘dismayed’ at fresh uncertainty

Conservation alliances protect natural heritage
Brakfontein has become an oasis in the Tankwa Karoo, thanks to a dam on the Doring River.
Photo: Wouter Kriel

In 2010, Charl van der Merwe finally completed construction of a dam on the Doring River, which runs through his farm, Brakfontein, 100km from Calvinia. It was a sorely needed asset in this dry region and ultimately enabled commercial grape and rootstock production on Brakfontein.

Today, his son, Francois, is building a different sort of legacy by showing how farmers can work with conservation authorities to protect the environment while farming intensively.
Farmers and national parks often make for uneasy neighbours, as is evident each time a large predator escapes through park fences and creates mayhem on neighbouring commercial farms.

“Our experience was no different. My father initially kept sheep on Brakfontein, and when the Tankwa Karoo National Park [Tankwa] was opened [in 1986], we had to convert to cattle, as the predation of our [sheep] was just too much,” recalls Van der Merwe.
Fundamentally, however, farmers are custodians of the natural environment they depend on for production, says Ben-Jon Dreyer, a land negotiator for Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA). Co-operation between conservation and agricultural production is therefore essential.

“One of [the WFA’s] main goals is to protect biodiverse areas, and part of that mission is supporting the engagement between landowners and conservation authorities such as SANParks [South African National Parks],” he adds.

According to Dreyer, the development of a 240 000ha interprovincial protected area has long been one of the conservation community’s goals. This area will include the Cederberg Wilderness Area in the Western Cape, the Tankwa, and, crucially, a 24 000ha corridor that connects these two great protected areas. The bulk of this landscape comprises the Succulent Karoo biome, the only arid biodiversity hotspot on the planet.

The Cederberg Wilderness Area comprises mainly fynbos, changing to Succulent Karoo towards the east.

The area is also home to the confluence of five rivers: the Tankwa, Doring, Tra-Tra, Matjiesfontein and Brakfonteinspruit, all of which feed into the greater Olifants/Doring river system. These rivers are the natural habitats of seven species of indigenous carp, many of which are endangered and in need of conservation interventions. They are also home to a host of indigenous plants and animals all in need of protection.

The corridor also facilitates the protection of vegetation types such as Swartruggens quartzite Karoo, Tangua Karoo, Tangua wash riviere, Agter-Sederberg shrubland and Swartruggens quartzite fynbos.

The role of the farm
Brakfontein, which covers 10 000ha, is key to this larger project, as it is situated in the middle of the corridor.

“It was my job to approach Francois with the concept of creating a protected environment on his land,” explains Dreyer.

Van der Merwe says: “I suppose I’ve always been a conservationist at heart, because when Ben-Jon first approached me in 2019 with the idea of creating the protected area on our land, it immediately made sense to me.

“Being part of this Protected Area project makes me feel good, even if we aren’t really doing anything different with our farming. In future, I’d like to get more involved in environmental-awareness campaigns and ecotourism initiatives in my area.”

Once Van der Merwe and SANParks had an agreement on the basic principles involved, the WFA, with support from the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa and the Leslie Hill
Succulent Karoo Trust, assisted him with a biodiversity assessment report. This eventually led to the drafting of a detailed Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP) for the farm.

A PAMP is one of the requirements for having an area officially declared a Protected Area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act of 2003. As a landowner, Van der Merwe is responsible for the implementation of the PAMP, and SANParks is responsible for annual monitoring and evaluation of the management of the area.
Dreyer adds that SANParks can also assist with certain conservation activities, such as the clearing of alien species in the river courses.

Highlighting the undeveloped nature of the area, Van der Merwe recalls that when his father started farming on Brakfontein in 1983, the telephone hung from a tree!

“He bought the farm because of its proximity to the Doring River, as he wanted to establish pastures for the sheep, but we needed a dam for that, because the river runs dry during the hot summer months.

“However, the sheep alone couldn’t generate the cash needed for the construction of the dam.

“That drove the venture into raisin grapes. The dam was eventually completed in 2010.”
Over the years, Van der Merwe has expanded raisin grape production to 25ha, and has also moved into grape rootstock production on 9ha, onion seed on 2ha, and tomatoes for drying on 2ha. He also runs a herd of Bonsmara cattle.

Designated areas
The PAMP has divided the property into three categories: conservation areas, high-impact farming areas, and areas set aside for heritage protection. It also sets out specific approaches to the management of each area.

With the declaration of a protected area, the focus is on conservation of biodiversity, but sustainable commercial utilisation is also allowed.

“My commercial activities are not affected by the PAMP, because they’re separate from the land earmarked for conservation and heritage. We also included land in the high-impact area that I might want to develop over the next few years, so my farm planning can continue,” explains Van der Merwe.

In the case of Brakfontein, conservation involves careful monitoring of the natural vegetation and the impact of the livestock on the veld. The stocking rates and carrying capacity, for example, are worked out in greater detail than the general stocking rates available from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

In consultation with grazing specialists from the Western and Northern Cape agriculture departments, botanists, commercial livestock farmers in the region, conservation agencies, academic institutions and NGOs, WFA produced a set of management guidelines specifically for the ecosystems of the Tankwa landscape. Land users, including livestock farmers and protected-area managers, can use these guidelines to manage the natural veld sustainably.

“It’s a problem if game numbers are too high, as we can’t manage them in the same way as livestock. The number of wild donkeys also needs to be monitored closely, as they’re highly destructive to our sensitive environment,” says Van der Merwe.

The PAMP also addresses the management of aquatic ecosystems and the protection of indigenous fish, and includes actions such as putting up information boards to inform anglers of the various fish species they might encounter, and their conservation status. The boards can also request anglers to catch and release indigenous species, but remove alien ones.

The plan sets out a time frame for carrying out a soil health census, during which any existing erosion is mapped, and areas with a high risk of soil erosion are indicated for future interventions.

Dreyer says that landowners who are part of the project often begin to realise the value of good stewardship of their properties, and also appreciate the benefits that come with their newfound conservation status.

“For example, the Section 37D [of the Income Tax Act] tax incentive that comes with declaring a nature reserve or contract national park is often a sweetener to declaring your [property as high-biodiversity value],” he explains.

The future
According to Dreyer, his function as liaison between landowners and conservation authorities is a large part of his work.

“These are long-term commitments, so landowners and conservation authorities consider their commitments and responsibilities in a very serious light,” he says.

He adds that the future of this conservation corridor lies in the hands of private landowners.

“Farmers will become more and more responsible for the protection of our natural heritage, and I want to play my part through this initiative.”

Email Francois van der Merwe at [email protected], or Ben-Jon Dreyer at [email protected].





Source_link

Previous Post

Python Temple Where Pythons are Worshipped in Ouidah, Benin Republic

Next Post

Here are seven African child prodigies you should know.

Involve Africa

Involve Africa

Related Posts

6 things poultry producers can do to cut antibiotics further
Food & Agriculture

6 things poultry producers can do to cut antibiotics further

by Involve Africa
January 28, 2023
New entrants sought for two Norfolk County Council tenancies
Food & Agriculture

New entrants sought for two Norfolk County Council tenancies

by Involve Africa
January 28, 2023
Farmers living on HS2 route ‘dismayed’ at fresh uncertainty
Food & Agriculture

Farmers living on HS2 route ‘dismayed’ at fresh uncertainty

by Involve Africa
January 27, 2023
Briefing on humanitarian situation in Syria at FAO
Food & Agriculture

Briefing on humanitarian situation in Syria at FAO

by Involve Africa
January 27, 2023
IPBS Celebrates 30 Years of Software Excellence and Growth
Food & Agriculture

IPBS Celebrates 30 Years of Software Excellence and Growth

by Involve Africa
January 27, 2023
Next Post
Here are seven African child prodigies you should know.

Here are seven African child prodigies you should know.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

A New Model for African Health by Mariana Mazzucato & Vera Songwe

A New Model for African Health by Mariana Mazzucato & Vera Songwe

May 20, 2022
In the age of automation, Love is still being made by hand: the role of RPA in the Hospitality industry

In the age of automation, Love is still being made by hand: the role of RPA in the Hospitality industry

June 23, 2022

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Don't miss it

Tinubu receives major boost as court sacks dancing governor
Politics

Tinubu receives major boost as court sacks dancing governor

January 28, 2023
15 Best Things to Do in Mauritius + How to Plan the Perfect Vacation
Travel

15 Best Things to Do in Mauritius + How to Plan the Perfect Vacation

January 28, 2023
Egypt, AU sign agreement to establish the headquarters of African Space Agency
Technology

Egypt, AU sign agreement to establish the headquarters of African Space Agency

January 28, 2023
Genesis Capital’s fall might transform crypto lending — not bury it
Crypto News

Genesis Capital’s fall might transform crypto lending — not bury it

January 28, 2023
6 things poultry producers can do to cut antibiotics further
Food & Agriculture

6 things poultry producers can do to cut antibiotics further

January 28, 2023
Tems becomes first Nigerian to be nominated for an Oscar
Entertainment News

Tems becomes first Nigerian to be nominated for an Oscar

January 28, 2023

Social Bar

Welcome to involve Africa The goal of involve Africa is to give you the absolute best news sources for any topic! Our topics are carefully curated and constantly updated as we know the web moves fast so we try to as well.

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Recent News

Tinubu receives major boost as court sacks dancing governor

Tinubu receives major boost as court sacks dancing governor

January 28, 2023
15 Best Things to Do in Mauritius + How to Plan the Perfect Vacation

15 Best Things to Do in Mauritius + How to Plan the Perfect Vacation

January 28, 2023

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

What Are Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT