Open space close to the pulsing conurbation of Pretoria, Johannesburg, Kugersdorp and Midrand provides access to nature. Inquiring young minds get to explore nature up close.
South African National Biodiversity Institute identified three threatened ecosystems in the area. The initiative by private landowners secures ecosystems for future generations.
The City of Tshwane is planning a new waste water treatment plant to the east of the project area.
A public meeting was held this week as a introduction to the project, mainly with landowners directy
Have you been sent a Biodiversity Agreement yet? We need to have all signed agreements in as soon as possible.
A small team of dedicated and over-worked people are connecting with landown
The members of the working committee have debated the overarching conservation objectives. These are listed here, and we invite comment or input from landowners and residents. Additionally, if there is an objectiv
You will all have been approached by a member of the interim committee or a neighbour, received an email or an sms in the last month – and perhaps even more than once.
This is as we bump-up against a self-imposed deadline to deliver signed Biodiversity Agreements to the Province. These agreements are intended as a “stepping stone” towards our end vision. We will apply to the Province to become a formally protected area under legislation. Individual landowners will agree to either be a formal Nature Reserve or a Protected Environment. Both fall under the management of an elected Management Authority, and that authority will be tasked with ensuring conservation objectives are met.
Who sets the objectives? What are the restrictions? What will happen to our land? How can we trust the State to do the right thing? These are some of the many questions we have fielded in the last while.
Read more: What does it all mean? Landowners in the Project Area are being approached to sign Biodiversity Agreements. These contracts are a stepping stone towards the end goal – Nature Reserve proclamation. Read more: Stepping Stone to Nature Reserve
Which category under Protected Areas is right for you? How do you use your land and what do you want in the future?
Read more: Stewardship Categories What would you have to do, to –
Less than you may think!
The aspiration to have this area secured for conservation has come a long way.
Serious efforts in the early 90's brought landowners together behind a dream to protect and preserve a pristine landscape. The dream was scuppered, but the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy, Oori Game Farm and the Roodekrans Game Reserve survived to pay triibute to that dream.
More than two decades later, landowners are applying once again. But this time, others have noticed the ecological value too.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has identified this area for inclusion in Protected Areas. The National Strategy for Expansion of Protectd Areas flagged the region east of the Cradle of Humankind as sufficently intact and ecologically important to be protected (2008).
Following later, SANBI identified threatened ecosystems nationwide, three of which occur right here. (Gazette notice first published in 2009, and finalised in 2011)
These findings are backed by scientific methods, and confirm what landowners have known all along: this is a special place worthy of conservation.
In February 2012 Biodiversity Agreements will be concluded with Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. These agreements will provide firm and clear indications of willingness to move toward Nature Reserve and/or Protected Environment status.
April's bird of the month is the Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii). Read more: Crested Barbet
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