GSA Constitution

Introduction to the Constitution:

On 2 October 2019, the Crocodile River Reserve (CRR) was declared a Protected Area according to the National Environment Management of Protected Areas Act n. 57 of 2003 (NEM:PAA). The declaration was posted in the Provincial Gazette No.302, and subsequently the CRR Clusters were registered in the National Protected Areas Register (PAR).

The Grassland Stewardship Alliance (NGO Registered with the Department of Social Development with the No 095-125) was appointed as the Management Authority of the Crocodile River Reserve according to NEM:PAA Art. 38.

In terms of the act the management authority must adhere to NEM:PAA, its Norms & Standards and Regulations and all environmental laws and by-laws. The constitution outlines the rights and responsibilities of the landowners that form the GSA and provides a framework within which to implement the aims and objectives of the conservation of the CRR in perpetuity in a manner consistent with the purposes for which it was declared.

This current version of the constitution was updated and approved by the membership at the 2019 AGM and via an electronic Special General Meeting of Members in October 2020.

This version of the GSA Constitution (December 2020) replaces the version known as July 2016.

Currently 115 properties make up the three clusters of the CRR, represented by 95 different landowners. In terms of the act the whole area is classified as a Critical Biodiversity Area, (CBA1: Irreplaceable or CBA2: Threatened). The environmental laws and by-laws apply to all properties in the area regardless of their membership status.