GOLD: ELANDSVLEI CONSERVANCY

Elandsvlei Conservancy displays passion for the protection of the wetlands and peatlands in the area. It has consulted with local council, landowners and various bird clubs to ensure the protection and correct management of an important pan that forms part of an international birding route. Efforts have been made to highlight the plight of the frogs within the conservancy, with signage being made to increase awareness along the roads. The community is actively involved in objecting to intended development in sensitive areas. Additionally, the effort taken to save a poisoned White Stork is commendable. Many birds and mammals are dependant on the wetlands of the area and thus the conservation efforts shown by the conservancy are worthy of praise.

Silver: Klipkop Conservancy

Klipkop Conservancy shows knowledge and understanding of the importance of the wetlands located within the area. The wetlands are currently relatively unpolluted and mechanisms are in place to ensure they remain so through restriction of development and management of sewage. Rehabilitation is taking place in areas of erosion and efforts are being made to ensure the stabilisation and water retaining abilities of the wetlands. Work still needs to be done to eradicate alien species, however the conservancy shows great promise with regards to rehabilitation and maintenance of their wetlands.

Bronze:homestead dam Conservancy

Great enthusiasm is shown for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the major wetlands within the conservancy. Communication with the local council, parks department and various social clubs proved essential in securing the collaboration of these factions, and to establish the action plan for the wetland’s rehabilitation. Rehabilitation actions include removing water hyacinth and reeds, dredging the river and reintroducing frogs and fish. This conservancy has a difficult but vital task to maintain the wetland and restore ecological diversity.

Biodiversity Award 2009

Best Biodiversity practice in a Gauteng Conservancy

 Trophy Sponsored by the Endangered Wildlife Trust EWT

This conservancy has a well developed Environmental Management Plan with focus on both conservation and sustainable development. Species lists are extensive, providing an inventory for the vast biodiversity within the conservancy. The conservancy is actively involved with development plans to ensure biodiversity is protected. Programmes such as controlled burns and alien species eradication promote biodiversity. A clear understanding of the uniqueness and vulnerability of the biomes that comprise the conservancy (particularly the bankenveld) and zeal to conserve the flora, fauna and avifauna under their protection, make this conservancy a front-runner in the category of biodiversity conservation.

 Silver: Cullinan conservancy

This conservancy shows an obvious commitment to protecting the area’s biodiversity through the implementation of a number of thoughtful programmes. In particular, the removal of snares, the small mammal programme, the owl, bat and chameleon projects and the snake rescue/relocation initiative, all aid in the protection of biodiversity. An intensive alien vegetation eradication plan, which includes trying to identify the most effective herbicide, and an enthusiastic farmer education programme, will also do much to improve the natural biodiversity of the area. Efforts to protect the endangered species found in the conservancy are also evident. Great work is being done to bring the community together while protecting the existing biodiversity. 

Bronze: bronberg Conservancy

This conservancy has shown commitment to biodiversity conservation by updating its Environmental Management Plan and paying particular attention to the carrying capacity of the land, even removing excess animals where necessary. Working together as a community with regards to fire management and veld condition monitoring are important aspects for biodiversity conservation. A number of vulnerable ecosystems are found in this conservancy with faunal, avifaunal and flora species well documented and these lists should continue to be updated.

Meerkat Award 2009

This is a very active conservancy that involves the entire community, including children and the local informal settlement. It has wide-ranging projects that indicate year-round commitment to conservation, and to the well being of the conservancy. This is further indicated by the acknowledgment and participation in national and international environmental events such as Wetlands Week, Earth Day and Earth Hour. Ingenuity is shown through projects that combine environmental improvement with employment opportunities, such as the removed wattle saplings that are made into garden fencing and the recycled newspapers made into bricks. Efforts have been made in challenging unsuitable developments to ensure the conservation of both ecological and cultural aspects within the conservancy. The conservancy does not act in isolation, but networks with a number of other conservancies, schools, local councils and the GCA. The clear commitment to conservation and community is evident and stands the conservancy as deserved winners.

Silver: Smuts farm conservancy

This conservancy enthusiastically conserves both ecological and cultural/historic aspects within their sphere of influence. It shows great communication between local council, GDACE, various nature societies and other conservancies, which assists in the overall conservation efforts for the area. The conservancy is focused on public involvement with monthly talks and walks, as well as a nature trail and museum. In this way the cultural and ecological importance of the area is promoted to a wide audience. A good alien clearing and arboretum programme are in place and efforts to protect the red-data species are evident. This is a generally well managed conservancy.

 A clear passion for conservation amidst a changing environment is shown by this conservancy. It is actively involved with local councils and developers to ensure that the ecological and cultural aspects of the area are considered and preserved as far as possible. Upliftment projects such as the permaculture gardening project and the Leeuwkop walking trail are commendable. This conservancy shows great potential.