» Conservancies

How can I attract more birds into my garden? There are many fynbos plants that attract birds to the garden. A good starting point is to provide a water source, either as a bird bath, or, if you have enough space, a pond. The Cape flora has a variety of bird attracting species. Amongst these are the Cape honeysuckle, Wild rosemary, Bladder Nut, Cape Ash, Cape Beech, White Pear and Wild Peach. Why not ask for these plants the next time you visit your local nursery.

Definition: A conservancy is a group of properties in which neighbours have pooled their resources for the purpose of conserving fauna and flora, as well as the adoption of friendly land use practices.

Conservancies are implemented by the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (WCNCB) in the Western Cape Province. The WCNCB provides landowners with guidance and expertise in conservation management. Although they are presently based on a voluntary agreement, legislation is being investigated to strengthen the status of conservancies. For more information on the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board and conservancies visit their website at: www.capenature.org.za

» Get the Cape Nature Conservation policy document concerning the establishment of conservancies here [size 282 KB]

» Get the Cape Nature Conservation register of Rural, Urban & Industrial Conservancies document here [size 50 KB]

Below are guidelines for those of you considering to start your own conservancy. Please visit the Cape Nature Conservation website for more information.

WHAT IS A CONSERVANCY ?

A conservancy is established by a voluntary agreement between two or more landowners to manage the environment. Conservation objectives are achieved by co-operation and commitment to the conservation of the environment on private property. Conservancies began in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and have enjoyed great success there. Through co-operation between the farming community and conservation authorities this concept has grown into a national conservation movement. It has spread to all the provinces with KwaZulu-Natal as the core where more than a million hectares are protected in conservancies. Conservancies are not necessarily restricted to agricultural areas, as they can also be established in urban and industrial areas.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A CONSERVANCY ?

The community shares in the management of the environment. Wildlife increases and natural resources are sustainably utilised. The environment's conservation status as well as its economic and aesthetic values improve. Environmental awareness is promoted. Quality of life and security are improved.

HOW IS A CONSERVANCY FORMED ?

The following steps should be followed:

Call a meeting inviting all interested parties. A representative from Cape Nature Conservation could facilitate the meeting. Spokespeople from established conservancies could give creditable information about the functioning of conservancies. Establish by means of a vote whether the majority of persons are in favour of the establishment of a conservancy. Elect a steering committee and a chairperson for the formation of the conservancy
.
The steering committee has the following tasks:

• Determine the maximum conservancy size.
  
• Promote the idea amongst potential members.
  
• Collect relevant information from each member.
  
• Establish a constitution which includes clear objectives.
  
• Determine a suitable annual subscription.

Call a meeting with all members and discuss the constitution, objectives and management. A committee must be elected to proceed with project management, including fundraising, nature conservation, problem animal and invasive plant control, veld and fire management and ecotourism. The chairperson must notify Cape Nature Conservation about the establishment of the conservancy, its extent and objectives, and forward a copy of the constitution. Conservancies are based on a voluntary agreement. In the Western Cape, conservancies are registered with Cape Nature Conservation, who issues a certificate. A guineafowl is the national emblem for conservancies.

CAPE NATURE CONSERVATION IS WILLING TO:

Facilitate meetings and give advice
Motivate communities and landowners
Provide administrative assistance, and
Train members and conservancy game guards.

CONTACT CAPE NATURE CONSERVATION AT THE FOLLOWING REGIONAL OFFICES:

Breede River: (028) 316 - 3338
Gouritz: (044) 874 - 2160
West Coast: (022) 931 - 2900
South West: (021) 945 - 4701

NEED MORE DETAILED INFORMATION? NO PROBLEM...

Visit the Cape Nature Organisation for more detailed information here»