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What characterises fynbos? Restioids, all members of the southern hemisphere family Restionaceae make up the growth form which uniquely characterises fynbos.

Since its registration in December 1999 the WBFC has established itself as a committed and forward thinking conservation group. Custodians to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, the members have set about securing the long-term conservation status of the area.

In a relatively short time the conservancy has developed its own constitution and established a Trust account to which all members are trustees, and which is audited by the international auditing firm KPMG (who are also patrons to the Trust).

During 2000 the conservancy was granted R100 000 from the South African government's Working for Water programme for funding towards removal of alien vegetation and creation of jobs in the area.

At the 2001 Whitley Awards in London, the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy was awarded the twenty thousand pound Iris Darnton Award for International Nature Conservation. This is the most prestigious plant award in the world.

R40 000 was raised by Ms.Lomba for funding the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy Management Plan.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK, HERMANUS BRANCH

R5000 was received for a set of information posters that are used in all Conservancy functions to promote awareness of the Conservancy. R500 was also contributed to the construction of the Conservancy firetruck.

KPMG (Pty) Ltd

KPMG, an international group of Chartered Accountants, has donated audit/accounting fees to the value of R20 000.

SOUTH AFRICAN WORKING FOR WATER PROGRAMME

A further R150 000 was received for clearing of alien vegetation on Conservancy land, using previously unemployed persons over the current financial year.

WHITLEY AWARDS FOUNDATION

Sean Privett, the first chairperson of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy, was awarded R220 000 as winner of the Iris Darnton Award for his contribution in establishing the Conservancy. These funds are being utilised for employing a local conservation agency (Overberg Conservation Services cc) to implement the Conservancy management plan, using it as a working document to protect the region’s unique biodiversity. In addition, the agency is responsible for developing the strategy for nature-based tourism within the conservancy, creating new opportunities for employment and enhancing economic activity.

FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES BY CONSERVANCY MEMBERS

*See Functions page for details

DIGIWORKS