The economic and cultural well-being of local people is central in the management in the GCBC. The management is structured around the knowledge of the local people.
While the designation of the GCBC is not intended primarily as an economic measure, it should as far as possible bring lasting economic benefits. This should be done by encouraging the sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity conservation, including that of the landscape itself, which is the enduring foundation of tourism.
A GCBC Small Grants Project:Expanding the tourism potential of Wupperthal by making information available to willing participants - Rooibos Heritage Route
Contact Person: INDIGOÂ
Project background
The establishment of the Rooibos Heritage Route, linking Nieuwoudtville and Wupperthal via Moedverloor, seeks to heighten public awareness of the rich history of the area and the rooibos industry, while offering an all-encompassing educational experience to tourists. A steering committee, established in June 2005, includes representatives form the Heiveld Co-operative Ltd. and the Wupperthal Rooibos Tea Association, the Wupperthal and Nieuwoudtville tourism organisations, municipal officers responsible for Local Economic Development, representatives of the GCBC steering committee and local NGO’s, EMG and Indigo. The route creates an opportunity and incentive for small-scale farmers to share their knowledge and experience with tourists, and aims to encourage sustainable practices and biodiversity awareness among local land users.
This project aims to
- develop an environmentally friendly tourist route between Wupperthal and Nieuwoudtville (via Moedverloor)
- create sustainable livelihoods for rooibos farmers and their families by enabling them to provide hospitality and to share their environment, knowledge and culture with tourists, whilst at the same time contributing to the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the Greater Cederberg region
- help new initiatives to join the route
- develop a code of practice for the route and to market the route in an appropriate manner
OTHER PROJECTS - RELATED TO LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTCederberg Donkey Cart RouteContact Person: Rhiyaan Cupido
Project background
The project was initiated to improve income streams of community beneficiaries, to create environmental awareness and to broaden recreational opportunities within the Cederberg. Guides from the Heuningvlei community drive tourist on a donkey cart through the Cederberg Wilderness. Tourists stay at a house in one of the settlements in the Cederberg and community members do the catering, including traditional dishes on the menu.
In 2005 CapeNature applied for funding to expand the route, improve facilities and to build more capacity within the community. This funding was approved and the project management team is in charge of the current implementation phase, which includes the renovation of the old school as a central facility. This will provide accommodation to visitors and an area for the selling of community arts and crafts. A tea garden will be built in the village and a nursery will be established for the cultivation of medicinal herbs. The route will include various interesting en route stops and vantage points.
The project aims to build a central accommodation facility, a tea garden, nursery, three main vantage points en route and a parking area. Six donkey carts will be built. More importantly, this route will be linked to other tourism ventures in the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor.
TMF Education and Awareness CampaignContact Person: Table Mountain Fund – CapeNature
Project background
The Table Mountain Fund (TMF) granted money for environmental education in the GCBC. The RARE project was completed in December 2005 and this was an ideal opportunity to continue with environmental education efforts, extending it to other areas within the GCBC such as Elands Bay.
This project aims to implement an environmental education campaign, raising awareness about the GCBC and by so doing delivering social benefits to schools and communities by improving the integrity of the local environment.