New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo
A long-cherished dream has come true with the establishment of the 18 000 ha Karoo Gateway Conservancy in the Klaarstroom district. This initiative provides a strong framework for biodiversity conservation in the region through a voluntary agreement among landowners to manage their land in an environmentally sustainable way that promotes biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.
The Karoo Gateway Conservancy was founded by a group of local farmers who share a deep love for nature and a passion for protecting the region’s unique fauna and flora. To help drive this initiative forward, experienced conservationists and FGASA-registered field guides, Stephen Moss and Shania Finscham, have been engaged to work closely with stakeholders on the ground.
CapeNature has welcomed this initiative and will act as a custodian, providing expert input and guidance on management plans and biodiversity assessments, and potentially offering funding support. The Karoo Gateway Conservancy will become part of the network of recognised conservancies in the Western Cape, officially falling under the CapeNature-supported network.
From left to right on photo of participants at initial planning meeting: Frans Steenkamp (farmer), Jurie Klu (farmer), Jannie Ellis (farmer), Giel Swiegers (farmer), Lydia Swiegers (farmer), Shania Fincham (field guide), Attie van der Merwe (farmer), Stephen Moss (field guide), Tom Barry (CapeNature), Melita Weideman (CapeNature).
Landowners who are considering having their land formally protected can contact CapeNature’s Tom Barry on tbarry@capenature.co.za and Melita Weideman on mweideman@capenature.co.za.
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