The Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme (SKEP) is a long-term, multi-stakeholder bioregional conservation and development programme. It began as a bi-national initiative between Namibia and South Africa to conserve the succulent Karoo ecosystem. SKEP is supported by conservationists in the Northern, Eastern and Western Cape and Namibia, the Botanical Institute of South Africa and the international non-government organisation, Conservation International.

SKEP integrates high-level scientific expertise with socioeconomic and institutional concerns. The programme has four long-term strategic focus areas:

1. Increase awareness of the succulent Karoo’s unique biodiversity.

2. Expand protected areas and improve conservation management.

3. Support a system of harmonious land uses.

4. Improve institutional coordination.

SKEP aims to expand partnerships and ensure that role-players have the ability and necessary funds to protect the succulent Karoo through conservation and awareness campaigns.

The succulent Karoo, a biodiversity hotspot, is threatened by mining, crop and ostrich farming, overgrazing, illegal collection of fauna and flora, and climate change. The area stretches over 120 000km, from Luderitz in Namibia, through Namaqualand, the Hantam/Tankwa Karoo and Roggeveld into the Southern Karoo, and the Eastern Cape up to Somerset East. The succulent Karoo has the world's richest collection of succulent plants, with almost 6 000 species. Two of every five species do not grow naturally anywhere else in the world.

SKEP’s work could serve as a good model for creating a balance between sustainable development and conservation. About 90% of the region is used for grazing, which is theoretically compatible with conserving the Karoo’s biodiversity, provided good management, agricultural and mining practices are put in place.

Tankwa/Hantam/Roggeveld: Annelise le Roux - rouxa@cncjnk.wcape.gov.za

Southern Karoo: Susan Botha - soo@freemail.absa.co.za

Namaqualand: Malinda Boonzaaier - malinda@ecoafrica.co.za

Namibia/Gariep: Wilna Oppel - steininfo@lantic.net