The History of Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy
In the mid 1990s, a group of concerned landowners in the Walker Bay area initiated the process that led to the formation of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. The conservation project developed through the realisation by landowners that their properties fall within a natural area of considerable beauty and diversity. Their properties were being threatened by invasive alien vegetation and repeated uncontrolled wild fires. They also saw the threats posed by irresponsible developers and new agricultural land-use practices in the region. In 1999, a number of meetings were held to which interested and concerned landowners were invited, which led to the formation of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy on the 29thSeptember 1999. Initially, 11 landowners signed up to the new conservancy. Since then, a subsequent 31 landowners have joined, making up the current membership of 42 landowners. Together we jointly manage 20 000 + hectares of lowland fynbos and forest which has high conservation value.
Since the registration in December 1999, the WBFC has established itself as a committed and forward thinking group of conservationists. Custodians to and amazing diversity of fauna and flora, the members have set about securing the long-term conservation status of the area. In a relatively short time, the conservancy developed its own constitution and established a trust (IT1443/2004).
