The History of Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy

The Conservation of Natural Resources

In the mid 1990’s, 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 land. Their properties were being threatened by invasive alien vegetation and repeated uncontrollable 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. Initially, 11 landowners signed up to the new conservancy. A subsequent 30 landowners have joined, making up the current membership of 41 landowners.

Since its registration in December 1999 the WBFC has established itself as a committed and forward thinking group of conservationists. 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 developed its own constitution and established a Trust (IT1443/2004).