In 2022, eight landowners came together to establish a Section 28 Protected Environment, collectively designating nearly 5,000 hectares for formal protection. This achievement was made possible through funding and expert assistance from the Grootbos Foundation and Fauna and Flora International.

Together with seven existing Section 23 private nature reserves and the magnificent Walker Bay Nature Reserve, this initiative has expanded the protected area to over 12,000 hectares of pristine and rare fynbos. This nationally proclaimed and internationally recognised conservation initiative ensures the long-term protection of this rich landscape, preserving its ecological integrity for future generations.

This entails jointly confronting common threats such as alien invasive vegetation, irregular wildfires and irresponsible land use which pose a grave risk to the natural biodiversity of the wider area. By working together on a landscape level, the challenges are addressed in the most effective manner. Monitoring, restoration and rehabilitation projects based on scientific research are conducted and members are advised on the management of the land.

It’s crucial to also establish green corridors that link other conservation areas, providing a safe passage for fauna. Cooperation with other landscape projects and nature conservation organisations, such as the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, CapeNature, Agulhas National Park and the Cape Leopard Trust will lead to a broader region-wide conservation network.