The GCBC strives to ensure the participation of important industries within its boundaries. The overall goal is to ensure that best practices become a goal of business and through that ensure that the industry will become a committed partner in conserving the biodiversity of the GCBC. These projects primarily focus on sustainability thus benefiting both people and the biodiversity features of the Greater Cederberg Region.
DEVELOPING A BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY FOR THE ROOIBOS INDUSTRY
A GCBC Small Grants Project
Organisation: South African Rooibos CouncilProject background
CapeNature (GCBC) and the South African Rooibos Council (SARC) commissioned the South African Rooibos Initiative (SRI) in an effort to address the enormous threat posed by agriculture on remaining natural vegetation, specifically in the Sandveld. The SRI was tasked with producing a sustainable production strategy for the rooibos industry. The strategy will be inclusive and accessible and have the aim of conserving the biodiversity of the GCBC while delivering benefits to all stakeholders.
This project aims to
- commit all SARC members
- to the implementation of biodiversity guidelines
- to profitable, ethical business principles
- to undertake joint planning for expansion of the industry
- to economic transformation through sharing of economic benefits with historically disadvantaged communities of the GCBC
- to good governance, working within the frameworkof national and provincial legislation.
A GCBC SMALL GRANTS PROJECT:
DEVELOPING A BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY FOR THE 4X4 TRAIL INDUSTRY WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE GCBC
Organisation: South African Route Owners and Operators Forum (SAROOF)Project background
4x4 trails are increasing in popularity, especially in the Greater Cederberg Corridor, where there currently are 34 established trails. Since June 2006, this industry and the conservation sector have been exploring innovative ways of introducing best practices into the corridor area due to the negative impact that badly managed 4x4 tourism ventures can have on the environment. These efforts have culminated in CapeNature, The Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs of South Africa (AAWDC) , EA&DP and SAROOF joining forces to pilot a sustainable utilisation strategy for the 4x4 industry in the GCBC. If successful, this will be used as a model for the rest of the Western Cape province.
This project aims to
- implement credible and sustainable utilisation measures into all facets of the 4x4 industry within the GCBC
- contribute to conservation through the implementation of responsible guidelines and a route accreditation systems
- create employment for disadvantaged communities through trail building, trail maintenance and tourism opportunities
- make people aware of the positive impact that soundly managed 4x4 tourism ventures can have on the environment.
A GCBC SMALL GRANTS PROJECT:
ESTABLISHING BEST PRACTICES FOR THE POTATAO INDUSTRY IN THE SANDVELD REGION
Organisation: Potatoes South AfricaProject background
The Sandveld region forms part of the western lowland area of the GCBC. Ploughing of natural habitat for production of potatoes and rooibos tea have led to the conversion of this important coastal habitat, making it the second most highly threatened ecosystem in South Africa. Due to the influence, resources and reach of the business sector and their affiliated supply chains, engagement is critical to the sustainable management of the world’s biodiversity. However, a history of poor communication between the conservation and business sectors has resulted in too many examples of mutual distrust and limited co-operation. The vision of Potatoes South Africa is to play a leadership role in sustainable potato production in South Africa.
This project aims to
- establish a committed partnership between the agricultural business and specific to the potato industry and the strategic programme within C.A.P.E. to address the continued loss of biodiversity in the CFR caused by its uninformed short-term exploitation.