Stewardship Awards honour the best in the East

CapeNature recently celebrated its partnership with local stewards who play a critical role in the conservation of the Eastern Region of the Western Cape.

Communities, businesses and individuals are forging exciting partnerships with CapeNature to conserve the Western Cape. CapeNature’s biodiversity stewardship programme has already secured over 120 500 ha on private and communal land – protecting unique biodiversity and ecosystem services and creating opportunities for local communities.

At a gala evening on the 21st of October, held at Surval Boutique Olive Estate on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, awards were given to leaders within the CapeNature stewardship programme in the East Region, and there were awards were made to those not part of the formal stewardship programme, but who have made a significant contribution to the conservation of the region.

First up were Sue and Richard Dean, who received a Biodiversity Stewardship Award for excellence in conservation in recognition of their tireless work promoting conservation in Prince Albert and its surroundings.

In particular, this award recognises the exceptional contribution they make through the establishment of the Wolwekraal Conservation and Research Organisation. This NGO was established to leave a legacy for flora and fauna conservation and sustainable use through education and research on the contract nature reserve Wolwekraal. The Deans have made this reserve available for Environmental Education of tourists, learners and students and as a long-term monitoring site for research.

The Biodiversity Stewardship Award given to Katot Meyer honours his long term commitment to conservation in the de Vlugt Valley – he was one of the founder members of the Middle Keurbooms Conservancy and went on to establish a contract nature reserve on his family’s land – Pietersrivier.

In addition to important natural assets, this reserve also includes San rock art as well as part of the route the famous naturalist Burchell travelled over the Prince Alfred Pass in March 1814 – just over 200 years ago. Mr Meyer communicates his passion for conservation and the history of the area to all who are fortunate enough to cross his path and is also undertaking important research on the impact of clearing invasive aliens from river courses.

Next up was Charles Basson, who was honoured by CapeNature for making an invaluable contribution to conservation outside of the formal stewardship and conservation programme.

Basson is a tireless activist promoting social and environmental sustainability through a wide range of projects including War on Leaks – a project targeting broken taps and pipes in impoverished communities; Learning for Lights – which provides study lights for learners in informal houses which don’t have electricity; and the creation of small businesses to make Wonderbags, which can be used for economical cooking. He is also involved in cleaning up important natural areas and in tree planting programmes. The award was recognition of his drive and commitment towards all of these projects.

The final CapeNature award was given to Andre Britz, who has a long history of involvement with conservation, education and community upliftment – nearly 30 years ago he was recognised as conservation farmer of the year. More recently he was a founder member of the Rooiberg Conservancy and has acted as secretary, chair and education representative within the conservancy. He has also been involved in the establishment of the Gouritz biosphere reserve.

This CapeNature award for an invaluable contribution to conservation outside the formal stewardship and conservation programmes specifically recognises his current involvement in the Jobs4Carbon Project, which is planting spekboom and creating food gardens in the Vanwyksdorp area.

There were other awards handed out during the evening, recognising various contributions to the success of conservation in the region, and all involved enjoyed seeing their conservation partners receive recognition for their hard work.

Published in Care for Nature, In the media