Download A land user incentive project is launched in Chrissiesmeer The

A land user incentive project is launched in Chrissiesmeer
The South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is implementing an environmentally
beneficial greening project through the Natural Resource Management Land User Incentives (LUI)
Programme. The vision of this programme is underwritten by two complimentary objectives. The
first is focused on stewardship and improved management and restoration of natural areas by land
users and the second is focused on creating job opportunities in rural areas of ecological
significance. The beneficiaries are provided with decent jobs as well as training and capacity-building
opportunities.
A collaboration of environmental partners
(including
the
EWT,
provincial
conservation agency and CPE Landowners
Association) applied for LUI funding for an
alien invasive clearing project in the
Chrissiesmeer Protected Environment
(CPE). The CPE is an area of high
biodiversity
significance
with
23
threatened bird species (including all
three of South Africa’s crane species), 6
threatened mammal species and 13
species of frogs occurring here. The area
is a proposed Ramsar site with over 230 lakes and pans in a 20 kilometre radius around the village of
Chrissiesmeer. It forms the drainage area for four of South Africa’s important rivers, namely the
Vaal, Komati, Usutu and uMpuluzi. Water is a critical resource within South Africa which is
considered to be a semi-arid country.
Funding to clear 100 hectares of alien invasive Wattle and Bluegum trees over a project lifespan of
two years has been given to Eastern Wetland Rehabilitation, the implementing NGO partner. A total
of 24 people are employed and have been trained in herbicide use and invasive clearing methods.
They commenced work at the end of February 2016. The identified property consists of pristine
grasslands with a high number of wildflowers, especially orchids, which are currently being invaded
by Wattles. Tevreden Pan, the first recorded peat pan in South Africa, also forms part of this
property.
The EWT forms part of the LUI steering committee and is currently exploring implementing various
alien invasive clearing methods and rehabilitation techniques within the CPE. This will be a long-term
project and will hopefully run concurrently with the LUI project.
By Ursula Franke, the EWT’s African Crane Conservation Programme Senior Field Officer