The Baviaanskloof area is one of three areas in the Cape Floral Kingdom (CFK) that have been identified for mega-reserve status (an area of > 400 000 ha in extent) by the strategic bioregional conservation initiative, Cape Action for People and the Environment (C.A.P.E).

The rationale of the C.A.P.E proposal to establish mega-reserves in the Cape Floral Kingdom is  founded on the need to adequately provide for the conservation of ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes. A mega-reserve is the name that has been used to describe such a landscape-wide conservation intervention.

The term ‘mega’ is used here because the area must be large enough to encompass landscape scale climatic gradients and topographic variation, and the associated range of habitat types or biomes. Accommodating animal movements and plant dispersal and gene flow over very large distances is important within a context of global climate change. In addition whole river catchments (or large portions of catchments), and the associated water and soil resources they harbor can be effectively conserved at this landscape scale.

A detailed conservation strategy has been developed through a public participation process and can be view by following the link below. Comments on the document are still encouraged and revisions and updates will be made periodically.

The conservation strategy for the BMRP addresses 6 Key performance Areas (KPA’s):

• Institutional Development,
• Expansion and Consolidation
• Strategy and Business Planning
• Supporting Operational Management
• Improving Rural Livelihoods
• Knowledge Management

For the full document click here

Die besprekings dokument is ook in Afrikaans beskikbaar.

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The planning domain of the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve. Scientific studies by the project management unit have identified key biological zones within the proposed mega-reserve.

This map of the planning domain is not final and does not indicate any intention to purchase, expropriate or forcefully change any existing land use.

• The project has no impact whatsoever on the current status quo of farmers. There is no threat to any farmer if they choose to carry on as they have always done.
• The Mega-Reserve project presents the option to farmers to VOLUNTARILY consider, in part or in whole, an alternative land use that MAY yield higher financial returns. If not, the current agricultural use simply continues.
• The project team believes the Mega-Reserve enhances the value of the farmers landholdings (increased property value as a consequence of a tourism-based economy). The land status is enhanced as their primary asset gains value - surely this is a "no lose" consequence.
• The reserve offers an alternative market for the VOLUNTARY sale of land. If the farmer does not wish to sell, well then the status quo remains.
• It offers opportunities to reduce the costs of meeting EXISTING legal requirements without losing any use or ownership rights. If they wish to met those requirements themselves, then the status quo remains.
• It offers opportunities to tap into local and international markets. If they do not want to reach these markets, then the status quo simply remains.

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