Why is the Greater Kromme Area So Unique?
The Eastern Cape is a biodiversity wonderland, home to seven of South Africa’s nine biomes, creating a rich tapestry of life and habitats. This rare convergence makes it one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, with species that exist nowhere else.
Among its natural treasures, the Kromme-Kouga-Koukamma area stands out. Here, the Kouga and Kromme Rivers carve their way through valleys framed by the Baviaanskloof and Tsitsikamma mountains, fostering a variety of unique ecosystems. Sadly, human activities have caused significant damage to these ecosystems, putting many species in peril.
How Did the Greater Kromme Stewardship Initiative Begin?
The Greater Kromme Stewardship Initiative was born out of a shared vision from various stakeholders:
- The Kromme Enviro-Trust, established in 1981, dedicated to preserving the region’s environmental heritage and they have partnered with local wind farms to create safe havens for endangered species.
- Partner Wind Farms, including Gibson Bay, Jeffreys Bay, Oyster Bay, Tsitsikamma Community, and Impofu Wind Farms, have joined forces to ensure their developments help, not harm, the environment.
To guide these efforts, Conservation Outcomes, expert in Biodiversity Stewardship, brought on board to lead the project.
What Are the Goals of the Initiative?
Our primary goal is to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Greater Kromme region. We aim to bring together landowners, communities, and government to protect the area’s invaluable species and ecosystems.
Key Objectives:
- Raise Awareness about the importance of biodiversity.
- Create Protected Areas to safeguard vital habitats.
- Encourage Land Management practices that ensure ecological health.
- Secure Funding for sustainable land management.
- Promote Sustainability and green businesses for a better future.
- Protect Endangered Bird Species through targeted initiatives.
- Protect Bat Species through preserving roosts and foraging areas
Through these efforts, the Greater Kromme Stewardship Initiative is creating a legacy of sustainable conservation that benefits both the environment and the community.
Meet the passionate individuals working tirelessly to protect the environment.
Conservation Manager
With deep roots in the Eastern Cape, Wentzel Coetzer has led GKS’s conservation efforts since 2015. He’s dedicated to ensuring that areas rich in biodiversity are protected for future generations, collaborating with landowners to establish new protected areas. Wentzel believes in the power of global conservation efforts to enhance human well-being and is committed to expanding protected spaces.
Biodiversity Stewardship Facilitator
Sivu Mapapu’s deep connection to both community and nature drives her work as a Biodiversity Stewardship Facilitator. From her upbringing in East London to her passion for hands-on conservation work, Sivu is dedicated to protecting the land and its species, working with various stakeholders to implement effective stewardship practices. She sees biodiversity stewardship as crucial for adapting to climate change.
OUR BOARD
Lance Blaine | Red Cap
Marli Schoeman | Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm
Maggie Langlands | Great Kromme Stewardship & Kromme Enviro-Trust
Kevin McCann | Conservation Outcomes
Takalani Maswime | Tsitsikamma Community Wind Farm
Patrick Govender, Nthabiseng Mosehle, Janna Bedford-Owen, Ntombikayise Matsatsi | Enel