In 2010, 12 Conservancies in the KZN Midlands got together to form the Midlands Conservancy Forum (MCF) to share ideas, knowledge and discuss common challenges. Working together will support those who are facing daunting tasks and offer advice to the newer conservancies, too. Learning from one another is a vital component of the new forum, as everyone has different experiences to share. The MCF area extends from World's View, Winterskloof and uMgenyane Conservancies in the South to Kamberg and Hlatikulu in the North West.The aim of the Midlands Conservancies Forum is to facilitate and coordinate the activities of a coalition of KZN Midlands conservancies, focussing on biodiversity conservation, which will ensure long-term environmental sustainability in the area.
Gareth Boothway, the project manager, is relishing the task of ensuring that the four areas (Dargle, Karkloof, Fort Nottingham and Umgenyane) which are currently in the process of having land proclaimed under the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, are officially conserved for biodiversity. Thereafter, he will work on expanding the existing area and creating Biodiversity Corridors.
MCF has just been granted $154 000 by CEPF to carry out these tasks. See www.midlandsconservancies.org.za for more information.
