PRESENCE in the Baviaanskloof recently received media attention in ‘Die Burger’, the leading Afrikaans language newspaper for the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The article (in Afrikaans) reports on the implementation measures needed to restore the river and tributary streams in the Baviaans catchment. Such options are being discussed between various experts (science, managers, land owners) within the PRESENCE network.

Land owners involved appear to recognize the importance of restoring the catchment. They are willing to work together with other stakeholders in finding alternative income sources and promoting land use changes. These efforts are aimed at supporting water security as well as saving and restoring biodiversity.

Living Lands is coordinating ‘PRESENCE in the Baviaanskloof – Integrated Catchment Restoration Programme’. This multi-stakeholder initiative has largely been made possible through the generous support of the Dutch Ministry for Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality’s (LNV) Water for Food & Ecosystems Programme. Key contributors are the South African Department of Water Affairs (Working for Water); Gamtoos Irrigation Board, Eastern Cape Parks, Wageningen University (SELS) and Rhodes University.

For more information, contact: marijn@earthcollective.net

View the article here:  “Baviaans gered ná misbruik”

UPDATE: A second article has now been published:  “Baviaans wil met water boer”