Kouga Dam (SA): EarthCollective (through the Living Lands agency) has recently finalised the planning report: PRESENCE in the Baviaanskloof: A strategy for integrated catchment restoration. This document provides a comprehensive overview of all current and proposed activities related to socio-ecological restoration in the Baviaanskloof (Eastern Cape, South Africa).

Given the scope and integrated nature of the initiative, it was decided that both internal and external parties require a structured programme plan which provides a comprehensive overview of interrelated projects and participating partners active in the area. Although strong collaboration is already established, there is still a need to build more capacity and find more financial support to realise the full potential of this programme. PRESENCE in the Baviaanskloof is dynamic and multi-faceted. In realising ‘integration’, it is seeks to employ trandisciplinary and solution-oriented action research which is carried out in close cooperation with various stakeholders such that they will be empowered to continue with the restoration activities into the future upon their own volition. This naturally requires improved understanding of ecological processes, economic drivers, socio-cultural dynamics/networks and the institutional environment in order to align these aspects with desired objectives.

In implementing PRESENCE in the Baviaanskloof, it has therefore been essential to build trust, personal relationships, maintain open communication, and ensure that the purpose of related research is kept clear, simple and directly relevant to stakeholder needs. In this sense, flexibility in ‘going the extra mile’ – on a personal and collective level – is needed. This overarching programme plan paints a roadmap for PRESENCE in the Baviaanskloof. It clarifies collaborations, guiding frameworks, justifications, participating agencies, focus area, planning, timetable for implementation, expected outputs and strategic considerations. The plan clarifies the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the proposed programme of work and how activities fit together in the larger scheme of things. For further questions or clarifications contact PRESENCE Coordinator: Dieter Van den Broeck [broeck@earthcollective.net].

PRESENCE in the Baviaanskloof: Integrated Catchment Restoration