Gouritz Corridors Project

To restore and maintain ecological corridors in the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve

This is an initiative to enhance landscape scale ecological processes along mountain ranges and rivers associated with the Gouritz River. Corridors are landscape level ecological connections which are critical for ecological processes and for long-term survival of wild animals and plants, especially in the context of climate change.

The project aims to establish landscape level strategies for effective fire management, successful invasive alien plant control and improved river and wetland health by means of growing collaboration between farmers and other landowners. By identifying and analysing environmental threats and opportunities with farmers and stakeholders, the project aims to assist with implementing practical and co-operative strategies to address threats and opportunities at a landscape scale.

Activities to be undertaken:

• Conduct an ecological baseline assessment of:
  • Mountain fynbos/ rangeland
  • Wetlands
  • Rivers
• Identify the ideal conditions for ecological farm assets
• Joint planning with farmers to develop practical actions to:
  • Maintain and improve ecological conditions,
  • Identify conservation farming techniques to improve and sustain farm enterprises
• Support farmers managing their veld, rivers and wetlands through:
  • Providing technical support for effective fire, fynbos, wetland and river management
  • Supporting farmers to leverage support from government and other agencies
• Support farmers to access conservation farming know-how for government and other agencies