CapeNature Conservation Stewardship Program

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship refers to the wise use, management and protection of that which has been entrusted to you or is rightfully yours. Within the context of conservation, stewardship means protecting important ecosystems, effectively managing invasive alien species and fires, and grazing or harvesting without damaging the veld.

How can you make a contribution to conservation?

Landowners play a pivotal role in conservation. With 80% of the priority habitats in private hands, conservation strategies must involve private landholders. In addition, the existing network of formal reserves cannot adequately protect the many threatened species and ecosystems in South Africa. This means that landowners can make a significant contribution towards the conservation of the unrivalled biodiversity of our country. Innovative approaches are required that will enable, encourage and assist landowners to protect priority habitats. With these needs in mind, CapeNature has launched a dedicated Conservation Stewardship Programme through which a number of conservation options will be offered to landowners.

What are the benefits of becoming a custodian of natural habitat on your property?

Natural vegetation, particularly wetlands, can act like a filter and preserve the quality of drinking water that collects in dams.
Clearing alien plants and implementing firebreaks will reduce the risk of damaging fires.
Conserving vegetation on slopes will prevent soil erosion.
Your income base can be diversified through the wise use and marketing of your natural resources e.g. ecotourism opportunities, professional hunting.
By becoming involved in conservation on your land, you will have access to support, advice and assistance from dedicated Cape Nature Conservation staff.
By conserving natural habitats on your property, you may be keeping certain plants and animals from extinction, while dramatically improving the survival chances of many others!