An impactful conservation model in partnership with the community, is securing a sustainable future pathway, to benefit all users of the landscape.
Ntsikeni Nature Reserve is situated on a plateau, some fourty two kilometres (42 km) from Creighton and sixty seven (67 km) from Kokstad.
It has South Africa’s largest high-elevation inland wetland, that stretches over 1,070 hectares.
It is not only critical for the constant flow of the Umzimkhulu River system, but is also home to aquatic plants and animals.
It is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in partnership with the Malenge and Mabandla Tribal Authority, as well as conservation organisations such as BirdLife South Africa.
How do they manage to balance livestock management synonymous with rural dwellings and protecting the rich biodiversity of the area?
Ntuthuko Mathe and Nandi Thobela are the reserve’s Conservation Officers, who work for BirdLife South Africa.
Mathe said there is a Sustainable Livelihoods programme, using the Herding for Health model, which does not introduce entirely new land management practices. But it builds on indigenous knowledge and traditional grazing practices used by local communities.
“The programme works with communities to document, formalise and strengthen these existing practices through improved planning, monitoring and collective governance. Examples include planned seasonal livestock movement based on grazing availability, allowing these areas to rest and recover before livestock return. Collective decision-making on grazing through Farmers’ Associations and Rangeland Stewardship Agreements, as well as community-led fire management that builds on local knowledge while improving coordination and safety” said Mathe.
Speaking at a Conservation Conversation, hosted by BirdLife on Tuesday evenings, Dr Kyle Lloyd, Wetland Conservation Project Manager, points out the significance of grazing and burning regimes for the management of grasslands.
“We control the intensity and frequency of burning” said Kyle.
Picture of the Reserve and the team during a webinar organised by BirdLife.