Home » SA’s Precious Fernkloof Nature Reserve is Under Threat

SA’s Precious Fernkloof Nature Reserve is Under Threat

One of South Africa’s most precious biodiversity hotspots – Fernkloof Nature Reserve – is under threat, according to locals… and a petition has been set up as the Overstrand community rallies together to prevent Municipality plans to change the beautiful reserve into a commercial venture. A petition has been set up on Avaaz by Tanya […]

18-10-17 07:28

One of South Africa’s most precious biodiversity hotspots – Fernkloof Nature Reserve – is under threat, according to locals… and a petition has been set up as the Overstrand community rallies together to prevent Municipality plans to change the beautiful reserve into a commercial venture.

A petition has been set up on Avaaz by Tanya Tiefenthaler, a member of the action group called ‘Hands Off Fernkloof Nature Reserve’.

Tanya told SAPeople: “They [Overberg Municipality] want to push it through without consulting the most important stakeholders FAB (Fernkloof Advisory Board) and the Vogelgat Private Nature reserve.”

So far the petition – “Overstrand Muncipality – Hands Off Fernkloof Nature Reserve” – has received over 2,900 signatures. It aims for 5,000.

Source: Overstrand Municipality

Fernkloof – known as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Overberg Conservation – has been under threat before by the Overstrand Municipality which previously proposed a bypass road, cutting through the reserve. Over 8,000 people signed in opposition to that proposal.

This time the Municipality is proposing to “develop the very core of this reserve for the purpose of various activities including, but not restricted to, zip lining, a cableway, accommodation, restaurants, retail, astronomy centre, 4×4 routes, landing platforms and more”.

The petition claims any proposed draft Integrated Management Plan (IMP) needs the approval of the FAB… but has instead bypassed the FAB “who’s chairperson has emphatically rejected the same…

Source: Overstrand Municipality

“The document has raised questions about the shady underhandedness of the Municipality in the drafting of this paper. We and the public at large are opposed to the commercial development of Fernkloof.

“We want to send a message that our Natural Protected Areas are NOT for sale!”

The Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) has studied the draft IMP and says it “finds that it is fundamentally flawed and not fit for purpose”.

MORE

  • Sign the petition here.
  • Read the Whale Coast Conservation comments here.
  • Download the Draft IMP here.