SANParks Namaqua National Park accesses 36 000 ha from De Beers

Namaqualand – De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) and SANParks sealed an agreement on Thursday, 6 November 2008, whereby De Beers will include 36 000 ha. of environmentally well conserved West Coast farms into an expanded Namaqua National Park.  

The largely undisturbed coastal reserve previously managed by De Beers will enhance the ecological viability of SANParks’ internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot. The area is made up of farms situated between the Groen and Spoeg Rivers.  Manne Dipico deputy chairman of DBCM and Chairman of Ponahalo Holdings, and David Noko the managing director of DBCM signed the agreement for De Beers with Dr David Mabunda, Chief Executive of South African National Parks (SANParks) signing and accepting on behalf of SANParks.

The inclusion of the 36 000ha area will expand the Namaqua National Park all the way to the coast and make it the fifth largest national park after Kruger, Kgalagadi, Addo and Richtersveld.  Dr. Mabunda remarked that the incorporation of this land into the Namaqua National Park is of critical significance to biodiversity, as it will ensure the protection of the only arid biodiversity hotspot in the world, as it contains key components of the Succulent Karoo biome.

Manne Dipico said:” I am confident that the farms will be protected and managed by individuals who are as passionate about the conservation of our valuable biodiversity as we are in De Beers. The inclusion of De Beers conservation areas in the Namaqua National Park will benefit the world wide movement to improve the environment on which every living creature depends. I am confident that today illustrates well the power of partnerships where business, government bodies and the environmental organizations find common purpose – a win-win for all.”

The Managing Director of DBCM, Mr David Noko said, “we are keen to enhance the ecological viability of the Namaqua National Park on the West Coast, one of South Africa’s least populated regions, and where as a positive result of mining there are significant tracts of well conserved land. We recognize mining impacts on the planet, most are aware of the negative impacts, however besides economic development and the creation of wealth in the country there are some less known positive effects which has enabled us today to make a meaningful contribution to conserving the enviroment for future generations. This agreement which expands the existing National Park in a south westerly direction towards the coastline of South Africa is going to work well, and I hope it acts as a catalyst benefiting many stakeholders in the region. I encourage all business, not only mining companies,  to engage with credible organizations dedicated to the environment, and to seek ways  to work together in whatever form of partnership is necessary in order to contribute to the development of our nations national parks.”

Johan Kruger head of ecology for De Beers concluded; “Conservation and the expansion of this area will promote more research and enhance the potential for ecologically friendly tourism, and therefore create new sustainable employment opportunities in what is a new expanding industry. De Beers has had a long relationship with SANParks and over the past 25 years we have explored the opportunities for cooperation. In 1999 the (then) Wildflower National Park was officially opened to the public, a Park which was to a large extent  made possible by the inclusion of properties previously owned by De Beers.  Today I’m delighted that we have another ‘partnership’ of sorts, and that we can also announce that De Beers has donated breeding populations of both Springbok and Gemsbok (Oryx) to establish founder populations in the new National Park.”

While the prime mandate for SANParks is centered on biodiversity considerations, there is also a drive towards the stimulation of the local economy in the Groen and Spoeg coastal areas.  “We have already initiated an R8,5m Working for the Coast project, which is employing 55 people over a 3 year period in the rehabilitation of old roads and mining sites, as well as developing hiking trails in this area,” said Dr Mabunda.

He also outlined plans for employing rangers and for implementing a fencing project for this coastal component of the Park. “I need to acknowledge that it would not be possible to contemplate engaging in driving towards a biodiverse and economically vibrant future, were it not for all our partners – and De Beers in particular.  By making this land available through a 99 year lease, De Beers have made the achievement of these goals possible,” said Dr Mabunda.

Related Stories

• SANParks to launch 2009 SA National Parks Week on 14 September
• SANParks appoints new Managing Executive for Kruger National Park
• SANParks Tackles Alien Invasive Species on International Day for Biodiversity
• SANParks Focuses on community education
• Kruger National Park appoints 57 Field Rangers to fight poaching

FREE  for 30 days

 Email This  Print This