In August 2011 the Lower Tugela Biodiversity Project was kicked off with an initial two year grant from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. The Project was established under the cover of the Zinkwazi Blythedale Conservancy. The Zinkwazi Blythedale Conservancy is situated between Durban and Richardsbay on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast in South Africa.
The funding will last until February 2014 (largely thanks to a weakening Rand. There were two main objectives for the project, being Conservation Stewardship and the development of Estuary Management Plans for initially the Zinkwazi and then the Nonoti Estuaries. We quickly realized there was far more that needed to be done. We have slowly moved to take on more and more and have many projects lined up and as time and funding allow, we will tackle these projects.
The idea of proposing a Marine Protected Area in the Zinkwazi Region came up after a pretty random meeting. The idea was thrashed around a bit and then we approached the team from Oceanographic Research Institute undertaking the scientific data collection needed for the estuary management plans. They loved the idea and took the idea to higher levels. We also discovered other proposed Marine Protected Areas in the area that has allowed for a much larger proposal. Sadly at this stage this blog cannot divulge too much detail on the proposed Marine Protected Area.
Instead this blog will discuss the necessity to create such areas, not only in South Africa, but also worldwide as well as the conservancy needs and objectives. More over for now the discussion of the blogs title, Mountain for the Sea. The title came after this year’s Imfolozi Challenge, a 60km mountain bike ride through the Imfolozi Game Reserve. The ride raises funds for the conservation of the African Wild Dog. The ride is organized by the Wildlands Conservation Trust. Last year I completed the ride with a fluffy shark attached to my helmet and so once again I undertook to ride with the shark in an attempt to create a greater awareness for the need of Marine Protected Areas. I know now the Imfolozi Challenge is the wrong format to create awareness, but I will continue to ride with the shark, or maybe a smaller version in years to come. By the end of 60km one’s head feels like a lump of lead from the added weight and wind resistance. So as a platform to start brainstorming on how to create awareness and potentially raise funds the ideas started. It was then a friend emailed me on the possibility to climb Kilimanjaro. And the lightbulb moment erupted. The shark as the mascot and climbing the highest peak in Africa to showcase the great value our marine world has to offer with better management and protection sounded like a great idea. This idea has been bounced off a number of people and have all loved the idea. And so the Mountain for the Sea has taken shape. Taking on the mountain for the seas protection.
This is not just a story it is also a request for your help and support. There is a need to raise funds to take this on. SO lets introduce the hikers: There is myself Gareth Roberts (Lower Tugela Project Manager) and Tracy Burrows (CEO Out There Publicity http://www.outtherepublicity.co.za/). Tracy a great friend and adventurer has agreed to help promote this project. The initial funding needed will be to get Tracy and myself to the top of Kilimanjaro and back to South Africa. This will cost approximately R70 000 or $7000. Collectively we are aiming to raise at least R1000 000.00 to contribute to the on-going work the conservancy will take on, including the numerous coastal projects we have lined up and the purchasing of necessary equipment. These include Turtle and Mussel Monitoring, anti-poaching, Invasive Alien Plant Control, Environmental Education at the local schools and fisherman on the importance of following correct fishing regulations and keeping the beach clean, implementing the estuary management plans and the continuation working together with government and other bodies in the further development of estuary management plans. We will continue to seek further funding as we believe the value of Marine Protected Areas or Marine Reserves will play a vital role to ensuring we have continued fish stocks for the future and areas of biodiversity value.
A basic list of what we are currently short of is:
- A quad bike
- Boat for Anti poaching on the estuaries and possibly one for off shore
- A vehicle to get around, the fuel and maintenance costs
- GPS’s
- Computer (one that can handle GIS software)
- Funds to employ extra staff members
This project is not for our benefit, but for the benefit of the communities, and future generations to enjoy what we can enjoy today. With the borrowed slogan from Wildlands Conservation Trust: A Sustainable Future for All.
The Mountain for the Sea 