The Baviaanskloof Mega-reserve project is at an interesting stage with an active handover underway between the Wilderness Foundation Project Management Unit (PMU) and the Eastern Cape Parks Board (ECPB) as the management authority. The PMU continues to manage a number of projects under the banner of the Mega-reserve including the Biodiversity and Citrus Initiative, beekeeping, small business training and decision maker wilderness trail projects.
The main focus of the PMU for the remainder of 2008 is to ensure the smooth transition of responsibilities to the ECPB and to look at developing funding proposals that could support the Mega-reserve in the medium term. The remaining role of the PMU is to provide ongoing management support to the management authority and to do whatever is possible to ensure that the conservation gains secured to date are sustained. The Wilderness Foundation can be proud of its achievements in the Baviaanskloof and has played a major role in securing this area as one of the finest conservation areas in South Africa. The experience gained will be put to good use as members of the PMU get involved in a number of new and exciting conservation projects.
