Page 20 - State of Biodiversity 2023-2024

18 STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2023/2024
Molweni Eco-tourism Project by Paolo Condotti on behalf of
the Kloof Conservancy
Paolo Candotti
Email: info@kloofconservancy.org.za
The Molweni area is a natural extension of the Kloof Gorge and the formally proclaimed Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. As such the biodiversity in the area is of significant value particularly along the escarpment and the riverine sections. This biodiversity is under sever threat from unregulated development and poaching (booth fauna and flora). In 2018 it was decided in consultation with the community to embark on a sustainable Eco-Tourism initiative which would provide income for the community and in turn aim to protect the environment on the basis that if residents can benefit from the natural environment they are more likely to want to protect it. Funding was provided to create a network of hiking trail as well as the formal training of 3 community members who are now fully qualified tourist guides.
Hiking is currently the core product and two trails have been developed. The Nogxaza Falls trail in Upper Molweni and the Granite Slide Trail in Lower Molweni. The trails have proved very popular and attract regular visitors.
In addition to guiding the Tourist Guides are running a series of ‘lectures’ on Eco-tourism at local schools. The lectures cover the importance of protecting the local biodiversity and how that can result in economic benefits for the area.
The project is run by the Kloof Conservancy in partnership a local NPO, Uvemvane Lwe-Afrika and with the support of Green Corridors and 1000 Hills Community Tourism
Organisation. Hiking is currently the core product and two trails have been developed. The Nogxaza Falls trail in Upper Molweni and the Granite Slide Trail in Lower Molweni. The trails have proved very popular and attract regular visitors.
Molweni Eco-Club:
In 2023 Eco-Clubs were established in partnership with Uvemvane Lwe-Afrika and involve 70 school children from three primary schools in Molweni – Bazamile Primary School and Lamula Primary School in Lower Molweni and Sizimisele Primary School in Upper Molweni.
The Outreach branch of FreeMe Wildlife provide content and training for the Eco-Club facilitators who then run the sessions with the Eco-Club members. The curriculum includes the following:
• Biodiversity and the basic concept of what it means and why we must protect it.
• Animal care including domestic and farm animals starts at home (wildlife cannot be protected if you do not take care of your animals at home.)
• The role of Arthropods in the ecosystem
• Reptiles and amphibians
• Life beneath our feet (the importance of soil and great soil activities)
• Water for life