Project: The Establishment and Management of a Biodiversity Conservation Nursery in Dutwya Area

"The area of Ezimpuku at Idutywa is a very dry area and does not have trees. The area is always exposed to heavy winds and storms and twice it had been hit by heavy storms. The people were not aware that trees can be grown; that is why Icamagu Institute decided to have a demonstration garden so as to prove that there are various trees that can be grown in the area. Through the SGP Grant, this has been a success as the number of people requesting trees has increased, not only from Ezimpuku but from the surrounding areas and those passing through the national road as they are attracted by the garden.

The vegetable garden is producing and also selling on small scale different kinds of vegetables. This garden is owned by the young people. The surrounding community buys these vegetables for their families. The herbal garden has developed more interest of traditional healers in planting these herbs in their own gardens.

Above all, the SGP grant has created awareness about greening the earth, and after the grant had finished, the members were motivated to sustain the project. The Institute has grown from a dry space with 4 rondavels, to an attractive green small holding. Not only people are attracted, even different types of birds are found in the projects."

How did Manukelana and Community of the UMkhanyakude and surroundings benefit from the Rare and Endangered species project?

"Geographically the project took place within UMkhanyakude District Municipality in Dukuduku area near St. Lucia which is today iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, a World Heritage Site.

Through the workshop and meetings, the members gained a lot of knowledge on on how to propagate different species, how to collect seeds, how to research plants from the the indigenous plants books, and how to construct wire baskets. They also gained knowledge on endangered species, the importance of reproducing these trees to avoid overexploitation, and, - most importantly,- networking with other, more experienced organisations that share the common gaol of conserving biodiversity and educating the community on conservation.

The Manukelana members also passed on the knowledge to other community members like traditional healers. This was done because some of the endangered species are a result of over utilisation by them for medicinal purposes. They also encouraged them to plant them in their (traditional healers) homes.

This project has encouraged the members to tell the tourists who come to visit the area about the importance of having these trees and conserving them. The South African Tourist buys them and promises to plant them in their homesteads.

The project helped the Manukelana members to build solid relations with other organisations that share the common goal. The African Conservation Trust which was the link to UNPD GEF, has helped the local community members (Manukelana) create their own trust and also mentored them into running their own organisation. The name of this organisation is Inkanyamba Development Trust is has been operating for two years in a partnership project with ACT where it was implementing the LOTTO funded project for; water harvesting, food security, greening and permaculture gardens. These projects have employed 187 people locally."

Maputaland Community Radio Station

The partnership to the radio station helped the members to get exposure and also to be able to reach at least 15 000 listeners where they were creating awareness about the overutilization of Threatened species and also environmental awareness in general.

UKZN (University of KwaZulu Natal)

This project also worked with UKZN assisting with the research, trainings and other academic support that was needed by the project.

Specialist, Botanist: Geoff Nichols

Through the link to the University we were able to meet with the Botanist and also a writer Mr Geoff Nichols who conducted some trainings and mentorship to the Manukelana members