The Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve

Annual Report 2023/24

The Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve purpose

To protect and manage the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, 47 000 hectares close to Africa’s southernmost tip, into one functioning ecosystem, forming an innovative system for conservation on private land.

15 years of conservation action

At the start of 2024, the Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve (NRNR) celebrated 15 years of formal protection through title deed restrictions.

FROM THE CHAIR

FROM THE OPERATION MANAGER

Perseverance Is Not a Long Race

Walter Elliot once said: “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” This quote sums up the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area. We have been continually looking for the single solution that will magically transform this initiative into a prosperous, self-sustaining beacon of conservation. Wisdom garnered from the benefit of experience and hindsight is, however, revealing that success lies in the sum of all our projects and endeavours. Sometimes the obvious is right in front of us!

Our goals up to 2032

Here are the six goals we’ve set ourselves to protect and improve ecosystems across the 47 000 hectares of the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (NWSMA).



Ensure the NWSMA and our biodiversity are protected forever



Manage and improve ecological integrity of NWSMA

U

Identify and research species of conservation concern



Promote and manage compatible uses of nature



Develop and promote best practice sustainable agriculture model



Promote the work of the NWSMA

Our 2023 Conservation Highlights

Objective 1

To ensure the NWSMA and our biodiversity are protected forever

There are 25 landowners who are members of the NRNR. They signed title deed restrictions – which ensures these 47 000 hectares are protected in perpetuity. We take steps to ensure the NWSMA remains protected.

Becoming an OECM

The NWSMA is currently being used as a case study – locally, nationally, and internationally – to pilot the OECM model in South Africa. OECMs are Other Effective Areas-Based Conservation Measures; in other words, managed areas that provide long-term conservation benefits, but that aren’t in a protected area. BirdLife South Africa has been driving the process in South Africa to declare OECMs.

In the past year, Birdlife South Africa presented the OECM case at the Fynbos Forum conference in August, and used the NRNR as the pilot model. The NRNR Conservation Managers also presented our model and OECM Case Study at a Birdlife South Africa webinar, called Conservation Conversations. While the process to declare and recognise the NRNR as an OECM is still very much a work in progress, we have worked very hard to keep the OECM a focal topic in the conservation world with our communications and stakeholder liaison.

Wildfire brings a community together

Wildfires are a major threat to the NWSMA – including to infrastructure. So when a wildfire spread across the landscape, and into the NWSMA in February in 2024, the community joined forces to address the threat.

Objective 2

To manage, maintain and improve the ecological integrity of the NWSMA as a functioning ecosystem

The NWSMA is made up of some of the biggest and most threatened wetlands in South Africa. They have been described as ‘highly irreplaceable’ by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Around 23 000 hectares of the NWSMA is made up of natural vegetation, including Critically Endangered Agulhas Sand Fynbos and Agulhas Limestone Fynbos, and Endangered Elim Ferricrete Fynbos and Overberg Sandstone Fynbos. That’s why we undertake conservation action to protect the habitat.

In the past year, we focused on invasive alien clearing:

Restoration on the NWSMA

alien invasive plant species identified

191

ha of initial clearing in wetlands

743

ha of follow up alien clearing in wetlands

2 200

Ha of clearing in fynbos

A wetland starts working again

A three-year restoration project, supported by WWF South Africa, came to an end early in 2024. With additional help from the Overberg District Municipality, wetlands habitat was restored for wetlands birds. Here’s what happened:

How the habitat has changed

We use fixed-point photography to capture the visual changes in vegetation composition every three months. Here’s how the wetlands habitat has changed, as photographed from the same position over the past three years:

A remarkable recovery

Every year, botanists Rebecca Dames and Sean Privett of the Grootbos Foundation visit the restored wetlands. They survey and assess the cover abundance of different floral species in the survey site. In so doing, they can evaluate changes in species composition and abundance over time. At the end of the three-year monitoring period, they noted that “the recovery has been incredible, including the recruitment of pioneer species within the blocks. The structure and diversity of the wetland system has changed drastically from initial surveys which were conducted in March 2021, demonstrating the resilience of the system without active restoration.”

Wetlands birds return

The bird diversity is changing in our wetlands – as captured in the graph below. Our avian monitoring, part of the WWF South Africa-funded project to expand avian habitats, has captured a marked increase in wetlands-affiliated species, such as Yellow-billed Duck, African Sacred Ibis, Common Waxbills, cisticolas and warblers. At the same time, woodland and agricultural-affiliated species have decreased.

Invertebrates indicate a recovery

Three years after an initial visit from Corrie du Toit, this dragonfly and damselfly expert returned early in 2024. The goal? To quantify the difference in dragonfly species abundance brought about by the restoration work. And her findings were phenomenal – indicating a thriving and multiplying population. Read more

EVERY FRAGMENT MATTERS

A new game camp established

An important wildlife corridor has been secured, by removing it from agricultural use (for livestock grazing) and fencing it into a game camp. The 70 hectares consist of Endangered Elim Ferricrete Fynbos, and are linked to the wetlands. The grazing and trampling effects normally associated with livestock will be substantially minimised and the vegetation can start recovering from years of heavy pressure.

High diversity fynbos excluded from agriculture

With support from the Table Mountain Fund, we identified three pockets of fynbos that contained immense diversity, but were at risk from livestock. These three pockets were fenced off, amounting to 4 ha in total. One fragment in particular serves as an important stepping stone linking the Heuningrug Limestone ridge to the Wiesdrift wetland. These are now protected from further degradation, and the natural recovery process can proceed without threat.

A dumping site in the NWSMA

An illegal dumping site was discovered, hidden in the invasive alien trees along the Nuwejaars River. This needed urgent attention. So a team removed approximately 20 cubic metres of dumped material to the municipal waste site. And access from the main road was removed through a new gate and padlock.

Objective 3

Identify and research species of conservation concern

The Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA is home to very threatened fauna and flora. But little is known about many of these species. That’s why we need to identify and research these species, in order to find ways to protect them. In order to achieve the best results, we often work with partners who are experts in the field. They visit our wetlands to find out more about species, adding to their research and our understanding and conservation actions.

Learning about our fynbos fish

The dark, peat-stained waters of the Nuwejaars Wetlands are home to a number of indigenous fish species, known as fynbos fish. But little is known about them, or the threats they face. A project launched at the start of 2024 aims to map where these fynbos fish species occur, the health of these populations, the quality of the water and the threats they face. Working with incredible partners, and funded by Fondation Segré through IUCN Save Our Species, we’ll develop a conservation mitigation plan to protect them. More here

Our fynbos fish

Pseudobarbus sp. nov. ‘heuningnes’ is listed as Endangered, only found in the Heuningnes River system.

Galaxias sp. nov. ‘heuningnes’ occurs in the Heuningnes and Ratel River systems. It’s listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Sandelia sp. nov. ‘Agulhas’ is likely a new lineage that occurs on the Agulhas Plain. It’s still data deficient.

This small galaxias species co-occurs with the Heuningnes galaxias, and is widely distributed across 17 river systems.

A chance rediscovery – after 42 years

A fynbos species thought to have become extinct was identified on the NWSMA in 2023. Moraea minima, or Mini Galaxy, was last seen 42 years ago. But it was photographed on the NWSMA by our conservation team, with the fynbos experts confirming its identity. Here’s what happened

Surveying our fynbos to find the threats

Vegetation surveys

Species of Conservation Concern

6 700

1 539

Plant observations

Plant species identified

With the support of the Table Mountain Fund, we’re undertaking vegetation surveys across the NWSMA. We’re working to log all flora species, and along with this evaluate the floral vegetation and ecosystem condition, as well as the threats to these ecosystems. By early 2024, our vegetation surveys produced 6 744 sightings of plants, with 1 423 species identified. Of these, 114 species are classified as Species of Conservation Concern.

The future of Southern Black Korhaan

Because Southern Black Korhaan are so shy and secretive, they are very difficult to study. Yet there is an urgent need to find out more about the species’ abundance. The NWSMA team joined hands with our partners, the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust and Birdlife South Africa, to put this in motion. They commissioned ornithologist David Allan to review available data and literature, assessing current and historical distribution.

Monitoring Harriers for wetlands health

African Marsh Harriers are wetland specialists, and serve as valuable indicators of wetland integrity and health. They’re also Species of Conservation Concern, listed as Endangered regionally. In the past year, we drafted a management and monitoring plan for Marsh Harriers in the NWSMA. Field biologist Eric Hermann was commissioned to carry out avifaunal surveys in October 2023. His results showed that there are a minimum of six confirmed nests found across three wetlands. Surveys showed a total of 117 bird species, of which 13 were Species of Conservation Concern.

A sold-out frogging tour: Searching for Micro Frogs

Micro Frogs (Microbatrachella capensis) are listed as Critically Endangered. And up until 2022, the total area that Micro Frogs occupied amounted to just 7km² when combined. But the discovery of the species in the Nuwejaars Wetlands changed that, doubling their area of occupancy. Now by working with partners such as Anura Africa and the Grootbos Foundation, we’re finding out more about them in these wetlands. In 2023, we hosted a Micro Frog tour, led by the Whale Coast Conservation’s Sheraine van Wyk.

Objective 4

Promote and manage compatible uses of nature

The goal of the NWSMA is to develop income-generating streams to support our conservation work, and therefore the people undertaking the work, such as our Ecosystem and Restoration teams. We do this through responsible tourism, by searching new business development opportunities, and by supporting sustainable livelihoods and increased skills.

326

Guided tour visitors

5

Training courses

43

People employed
(permanent & temporary)

Reintroduced animals of the NWSMA

Over the years, animals that once roamed the Agulhas Plain have been reintroduced to these landscapes. Today we have more than 10 hippo (although they are difficult to count) and more than 50 buffalo. In fact, in the past year, 15 buffalo were born. Other reintroduced animals include additional eland and bontebok. And we’re part of the Quagga Project, a breeding project seeking to ‘bring back’ the extinct quagga, now called ‘Rau Quagga’.

Showcasing our nature

In order to generate an income to support conservation work, we host Nuwejaars Guided Tours over the summer months. Our accredited guide, Eugéne Hahndiek, brings the area to life with his knowledge, with visitors never knowing what they could see. Here’s what 326 visitors enjoyed in the past year:

Using invasive plant biomass for biochar

The NRNR secured funding for one year from the IKI International Climate Initiative Small Grants, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Through this project, alien invasive plants are being removed from the landscape, with the biomass to be processed through pyrolysis into wood vinegar for use as eco-friendly fertilizer or herbicide and biochar. The biochar, wood vinegar and other supplements will be further pelletised to create domestic animal feed.

Skills for a happier team

The NRNR partnered with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Landcare Division to facilitate training for Nuwejaars Wetlands staff. Five training events were hosted:

First Aid Level One training – 12 staff
Basic Fire Fighting training – 12 staff
Health & Safety Representative training – 12 staff
Snake Awareness – 25 staff
Labour Law Information session – 25 staff

Objective 5

Develop and promote best practice sustainable agriculture model

The Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA is not a nature reserve in the traditional context. Around half of the NWSMA is made up of natural land and wetlands, and the other half of agriculture. As such, nature and agriculture are closely connected in the NWSMA – with agricultural practices impacting on nature, but our natural world also making use of agricultural lands. The NRNR therefore works to promote good practices for both a better natural world and sustainable agriculture.

Regenerative agriculture as a solution

Landowners who are members of the NRNR are investigating regenerative agriculture and other sustainable options on their farms where appropriate. For example, on wine farms in the NWSMA, experimental mulch is being tested in vineyards – helping to limit water loss through evaporation and controlling weed growth.

Helping farmers prove sustainability

Many farmers in the NWSMA belong to ethical programmes that require them to prove they are doing their bit for nature. Programmes such as the Responsible Wool Standards, or the wine certification programme, the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) include environmental sustainability requirements. The membership of these farmers to the NRNR goes a long way to showcasing and supporting that.

Objective 6

To promote the work of the NWSMA and our environment

In order to encourage support for the work of the NRNR, we need to raise awareness of the incredible area, and the conservation activities taking place.

Conservation award for a founding member

One of the founders of the Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA, Mick D’Alton, was rewarded for a lifetime spent conserving our special region. The Conservation At Work team awarded Mick as the Cape Fox Individual Conservation Champion. He received the award from Conservation At Work Chair, Mike Fabricius.

Safer roads - for people AND wildlife

The NRNR launched a campaign to encourage people to drive carefully, to help reduce wildlife deaths on our roads. There are a number of provincial roads through the NWSMA, and wildlife use them as crossings. Species such as Cape genet and snakes such as puff adders are among the worst affected. Read more

Reaching new audiences

We hosted a number of tours over the course of the year – from birding tours to a Micro Frogging tour. It’s part of the goal to bring new feet to our special part of the world, to showcase this natural world.
We continue our monthly communications with landowners via a newsletter and monthly WhatsApp campaign.
Conservation Manager Eugéne Hahndiek participated in an area-wide promotional video, showcasing the Cape Agulhas Municipal region.
We participated in campaigns to highlight the importance of the region’s water sources, and the threats of a potential new gold mine outside the town of Napier.
The team joined the Birdlife South Africa webinar, called Conservation Conversations, regarding Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMS) in South Africa.
We partnered with the Cape Leopard Trust to highlight leopards in the NWSMA, and what to do should you see one.
The NRNR team were represented at the Fynbos Forum, held in August 2023 in Gouritzmond.

Creating a generation of nature lovers

Environmental education is vital if we’re to co-create a generation of young people who care about the natural world. That’s why the NRNR runs an annual Environmental Education programme. In November 2023, we hosted 300 learners from the Elim Primary School and the Mispah School for Learners with Special Educational Needs. The Whale Coast Conservation team led the lessons in our wetlands, to showcase wetland ecology.

OUR REACH

We enjoyed exposure in some wonderful media over the past year:

RSG
Gansberg
Village News
Suidernuus
Newsweek
New Scientist
Business Day Life
The Green Times
Die Burger
Cape Town etc.
Beeld
You magazine
Radio 786
News24
Daily Maverick
Landbouweekblad
MSN
Jancis Robinson
Financial Mail
Radio 702/Cape Talk

Financial statements for year ended
29 February 2024

The accompanying summary financial statements, which comprise the summary statement of comprehensive income and statement of financial position for the year ended 29 February 2024, were derived from the audited annual financial statements of the Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve NPC for the year then ended. We expressed a modified audit opinion on those annual financial statements which have been explained in the applicable audit report.

Management’s Responsibility for the Summary Annual Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of the summary of the audited annual financial statements.

Auditor’s Response

We have been requested to judge whether the summary financial statements are consistent with the audited annual financial statements. The summary financial statements were derived from the audited annual financial statements of the Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve NPC for the year ended 29 February 2024 by management and appear consistent.

BVA Overberg Incorporated
Registered Auditors