The Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve is on the brink of something extraordinary. But we need your help!
A conservation project to restore degraded land and waterscapes in the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area has been shortlisted for funding by the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA).
Only projects with the most votes receive funding, and so your vote could be the key to securing this restoration support.
The project has four main goals:
Restore 130 hectares of degraded wetlands.
- To restore a 130-hectare area along the Nuwejaars River which is heavily infested by invasive alien plants, in particular Port Jackson (Acacia saligna), Myrtle (Leptospermum laevigatum) and Hakea species. These choke up the riverbanks and degrade the habitat for wildlife – especially the incredible birdlife, and our Critically Endangered fynbos fish and amphibians such as the Micro Frog.
But they also reduce waterflow, impacting on downstream communities that rely on this water. While the river feeds the RAMSAR-declared Heuningnes catchment, it’s also believed these waters feed the underground boreholes supporting the towns of Struisbaai, Agulhas and Suiderstrand.
Create jobs for 10 people in restoration.
- To create jobs for 10 people in natural resource management. This project will therefore not just protect nature, but will also change lives. The appointed team will receive training and the required skills to undertake the work, and receive the necessary personal protective equipment.
Teach 300 children and 50 adults the importance of protecting wetlands.
- To reach 300 children and 50 adults in our Environmental Education Programme – with a focus on the two schools in Elim: The Elim Moravian Primary School and the Mispah School for Learners with Special Educational Needs.
Extend our African Marsh Harrier Trail.
- To extend the African Marsh Harrier Trail by an additional 500m. The trail is a 4.2km long out-and-back trail. But if we can extend it by 500m, then we add another 1km to this wetlands experience. However, given that the trail is in a wetland, some carefully designed and well placed walkways and footpaths will be developed, in a way that doesn’t impact on the wildlife, especially the wetlands birds.
Images: © Wouter and Poksie Smith & LoveGreen Communications
How you can help
Voting for our project is quick, easy and free. Every vote takes us one step closer to receiving EOCA funding and making this vision a reality.
Here’s how you can show your support:
- Visit the EOCA voting page
- Register to vote
- Check out the projects in 3 categories (mountains, wildplaces and forests). You need to vote in the first category (forests) in order to vote in our category (wildplaces).
- Cast your vote – it only takes a minute.
Please spread the word
Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.
Sharing on social media and spreading the word can multiply our impact and bring us closer to our goal.
Images: © Heather D’Alton
Why this project matters
This project is about more than simply restoration – it’s about recognising the importance of a healthy natural world, in order to provide for wildlife AND people. And it’s about sharing this waterscape – which is on private land, making it accessible to hikers, nature lovers and birders.
Given the massive threats facing nature, every effort to restore our environment counts. By voting for this project, you are directly contributing to a healthier environment, a thriving wetland and a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
The deadline to vote is 14 April! Cast your vote today and be a champion for conservation.