THE status of eThekwini in the nature conservation stakes has been bolstered with the proclamation of Roosfontein Nature Reserve as a national protected area within the Municipality’s boundaries.
The reserve, which was officially launched on Tuesday, 5 April, is the third, of those administered by the Municipality, to receive such status after Palmiet Nature Reserve and Paradise Valley. There are six other nature reserves under the eThekwini Metro that are administered by KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife.
Delegates attending the proclamation were taken on site where the municipality’s Natural Resources manager, Kenneth Madiba, gave an informal speech about the background on the nature reserve. Head of Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries, Thembinkosi Ngcobo, said a special focus on natural heritage sites is needed and that the city needed to discuss ways to protect these sites from vagrants.
EThekwini Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo, said the municipality was pleased with the recent proclamation, adding that nature reserves played an important role in the economic development of the city.
“Conservation of natural areas support various socio-economic activities and thus contribute towards development at local, regional and national levels. These socio-economic activities are mainly tourism-related business, biodiversity, horticultural and ecosystem services, which would cost a lot of money if replaced with hard engineering solutions,” said Nxumalo.
Nature reserves and forests are the main attraction for the growing tourist industry. Preserving these resources attracts both local and international tourists, which in turn boosts the economy.
Head of Parks, Recreation and Culture, Thembinkosi Ngcobo said, “Effective management of natural resources depends on a working partnership with the communities in
preserving our history and heritage.”
Deputy head of Environmental Planning and Protection in eThekwini, Dr Debra Robert, said nature reserves are crucial parts of the effort to adapt to and mitigate climate change. “The continuing loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems weakens the ability to provide essential services to our people,” she said.
This nature reserve is an important heritage and is key to our identity not just for our children but for generations to come – it is our table mountain, our central park in the heart of the city. It is also our rhino, without vital management, it will go under threat,” she added.
The Roosfontein Reserve is said to be one of the most delicate reserves which has the most indigenous species in the city.
Professor Julia Botha of UKZN thanked the municipality and KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife for the initiative. “I am delighted to be part of this celebration of the launch of Roosfontein Nature Reserve. I believe that working together will ensure continued survival of the natural resources for future generations.”
