Gekco AGM reveals big plans
KYALAMI – KYALAMI – The annual general meeting for the Greater Kyalami Conservancy (Gekco) was held at the Kyalami Park clubhouse.
Various current issues were discussed, as well as the successes over the past year and some of the future endeavours the conservancy would like to tackle.
Operations manager of Dinokeng Game Reserve east of Pretoria, Jenny Stevens, attended and gave an insightful talk on how a community was brought together through collective input. Dinokeng is the only Big Five reserve in Gauteng and was established after property owners along the Apies and Pienaars rivers were requested by Gauteng Provincial Government to remove all fencing and walls between properties to create a reserve where animals, including lion, cheetah and rhino, could roam freely and safely. This in turn increased job opportunities in the area through tourism.
Using this example, the conservancy is aiming for a collective initiative in Kyalami to protect the wetlands, bio-diversity and endangered species. Officials from the Gauteng Department of Rural and Agricultural Development recently went to inspect the area to advise on wetland rehabilitation and to see if such a venture would be economically and environmentally viable.
“We are starting to look at how to create bio-diversity stewardship agreements and how to set up an agreement between city council and Gauteng Provincial Government,” said conservancy chairperson, Kristin Kallesen.
“These were only early communications regarding the proposed plan, and there are many factors that would have to be finalised before this comes to fruition.”
The conservancy has also requested for its residents entering into these agreements to receive rates rebates.
“Our suggestion was that we look at returning an amount that would come back in the form of a trust managed by various stakeholders,” added Kallesen.
“This will bring residents’ associations, security forums and the conservancy together to act under one management structure.
“One important point stressed on the topic of stewardship agreements between landowners in open areas and government, is that in order for this to be a success, it has to meet the needs of the landowner, which should be first priority.”
Stevens suggested a permit system where horse riders and cyclists who want to ride through the area, which is currently not being managed, can make a financial contribution to the landowner for using their property.
“That’s what this opportunity really is, we want to enter this agreement between provincial government and landowners to ensure open spaces are protected. It’s usable from an equestrian and cycling perspective, but bearing in mind, that there are also sensitive areas like the grass owl habitats, which should not see traffic going through them,” concluded Kallesen.
Details: info@gekco.co.za
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