Latest news with #Unesco-recognised
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
How South Africa's Drylands are being transformed through community-led conservation
Daily Maverick travelled with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) to see how changing land management practices is supporting habitat restoration in areas impacted by threats such as mining, farming, renewable energy projects and climate change through its Drylands Conservation Programme. A quiet revolution is unfolding as landowners, conservationists and policymakers collaborate to restore ecologically fragile farmlands while maintaining agricultural livelihoods in the arid expanses of South Africa's Drylands, from the West Coast to the Northern Cape where water scarcity, heatwaves and occasional floods occur, Farmer Mari Rossouw's Katdooringvlei family sheep farm is located along the northern part of the Western Cape coastline where they do small-scale cropping, mainly for feed during summer. Their northern farm boundary also forms the provincial border between the Western and Northern Cape. 'I grew up along the West Coast with my father working in the mining industry. Mining was a part of my everyday life. It was only as I got older that I began to realise the impact mining had on my environment,' she said. The mining companies of the past are long gone, but Rossouw said their footprint is still everywhere and it was the 'unprecedented wave' of new prospecting applications currently plaguing the West Coast that compelled her to get involved in the conservation of the coastline and surrounding inland areas. Katdooringvlei recently received approval from CapeNature to proceed with a conservation process, and if successful, will be registered as a private nature reserve. But Rossouw said the application was merely an extension of their already established conservation practices. 'As custodians of this land we have an intergenerational obligation towards future generations to leave them with some, if not all, environment that is pristine and untouched. The proposed nature reserve is an investment not only for ourselves, but for future generations to still enjoy,' she said. Farmers are probably the best custodians for biodiversity stewardship and securing sites because they've been managing their farms. This all forms part of the voluntary National Biodiversity Stewardship Programme and other contractual tools to legally secure private land and conserve dryland habitats and species under threat. The West Coast and the Northern Cape, South Africa's largest and most sparsely populated province, contains globally significant biodiversity, including 40% of the Succulent Karoo biome, a Unesco-recognised hotspot. But, this fragile environment faces mounting pressures from mining, renewable energy projects, climate change and historical overgrazing. The Biodiversity Stewardship Unit in the Northern Cape, a small team of four specialists, together with conservation NGOs like the EWT, are working to secure and protect critical habitats through voluntary agreements with private landowners. Biodiversity stewardship JP Le Roux, a biodiversity officer in the Northern Cape's Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL), has been working within the Biodiversity Stewardship Unit on the formal declaration of stewardship sites. Most of the stewardship sites in the Northern Cape are private landowners getting into biodiversity stewardship, formally declaring their properties as either protected environments or nature reserves. 'Farmers are probably the best custodians for biodiversity stewardship and securing sites because they've been managing their farms. If they don't manage it correctly, then they kind of shoot themselves in the foot,' Le Roux said. The unit found that some of the areas with the most pristine vegetation and wildlife are on privately owned farms that are still being farmed. If you look at the Northern Cape coastline, it's trashed. There's this bottom section that's natural, but already historically was heavily mined. But when it comes to biodiversity stewardship, Le Roux said they don't always have the incentive for biodiversity, so they rely on farmers and people who want to declare and have a conservation-oriented mind frame. And while this remains difficult as the Northern Cape is rife with mining applications and renewable energy applications (solar or wind), Le Roux said there are landowners who see the value and bigger picture. He said that mining and renewables on these properties offer a short-term gain for the landowners, but eventually operations would stop and what's left of that property would not be viable for any rehabilitation or restoration. 'If you look at the Northern Cape coastline, it's trashed. There's this bottom section that's natural, but already historically was heavily mined… If you look at places like Alexander Bay and further up… you don't even see an ant walking around anymore. There's just nothing left. And that's what's going to happen to this whole coastline if we don't secure it,' Le Roux said. South African legislation provides for various tiers of formal environmental protection. National parks and nature reserves are afforded the highest level of protection and are governed by stringent laws. Below these are protected environments, which are areas recognised for their significant conservation and ecological importance, reflecting the country's biological diversity. Protected areas can be divided into zones to support different land uses, and management plans are created to integrate conservation goals with sustainable land management practices effectively. This is how it's being done at Papkuilsfontein farm in the Northern Cape, where controlled livestock grazing forms part of a scientifically informed management plan to restore degraded Succulent Karoo vegetation. Turning farming land into protected environments At Papkuilsfontein, in the Northern Cape, landowners are blending conservation with agriculture through the Drylands Conservation Programme, having had the farm declared a protected environment in February 2025. Nieuwoudtville, where the farm is located, falls within the Bokkeveld Plateau, a region known as 'the bulb capital of the world' because it has the world's highest diversity of indigenous bulbous plants. Since 2009, the provincial Biodiversity Stewardship Unit had been trying to get landowners on this plateau to go into the stewardship process to protect the area, but a lot of farmers were petrified of signing a document with government in the first place and also potentially losing revenue from their farming style. Then the EWT got involved, along with DAERL, to look at alternatives and come up with a strategy to increase tourism on the properties, ultimately to diversify income streams. Zanné Brink, the programme manager of the EWT's Drylands Conservation Project, said: 'This was to say, if you go with protected environment, you can still carry on with your farming practices; there might be some changes that need to take place, but then we can boost your products [tourism] from the property. Then landowners started participating in the process.' The process at Papkuilsfontein took nearly five years from initial assessments to final declaration. When they first started doing biodiversity surveys they found more than 150 species. Now, Brink said, more than 2,500 species have been identified on the farm, just by doing biodiversity surveys. Jaco and Alrie van Wyk are the sixth-generation owners of Papkuilsfontein. Jaco's father, Willem, began the process of transitioning into a protected environment before he handed over to Jaco who explained to Daily Maverick what that transition entailed and how they have adjusted their farming practices over the years to suit this. '[Now] you are much more aware… You don't plant on the edge of the river bank anymore… You make [more] drains for water. The way that we farm now is not making a lot of money… But I think my kids are going to have something to work with. 'It's not sustainable to farm a lot of sheep… [So] we have less sheep per hectare. We put lamb camps up for two months because it has a greater impact on the sheep you have on the field. You still have them on the farm, but it is on the side of the yellow line,' Van Wyk said. The farm's main produce is mostly meat with wool and a little rooibos tea. Now it has the added value of being a protected environment with adventure tourism in nature, including hiking and biking trails around the canyon on the property and its 100m waterfall, as well as birdlife, fauna and San rock art. Papkuilsfontein is also now home to the first via ferrata (protected rock-climbing route) in the Northern Cape at the Papkuilsfontein's canyon. As Willem began the journey towards declaring the property a protected area, he made the family and workers aware that the way they had been doing things was unsustainable. 'The way that we farm now is not making a lot of money. You are not going to have a big land cruiser in the house at the beach and something like that. But I think my kids are going to have something to work with… There will be natural veld and animals left. Like the dwarf tortoise that we have here,' Jaco said. At the moment the biggest threat to the land, Jaco said, is drought, since they are in a water-scarce region. But even with this, he said there were ways of farming and managing the veld that could reduce the impact of drought on their land from climate constraints. Blending conservation with agriculture Rossouw was teary eyed as she described the land of Katdooringvlei. 'It's peaceful, it's quiet… The evenings are gold and the mornings are… I cannot describe how much I love this land and region… There are a lot of challenges to farm here, but this is home,' she said. Specific changes made at Katdooringvlei through this process include taking some of the commercial fields located near sensitive areas out of production, and Rossouw said they plan to rehabilitate these fields to the best of their ability. 'It was a complex conversation when we embarked on the conservation initiative. Taking the commercial fields out of production had an impact on the availability of stubble grazing during the summer months. This, in turn, affected the ewes that were meant to mate on those stubble fields,' she said. The damage caused by mining is visible all around our farm. The thought that everything precious our farm represents… might also look like that in a decade or two was unbearable. Rossouw said the livestock numbers they can maintain within the proposed reserve did not differ much from what they were already farming with. Feed costs are likely to increase, but Katdooringvlei has moved away from traditional ploughing methods to no-till farming, which Rossouw said has had a positive effect on their diesel expenses. But, she could only truthfully say how this affected them a year or two into the process. 'Although we have always been conservation-minded, the increase in prospecting applications, on our land and the surrounding areas, pushed us to take action. 'Our land has been in our family for generations, and we were not willing to lose it to mining. The damage caused by mining is visible all around our farm, and the mere thought that everything precious our farm represents, and what might be lost forever – our family, our traditions, our memories, every little tortoise, every eagle, every flower – might also look like that in a decade or two was unbearable. This is what compelled Rossouw and her family to take decisive action and pursue the protected environment declaration for their land. Le Roux said successful restoration requires long-term commitment. 'Properties mismanaged 50 years ago still show those scars today.' But when they were able to protect functioning ecosystems, they became markers for surviving climate shifts. DM
The Star
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Dutse's dazzling Durbar
VEILED women ululated as the blare of trumpets and booms of hunting guns filled the air, heralding the approach of the emir in a huge procession of horseback riders draped in colourful robes and turbans. Durbar, a festivities-filled procession held each Aidilfitri, saw Emir Hameem Nuhu Sunusi, of the Jigawa state capital Dutse, ride through his city as traditional leaders across the rest of Nigeria's Muslim-majority north did the same. In Dutse – also the capital of the Dutse emirate – the Unesco-recognised fete had residents dressed to the nines as they lined the streets, raising clenched fists in homage to the emir amid drumming, singing and dancing by royal troupes and thousands of horsemen. Drenched in sweat, the troupes danced to the drums in a frenzy, while royal guards dressed in their hallmark robes of red and green flanked the emir, seated on a white stallion under a blue parasol to shield him from the scorching west African sun. A horseman parading as he rides during the Durbar horse procession in Dutse. Durbar is a colourful procession of horses dating back to the 15th century in which the emir and thousands of horse riders accompanied musicians march through the streets in predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria. Although the festival originated in North's largest city of Kano. — AFP The festivities marking the end of Ramadan continued, with the emir making a tour of the city to meet residents. 'Durbar spices up the Eid celebrations,' spectator Awwal Adamu, a 27-year-old undergraduate said, one of the thousands in the throng. It also showcases Nigeria's rich cultural heritage – often overshadowed by the north's myriad armed conflicts, Emir Sunusi said afterwards in his palace. Horsemen parading during the Durbar horse procession.-AFP Durbar takes place twice a year, on Aidilfitri and Aidiladha holidays celebrated worldwide in the Islamic calendar. The festival dates back to the 15th century, originating in Kano, the north's largest city. But this year, Sunusi stole the show from Kano, which cancelled its Durbar for the second time in a row due to a legal tussle between two rival royals contesting the emir's throne. Nigeria's traditional rulers have no constitutional powers but are important cultural custodians, wielding enormous influence that is crucial for politicians wishing to win election to the country's secular federal government. A royal hunter firing his hunting gun to announce the arrival of the Emir of Dutse during the Durbar horse procession. — AFP The Dutse procession culminated with the governor, Umar Namadi, receiving the emir and his entourage outside his office as daring young men perched on gnarled boughs of baobab trees overlooking the pavilion to watch. Seated next to Namadi, Sunusi received homage from his 26 district heads, who took turns to greet the monarch by squatting on all fours in royal obeisance. Each contingent of the procession led by the district heads 'has its own different system of decoration for the horses and the horse riders,' said Wada Alhaji, the chief of staff to the emir. 'The different displays showcase the rich diversity within the emirate.' Durbar is not just a cultural festival – it is also an avenue for the emir to lodge his people's complaints to the government. Members of a royal troupe parading during the Durbar horse procession. — AFP The emir told Namadi about the menace of erosion and flooding affecting some areas in the emirate, and the people's call on the government to expedite work on a new police training college. Dutse resident Khadija Ibrahim called the Durbar 'the most interesting part of Eid'. 'I can't imagine Eid without the Durbar,' said the 45-year old-mother of eight. The event, which draws onlookers and well-wishers from across Nigeria, as well as foreign tourists, 'is part of the things we are proud of', said Emir Sunusi. 'In lots of places when you talk about Nigeria, it is negative things that come to mind,' the 46-year-old monarch said. 'I feel we are not judged fairly.' A royal camel driver making a camel lie down at the residency of the Emir of Dutse before the Durbar horse procession, in Dutse. — AFP Sunusi said he hopes the Durbar can change the negative perception of Nigeria abroad and help attract more tourists who would be able to see the 'good people, peace-loving, honest people' of the country's north, where the rural hinterlands have been beset by years of armed conflict. Durbar, added to Unesco's list of intangible cultural heritage, tells a fuller, more complex story of the north. 'Once Unesco recognises you it means you will be known all across the world,' Sunusi said. 'This will help us a lot in making other people know us more.' — AFP
Observer
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Trumpets, guns, horses
Dutse: Veiled women ululated as the blare of trumpets and booms of hunting guns filled the air, heralding the approach of the emir in a huge procession of horseback riders draped in colourful robes and turbans. Durbar, a festivities-filled procession held each Eid, saw Emir Hameem Nuhu Sunusi, of the Jigawa state capital Dutse, ride through his city as traditional leaders across the rest of Nigeria's Muslim-majority north did the same. In Dutse — also the capital of the Dutse emirate — the Unesco-recognised fete had residents dressed to the nines as they lined the streets, raising clenched fists in homage to the emir amid drumming, singing and dancing by royal troupes and thousands of horsemen. Muhammad Hameen Nuhu Sunusi (C), Emir of Dutse, rides during the Durbar horse procession in Dutse. — AFP Drenched in sweat, the troupes on Monday danced to the drums in a frenzy, while royal guards dressed in their hallmark robes of red and green flanked the emir, seated on a white stallion under a blue parasol to shield him from the scorching west African sun. On Tuesday, the festivities marking the end of the austerity of Ramadhan continue, with the emir making a tour of the city to meet residents. Durbar "spices up the Eid celebrations," spectator Awwal Adamu, a 27-year-old undergraduate said, one of the thousands in the throng. Members of the royal guard parade during the Durbar horse procession in Dutse. — AFP It also showcases Nigeria's rich cultural heritage — often overshadowed by the north's myriad armed conflicts, Emir Sunusi said afterwards in his palace. Durbar takes place twice a year, on the Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays celebrated worldwide in the Islamic calendar. The festival dates back to the 15th century, originating in Kano, the north's largest city. But this year, Sunusi stole the show from Kano, which cancelled its Durbar for the second time in a row due to a legal tussle between two rival royals contesting the emir's throne. A member of the royal guard helps another one arrange his costume before the Durbar. — AFP Nigeria's traditional rulers have no constitutional powers but are important cultural custodians, wielding enormous influence that is crucial for politicians wishing to win election to the country's secular federal government. Monday's procession culminated with the governor, Umar Namadi, receiving the emir and his entourage outside his office — as daring young men perched on gnarled boughs of baobab trees overlooking the pavilion to watch. Seated next to Namadi, Sunusi received homage from his 26 district heads, who took turns to greet the monarch by squatting on all fours in royal obeisance. A royal hunter poses with his gun at the residency of the Emir of Dutse. — AFP Each contingent of the procession led by the district heads "has its own different system of decoration for the horses and the horse riders," Wada Alhaji, the chief of staff to the emir, said. "The different displays showcase the rich diversity within the emirate." Durbar is not just a cultural festival — it is also an avenue for the emir to lodge his people's complaints to the government. The emir told Namadi about the menace of erosion and flooding affecting some areas in the emirate; and the people's call on the government to expedite work on a new police training college. A horseman helps another one arrange his costume as they ride their horses before the Durbar. — AFP — Pride of the north — Dutse resident Khadija Ibrahim called the Durbar "the most interesting part of the Eid festivity". "I can't imagine the Eid without the Durbar," said the 45-year old-mother of eight. The event, which draws onlookers and well-wishers from across Nigeria, as well as foreign tourists, "is part of the things we are proud of", Emir Sunusi saod. "In lots of places when you talk about Nigeria, it is negative things that come to mind," the 46-year-old monarch said. "I feel we are not judged fairly." Sunusi said he hopes the Durbar can change the negative perception of Nigeria abroad and help attract more tourists who would be able to see the "good people, peace-loving, honest people" of the country's north, where the rural hinterlands have been beset by years of armed conflict. Durbar, added to Unesco's list of intangible cultural heritage, tells a fuller, more complex story of the north. "Once Unesco recognises you it means you will be known all across the world," Sunusi said. "This will help us a lot in making other people know us more." — AFP
Trade Arabia
30-01-2025
- Trade Arabia
Hawar Resort by Mantis, a perfect island escape
Hawar Resort by Mantis has officially opened its doors, welcoming guests to an extraordinary island escape set on Bahrain's Unesco-recognised Hawar Island. Located just 20 km from Bahrain's mainland, the resort is designed as a haven for eco-conscious travellers, blending luxury with sustainability that offers an unforgettable stay surrounded by pristine natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Guests begin their journey at the Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion, the resort's dedicated arrival hub where they are welcomed with warm hospitality and a seamless check-in experience. This inviting space allows guests to relax and enjoy the anticipation of their journey while awaiting the boat that will transport them to Hawar Island. Featuring 104 stylish accommodations, including rooms, beach villas, and overwater villas – many with private pools and direct access to the beach – and two tented suites, the resort caters to a wide range of guest preferences, from families and couples to solo adventurers. Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of land-based activities, such as camel and horseback riding, and watching the graceful Socotra cormorant birds in their natural habitat. For those with an interest in local culture, the resort also offers captivating falcon shows. Water sports enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, paddle surfboarding, jet skiing, house reef snorkelling, and at a later stage scuba diving in the clear turquoise waters surrounding the island. A highlight of the resort is the Bear Grylls Adventure Zone, offering survival courses and outdoor challenges designed by Bear Grylls and his team. Opening shortly after the resort's launch, it promises unforgettable experiences for families and seasoned adventurers alike. For a more relaxing experience, guests can unwind at the resort's luxurious spa, offering an array of soothing therapies, or bask in the sunshine by the seafront pool. A state-of-the-art gym is available for those looking to maintain their fitness routines, while younger guests can enjoy the dedicated kids' and teens' clubs. Five distinctive dining outlets offer a wide range of flavours. Guests can savour culinary highlights of the region and freshly caught fish from the Gulf at the all-day dining restaurant Bahri, or enjoy refreshing cocktails at the Beach Lounge. The resort's signature restaurant, C-Salt, showcases an innovative dining concept that promises seasonal pop-ups and celebrity chef appearances, ensuring that every visit offers something new and exciting. True to its eco-conscious ethos, the resort has been built with sustainability at its core, employing advanced conservation techniques and waste management systems to protect the island's unique ecosystem. Sustainable materials, such as bamboo and eco-friendly straws in the restaurants, replace single-use plastics, while in-room amenities are thoughtfully designed to minimise environmental impact. This commitment ensures that the island's natural beauty and diverse wildlife are preserved for generations to come. Andre Erasmus, General Manager of Hawar Resort by Mantis, said: 'We are thrilled to open the doors of Hawar Resort by Mantis and invite guests to experience the unmatched beauty of Hawar Island. This resort reflects a deep respect for the environment and Bahrain's cultural heritage, offering an island retreat that is both luxurious and sustainable.' -
