Overberg farmers unite to conserve Renosterveld

Farmers in the Overberg wheat belt are working together to conserve one of the planet’s most threatened habitats. In return, they are getting much-needed veld-management support, writes Dr.Odette Curtis-Scott, director of the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust.

- Dr.Odette Curtis-Scott

In winter and spring, the rolling lowlands of the Overberg are renowned for their bright yellow canola lands, contrasting with the blue-greens of adjacent barley and wheat fields and the pastures populated with sheep and cattle. However, most ‘life’ in this landscape is found in the small remnants of grey, scrubby veld lying between the cultivated lands. This region is home to one of the planet’s most threatened habitats, the Renosterveld, or as it is colloquially known, uitvalgrond (surplus ground) or bossieveld (shrub veld).

Renosterveld may seem grey and dull, but with time and attention, even an untrained eye can see the astounding diversity of life that it still holds, despite the years of abuse, neglect and mismanagement. This resilient habitat is the richest bulb habitat on Earth and houses the highest levels of plant diversity in all Mediterranean ecosystems.

A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PROGRAMME

After the inception of the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust (ORCT) in 2012, its members set out to build relationships with landowners in the region. This sharing of knowledge has led to a remarkable change in attitude amongst the farmers who own and cultivate land in the region.

The result was the development of the Conservation Easement Programme, which helps farmers conserve their Renosterveld at minimal or no cost. The programme offers participating landowners the chance to put a title deed restriction in the form of a conservation servitude over their land in perpetuity. Farmers willing to show this level of commitment are rewarded by being given assistance to restore and improve management of their Renosterveld habitats and watercourses.