Hangklip-Kleinmond Business Directory

Hangklip-Kleinmond Directory | 2026 34 years, there is now significant pressure on the forestry resource. Grabouw inhabitants, many who don’t have jobs, are using the forest to harvest wood and graze cattle. And there are additionally some illegal activities taking place in these areas. In order to address the challenge of these forestry areas, a Participatory Forestry Management Forum has been set up – an experimental agreement between government, business, safety and other parties. The agreement includes DFFE, the Kogelberg Biosphere, local municipalities, the City of Cape Town, the Grabouw Development Agency, the SAPS and many more. Already the Participatory Forestry Management Forum has enjoyed some successes, including the employment of a Forester by DFFE, and the appointment of forest rangers to monitor the forestry areas (see below). And an additional team of 15 people has been employed to clear invasive alien plants and maintain infra - structure. Although there is more work to be done, this agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when government, the private sector and other relevant parties work together for a better bio - sphere. Forest Monitors have also been appointed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. These youngsters are conducting daily patrols in the old forestry areas from Eikenhof Dam to Sir Lowry’s Pass. They report fires, assist with trail building and raise awareness on the importance of conserving the forest - ry areas that form part of the Kogelberg Biosphere buffer zone. Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre In December 2024, after two years of planning and work, the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre became the first permitted centre in the Western Cape. This centre is now providing critical care to vulnerable wildlife, with the aim of releasing the injured animals once they have recovered. The centre have already treated 200 wildlife patients since we opened our doors in December 2024. For our centre, no animal is considered too small or insignificant to deserve care. From mice and goslings, to snakes and porcupines, all animals have a place here to recover. But a key focus for our centre is providing a place of care for injured blue cranes. Our national birds are frequently affected by human activities – from fences to bailing twine and powerlines. That’s why we can now serve as a rescue centre for orphaned or injured cranes, before releasing them back into the wild But now that we have the permit, the work really starts. It’s costly to run a wildlife centre, and we depend on the generosity of those who bring in injured animals, the Kogelberg community and philanthropists and other donors. Your help is vital to help this centre serve our wildlife. How can you make a difference? You can get involved, even if you do not live here! • The Kogelberg Biosphere is a not-profit company and a public benefit organisation. If you wish to support the Biosphere or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre you can make a donation, contact Corlie Hugo on 082 380 9071 or email her at corlie@ kogelebergbiosphere.org.za or visit www. kogelbergbiosphere.org.sa. • Make a difference by how you choose to live. Make use of the guidelines provided by the Biosphere and the Overstrand Municipality which provides tips and guidelines to live sustainable and in a way which benefits people, plants and animals.