SA’s Precious Fernkloof Nature Reserve is Under Threat

One of South Africa’s most precious biodiversity hotspots – Fernkloof Nature Reserve – is under threat, according to locals… and a petition has been set up as the Overstrand community rallies together to prevent Municipality plans to change the beautiful reserve into a commercial venture.

A petition has been set up on Avaaz by Tanya Tiefenthaler, a member of the action group called ‘Hands Off Fernkloof Nature Reserve’.

Tanya told SAPeople: “They [Overberg Municipality] want to push it through without consulting the most important stakeholders FAB (Fernkloof Advisory Board) and the Vogelgat Private Nature reserve.”

So far the petition – “Overstrand Muncipality – Hands Off Fernkloof Nature Reserve” – has received over 2,900 signatures. It aims for 5,000.

Fernkloof – known as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Overberg Conservation – has been under threat before by the Overstrand Municipality which previously proposed a bypass road, cutting through the reserve. Over 8,000 people signed in opposition to that proposal.

This time the Municipality is proposing to “develop the very core of this reserve for the purpose of various activities including, but not restricted to, zip lining, a cableway, accommodation, restaurants, retail, astronomy centre, 4×4 routes, landing platforms and more”.

The petition claims any proposed draft Integrated Management Plan (IMP) needs the approval of the FAB… but has instead bypassed the FAB “who’s chairperson has emphatically rejected the same…