Why is conserving Elim Ferricrete fynbos so important?  

While fynbos is typically categorised by low nutrient soils, Elim ferricrete soils are more fertile and productive which gives rise to the threat from agriculture. While there will always be an ongoing struggle of finding the balance between conservation and generating livelihoods, it is extremely important to secure vital links in the landscape to ensure our biodiversity isn’t further diminished.  

Creating Awareness and Education of Biodiversity 

The majority of remnant Elim ferricrete patches are found on private land with little of it formally conserved in protected areas. Benguela aims at creating awareness among landowners of the high biodiversity value on their land, and at advising them of more effective management plans for the vegetation. Two conservation servitudes have been signed within the region, securing two patches of Elim fynbos in perpetuity. Servitudes are endorsed on the title deed of the property, and ensure that future landowners cannot develop these areas of high conservation value. The servitudes have been signed on both Lomond Wine Farm and Farm 215 and together secure more than 600 hectares of fynbos.   

Propagating Endemic Plants to Elim Ferricrete 

Many areas of Elim Fynbos are highly disturbed due to poor land management. As part of Stefan Schoombies’ research around Elim Fynbos, they have collected seeds from endemic species from this vegetation community and propagated them in their Nursery with the aim to reintroduce and rehabilitate. Various methods of propagation have been trailed including cuttings, sewing of seeds back into the vegetation as well as propagating seedlings. Monitoring into the succession of these various methods is on-going.