The Wakkerstroom/Luneberg Agriculture Demonstration Area

The Wakkerstroom/Luneburg area of Mpumalanga province was chosen as a demonstration district for the agricultural component. This site covers an area of 182 108 hectares, with 79.8% still in its natural state and a population of 45 771 people. It has been selected for its high biodiversity significance; because the primary land uses are red meat and wool production, which are highly compatible with biodiversity conservation; and because there is institutional capacity and willingness for implementation.

Map 1: Wakkerstroom/Luneburg Agriculture Demonstration Area showing areas of biodiversity importance in red

Fifteen landowners in the Wakkerstroom/Luneburg demonstration area have established an interest in managing 22 000 hectares of biodiversity priority under stewardship arrangements. The Grasslands Programme will provide the capacity to catalyse the demonstration as well as seed resources for the creation of a biodiversity stewardship capacity within the MTPA so that the provincial conservation authority is able to respond effectively to the needs of private landowners, particularly regarding incentives. This capacity will also be utilised to support stewardship within the forestry sector. The MTPA has committed itself to long term future funding of the position.

Click here for details of the Wakkerstroom/Luneberg outputs and targets for the 5 year period.