South African Award Winner Registered as Conservancy

Award-winning Pezula Private Estate in Knysna on the scenic Garden Route of South Africa has been officially registered with CapeNature as part of The Knysna Coastal Conservancy, together with its surrounding areas.

Comprising some 880-hectares of land, the conservancy incorporates all the different property usages on Pezula as well as the adjacent Sparrebosch Homeowner’s Association.

There are now 24 conservancies in the Garden Route region which play a major role in assisting conservation agencies to address ecological challenges such as conservation corridor management, fire management and alien species eradication.

Initiated by Jessica Hayes, Pezula Private Estate environmental manager, the conservancy’s main aims are the conservation of natural resources, the extension of a conservation area network, and the creation of increased public awareness regarding wise management of the natural environment.

Hayes said that the most important aspect regarding the establishment and management of a conservancy is that it is a valuable way in which to get the community and the general public involved in useful conservation actions to the ultimate benefit of nature conservation in the region.

Several ongoing projects of the conservancy include fire management, alien vegetation control, improving and maintenance of biodiversity, habitat protection and expansion, wetland rehabilitation and protection, anti-poaching, fauna and flora monitoring, landscaping controls, problem animal management, recycling and re-use initiatives, environmental education and sustainable development with strict controls.

The Knysna Coastal Conservancy area has also been identified as an important coastal corridor and ecosystem, which makes the registration of the conservancy even more significant.

Hayes said, “Coastal conservation areas play an important role in protecting the biodiversity of the coastal habitats and maintaining a corridor for the movement of fauna and flora. These conservation areas also play a vital role in protecting the natural aesthetic value of the coastal zone.”

Encompassed by breath-taking views, Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa includes 78 luxury suites, an award-winning Spa and a gourmet restaurant, Zachary’s. Opened in February 2005, the resort also offers other dining options, a wide variety of activities such as a championship golf course, tennis, horse riding, canoeing, hiking, nature trails, birding and the beach.

For more information visit: PezulaResort