South of JHB launch Kliprivier Urban Biodiversity Corridor – Wednesday 31 October 2012
Kliprivier Urban Biodiversity Corridor aspires to convert the South of Johannesburg into a visual experience in celebration of Arbour Month. This launch will be the start of a 3 – 5 year process of creating one of the first major green corridors in Gauteng, and we invite you to become part of the process.
Residents can now look forward to a 12 kilometer biodiversity corridor along the length of Kliprivier Drive from Booysens Road to Swartkoppies Road creating a biodiversity corridor leading into and through the South of Johannesburg.
The primary purpose of the Kliprivier Urban Biodiversity Corridor is to enhance the visual experience of the South of Johannesburg as one enters from the M1 and M2 merging with renowned conservation areas in and around the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. The corridor will play a vital role in endeavors to promote tourism in the South and enhance the aesthetic value, which is most needed in the area between Booysens and Rifle Range and as such marks the launch of this project. Furthermore, it will promote biodiversity as trees planted south of the N12 will be propagated from trees naturally occurring in the area.
A complete ecological survey has been undertaken to identify the exact nature of the various biodiversity environments, from the urbanised areas in Booysens to the open and more natural areas around Mulbarton and everything in between. The study included all natural and man made aspects with the aim of developing self-sustaining yet attractive habitats. These habitats will enhance the biodiversity of the existing environment and improve the natural linkages between fragmented open spaces.
Corporate companies and individuals are encouraged to celebrate Arbour Month by getting involved, either at the launch or at some point in the next few years. Support the official launch by joining us to plant the first trees in the area at the on and off ramps of Rifle Range, in the open spaces on the Northern side of Rifle Range. We are looking for sponsorship towards compost, mulch and people to help with digging the holes for 200 trees. Stakeholders include Thaba Ya Batswana – Eco Hotel & Spa; SOJO Business & Tourism; Klipriviersberg Sustainability Association (KlipSA), Johannesburg City Parks and Botanist, Morne Brits. Howden Africa is the first confirmed major sponsor of this project. For more information contact SOJO Business & Tourism on or [email protected]
The launch will take place on Wednesday 31 October 2012 at Thaba Ya Batswana. The program will commence at 10h00 and will include an official opening and welcome, introduction and a short presentation of the Kliprivier Urban Biodiversity Corridor, speakers MMC for Community Development and MMC for Environment and Infrastructure and end with the tree planting at the actual site.
This is a Thaba Ya Batswana Initiative.