THE GLOBAL Environment Facility (GEF) has made a million dollars available for the conservation of the Baviaanskloof area near Port Elizabeth. This is in addition to $15.93-million in grants already given to support nine projects in South Africa including conservation of the Drakensberg Mountains, the Cape Floral Kingdom, Addo Elephant reserve and the Agulhas Conservation area. The Baviaanskloof is a wilderness area situated on the eastern border of the Cape Floral Kingdom, some two and a half hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. Making the announcement on the opening day of the 7th World Wilderness Congress in Port Elizabeth, Dr Walter Lusigi of the World Bank’s GEF said “here in South Africa can be found the Baviaanskloof Mountains, an area on verge of being declared the largest wilderness area in South Africa. “This area is one of notable biological diversity and historical importance. “It has over thousands of years sheltered the San people, and today provides ecological services to major industrial areas of the Eastern Cape. “Moreover it is the site of wilderness experience programs operated by the Wilderness Foundation and the Wilderness Leadership School, both for poor urban youth, as well as for members of the Environmental Portfolio Committee of the South African Parliament.” The Eastern Cape government helped fund the 7th World Wilderness Congress through the department of economic affairs, environment and tourism. In a message read on behalf of the GEF’s executive director, Mohamed T. El-Ashry, Dr Lusigi pointed out that the GEF owed its origins to the 4th World Wilderness Congress, which was held in Colorado in 1987. “It grew out of the wisdom and concern of a few visionary and selfless individuals – notably environmental thinkers, businessmen and economists. “Over the last ten years, the GEF has grown to be the principal partner of countries in taking real action to achieve sustainable development, mainly by aligning its portfolio with national biodiversity programs and country priorities. “Since its establishment in 1991, the GEF has allocated more than US $1.3 billion to 446 biodiversity conservation and sustainable use projects in 123 developing countries – the single largest funding worldwide. “These projects have leveraged an additional $ 1.5 billion in government counterpart commitments and another $1.1 billion in co-financing from bilateral and multilateral agencies and the private sector.” He also announced a grant to Angola. “The GEF is moving to assist current conservation efforts to rehabilitate the Angolan parks through sharing of animal populations in South Africa and Angola. “The GEF will support a $1 million effort being undertaken jointly by the Government of Angola, UNDP and the Kissama Foundation.” Dr Lusigi said the 7th World Wilderness Congress should “also be seen in terms of Africa’s contribution to the global conservation movement. “The African continent, although currently confronted by various socio-economic challenges, has the potential to contribute considerably to the global conservation movement through its people and through the broad range of rich cultural and natural landscapes. Africa is currently a recipient of $350 million in GEF grants in support of conservation. In this respect, the region is second only to Latin America.” In his speech, Dr Lusigi payed tribute to former president Nelson Mandela. “The 7th World Wilderness Congress is being held in the Eastern Cape, the home of Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders of our time and in history. “Mr. Mandela taught the world the meaning of perseverance, persistence and tolerance.” BACKGROUND: THE BAVIAANS WILDERNESS AREA One of the objectives of the 7th World Wilderness Congress is to place the spotlight on the Baviaanskloof. The Baviaanskloof is a conservation area situated on the eastern border of the Cape Floral Kingdom, some two and a half hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. It is the largest protected area in the Eastern Cape and has the potential to conserve biological patterns and the processes to sustain them as well as providing the opportunity for responsible tourism. One of the attractions of the area is its exceptionally high landscape diversity, according to Ross Zietsman of the Friends of the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area. The Friends of the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area is a group of concerned people formed promote the best interests of the Baviaanskloof Conservation Area.Their aim is to conserve the unique biodiversity and cultural richness of the area by encouraging the co-operation of all stakeholders to promote the conservation and wise use of the area. The Friends are associated with the Wilderness Foundation of South Africa. When travelling through the Baviaanskloof, a remarkable feature is the contrast between the steep topography of the main and side kloofs and the surrounding flat plateaux. The highly visible geology with huge sand-stone cliffs displays bedding planes and massive folding. This diversity supports a large variety of flora, including over 1100 species in 12 vegetation types. This is a true treasure trove for people interested in plants and trees. Visitors will also see a number of different animals, including kudu, bushbuck, eland, klipspringer and of course monkeys and baboon. For the birdwatcher there is plenty to see with over 300 species of birds being recorded, including large raptors such as the black eagle. The Baviaans also gives visitors an opportunity to just relax in a wilderness area full of many sparkling streams and two bigger rivers, the Baviaans and Kouga. There are few better ways than spending time in the Baviaanskloof to restore sanity after a tough week in the city. It serves as a great respite from the everyday world.