GLPE

The Greater Lakenvlei Protected Environment (GLPE) has officially been expanded by over 7,000 ha comprising an additional 32 properties (Mpu. Prov. Gazette No. 3569, Notice 344). Established in 2017 and initially covering 14,305 ha from 66 properties, the GLPE was declared to safeguard the grasslands and wetlands on private farms situated on the Steenkampsberg plateau in northern Mpumalanga Province. BirdLife South Africa and the Endangered Wildlife Trust assisted Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency and the GLPE Landowners Association with the site assessments, landowner interviews and motivations for the expansion commencing in 2021. BirdLife South Africa provides the landowners of the GLPE with post-declaration support such as biodiversity surveys, wildlife-friendly fencing, establishing birding routes, appealing developments incompatible with conservation and contributing to wetland rehabilitation amongst other projects. We would like to thank and acknowledge the partners involved in this collaboration.