The Asuthuthuke Permaculture Project not far from the boundary of Usuthu Gorge Community Conservation Area, (in the north-west corner of Maputaland near the border with Mozambique) is a beautiful oasis, a vegetable garden brimming with beautiful spinach, huge cabagges, green peppers and other fresh veggies.To the east, past Ndumo Game Reserve and just south of Tembe Elephant Park, the 2000 hectare Tshanini Community Conservation Area is joining with land to its north, from the Bekhula Community, which means the Tshanini conservancy is now joined with the tar road. Bush is being cleared for fencing to be erected. This extra space added to conservation in the area is hugely important, the Tshanini area has been shown to be very rich in birdlife; the sandforest and woodland of the area providing perfect habitat for endemic species. The community are developing tourism activities and facilities, and community members are being trained as guides.
Maryann Shaw
