South African nature reserve gains protected status
A 5,657-hectare private nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal has been officially declared a protected area, expanding the province's conservation network. UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve, located near Northern Drakensberg and the uThukela River, received its protected status on 3 October 2024.
The reserve is owned by Colchester Zoo in the UK, who own 14,000 acres in KwaZulu Natal, and is known for its environmental education programmes, wildlife research and voluntourism opportunities. It houses endangered species and works to advance ecological understanding while protecting significant cultural sites in KZN's Battlefields region.
Rebecca Moore, Zoological Director at Colchester Zoo, called the declaration “a wonderful achievement” following 20 years of involvement with the reserve. She emphasised the milestone's importance in contributing to South Africa's biodiversity targets.
Cilla Hilcove, KZN Stewardship Coordinator with Conservation Outcomes, highlighted the reserve's significance as a conservation asset, noting its role in protecting biodiversity and promoting research. The WWF supported the declaration process alongside Conservation Outcomes.
The protected status is expected to create employment opportunities for local communities while strengthening KwaZulu-Natal's expanding network of protected areas.
Source: SAPeople
