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Kwandwe Launches Unique Carbon Research Project
28 Jun '10
Kwandwe Launches Unique Carbon Research Project
&Beyond
’s wildlife-rich Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, has launched a five-year research project aimed at measuring the amount of carbon that is sequestered by the spekboom plant on the Reserve.
The spekboom (or pork bush) is a remarkable “super plant” with enormous carbon storing capabilities. Research findings suggest that up to four tons of carbon can be captured by each hectare of spekboom a year - a total of 18 600 tons. The reintroduction of this indigenous tree into certain areas of Kwandwe’s 22 000 hectares of pristine wilderness is thus an important conservation feat, and plays a vital role in the ongoing biodiversity of the Reserve.
“This project was set up in consultation with Mike Powell from Rhodes University’s Restoration Research Group, with the main aim to restore degraded spekboom thicket on Kwandwe due to its extraordinary carbon storing capabilities. At the same time, we have improved soil quality and played an important part in counteracting the effects of global warming”, says Tim Vuyk, Kwandwe GM.
The project started with 0.5 hectares of the land being electrified and 1400 spekboom cuttings planted. At the same time, a spekboom nursery was set up; once the cuttings form roots they are continuously used to rehabilitate degraded areas of spekboom thicket. To date, there has been an 88% survival rate of the spekboom cuttings in the enclosed area.
Kwandwe’s team of wildlife specialists and researchers work closely together to ensure the ongoing conservation success of the Reserve. Together with carnivore research and rhino darting and monitoring, the spekboom research is just one of the ways that Kwandwe continues to take care of the land.
Managed by
&Beyond
, Kwandwe is deeply committed to the company’s core ethic of “Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People.” Guests staying at any one of Kwandwe’s four luxurious safari lodges �" all members of Relais & Châteaux - can be assured that by choosing to travel to Kwandwe they are making a difference to ongoing biodiversity protection, conservation development and empowerment of neighbouring communities.
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Issued by: media@andBeyond.com
&BeyondT: +27 11 809 4300; F: +27 11 809 4511
About &Beyond
&Beyond owns and operates 46 luxury lodges and camps and creates personalised travel experiences in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and India. The company was established 18 years ago and its commitment to delighting guests, sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.
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