The Hopewell Conservation Estate, located off the Old Cape Road in Port Elizabeth, has been recognised as the Eastern Cape’s newest nature reserve by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA).
This follows a two-year restoration project, which has seen the reintroduction of rare Cape mountain zebra, as well as eland, hartebeest, kudu and other species to the 3 000 hectare reserve, according to developer Brian Corrigan.
According to ECPTA chief executive officer Siebert Liebenberg, the area has been declared a nature reserve because it “has significant natural features and biodiversity, including endangered and critically endangered vegetation types, significant quantities of endemic plant species and the presence of vulnerable avifauna species”.
“This is evidenced by the recent identification of two plant species at Hopewell, both of which had been thought to have been extinct,” says Corrigan.
The nature reserve is included in the biodiversity plan of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. One of the objectives in the plan is to link Hopewell with the Municipality’s land at Van der Kemp’s Kloof, Parsons Vlei and Chatty Kloof through to the Groendal Wilderness area, providing a green lung for the city, according to Joram Mkosana, director of environmental management for the Municipality.
Management of the nature reserve is being carried out by Shamwari Wildlife, under the direct supervision of Dr Johan Joubert and John O’Brien – two of the Eastern Cape’s leading conservation and wildlife experts.
The agreement signed with ECPTA is designed to ensure that the natural heritage is retained while nature-based recreation and tourism opportunities are developed on the Property, says Liebenberg.
The agreement takes into account the zoning and subdivision approvals granted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, which allow for a limited residential component within the reserve.
“We believe that Hopewell represents a fresh approach to urban conservation. The sale of 41 residential plots will ensure that the natural beauty and habitat will be preserved for future generations,” says Corrigan.
Building has already started on a reception centre designed by architect Richard Stretton, of Koop Design. Stretton is the first recipient of the South African Institute of Architects Award for Sustainable Architecture.
“The first 16 stands have been laid out, and we will commence marketing these units shortly after Easter,” says Corrigan.
Mark Marshal from Humps and Bumps delicately handles one of the three puff adders released into the estate. He is watched by Brian Corrigan of Hopewell Conservation Estate.
