​Over the last few months, we've been delighted to welcome some exceptional guests, and we're thrilled to share the highlights of their visits along with a plethora of photos!
 
Firstly, we had the honour of hosting the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), led by Dr. Albert Chakona, Chief Scientist and Senior Research Associate from the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University. Aileen Anderson, our esteemed General Manager and SASS Guru, joined forces with them for monitoring and DNA sampling of aquatic species in the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Region (GCBR) and partnered with friends in the Elim area to sample fish in the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area. This collaboration was both enlightening and memorable, enabling us to address various inquiries, document previously unrecorded aquatic species, and forge new partnerships. For more insights into our partnership with GCBR, check out their article on GCBR Fish Monitoring. Additionally, delve into the SAIAB article for a deeper understanding of our discoveries in Unveiling Nature's Jewel: Exploring the Enigmatic World of the Translucent Goukou Galaxias. And be sure to immerse yourself in the captivating pictures from our expedition!

​Our second visit was from Landcare (Department of Agriculture), during which we had the pleasure of meeting with Rudolph Röscher, District Manager of the Cape Winelands and Hannes Muller District Manager of Eden SRUM. These annual visits entail inspections of our activities, during which Ricardo Januarie (Alien Clearing Manager) and Mzomhle Mtshintshi (Quality Controller) showcased our progress in alien-clearing activities, while Corné Brink (Restoration Manager) talked about our restoration efforts. We also visited our impressive alien clearing project in the Korente Poort Dam area, that we are implementing in partnership with the Korente-Vette Irrigation Board.

​The Grootbos Foundation marked our fourth visit, allowing us to showcase our valley and its fauna and flora species. It was a rewarding experience, during which we also fine-tuned our camera trap system, providing Jessi Venter (Conservation Officer) with invaluable insights (as demonstrated in the pictures) and capturing the magnificent specimens in the valley.

​Our fifth visit welcomed students from The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), where international honours students engaged in multiple activities within the conservancy. These activities included monitoring the restoration site near the office to track species regrowth and timing processes within the nursery itself. It was quite an experience for our GVB staff members, and we have learned a lot from this visit! 

​And finally, our last visit was from IKI GRANT themselves. Their visit allowed us to present and showcase our project's progress, achievements, and upcoming goals.

​In the heart of Barrydale, nestled within the embrace of its community, flows the Huis River—a lifeline, a haven, and a treasure trove of biodiversity. Yet, over time, neglect and alien invasive species have threatened its vitality, dimming its sparkle and jeopardising the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Today, however, a beacon of hope shines bright as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has joined hands with the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy (GVB) to embark on a transformative journey—to restore the Huis River to its former glory. The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy lies just downstream of the Huis River, so restoring this system benefits all, including those downstream. Central to this effort is the protection of the Critically Endangered Tradouw/Barrydale Redfin, whose survival hinges on the health of the Huis River.

​Project Overview
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At the core of this endeavor lies a plan, to breathe life back into the riverbanks and revive the riparian ecosystems. With the support of landowners, the project will clear the Huis River of invasives and establish three planting sites along the river's edge—serving as pockets of biodiversity and additional seed banks, where native flora can flourish, and endangered species find sanctuary.  The project also includes workshops and awareness-raising with the local community, informing them of why we are doing alien clearing and how we are implementing restoration work.
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The project continues to create work for our 12 alien clearing contractor teams. Since October 2022, the GVB conservancy has cleared 72 hectares of land in the Huis catchment from invasive plants and has released biocontrol on Hakea Species. This work has already created over 1000 days of employment. This project has allowed the GVB conservancy teams to implement their new restoration techniques which they have received over the past few, through our IKI project, allowing the teams to put their new knowledge into action!  These activities include erosion control, planting methods and even forming a medicinal garden which is available for anyone to access (Just remember please don’t just take, also give back). This restoration work has created a further 160 days of employment. This project aims to identify individuals in Barrydale who could be mentored along with our existing restoration teams. The project will therefore create much-needed employment opportunities in Barrydale.

​Project Scope
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The project's scope encompasses a series of interventions to catalyse ecological regeneration and foster community stewardship. Community engagement is integral to the success of this project, along with the active participation of the Barrydale and Smitsville community. We plan to place awareness-raising signs in public spaces to inform people of the importance of the Redfin and how to protect it.  Through public planting days, mural painting, water harvesting activities, educational day initiatives, and collaborative partnerships with local businesses, the project seeks to mobilise collective action and cultivate a shared sense of responsibility for the river's well-being. 

​Long-Term Vision

In the long term, the goal of this project is to provide a more suitable ecosystem and home to the Tradouw/Barrydale Redfin, while improving the health of the downstream river which flows into the Conservancy. Through sustained collaboration and unwavering dedication, the Huis River will reclaim its rightful place as the heart of Barrydale—a symbol of resilience, renewal, and the enduring power of collective action.
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Find out more about the Tradouw Redfin and its plight at the talks happening as part of the Silver Mountain Music Festival. 
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Thank you to IUCN, the community of Barrydale and Swellendam Municipality for supporting this project.