A decade of dedication

Mariannhill Conservancy rewarded for commitment to the environment

Members of the Richmond Mariannhill Conservancy have been smiling since April – when they won the prestigious 2006 Rhino Award for the best performing conservancy in the eThekwini region.

“We are elated. The award was completely unexpected,” says Mark Liptrot, Conservancy chairman. “Although the Rhino Award recognizes the work we have done over the past year, this is the culmination of six years of hard work. The recognition makes the effort worthwhile and will motivate us to carry on in the direction we are headed. It should also motivate the other 52 conservancies in the Durban area to try and win the award next year!”

ECOSERV MD, Quentin Hurt, has sat on the Conservancy board as secretary since 2004 and has been involved in the Conservancy since its inception almost 11 years ago in 1996.

“ECOSERV has contributed to this effort and it is good to be recognized for that work. Sue Winter worked closely with Mark Liptrot to formulate and initiate many of the initiatives that continue today,” says Quentin. “The award will hopefully be a shot in the arm for our membership drive. The level of involvement from a number of big companies in the Pinetown industrial area is disappointing. The award shows that we are a Conservancy that achieves and it will hopefully encourage these companies to get involved.”

The mission of the conservancy is to promote environmental awareness and indigenous vegetation in the area. “The Conservancy is consistent with ECOSERV's objective to promoting environmental good practice. It is critical we are involved in this type of initiative,” says Quentin.

The award, a floating trophy, was initiated two years ago by city counselor Jean Lindsay and Kranzkloof Nature Reserve conservation manager Johann Vermeulen. “The award is recognition and reward for what the conservancies are achieving for conservation. It is a way of saying thank you,” says Johann.

Last year the Rhino Award was won by the Kloof Conservancy, but this year it was the Richmond Mariannhill Conservancy that caught the judge's eye.

“I award the trophy for outstanding achievement in the region,” says Johann. “I keep my eyes and ears open throughout the year for the guys who stand out. The Richmond Mariannhill Conservancy caught my attention through good use of the media and by keeping me informed about their activities.”

The Conservancy has three main items on its agenda. The first is to oversee the maintenance of the M13 between Fields Hill and Cowies Hill, a 5km stretch of verges and the intermedium.

“The M13 highway project is important because of the alien invasive plants that grow along the freeway,” says Johann. “The freeway becomes a conduit for alien invasives to spread into natural areas as vehicles transport a lot of seed. The Conservancy removes litter and is slowly reintroducing indigenous vegetation so the land can become linkages for wildlife.”

The second item is an annual seminar, usually held in September, organized in conjunction with the Edgewood Conservancy at the Edgewood Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal . “We invite guest speakers to talk on a range of conservation issues that affect the industry, such as alien removal and pollution,” says Quentin.

Third is an annual Alien Busting Day held in June or July. “We choose a site along the Umbilo River , normally at the junction of Gillitts Road and Mariannhill Road , where we give a talk to a range of people including Grade 3 and 4 learners from St Benedicts School,” says Mark. “We speak about why they should make a career out of conservation and why it is important to eliminate invasive alien plants. Then we take them on a site visit to hack out and remove the aliens, pick up rubbish and plant indigenous trees.”

The Conservancy also holds a biennial award where members of the conservancy are invited to be judged on their conservation efforts.

The Richmond and Mariannhill Conservancy registered with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife a decade ago and has 10 members, five of whom are committee members. “We are a small but strong group of people that organize everything,” says Mark. “New members are welcome provided they are committed and prepared to be active.”

Current members of the conservancy are chairman Mark Liptrot (Diverse Labelling Consultants and Astropak), secretary Quentin Hurt (ECOSERV), treasurer Rob McInerney (of Sharelist Property), Dennis Paxton (of Gardenline ), Morne Ruth of (Beier) and Jean Lindsay (in her private capacity but also a City Counselor for eThekwini).

The Conservancy meets once a month at Diverse Labelling Consultants in Gillitts Road , Pinetown. Contact Mark Liptrot for more information on (031) 702 0521/082 778 8728 or e-mail mark@dlc.co.za