The Institute of Natural Resources (INR) in partnership with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) collaborated with Matomela High School and Impendle Traditional Healers to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity on the 22nd of May.
The main aim of this celebration was to bring together stakeholders and engage Impendle community members i.e., leaners and Traditional Healers to promote knowledge exchange the importance of of biodiversity in the area, through a hike to the top of iMpendle Mountain (Ntab’iMpendle). The hike was led by Thokozani Madlala, a local guide, and his three brothers who are from the KwaKhetha area in Impendle.
The INR and SANBI also conducted a BioBlitz during the hike, as a shared learning activity with participants where we used the iNaturalist citizen science tool to identify plant species found in the area. Indigenous knowledge on the use of identified plants was shared by Mr. Mbatha (Bab’Mbatha – umlaphi wendabuko) during the hike as well as at the summit of the mountain, while everyone was enjoying a well-deserved rest after a tough and hot hike!
SANBI highlighted that the Impendle area is within a Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSA). These SWSAs across South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini, make up only 10% of the land area but provide 50% of our water. This means that it is critical to sustainably manage these areas for the continued provision of essential water services through preventing pollution, promoting conservation, and maintaining biodiversity. Working with our partners to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity can help to maintain the important services provided by biodiversity, by thinking globally and acting locally.
