Nama Karoo Foundation
The Karoo Conservation Agency
P.O. Box 140
7090 Richmond, Northern Cape
South Africa
Contact person: Marina Beal
+27 413791052
info@namakaroo.org
http://www.namakaroo.org
Topics
- Environmental organization
- Educational policy/project
- Aid organization
About us
The Nama Karoo Biome is characterized by its open spaces and healthy air, water and climate. It lies in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape Provinces. It is the largest and least researched of South Africa’s seven biomes (ecological regions) and the largest of its four desert biomes.
Fossil records dating back 3 billion years testify to the Nama Karoo being the world’s oldest land, the heart of Gwondanaland. Artefacts dating back over 1 million years indicate the antiquity of human habitation in the region.
The High Karoo Park is the showpiece for Karoo conservation. The NKF works with public & private partners to secure land, conduct projects & research, create jobs and exemplify the ecological restoration & sustainable management of land.
The non-governmental organisation Nama Karoo Foundation works to:
• Protect the environment & restore ecology;
• Provide education & employment opportunities;
• Inspire, support & promote research and/or projects;
• Promote the conservation & sustainable use of natural capital.
NKF research & projects in the High Karoo Park:
• Alien vegetation removal techniques for the Bo Karoo;
• Grassland & wetland restoration;
• Africa’s first digital plant database;
• Karoo’s first indigenous nursery;
• Blue Crane & Springbok Study;
• Game Breeding Program.
NKF assists with education and/or skills training:
• Individually awarded scholarships;
• Individuals who have proven entrepreneurial skills;
• Skills training that will lead to conservation-related jobs;
• Initiatives which bring tourism-based income to the Karoo;
• Initiatives promoting the cultural identity and/or welfare of Karoo people.
NKF offers conservation assistance to Seacow River Valley landowners. Conservation Guidelines for the Karoo Landowner encourages practices which will have long-term positive impact on the environment & economy of the region such as:
• Friendly predator control;
• Elimination of locust spraying, elimination of low strand electric fencing & small-unit game fencing, elimination of burning practices for livestock grazing purposes that destroys biodiversity or contributes to soil erosion;
• Landowner reinvestment back into land for restoration & soil conservation;
• Power lines, transformer & poison bait safety for big birds & return of the Vulture.
Marina Beal is a member of the Nama Karoo Foundation.
For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.
