One of the organisations which has been making a significant and ongoing impact since its inception in 2011, is The Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region NPC (K2C) which is ‘an area where locals work with biodiversity and its sustainable use.’  Endorsed by UNESCO, K2C aims to protect ecosystems and culture through conservation programmes where they reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict and create coexisting spaces for communities living adjacent to protected areas. 

Another crucial concern is developing the K2C Corridor which links the Greater Kruger to the escarpment and Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve ‘in order to secure critical riparian habitats which provide breeding grounds and migratory routes between the Lowveld and the escarpment for various threatened species.’

The K2C is currently running 11 projects with partners across the region linking sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.  Projects vary from the expansion of protected areas; other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs); capacity building of environmental monitors in rural communities; environmental awareness; water security; alien invasive plant clearing, agro-ecology and sustainable land management. 

Stretching over 2.5 million hectares of spectacular landscapes, iconic biodiversity and diverse communities, the vision is one of ‘partnering to achieve a sustainable future for all life in the K2C Biosphere.’ So development, education and research are all crucial elements to reaching their goals and the dynamic team runs a multitude of diverse projects encouraging a sustainable economy and community. 

K2C plays the vital role of exploring and recording indigenous knowledge systems which would otherwise disappear.  It has also made a meaningful difference to communities through a carbon project distributing more than 450 000 improved cookstoves across the K2C region to help reduce fuel loads. 

They also create enabling environments for small formal and informal businesses to not only expand economically, but to contribute to sustainability for all. As part of this initiative, the K2C organises the popular, monthly Hoedspruit Farmer's Market where visitors and locals can find a variety of handcrafted and homemade items as well as local produce.

Kruger to Canyons Chairperson, Dr John Job, is proud of the fact  that the ‘K2C has become an effective force in its enormous region which stretches from the Sabie River in the South to the Letaba River in the North; and from the Mozambique border in the east to above the escarpment in the West. This area is home to a few million people and to some of the largest numbers of wild animal species in South Africa, if not the world. It straddles 2 provinces and many municipalities and communities, yet the K2C NPC has no statutory authority! That it works and contributes as it does to so many aspects of the Man-and-Biosphere initiative, is itself an amazing achievement.’ 

He also paid tribute to the incredible individuals who are responsible for working with their global partners connecting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across the region, with a total budget of R11 million, saying that ‘such impact has to be a function of its leadership team.’  May the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region continue to inspire us all. 

Connect with K2C at info@kruger2canyons.org / www.kruger2canyons.org