The Eskom ‘Ingula Pumped Storage Project’ is setting an example of how landowners can make use of the Biodiversity Stewardship process as a cost effective conservation mechanism. Through this project a protected biodiversity area and production are being expanded simultaneously – without either being compromised.
A pumped storage scheme works by allowing water to flow from a dam on the top of an escarpment to a dam at the bottom, through tunnels which contain electricity generating turbines. The scheme, initiated by Eskom to supplement the national grid with extra power, is located 23km north-east of Van Reenen’s Pass. The work on the facility began in November 2007 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2012, and fully operational by 2013.
The “go ahead” from the environmental impact assessors for the Ingula Project, came as a surprise considering the innovative conditions that were attached to it. In response to the importance of the area from a biodiversity perspective, the agreement included a requirement that the land obtained for the project be secured as a nature reserve on completion of the scheme. The area is home to two key river catchments (flowing into the Tugela and Orange River’s) and is characterised by a mosaic of richly bio-diverse grassland and wetland habitats, interspersed with patches of indigenous forest.
The unique nature of the Ingula Project is that the land owned by Eskom straddles two provinces, namely KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. Eskom has therefore entrusted the Wildlands Conservation Trust to assist them in engaging with the different provincial structures, and managing the overall process of securing the 9000ha under Eskom’s management. This is the start of a strategic partnership that will involve the first attempt at securing a new protected area across provincial boundaries.
This innovative approach to a project will also change the general perception of what constitutes a nature reserve. We are moving into times where much of our land has been impacted in some way, or is being used for production purposes (in this case electricity), and yet still holds key biodiversity. Securing this biodiversity is critical for securing our natural capital, but yet not impacting on the production nature of the activities linked to it. This project is therefore unique and innovative in its approach, and will reshape the way we secure our “green infrastructure” and “natural capital” into the future.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)