Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area

Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area Is a cultural TFCA. Formerly known as the Limpopo-Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Area.

History

Establishment

With the assistance of the Peace Parks Foundation, De Beers, the National Parks Trust and WWF-SA, SANparks consolidated the core area of South Africa's contribution to the proposed TFCA. In July 2003 the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape was proclaimed a World Heritage Site. Mapungubwe National Park was officially opened on 24 September 2004.^[1] A memorandum of understanding on the TFCA’s establishment was signed on 22 June 2006 and an international coordinator appointed.^[2] On the 19th of June 2009, the Limpopo/Shashe TFCA was renamed the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area.^[3]

In 2012 archaeological discoveries were made on the farm Klein Bolayi, east of Mapungubwe National Park, confirming that the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape extends eastwards or downstream along the Limpopo Valley, and corroborating human habitation in the area for more than 1 500 years.^[4]

The Greater Mapungubwe TFCA, which is presently being developed will cover an area of 4 872 km2 in extent, 28% (1 350 km2) will be situated in Botswana with a further 53% (2 561 km2) situated in South Africa and the balance 19% (960 km2) situated in Zimbabwe. With already viable populations of the larger draw card species such as Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog; as well as some 19 mammals, 26 plant species and a fair number of bird species listed in the red data book. The area is of substantial importance for conservation reasons alone.^[5] The added range, protection and combined efforts offered through the establishment of the GMTFCA will contribute immensely to the protection of species found within the area. The dramatic landscapes and contrasts within the GMTFCA ensures what must be one of the most visually and naturally beautiful areas in Southern Africa, add to this the cultural heritage sites so rich and varied, that it entrenches the GMTFCA’s potential for drawing large numbers of local and international tourist alike to experience this magnificent area.^[6]

South Africa

South Africa's contribution to the trans-frontier conservation area consist of the core area of the Mapungubwe National Park as well as the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve. Phase two of the project aims to include an additional number of properties including the proposed Limpopo Valley Conservancy, Mapesu Private Game Reserve,^[7] the proposed Mogalakwena Game Reserve, The Vhembe Game Reserve as well as a number of smaller private farms. The total proposed area will be 256,100 hectares or 53% of the entire Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area.^[8]

Botswana

Botswana's contribution to the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area consists of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, comprising 36 freehold properties^[9] covering an area of 71,173ha. In phase two the area is expected to increase in size with the inclusion of the Central Tuli Farms and the proposed Shashe CCA. In addition the area roughly extending from the town of Mathathane North to Kobojango and onwards to the Shashe River will also form part of the GMTFCA. In total Botswana's contribution to the TFCA is expected to be 135,000ha roughly 28% of the total area of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area.^[10]

Zimbabwe

Sentinel Ranch, Nottingham Estate and the Tuli Circle Safari Area make up Zimbabwe's contribution to the GMTFCA. In phase two the Maramani, Machuchuta as well as Hwali Wildlife Management Areas may also be included extending the size of Zimbabwe's contribution to the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area to 96,000 hectares or roughly 19%.^[11]

References

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