Biodiversity and ethnobotanical assessment of a portion of Erf 657, Stilbaai West.

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The portion of Erf 657 between Jongensfontein Road and the Golf Club, opposite the municipal offices, is still undeveloped. Over the years the erf has been the subject of discussion: should it be developed or preserved in its natural state?

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Previous botanical surveys had indicated that the erf could be important from a biodiversity point of view, but these surveys were cursory and more data was required.

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Prof Richard Cowling at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth was contracted to do a botanical biodiversity assessment of Erf 657. The field survey was carried out in September 2018 by two post-graduate researchers, their report was submitted to the Interests Forum in February 2019.

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The report is a scientific document which is not easily understandable. The Interests Forum compiled a summary with the most important findings and recommendations. This document is available in Afrikaans only.​

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You can view and download the report and summary here.