Faure
Establishing an Eco-Cultural Corridor along the Eerste River
SOCIAL IMPACT PROJECT
The small settlement of Faure is located between Stellenbosch and Cape Town, nestled in a sensitive wetland area along the lower Eerste River. The section of the river where the community lives is our central point of departure, with the aim of extending our focus further up and down the river as we engage with more collaborators.
Faure's community has significant cultural and historical value, stemming from indigenous Khoi-San groups with divergent lineages. Their values are based on nature and inclusive stewardship of their heritage.
The community experiences flooding and poor water quality, affecting the residents of Faure and indigenous communities who perform religious ceremonies along the river.
The following aims summarises some of the envisioned plans:
1. Environmental protection and education: Clearing invasives, mapping and monitoring species diversity and monitoring, monitoring water quality and addressing impacts.
2. Restore habitat and beautify natural environment to attract visitors
3. Create economic opportunities to attract visitors and uplift the community: food garden, local marketplace, redevelop tea garden.
4.Restore buildings and re-establish old cultural practices, such as the Khoi meeting place.
This project includes various collaborators with the aim of improving the health of the river system and the wellbeing of the community through sustainable practices and rehabilitation techniques.
Project Overview
Lower Eerste River
Location
2022 - present
Project Duration
- Community leaders of Faure
- Researchers from research institutions and universities
- Decision-makers from governing agencies
- NGOs
- Conservation groups and businesses
- Practitioners and advisors in the agriculture sector and related industries
- Local wine estate on the river
- Contour Environmental Group
- Cape Corps Military Veterans: Civilian Directorate (CCMVCD) – lead
- Stellenbosch University (SUWI & History Department)
Collaborators