The absence of nesting is a concern, and the reserve management team continues to monitor the situation. At this stage, however, the reason for the absence of nesting has not been established, and there is no confirmed evidence that it was caused by climbing, hiking or any other specific activity.
WESSA fully supports the reserve management team, including the use of seasonal closures, signage and other access-management measures designed to protect sensitive areas and breeding wildlife. All visitors and users of the reserve are expected to comply with these rules and to respect closures and signage at all times.
WESSSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete expressed that WESSA recognises that the reserve is valued by a range of users, including the climbing and hiking communities, and we acknowledge the positive role that responsible users play in the reserve. We also recognise that, as with any shared natural space, individual actions may not always reflect the standards and expectations of the wider community.
Our priority is to protect the biodiversity and natural heritage of uMngeni Valley while enabling responsible access to the reserve. We believe these objectives can coexist when everyone respects the rules established by reserve management.
WESSA welcomes constructive dialogue with all stakeholders as we work together to strengthen understanding of seasonal restrictions and support the protection of the reserve’s wildlife.
The Mountain Club of South Africa – KZN Section shares the concerns raised by WESSA and, as always, remains committed to its support of the uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve and the decisions made by its management. The MCSA and its members have a long history of collaboration with the Reserve across various areas of involvement, including climbing closures for birds of prey. Carl Dreyer, President of the MCSA – KZN Section, encourages all climbers and user groups to respect the primary purpose of the Reserve and to adhere to any restrictions or requests made by the Reserve Management.
Conservation is a shared responsibility, and the rules that protect the reserve apply to all of us.
Contact Jaco van der Merwe, uMngeni Valley Reserve Manager, for any reserve-related queries by emailing Jaco.VanDerMerwe@wessa.co.za or calling 066 307 0025.