NOW and SAROOF Initiatives gains momentum!

Specialist Appointed to Assist with the Development of a Self-Regulation Strategy and Implementation Framework for the 4x4 Trail Industry in South Africa ..... Whatch this space for developments ..............

The National Off-Road Workgroup (NOW) is a representative umbrella structure which, seeks to promote maximum self-regulation within the Off-Road Industry, whilst at the same time recognising its responsibilities to the wider South African community in the context of protection of the environment and responsible tourism development, and which is working towards a  position to co-operate with Government to develop and implement relevant policy, laws and regulations and other mechanisms which will, where necessary, underpin those legal rights and obligations which are essential for the creation and maintenance of Off-roading as a viable and sustainable sub-category within the broader eco-tourism Industry.

Well done to all SAROOF Trail Owners and Trail Partners involved in the Cederberg Project!!  Within less than a year since the projects inception (click here for detail), our effort was acknowledged by C.A.P.E (Cape Action for People and the Environment). We were awarded with a certificate for “Innovating Conservation” and recognised as a “committed partner in South Africa’s programme for sustaining life in the fynbos and adjacent shores with respect to contributions to the development of best practices for the 4x4 industry” 

Advocate Naledi Besiwe presents the ceritificate to Francois Smit

Introduction

Motorised off-road vehicles (which include 4x4s, and 2x4s), all terrain vehicles, quadbikes and off-road trailbikes) have become an integral part of the South African lifestyle, providing a means of transport for, inter alia, farming activities, construction projects, accessing the work place, and recreational activities.  Sustainable routes provide various benefits to the regions within which they occur, including: 

1. Providing an opportunity to develop eco-adventure tourism in the Western Cape, and South Africa as a whole, by highlighting the unique biological and cultural diversity within our country, thereby building broad constituencies for wildlife conservation by putting people in contact with nature.
2. Guiding off-road route enthusiasts and recreationists away from sensitive ecological habitats towards more adaptable settings.
3. Providing a convenient way for landowners to access otherwise hard-to-reach areas, facilitating the management of any existing or potential alien plant invasions.
4. Providing access in otherwise remote areas for fire-fighting crews to access these areas in case of a wildfire.
5. Providing access to training facilities (e.g. surf swash zones, river crossings and dune systems) for skills training for emergency services (NSRI, surf and rescue, SAPS).
6. Providing direct and indirect employment opportunities.
7. Assisting in the restoration and maintenance of degraded watercourse corridors and other habitats in the process of route establishment, subject to an appropriate environmental assessment and management.

The off-road vehicle (ORV) industry has experienced phenomenal growth over the past decade.  This has given rise to extensive tourism opportunities and resulted in an increase in the development and use of off-road routes, 4x4 tracks and trails in a range of environments throughout the country.