Project background

4x4 trails are increasing in popularity, especially in the Greater Cederberg Corridor where there currently are 34 established trails. Due to the negative impact that badly managed 4x4 tourism ventures can have on the environment. Since June 2006, this industry and the conservation sector have been exploring innovative ways of introducing best practices into the corridor area. These efforts have culminated in CapeNature, The Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs of South Africa (AAWDC), DEA&DP and SAROOF joining forces to pilot a sustainable utilisation strategy for the 4x4 industry in the GCBC. If successful, this will be used as a model for the rest of the Western Cape Province.

This project aims to

1. implement credible and sustainable utilisation measures into all facets of the 4x4 industry within the GCBC
2. contribute to conservation through the implementation of responsible guidelines and a route accreditation systems
3. create employment for disadvantaged communities through trail building, trail maintenance and tourism opportunities
4. make people aware of the positive impact that soundly managed 4x4 tourism ventures can have on the environment.

Current Project Status (Feedback to the Steering Committee on 01 July 2007)

1. Perform a Biodiversity Assessment (Footprint): A comprehensive assessment was conducted with site visits to all the trails. The outcome of this assessment is a report and GIS model with specific reference to the following:
2. Compile a comprehensive Trail Register & Contact Database
3. Conduct and an Impact Assessment comparing actual GIS recordings of the various trails with the following attributes
• a. 500m Area     
• b. 10m Area     
• c. Trail Length     
• d. Vegetation Loss
4. Conduct and an Complexity Assessment comparing actual GIS recordings of the various trails with the following attributes
• a.       Count of Contour Crossings
• b.      Count of River line Crossings
• c.       Count of Vegetation Types
• d.      Count of Soil en Geology Types
• e.       Slope Analysis
5. Compile and Construct Topographical Maps per Trail
6. Compile and Construct Management Focus Maps per Trail
7. Publish footprint on Google Earth using Tracks4Africa as a project partner.
8. Formulate a Biodiversity Strategy for the 4x4 Trail Industries.
9. Complete the development of an agreed methodology regards 4x4 trail owners best Practices for the Western Cape Province. This has been a joint initiative with DE&AP and Savannah Environmental consulting as the lead consultant.
10. Complete the development of best practices and a code of conduct for 4x4 trail users in the Western Cape Province. This has been a joint initiative with DE&AP and Savannah Environmental consulting as the lead consultant.
11. Develop a concept / draft framework for  assessment and feedback mechanisms
12. Develop and Implementation Framework and Strategy

1. The pilot- and actual implementation phase of the project is still outstanding. This is mainly due to the fact the DE&AP guidelines and national implementation strategy (NOW) is still in the process of being developed / finalised
2. It has been very difficult to actively involve the route owners. There has been too much of a dependency on the project to provide answers to critical questions of which there are no answers yet. For example, the question “What should we do to legalize our activities? – can only be answered once the National Project (NOW) has reviewed and formulated corresponding recommendations and guidelines to the provincial governments.

1. Positive Lessons Learned: Maintain a regular (informal) communication and feedback information flow to all stakeholders. The more they are informed, the more positive support and understanding will there be for the project.
2. Negative Lessons Learned: Keep the project admin up to date at all times....!

1. Phase 2
• At least 1 Pilot Trail (Approved ROD, EMP, SAROOF Accredited) per Region
• At least 1 Conservation Stewardship Agreement per Region
• At least 1 follow-up audit
• Revised / Updated Guideline Series
2. Phase 3
• All commercial trails within the GCBDC to undergo Approval and Accreditation
• Development of a National Guideline Series and Sustainable Use Framework

Question: Please provide any additional information to assist the GCBC management unit in understanding any other aspects of your completed report.

1.  Phase 2 & 3 Not Planned /provided for. Approval required re-directing remainder of budget to these phases.
2. Additional Funding to be obtained from the Industry and DE-AP