South African National Parks (SANParks)

Kudu Awards 2006

Houtboschloop Environmental Action Link (Heal) – Community Contribution to Conservation

HEAL was formed in 1991 by landowners and community members of the Houtboschloop.

Valley. During the last 5 years, due to the dedicated work of Pieter Malan (Project Manager) and Chinga Maluli (Project Assistant), there was a significant increase in wildlife, a greater decrease in poaching and an overall awareness of the importance and wonders of the environment

Motivation:

 HEAL’s activities are focused on:

• Providing a service to the entire community of the valley by monitoring and reporting on any signs of environmental neglect and abuse
• Locating and removing wire poaching snares (more that 5,000 removed to date)
• Eradicating Lantana, Bugweed and other invasive plants (in cooperation with WFW)
• Combating poaching of plants and animals by raising awareness of their value and the need for collective sanction against poachers.
• Providing a forum for regular interaction between diverse valley inhabitants, through general meetings and social events
• Providing information and news to residents and the broader community through the publication of “The Houtbosloop”, - (8 issues published to date)