IUCN (SA) KARST WORKING GROUP: A REVISIT TWENTY YEARS ON (2006–2026)
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INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE SOUTH AFRICA COUNTRY OFFICE (IUCN-SA) KARST WORKING GROUP
The Cave Research Organisation of South Africa (CROSA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature South Africa Country Office (IUCN-SA) established the Karst Working Group (KWG). The initial meeting between Saliem Fakir and Mike Buchanan was held at the IUCN-SA offices in Pretoria on 9 July 2003.
The founder meeting took place at the IUCN-SA offices in Pretoria on 5 February 2004. Those present included Melinda Swift (GDACE), Saliem Fakir (IUCN-SA), Melissa Fourie (IUCN-SA), Murray McGregor (Independent Karst Consultant), Leintjie Cohen (Mpumalanga Parks Board), Garfield Krige (Landowner), Neil Norquay (Wild Cave Adventures), Nigel Fernsby (GNORBIG Bat Interest Group) and Mike Buchanan (CROSA).
INTRODUCTION
The Karst Working Group was established to document, advise, monitor and advocate for the reversal of degradation affecting karst systems within the former Transvaal region of South Africa, now comprising Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces.
The Working Group was established to provide guidance on the rehabilitation and remediation of South Africa's Neo-Archaean dolomite palaeokarst basin, referred to by many hydrogeologists as the South African Aquifer (SAA). Approximately seventy-five percent of this vast groundwater system occurs beneath the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). The SAA represents a highly dynamic karst groundwater system that has evolved over approximately 2.3 billion years.
This extensive basin has its central region at approximately 3,300 feet above mean sea level (amsl), where evidence of ancient hydrothermal spring and vent activity is present. The southern perimeter, in the vicinity of the Sterkfontein Caves, reaches approximately 5,000 feet amsl, while the northern perimeter in the Makapan Valley reaches approximately 4,000 feet amsl.
This topographic variation is believed to have resulted from geological deformation associated with tectonic activity, volcanism and/or meteorite impacts, including the formation of the Vredefort Dome astrobleme, which may have played a significant role.
HISTORY
During the mid-1990s, concerns were increasingly raised regarding delays in the management of natural areas and state reserves. Conservation was frequently perceived as a low governmental priority during the early years of South Africa's democracy.
The conceptual foundations of the KWG were established during cave monitoring visits to the Wolkberg Caves in Limpopo Province. Informal discussions among concerned conservationists highlighted the urgent need for improved environmental protection of these important cave and groundwater systems.
The original proponents included Chris Wynn, a concerned CROSA member; Stanley Rodgers, Environmental Officer with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) in Polokwane; Mike Buchanan, then Chairperson of CROSA; and Cornelius and Mrs Van den Berg, both environmental managers with DEAT, Polokwane. Cornelius was responsible for the management of the Wolkberg Wilderness Area, Wolkberg Caves Nature Reserve and Legalametsie Nature Reserve.
At the time, it became apparent that government funding for the protection of the Wolkberg Caves Nature Reserve was unlikely to be forthcoming. It was believed that the site warranted recognition as an internationally significant wilderness and water-producing landscape deserving enhanced protection.
The Wolkberg Caves were experiencing theft and general neglect. Pressure also existed from various sectors, including local politicians, to open the caves to unrestricted public access. Concern existed regarding both conservation impacts and the known occurrence of Histoplasma capsulatum within certain cave systems.
An awareness campaign was initiated, introducing a wide range of interested stakeholders to the area. Strong support emerged for enhanced conservation measures.
Additional fundraising initiatives followed and, at approximately the same time, DEAT recommended that all established reserves, including privately owned conservation areas such as Des Saco-Ashmoledales, Thabina and Legalametsie Nature Reserves, together with the Wolkberg Wilderness Area, be incorporated into what became known as the Drakensberg Escarpment Biosphere Reserve Programme (DEBR).
In retrospect, this initiative became administratively complex and difficult to manage effectively.
Advocate François Junod, widely recognised for his work in private conservation initiatives and for his contribution to South Africa's Water Act, repeatedly cautioned against expanding the initiative too rapidly. His advice reflected the principle of "biting off more than one can chew".
The DEBR initiative continues, although many of the conservation objectives originally envisaged have yet to be fully realised.
CHALLENGES
Serious concerns were raised regarding the management of the dynamic karst system supporting the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COHWHS), together with the broader South African Aquifer.
A wide range of land uses and activities contribute cumulative impacts to these karst systems. Many stakeholders remain unaware of the extent of induced environmental damage. Consequently, all sectors should be encouraged to adopt international best-practice principles for karst management.
Recognising the significance of these issues, Mike Buchanan joined the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) Task Force on Cave and Karst Protection under the leadership of Professor Elery Hamilton-Smith of Australia, an internationally recognised authority on karst management.
Professor Hamilton-Smith encouraged Mike Buchanan to approach IUCN-SA regarding the establishment of a multi-stakeholder Karst Working Group in South Africa.
A productive professional relationship subsequently developed, with regular exchanges of information regarding both local and international karst developments.
THE IUCN-SA KARST WORKING GROUP
Mr Saliem Fakir of IUCN-SA was approached by Mike Buchanan regarding concerns surrounding the adequacy of environmental impact assessment associated with tourism development within the Cradle of Humankind and the broader South African Aquifer.
The Cradle of Humankind was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 owing to its exceptional palaeontological and cultural significance. At the same time, numerous concerns relating to karst degradation throughout the South African Aquifer were becoming increasingly evident.
The original objective of the Working Group was to establish an inclusive forum through which stakeholders could exchange information and disseminate international best practice relating to karst conservation and sustainable use.
Extensive research undertaken by Mike Buchanan highlighted growing impacts associated with mining, agriculture and development. Urbanisation pressures in Pretoria, Centurion, Johannesburg and Mogale City were increasing rapidly. Many of these emerging threats had been brought to the attention of government departments, including DACE, DWAF and DEAT, as early as 1998.
Both Saliem Fakir and Mike Buchanan considered the establishment of a multi-stakeholder Karst Working Group to be essential. Mike Buchanan subsequently compiled a comprehensive stakeholder register, leading to the founder meeting at which a way forward was established.
Thereafter, efforts were undertaken to secure financial support from GDACE, SASOL, Alpha Cement, Gold Fields and other corporate entities. Significant effort was also directed towards engaging mining companies as major stakeholders. The participation of Dr Andries Leuschner of Gold Fields represented an important milestone.
The subsequent activities of the KWG have been documented elsewhere. During 2005, differing views emerged regarding future priorities for the Working Group. At the same time, Mike Buchanan intensified efforts aimed at increasing interdepartmental government awareness regarding karst issues.
Saliem Fakir resigned from IUCN-SA during late 2005. It is important to acknowledge that the three original proponents—Stan Rodgers, Cornelius van den Berg and Mike Buchanan—remain associated with the initiative.
WAY FORWARD
The current progress of the KWG remains necessarily cautious. Stakeholder participation continues to be limited and additional funding is required to maintain momentum and stimulate further research.
Support should be provided by those government departments responsible for water resources, conservation, mining regulation and environmental protection. Internationally, karst systems are increasingly being recognised within wetland conservation frameworks, including those associated with the Ramsar Convention.
Although GDACE has maintained representation within the KWG, financial support has remained limited. Important support has been received through publications funded by Blue IQ and the Water Research Commission, which have assisted in sustaining the initiative.
Had earlier recommendations and numerous commissioned government reports been fully considered during the 1990s, many of the current challenges may have been reduced. At present, significant responsibility for karst awareness and advocacy continues to rest upon an under-resourced voluntary organisation, despite karst and groundwater management being fundamentally governmental responsibilities.
Consideration should therefore be given to establishing an independent national Karst Institute or Commission. Such a body could provide strategic oversight, coordinate research, promote best practice and ensure effective stewardship of South Africa's karst resources.
Failure to establish an independent, scientifically informed coordinating body risks continued degradation of South Africa's karst landscapes and associated groundwater resources.
Mike Buchanan
Originally prepared: 2 April 2006
Edited and revised: 2026
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