Mahlongwana River Rehabilitation

Project Budget

R485,000 over 4 years

Project Background

The Mahlongwana is a short river (approximately 5kms) close to Umkomaas on the upper south coast. The estuary lies within the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area.
The river mouth is frequently closed and this has helped create a beautiful lagoon behind the coastal dunes which supports a wide range of riverine biodiversity, animals and birds.
The Mahlongwana is of exceptional importance to the local ecology; it is one of only 3 rivers in the greater eThekwini area whose estuary is still rated as “good”.
The estuary lagoon will form the heart of a Nature Reserve planned by Clansthal Conservancy and if successful will make a major contribution to the local economy, including natural resource management and tourism.
This Project, planned over 4 years, will involve removal of alien invasive plants and restoration of the entire lagoon area.

Project Duration

APRIL 2017 – MARCH 2021

• Phase One and Two: Restoration. April 2017- March 2019
  Removal of alien vegetation, replacement with indigenous, removal of overgrowth, riverine ecology restoration, creation of wildlife habitat niches. Reserve infrastructure (paths, recreation areas, office, security, toilets, parking, and signage). Maintenance and administration structure.
• Phases Three and Four: Maintenance. April 2019- March 2021
  Maintenance programme, ongoing biodiversity and ecological assessments, Reserve rehabilitation and repair.

Contact Details

Name: Clansthal Conservancy
Location: Clansthal village, Umkomaas area (See Google map below)
Contact person: Keith Cunningham
Contact number: 072 8352162
Email: keith@equiplive.co.za
Email: info@clansthalconservancy.org.za
Website: www.clansthalconservancy.org.za

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