Biodiversity and the South African wine sector: a successful blend?
Date
2009-03
Authors
Bridgman, Corrie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The acceleration of biodiversity loss is understood to threaten the ecosystems upon which
life on earth depends. Existing conservation approaches have proved insufficient to stem
global biodiversity losses. Mounting evidence indicates that responsible biodiversity
conservation requires an integration of ecology with economics. Accordingly,
contemporary conservation interventions incorporate a concept that ecosystems and
biodiversity can be used and also conserved. In South Africa, such interventions can be
appropriately applied in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), an area containing severely
endangered biodiversity where land use and conservation goals rarely mesh. More than
80% of land in the CFR is privately owned, with large tracts transformed for viticulture.
Conservation challenges thus include the reconciliation of wine production needs with
biodiversity protection necessities.
This thesis comprises a case study of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative, an
organisation that simultaneously promotes biodiversity conservation in the South African
wine sector, by a process of mainstreaming within an viticultural context. The overall
study aim was to improve understanding of the BWI as a mainstreaming initiative.
Specifically, the area of inquiry is an investigation into how effectively the BWI has
protected biodiversity in the CFR between 2005 and 2008. Individual aims were to
investigate reductions in threat to biodiversity in the CFR; to assess farmer adoption
levels of BWI strategy; and to formulate a sustainability appraisal of the Biodiversity and
Wine Initiative. A strategic triangulation of methods was employed. Stakeholder
interviews were conducted to probe adoption levels and opinions of BWI strategy. Case
studies of two BWI champion estates provided data on best practice. Towards a critical
appraisal of sustainability, an assessment was made of the BWI as a functioning
mainstreaming model, which included case studies of two model farms.
Description
Thesis (MA (Geography and Environmental Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Geography and environmental studies, Theses -- Geography and environmental studies, Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Viticulture -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Western Cape