South Africa outlined a sweeping conservation plan yesterday to protect biodiversity and estuaries across 35,000 square miles of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a region in the southwestern part of the nation. The ambitious plan, which is being hailed by enviros, aims by 2020 to set up a network of terrestrial and marine conservation areas, including three “mega-reserves,” while also integrating social and economic concerns. South African Environment Minister Valli Moosa: “We are making history as far as conservation is concerned. South Africa is increasingly being viewed by the rest of the world as a place where important conservation lessons can be learnt.” Officials hope that the plan, developed by the South African government and the Global Environment Facility, will get some backing from international funding organizations like the World Bank.
