 skep and The Succulent Karoo
The 116 000km2 Succulent Karoo is exceptional among the world’s arid regions for its spectacularly diverse array of plants – 6 356 species, 40% of which are endemic (occurring nowhere else in the world). This is about four times the concentration of species found in comparable winter-rainfall deserts elsewhere in the world. The Succulent Karoo is also the only entirely arid region to be recognised as a biodiversity hotspot.
Besides the plants, the Succulent Karoo is home to 250 bird species, 78 mammal species, 132 species of reptiles and amphibians and an unknown number of insect species (there are at least 70 scorpion species alone, 18 of which are endemic). It is the world’s most diverse arid environment.
Because of low population densities, there are many challenges for conservation in the region. Prospecting and the exploitation of the regional mineral wealth, irrigated agriculture, the harvesting and collection of naturally occurring species, and overgrazing have transformed much of the landscape. This alarming fact, combined with the looming potential impact of climate change on the biodiversity in this ecosystem, prompted a desire to develop a regional strategy for conservation.
 The Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme (Skep) evolved as a binational initiative that seeks to develop conservation as a land use rather than instead of land use. Through Skep, the people of the Succulent Karoo take ownership of and enjoy their unique living landscape in a way that maintains biodiversity and improves livelihoods now and into perpetuity. Skep – which although an acronym in English, means to 'create' or 'serve' in Afrikaans – involves more than 60 scientific experts and 400 local stakeholders representing government, academia, non-governmental organisations, private-sector interests and local communities in a unique approach to conservation planning. Skep’s Targets and Focal Areas: Skep’s programme targets are as follows: - Create a co-ordinated conservation and sustainable land-use programme throughout the Succulent Karoo that involves all main land-use sectors and additional role players in working towards conservation targets;
- Secure 100% of conservation targets for Succulent Karoo vegetation types under conservation management regimes controlled by state, communal, private or corporate entities. This will effectively conserve 75% of the species in the hotspot;
- Maintain populations of key indicator and flagship species within priority geographic areas at their current levels; and
- Conserve important ecological processes (namely, sand corridor movements, river corridors and climatic gradients) by protective legislation and improvement of local management practices.
To achieve these targets, Skep will be focusing on: - Expanding protected areas and improving conservation management, particularly through the expansion of public-private-communal-corporate partnerships;
- Increasing local, national and international awareness of the unique biodiversity of the Succulent Karoo;
- Supporting the creation of a matrix of harmonious land uses; and
- Improving institutional co-ordination to generate momentum and focus on priorities, maximise opportunities for partnerships and ensure sustainability.
Skep recognises that the Skep strategy is a living document and that these priority actions and emphasis will evolve over time.
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