Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West has claimed the coveted Amorim Biodiversity Award for its sustainable initiatives, beating out competition from all over the world!
Global, South Africa (29 November 2024) — Somerset West wine estate, Vergelegen, recently beat its international peers to claim the coveted Amorim Biodiversity Award, making it the centrepiece of biodiversity at its best!
It’s yet another proud achievement for our country in the world of environmental goodness. South Africa also achieved a feat in conservation recently at the African Conservation Awards, where one Chanel Hauvette earned Best Marine Ranger on the continent.
While the Amorim Biodiversity Award celebrates a different kind of environmental impact in the conservation cohort, South Africa is pleased to know that across different eco-niches, people are working hard to protect, preserve, and persevere for a greener future.
The Amorim Biodiversity Award came as part of the drinks business’ Green Awards; now in its 15th year. Here, businesses that enhance biodiversity in and beyond their vineyards were celebrated, with Vergelegen earning the most applause.
This win comes for many wholesome reasons innovated by the wine estate, but it all began with an extraordinary project. In 1995, an ambitious alien vegetation clearing programme was initiated. The effort—the largest of its kind in South Africa— culminated in a 1900-hectare nature reserve that’s managed alongside CapeNature, earning it the same protection status as the Kruger National Park!
Thanks to the removal of invasive vegetation, natural flora and fauna could return and be cared for. Since then, bird species have increased wonderfully from 50 to 146; among them breeding blue cranes. Not to mention, 279 plant species have been recorded. Remarkably, 22 of these plant species are on the Red Data List.
This has also allowed wildlife, including rare Rau quagga, bontebok, eland, black wildebeest, and red hartebeest, to flourish. There’s also the herd of 400 indigenous Nguni cattle, and don’t forget the abundance of honey bees (around 250-350 hives) that call the space home seasonally.
Paying matters forward, the Centre of Learning Excellence supports collaboration with researchers, both international and local.
“This is a testament to the vision and teamwork that have guided Vergelegen’s environmental programme over decades,” reflects managing director Wayne Coetzer. “[The win] validates our commitment to protecting indigenous species and enhancing ecological diversity,” he beamed.
Sources: Supplied
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