• Overgrazing as a result of poor range management;
   
• Uncontrolled burning of rangelands;
   
• Encroachment of human settlements;
   
• Accelerated Soil erosion;
   
• Alien and invasive species;
   
• Destruction of Cultural/National heritage sites;
   
• Overexploitation of biological resources and destruction of wetlands;
   
• Cross border stock theft; and
   
• Acute poverty in the rural areas;

The first stage of project implementation has been dominated by recruitment of project staff, establishment of project management systems and preparation of work plans. The initial implementation stage has been successfully completed, and the second stage involves the actual physical implementation of various project components with full involvement of participating Government Ministries and local communities in the affected five districts of Botha-Bothe, Leribe, Mokhotlong, Qacha’s Nek and Thaba-Tseka.

To respond effectively to these challenges, project interventions are community driven with the local communities taking the lead, and ultimately the ownership of development initiatives. Significant benefits accruing from the project will go directly to the local communities who are the authentic custodians of mountain natural resources. The Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Project presents an opportunity for both countries to join hands in addressing these disparities and in ensuring that marginalised people are empowered to manage their resources.

The project is also expected to create an enabling environment for community-based tourism opportunities in partnership with the private sector and donor agencies. The spectacular scenery in the Maloti-Drakensberg bioregion, and the intrinsic potential for tourism related leisure activities undoubtedly offer an opportunity for sustainable community development.

Project implementation will be done under the following four categories of initiatives:

• Improvement of existing initiatives within the project area e.g protected areas, Range Management Areas and trails.
   
• Development of areas of importance that have already been identified in the past by various studies. e.g development nodes, cultural heritage and historical sites, and protected areas.
   
• Pilot project proposed by local communities and private sector. e.g ecotourism projects, conservation projects and rangeland improvement projects.
   
• Identification and mapping of new sites of importance following zoning. e.g development nodes, cultural heritage sites, protected areas and Range Management Areas.

Community involvement and capacity building at all levels will be incorporated in all project components in order to ensure project sustainability.

For Summary of the Implementation Progress (February 2003 – March 2004), Click Here