The Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resort, bordering the Ukhahlamba World Natural Heritage Site, is a haven for a plethora of natural plant species, including the majestic yellowwood trees. Environmental awareness forms a hallmark of this resort and the hotel works closely with the Heritage Environmental Management Programme to formalise environmental policies, gain advice and undergo annual audits of the premises. Through its ongoing efforts the resort has been classified as a Gold Status Resort, the only Gold classification in the Drakensberg.
"The trees were misidentified as an invasive alien tree found within the area," said Herman Muller, GM, Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resort. "Fortunately all parties acted speedily and the repair project has yielded wonderful results. After 13 months most of the trees have survived. Monitoring shows that the plant tissue for conduction of water and nutrients was not damaged significantly.
"One of our strongest hallmarks is environmental protection," continued Muller. "We have formed a close relationship with Working for Water and, as such, the organisation is developing a nursery on our land, which will provide the Central Drakensberg community and businesses with indigenous species trees, scrubs and flowers.
"Working for Water fulfills the vital function of controlling and eradicating evasive and foreign species," he explained. "It has been working on our property for almost four years. Our work regarding the yellowwoods signifies the importance of co-operation and collaboration among all entities when it comes to environmental protection and preservation. Working for Water and the Drakensburg Sun assumed immediate responsibility for the situation regarding the yellowwoods. Our transparent and honest relationship - and our shared passion for the environment - allowed us to work together swiftly to save the trees.
"The environment and business are inextricably intertwined. Therefore, our operating principles take cognisance of the broader context. Without a well-maintained and controlled environment there will be no business. To ensure our environmental-protection policies are in harmony with our business policies, we need to work in sync with relevant stakeholders - in this case the KwaZulu-Natal Parks Board, Working for Water, the Heritage Association and the Drakensberg Sun.
"We are committed to eco-tourism and strive to maintain an environment comprising indigenous species only, so future generations can view and enjoy nature in a sustainable manner," he said. "Fortunately our collaborative efforts mean the beautiful yellowwoods continue to stand tall for all to admire."
