Conservation Hero. Phaqa Mlambo. Kosi Bay

The Kosi Bay section of iSimangaliso, a rich tapestry of lakes that borders Mozambique, has been described as the last haven of untouched African paradise. It is a wonderland of blue sea and dazzling white beaches, wetlands and lakes and reed channels, raffia palm forests and mangrove swamps.
Kosi Bay mouth is famous for its ancient fish traps, a sustainable method of fishing passed down for generations.
The local Thonga (the Tembe community) have a rich and fascinating history. Kosi Bay is famed for the traditional, woven fish traps and palisade kraals used by the community for well over 700 years – a skill passed down from generation to generation. The palisade fish kraals consist of a guide fence that curves in towards a fish trap, allowing fish easy entry but no escape. The traps are designed for small fish to escape, so there’s no major impact on the thriving fish population.
https://isimangaliso.com/jewel/kosi-bay/

This place is unique, Isimangaliso is not only preserving the natural habitat and ecosystems but they recognise that these fish traps are also a tradition that has to be preserved and with it the livelihood of the families that depend on it.

Kosi Bay is home to numerous bird species including iconic African fish eagles, flamingos and the rare palm nut vulture – the area is one of only two places in South Africa where the latter’s favoured food source, raffia palms, are to be found naturally. Its beaches are the breeding place of endangered loggerheads and leatherback turtles. It is also home to over 250 species of birds, hippos and crocodiles, and smaller game such as bucks and monkeys. Humpback whales are seasonal offshore visitors.
https://isimangaliso.com/jewel/kosi-bay/

The primary aim of conservation planning is to provide scientific information and advice required by KZN Wildlife to achieve its overall vision, mission and policies. The branch coordinates scientific research and development planning within KZN Wildlife. Emphasis is placed on gaining a good understanding of biodiversity and the factors influencing its distribution and status, including those of a social, economic or developmental nature.
http://www.kznwildlife.com/conservati...

At Ironman 4x4, we are very passionate about 4 wheel driving. We love overlanding and being out in Nature. As a responsible 4 wheel drive company, we are very aware of the challenges that Mother Nature faces with the relentless onslaught caused by our human activities. Now, more than ever, Ironman 4x4 has embraced a philosophy of Conservation Awareness in all of our activities as a company and as a team of Nature Lovers.
We are at the forefront of an industry that relies on our clients getting out there and enjoying everything that nature has to offer. We feel a tremendous responsibility to bring as much Conservation Focus as possible to our customers and our audience through our Social Media platforms as well as our day to day activities. To this end, we have elected to produce content that is Conservation focussed alongside our Overlanding and Technical 4wd content.
There are so many Organisations, Groups and Individuals involved in Conservation and we take great pleasure in bringing their stories, their struggles and their plight to the greater Ironman 4x4 following. It is our sincere intention and hope that we can bring together some of these like-minded people with the aim to build on Conservation efforts for the benefit of, not only our current generation but also generations to come.

This episode was filmed in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Ironman Adventures obtained the necessary permissions and filming permits with assistance from the kind staff at iSimangaliso.