THREE new developments came out of the Second Karoo Development Conference in Beaufort West yesterday.
The Karoo Development Foundation announced the start of a funding proposal for a Karoo Development Agency which would cross provincial borders. The Karoo covers four provinces and 12 district municipalities.
The foundation's Doreen Atkinson said the agency would boost tourism and share the semi-arid region's problems amongst a wider group.
"The agency is crucial for the survival of the Karoo," she said.
If approved, it would take five years to complete the start-up phase.
The agency will be used to ensure tourism plans are followed. A declaration wassent out to be signed by delegates during the conference.
The second development is the start of a "Karoo Parliament" made up of civil servants and residents. The first sitting takes place on November 1 in Victoria West.
Each town in the Karoo has been invited to send one civil servant and a resident to find solutions to the problems affecting the region.
The last announcement is the creation of an honorary ambassador programme which will recognise people who have made a difference in the Karoo.
"We want the whole of the Karoo to know who these people are. The ambassador programme will be linked with our website," Atkinson said.
For more information, visit www.karoofoundation.co.za
