To become a BWI CHAMPION, the following criteria apply:

1. The property must have an ecologically viable portion of natural vegetation still intact, but which is not less than 10% in area of the total farm size.  A map of the property indicating the location of the conserved area must be attached.
   
   
2. A minimum score of 85% must be obtained on the biodiversity self assessment form, verified by the BWI extension officer/consultant. 
   
   
3. To obtain an IPW certificate for the farm (and cellar, where applicable [1] ) for the most recent harvest year by fulfilling all the IPW requirements, and supply the BWI office with a copy of the certificate. The producer must score a total of 75% or more for both the farm and the cellar components of IPW based on a self-assessment score. The producer needs to have been independently audited by an IPW auditor within the last three years, (i.e. 2005 – 2008). If the producer’s own farm and cellar have not been independently audited by IPW, or they have been audited prior to 2005, then the member may request an independent self-funded audit to verify the 75% self–assessment or wait until a random IPW funded audit is performed. 
   
   
4. The Producer must provide proof of authorization for the disposal of winery wastewater (General Authorization document obtained from DWAF) or demonstrate that they have submitted a formal application to DWAF in the last 6 months. Any additional conditions of approval stipulated in the General Authorization document must be included in the conservation management plan discussed in point 5 below, with specified actions and timeframes to meeting these conditions.
   
   
5. A Conservation Management Plan must have been developed, approved by the BWI extension officer. Most importantly, the champion applicant should have started IMPLEMENTING key scheduled activities from the plan. Champions must be able to show tangible results of their commitment to biodiversity conservation and provide a summary of actions implemented to the BWI office. This also includes completing the spreadsheet template provided for describing and reporting on management targets.
   
   
6. Champions should, where appropriate, consider giving conservation status to their pristine natural area through one of CapeNature’s Stewardship Programme options. At a very minimum, the natural area should be registered as a Voluntary Conservation Site under this Stewardship Programme.
   
   
7. Provide a short “biodiversity story” of the property including the history of conservation actions on the property and other unique features (which will be used for the BWI website, marketing purposes and press releases). Champions should have a minimum two-year track record of good conservation practice.

[1] If a grape producer, that supplies grapes to another cellar or co-operative, is applying for individual membership based on the farm name, not the wine brand name, then an IPW cellar certificate is not needed. However, if a producer wants their membership to be attached to the wine brand name, than an IPW cellar certificate is necessary for each cellar involved in grape crushing. All estates and private cellars must supply an IPW cellar certificate.

Click here to download a copy of the CHAMPION APPLICATION FORM (Afrikaans application on downloads page).

Return a signed copy of the application to the BWI office , for the application to be processed. The BWI extension officer or approved consultant  must also do a site visit before finalizing membership (or champion) status.