ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

What is Ecosystem Restoration?

Ecosystem restoration means assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, as well as conserving the ecosystems that are still intact. Healthier ecosystems, with richer biodiversity, yield greater benefits such as more fertile soils, improved pest and disease resistance of

farm crops, and larger stores of greenhouse gases. 

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Why do it?

There has never been a more urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems than now.

Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent a mass extinction. It will only succeed if everyone plays a part.

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ReCover Wild Project

Our land rehabilitation project at Klipinnibos is our answer to this call. Doing our part in restoring the

grassland, wetlands and forest that were degraded by misuse and mismanagement, and consequently overgrown by invasive trees. Since starting this work in early 2020, species diversity have bounced back strong, and our groundwater reserves are becoming increasingly stable.

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It is a team sport

This is a multi decade commitment, and after 3 years of doing it on our own, we realised we need support and camaraderie. It is easy to become discouraged and disillusioned when faced with such a daunting task.

   Therefor we teamed up with the Sudwala valley based environmental NPO GeaSphere, and it's ReWild Mpumalanga project, run by Philip Owen. Through his inspired and consistent efforts and networking skills, he teamed up with Avocado Vision to get access to the government's Social Employment Fund (SEF) workers to build up alien clearing teams. Project Biome, as a project partner, kindly helped secure some funds for PPE and herbicides. 

   It has been an immense help and relief to occasionally get a team to help with the weeding of invasive tree saplings and cutting back of eucalyptus coppices.

   We also signed up with WESSA (Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa) as a Wessa Friends Group, We have hosted the WESSA Lowveld Bosberaad here, thus benefitting from more like-minded people rolling up sleeves and supporting our restoration efforts.