Gouritz Resilient Rivers Project

Project Objective:

To reverse biodiversity loss and connect fragmented habitats in the in Gouritz River and Langeberg region (Riversdale-Herbertsdale-Ruiterbos) through restoration of high conservation value mountain, wetland, and river ecosystems, using multiple methods suited to different landscape management contexts.  

This project focuses on restoration of ecologically valuable systems – which are largely located on private land – where limited or no systematic invasive plant eradication or other restoration programmes are being implemented. 

Project Implementation:

Strong emphasis will be placed on experimentation and grounded research and development of innovative, efficient methods, building an evidence base to take to farmers and other stakeholders – with a focus on influencing them and changing behaviour. A mix of methodologies will be deployed, appropriate to different landscape management contexts. These include a mix of restoration methodologies, such as: 

• Selective clearing of invasive alien plants; 
• Chipping biomass and mulching for alien seed suppression 
• Soil erosion control and regeneration interventions; 
• Rehabilitation and revegetation using indigenous species; 
• Creating wetland buffer zones 

The project also has a strong focus on job creation and upskilling of staff and has provided work for an average of 50 individuals over the last 4 years.