Ecological Corridors

This project aims to enhance landscape-scale ecological processes along mountain ranges, rivers associated with the Gouritz River and micro corridors within transformed landscapes. Corridors are landscape-level ecological connections that are critical for ecological processes and the long-term survival of wild animals and plants, especially in the context of climate change.

The project aims to establish landscape-level strategies for effective fire management, successful invasive alien plant control, and improved river and wetland health by means of growing collaboration between farmers and other landowners. By identifying and analysing environmental threats and opportunities with farmers and stakeholders, the project aims to assist with implementing practical and cooperative strategies to address threats and opportunities at a landscape scale.

Restoration

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.

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:

Environmental Awareness

GCBR will engage with learners and support teachers to create environmental awareness and take a proactive towards protecting the natural environment.

Based on national and international environmental days; appropriate educational talks, interactive demonstrations, participatory activities and meaningful outings are shared with learners.

This project covers a diverse range of activities and outings, from planting indigenous trees, beach clean-ups, upcycle craft activities, establishing food gardens, citizen science and much more.

Jobs for Carbon

The project stimulates veld improvement, environmental restoration, and rural employment – thus ecosystem health is boosted whilst simultaneously creating environmental restoration jobs.

Spekboom is also exceptionally good at capturing atmospheric carbon and storing it in the soil and is thus a great asset in the fight against climate change. Erosion repair and mitigation is one of the most effective tools in landscape restoration – the erosion work employed supports the veld in restoring itself, through channelling the natural flow of runoff to establish areas where the existing seedbanks can collect and re-establish.