Protecting Biodiversity by Supporting People

Ongeluksnek: Biodiversity Custodianship through Innovative 'People and Parks' Cooperation

Grantee Name: Environmental and Rural Soultions

Hotspot: Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany
Location: South Africa
Amount: $217,428
Dates: Jan 2012 – Dec 2013
Keywords: Buffer zones, Community-based conservation, Habitat conservation and management, Livestock, Protected Areas, Restoration, Invasive alien species

Environment & Rural Solutions is working in 13,000 hectares of the upper Umzimvubu River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the eastern part of South Africa. The grantee is working in the Ongeluksnek Provinicial Nature Reserve, clearing invasive plants, improving trails and wildlife viewing opportunities for tourists, and attempting to create formal payment for ecosystem services agreements between the residents of the area and the downstream beneficiaries of the watershed.

Strategic Direction : 2 Expand conservation areas and improve land use in 19 key biodiversity areas through innovative approaches