South Africa: Protecting critical ecosystems by managing water and biodiversity

A conservation partnership is restoring water yield, removing invasive species, and generating carbon and biodiversity credits across protected landscapes in the Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

WILDTRUST in partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is implementing the KZN Protected Natural Capital programme across 500,000 hectares of protected areas, including the Drakensberg World Heritage landscape.

The project reframes protected areas as investable natural infrastructure by pairing invasive species removal and water-yield restoration with biomass-to biochar conversion. The aim is to generate diversified revenue from water restoration, carbon sequestration, biodiversity credits and biomass value chains.

At bankable feasibility stage, $23.53 million has been invested, with a funding gap of $47 million. The project is classified as low risk, with projected IRRs of 6–9% and a 10-year payback.

Cover photo:  iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Source: photoember©123rf