Forests are vital to the health of our planet, but not all forests are created equal. As Katherine Poe (IUCN) and Ephraim Ozabor (Greenpop) state in this article, “Primary forests store more carbon than any other type of forest. The deep roots of old-growth trees and the stability of undisturbed soils lock away vast amounts of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.[..] If we lose these primary forests, we lose critical habitat and endangered species, as well as the potential for life-saving medicinal discoveries and a huge chunk of the planet’s genetic diversity.”
These ancient ecosystems are truly in a league of their own, providing benefits that are simply irreplaceable. At Greenpop, we understand the importance of primary forests, which is why our approach to forest restoration is about so much more than just planting trees.
A Habitat in Need: Protecting the Mistbelt Forest
The Southern Mistbelt forest in the Eastern Cape is a truly special and important ecosystem. It’s a vital home for countless species, including the endangered Cape Parrot, a beautiful, endemic bird found only in certain mistbelt forests of South Africa. However, these incredible forests are under threat. Decades of logging, combined with the aggressive spread of alien invasive plants, especially Black Wattle, have fragmented and degraded this essential habitat. This has left the unique biodiversity of the region, including the Cape Parrot, vulnerable.
A Holistic Approach to Restoration
At Greenpop, we believe in a holistic, evidence-based approach to restoration. Our approach is not a simple "plant and walk away" effort, but a long-term commitment to nurturing the land and creating a resilient ecosystem. Once we have carefully identified a site and compared it to an intact reference site, our work involves a three-pronged strategy to ensure the best results for biodiversity.
- Alien Invasive Plant Management: The first and most crucial step is to manage the invasive plants in such a way that they help rather than hinder the establishment of indigenous species. While working with invasive vegetation in this way is an enormous undertaking, the CPP teams' annual efforts are essential for ecosystem health. As they successfully manage invasion across significant ground, the indigenous forest begins its vital recovery.
- Indigenous Tree Planting: Together with the Cape Parrot Project, we plant indigenous species that are sourced from local community nurseries and are best suited to the ecosystem. These trees are then planted in dense clusters, mimicking the way a natural forest grows, rather than in straight lines like a plantation.
- Assisted Natural Regeneration: The most beautiful part of our work is that it helps the forest heal itself. By strategically removing invasive species and planting native trees, we provide the perfect conditions for the forest to regenerate on its own.
Witnessing the Return of Biodiversity
The real magic of this project is seeing the return of biodiversity to the restored sites. Our work is not just about bringing back trees; it's about providing the necessary ecosystem services for life to thrive. Co-benefits of our restoration work, such as improved soil stability and water regulation, create a healthier environment for all species.
Beyond its status as a beautiful, endangered bird, the Cape Parrot plays a vital role as an umbrella and flagship species for the health of the entire Mistbelt forest. Restoring their habitat is therefore a fundamental part of protecting other endangered animal and plant species in this tiny biome.. Protecting these birds means protecting the future of the forest itself.
The data from our latest project report is truly encouraging, showing tangible results:
- Decreased Invasive Species: We have seen a significant decrease in invasive Black Wattle, from a pre-project average of 61.9% down to 11.4%.
- Increased Native Vegetation: As a direct result, the native vegetation cover has increased dramatically, from a baseline of 22.5% up to 67.6%. This dramatic shift is creating a healthier, more vibrant environment. We're seeing an increase in native saplings and ground cover. Most importantly, we're helping to provide a thriving habitat for the endemic Cape Parrot and countless other species that call this forest home.
###Community at the Core
This project would not be possible without our incredible partners and the local communities with whom they work. It is a fantastic example of a community-led restoration effort. The Cape Parrot Project works directly with local community nurseries and employs community members, creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering local environmental stewards. This is a powerful dual benefit: we are not only restoring the land but also supporting the people who live within and depend on the forest. This partnership ensures that the restoration work is culturally and economically sensitive and sustainable for the long term.
###The Future is Green
The progress we've seen in the Mistbelt forest is a testament to the power of thoughtful, collaborative, and science-based restoration. It's a clear reminder that when we protect and nurture our natural spaces, biodiversity and the communities that rely on it can thrive.
By continuing to work together, we can provide a healthy home for the Cape Parrot and ensure this beautiful forest continues to act as a vital ecological hub. Join us in our mission to protect and restore these priceless ecosystems. Support Greenpop's work and be part of the TREEvolution!