Theory of change

Located on degraded former ranchland in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the project provides a financial incentive to restore spekboom thicket, a keystone plant species native to the Eastern Cape and largely cleared by agricultural settlers. It is responsible for supporting a rich biodiversity.

Climate change mitigation

Planting spekboom thickets in ecologically degraded areas not only sequesters carbon, but also improves soil health and biodiversity, and, if managed properly, increases resilience in a region prone to climate variability.

Impact areas

1. Biodiversity

The project will regenerate spekboom thickets, benefiting thousands of plant and animal species that depend on this ecosystem.

2. Sustainable commodities

Site-appropriate regeneration increases resilience and adaptation to climate change. Protecting a threatened ecosystem avoids emissions.

3. Creation of employment

The project is located in one of South Africa’s most impoverished districts, with a high unemployment rate. It supports the local community by creating new jobs.