On the outskirts of Cape Town in South Africa, the University of Stellenbosch is working to restore degraded land in the Blaauwberg nature reserve by planting trees.
In South Africa, a reforestation operation has just been completed in the Blaauwberg nature reserve in the Western Cape province. The initiative, in partnership with Stellenbosch University, has seen rootstocks planted on almost four hectares of degraded land, according to lecturers Karen Esler and Pat Holmes, who have been carrying out research there since 2012.
The reforestation project is being funded by the British mining company Anglo American via its Anglo Nature Positive platform, which aims to protect biodiversity. Through the reintroduction of endangered plant species, it should improve the effectiveness of ecological restoration in the Blaauwberg nature reserve and in other towns in the near future.
“We look forward to monitoring and seeing the Fynbos vegetation flourish in this area so that the unique biodiversity can be restored to its former glory,” says Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor of the City of Cape Town. Indeed, this natural area with its Sand Fynbos vegetation has recently lost several species, notably the acacia saligna. This plant is prized for ornamental purposes, soil stabilisation and animal fodder.
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In recent years, the enhancement of flora and fauna has become a key priority for South African municipalities, in line with the United Nations Decade of Ecological Restoration (2021-2030). This programme aims to prevent the degradation of the planet’s ecosystems. It is within this framework that the rainbow nation has been committed since 2018 to a national strategy for the biodiversity economy that integrates the private sector and development partners. The initiative spearheaded by President Cyril Ramaphosa focuses on wildlife, trade in organic products and ecotourism in South Africa.
Benoit-Ivan Wansi
