The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) established the Grasslands Programme as a partnerships-based approach to securing the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the biome. Using Global Environmental Facility (GEF) funds for the first phase of work, the focus is on mainstreaming biodiversity into the four main economic sectors and land-uses associated with the biome, namely agriculture, forestry, mining and urban development.
WWF was key to the preparatory phase of the Grasslands Programme, where it assisted both technically and financially in the design of this first five years of work. Implementation of this five years of action commenced in April 2008, where WWF is a key implementing partner with SANBI. It provides strategic support to SANBI through the Grasslands Steering Committee, whilst it is the lead implementing agency for the Wakkerstroom Agriculture and Conservation Demonstration Project. The Demo Project is part of the Agricultural Component of the Grasslands Programme located within the Enkangala Grasslands area.
In parallel to this, WWF has been supporting the Enkangala Grasslands Project for several years in partnership with the Botanical Society of South Africa. Initially, the Enkangala Grasslands Project has focused on piloting biodiversity stewardship approaches with private and communal / land reform landowners.
However, through its recently established partnership with BHP Billiton, WWF has been able to take these biodiversity stewardship pilots to another level, including critical support to the Mabaso Land Reform initiative. In addition, WWF is undertaking ecosystem services studies to determine, in more detail, the water and carbon value of these high altitude moist grasslands. It’s long-term vision is to secure the biodiversity and ecosystem services of this critical grasslands area, in partnership with the various landowners and the relevant conservation, agricultural and water authorities. As part of its partnership with BHP Billiton, WWF will work together with the mining company to strengthen the implementation of its relevant biodiversity and water policies.
WWF was key to the preparatory phase of the Grasslands Programme, where it assisted both technically and financially in the design of this first five years of work. Implementation of this five years of action commenced in April 2008, where WWF is a key implementing partner with SANBI. It provides strategic support to SANBI through the Grasslands Steering Committee, whilst it is the lead implementing agency for the Wakkerstroom Agriculture and Conservation Demonstration Project. The Demo Project is part of the Agricultural Component of the Grasslands Programme located within the Enkangala Grasslands area.
In parallel to this, WWF has been supporting the Enkangala Grasslands Project for several years in partnership with the Botanical Society of South Africa. Initially, the Enkangala Grasslands Project has focused on piloting biodiversity stewardship approaches with private and communal / land reform landowners.
However, through its recently established partnership with BHP Billiton, WWF has been able to take these biodiversity stewardship pilots to another level, including critical support to the Mabaso Land Reform initiative. In addition, WWF is undertaking ecosystem services studies to determine, in more detail, the water and carbon value of these high altitude moist grasslands. It’s long-term vision is to secure the biodiversity and ecosystem services of this critical grasslands area, in partnership with the various landowners and the relevant conservation, agricultural and water authorities. As part of its partnership with BHP Billiton, WWF will work together with the mining company to strengthen the implementation of its relevant biodiversity and water policies.