Page 37 - SDG Report

The approach used has in many ways helped to capacitate local people to further appreciate benefits derived from natural ecosystems and how through careful management, these can enhance adaptation to climate change. To assist with this, a dedicated advocacy and outreach initiative was developed that fosters improved understandings of how to protect and enhance the benefits of natural ecosystems. As a result, most people feel that the project has improved their living conditions, as well as developed their skills.
A key focus of the project was to restore the forest by maximising benefits to local communities. Where possible, locals are employed for tasks such as digging holes and planting trees, fighting fires, and patrolling the site for undesirable activities.
The Municipality partnered with the University of KwaZulu-Natal to establish a Reforestation Research Partnership as a means to ensure capacity building of local students and ongoing transdisciplinary research; primarily in biodiversity conservation, climate change and socio-economic development. Research supported through the programme is not limited only to biodiversity and climate change aspects, as a number of postgraduate students have also undertaken studies focusing on community benefits, including knowledge transfer about climate change adaptation and socio- economic development.
The Municipality also partnered with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa to create an Environmental Awareness Partnership, which aims to educate community members on how functioning forests can sustain livelihoods, and how environmental protection decreases detrimental impacts from anthropogenic activities.
All partners involved understand the environmental and socio-economic effects of climate change, thus strengthening the efforts towards combating climate change impacts. The communities’ ongoing involvement aids in supporting, restoring and protecting local ecosystems, thereby providing them with improved ecosystem services.
“To date, over 850 000 plants and trees (comprised of over 90 species) have been planted at Buffelsdraai. ”
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS GOOD PRACTICE 35