Alien invasives clearing to protect water resources

ERS has cleared over 335 ha of invasive wattle species that infest the escarpment and critical water source areas, through corporate-sourced funding in partnership with WWF’s freshwater programme. These cleared areas are being rehabilitated to indigenous grass cover to help maintain ecological functioning and water replenishment. ERS employs Ecochamps from local communities who work with their community members to clear and monitor alien invasive plant species, and restore cleared land into grazing areas. Restored grazing areas in turn improve livestock health and increase the value and income for livestock farming households. This is particularly important in this area where livestock farming is the main source of income. Many of these cleared areas are maintained by volunteers from the respective resident communities who see the value in keeping alien invasives at bay.

In addition, ERS initiated an eco-charcoal enterprise project for youths. The enterprise uses the cleared alien wattle wood to bake charcoal for the market. The concept is to create value out of cleared wattle as an incentive for people to sustain invasive plant species clearance. ERS collaborates with enterprise support partners such as Avocado Vision and LIMA. The partners also raise funding to support developing the charcoal value chain. The enterprise is the first communal alien-wood charcoal project in Africa to be certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).