Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) is a grassroots non-profit organization based in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, South Africa. For over two decades, ERS has been dedicated to restoring degraded landscapes, securing clean water sources, and empowering rural communities through sustainable livelihoods. Their initiatives include protecting over 43 natural springs, providing clean water to nearly 60,000 people, and establishing more than 25 Rangeland Associations that support over 850 livestock farmers. 

ERS’s Ecochamps program trains local youth to become conservation leaders, blending traditional knowledge with modern environmental practices. Through partnerships with organizations like WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, ERS has also facilitated alternative livelihood projects, such as eco-charcoal production and livestock auctions, generating significant income for local communities.