Page 26 - Landscape-Issue147

FEATURE
‘‘ Expanding collaboration would not only support environmental

sustainability, but also uplift local communities, demonstrating
’’
how agriculture and conservation can work hand in hand

Sustainable Cedar, CapeNature and local sustainability. Farmers who are part of The Rooibos industry’s conservation
communities, including Rooibos farmers, these programmes now collectively have efforts align closely with the Kunming-
has been instrumental in restoring the 500 hectares of land under rehabilitation. Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Clanwilliam Cedar. Their combined efforts These initiatives include the Greater (GBF), an ambitious global agreement that
include establishing nurseries, propagating Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor (GCBC), aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss
seedlings, replanting thousands of Cedars which has 70 406 ha under conservation by 2030. South Africa, as a signatory to the
and raising fire awareness, all of which have through stewardship agreements, and agreement, has committed to ensuring
spurred job creation. They are committed a further 282 953 ha under voluntary its industries contribute to achieving key
to supporting sustainable practices that agreements with biodiversity and targets, such as reducing biodiversity
benefit both nature and the communities business projects in the Rooibos and loss and restoring degraded ecosystems.
reliant on it, reinforcing the importance of other agricultural industries; they ensure Through habitat restoration, sustainable
reinvesting in conservation for long-term that agricultural expansion does not farming and conservation partnerships,
sustainability. come at the cost of biodiversity, but rather farmers are directly contributing to the
Many Rooibos farmers have also fosters coexistence between farming and framework’s 2030 goals.
adopted sustainable farming techniques conservation efforts. With climate change and biodiversity
such as crop rotation, organic farming The Rooibos Heritage Route, an initiative loss posing severe threats to ecosystems
and reducing chemical inputs, to designed to showcase the region’s unique worldwide, the efforts of Rooibos farmers
preserve soil health and water resources. biodiversity and cultural significance, is offer a promising example of how
By maintaining biodiversity corridors and another example of how the industry is industries can balance economic growth
avoiding monoculture practices, they are promoting conservation. This route takes with environmental stewardship. The
helping to preserve the delicate balance visitors through the heart of Rooibos continued expansion of conservation
of the ecosystem. country, offering insights into sustainable areas, sustainable farming initiatives and
farming practices, local heritage and eco-tourism projects not only safeguard
Initiatives the natural wonders of the Cederberg. the environment, but also secure the
Through initiatives like the Union for Through eco-tourism, farmers are not only future of Rooibos farming itself. n
Ethical Biotrade (UEBT) and Rainforest generating additional income, but also
Alliance certification, the Rooibos raising awareness about the importance of Issued by Meropa Communications on behalf
industry is reinforcing its dedication to biodiversity conservation. of the SA Rooibos Council.

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