New Year, New Trees, New Jobs, New CO2 Captured

Western Baviaanskloof (SA): Living Lands and PRESENCE partners are keeping momentum moving through re-planting 28 hectares of subtropical thicket in the western Baviaanskloof. This initiative means 56 000 spekboom trees will be planted and will potentially store 6000 tonnes of CO2 over the next 30 years. The restoration activities provide jobs and skills training for 48 persons previously unemployed.

This move is part of the broader catchment restoration strategy being coordinated by Living Lands as part of the Dutch Government’s Water for Food & Ecosystems Programme and the South African Government’s Working for Water and Subtropical Thicket Restoration Programmes.

Piet Kruger, one of two farmers who have agreed to the planting on their property says, “I feel very privileged that these spekkies [spekboom, Portulacaria afra] are being planted on my land”. The other 14 hectares slated for restoration will be on the farm owned by Willie van Rensburg who recalls, “All of this land used to be covered with spekboom so if it was up to me I’d restore the whole farm.” Both Piet and Willie agree that these actions are important contributions to the long-term process of total catchment restoration in the Baviaanskloof.

The spekboom planting will be carried out by Working for Woodlands teams as part of the South African Government’s poverty relief initiatives. Four teams with 48 persons in total will be employed this January which is a positive start to their and their families’ year. Living Lands’ close partner Gamtoos Irrigation Board is responsible for coordinating and managing the teams.

Current conservative estimates indicate that at least 6000 tonnes CO2 will be sequestered through this particular phase of planting. Some calculations indicate it could be as high as 12 000 tonnes CO2 equivalent. However, consideration must be given to risks of tree mortality through drought, wildlife predation, soil type or other factors.

Living Lands, Eastern Cape Parks and the farmers have made this cooperation official by signing an agreement which will ensure that the land receives its necessary rest from stock grazing for at least ten years.

More information, please contact –
Marijn Zwinkels
Programme Coordinator
Water for Food & Ecosystems in the Baviaanskloof
E: marijn@earthcollective.net