The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) is playing a pivotal role in advancing community-driven conservation initiatives through the national **Biodiversity Stewardship Programme**, aligning closely with the global target to conserve 30% of the planet’s natural landscapes by 2030. In partnership with the **WWF Nedbank Green Trust**, ECPTA supports landmark projects that simultaneously achieve ecological protection and local socio-economic empowerment.
A flagship example is the establishment of the Maloti Thaba Tsa Metsi Protected Environment, covering over 60,000 hectares in the Matatiele region of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. Managed by ECPTA’s Biodiversity Stewardship Manager, **Malaika Koali-Lebona**, the initiative involves extensive collaboration with WWF-SA, WILDTRUST, Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS), Conservation South Africa, Lima Rural Development Foundation, and local communities, encompassing six chieftainships and more than 55 villages within the critical uMzimvubu catchment.
Koali-Lebona emphasised that this stewardship initiative is about more than biodiversity protection; it is fundamentally about uplifting communities. “This programme not only safeguards vital ecosystems but also significantly improves livelihoods through sustainable practices and economic opportunities,” he explained.
Communities involved in the programme benefit directly from enhanced grazing and livestock management, increased water availability due to improved grassland health, and employment opportunities linked to conservation activities. Thembanani Nsibande, WWF’s Landscape Manager for the Eastern Cape and Southern Drakensberg, highlighted the importance of sustainable livestock grazing, which strengthens grasslands, stabilises water supply, and mitigates erosion.
According to soil scientist Sissie Matela from ERS, community livelihoods are transforming as revitalised grasslands lead to healthier livestock, improved income, and higher standards of living. Additionally, young community members have been employed as eco-champions, directly contributing to local economic empowerment while promoting long-term sustainability.
Through this collaborative approach, ECPTA demonstrates how conservation efforts can integrate environmental protection with significant social and economic benefits, positioning communities as active stakeholders in the sustainable stewardship of the Eastern Cape’s precious biodiversity.
