Environmental Rural Solutions (ERS), South Africa

Two decades of fostering resilient natural landscapes for the well-being of communities and nature in South Africa

enviros.co.za
whttps://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2023-10-30-how-environmental-conservation-is-being-inspired-among-matatiele-youth/
www.bbc.com/storyworks/age-of-change/growing-local-guardians

ABOUT: ERS operates in Matatiele, in the upper watershed area within the vast Umzimvubu Catchment of South Africa. This critical water catchment, spanning multiple provinces and encompassing 2 million hectares of communal land, supports rich biodiversity and provides water to over 2 million rural and peri-urban residents. Despite its significance, the catchment faces several challenges including rapid degradation within its watershed, invasive plant species, and land ownership issues. In response, ERS prioritizes enhancing the health of this ecosystem to positively impact human well-being, and bolster biodiversity resilience.

Driven by this vision of promoting resilient rural landscapes and sustainable practices, ERS collaborates with local communities, traditional authorities, government and non-governmental organizations. Their approach blends traditional wisdom with modern techniques, emphasizing the sustainable use of resources and biodiversity conservation. ERS engages in conservation efforts, protecting water resources, expanding protected areas, and fostering a local conservation economy through innovative solutions such as eco-charcoal from cleared alien invasives, washable diaper distribution to reduce waste, and conservation agreements for rotational resting of rangelands to improve productivity and biodiversity.

ERS's work is crucial amid global concerns for preserving freshwater systems and catchments. These ecosystems are essential for the survival of both people and nature: they provide clean water and fish habitat and promote climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Impact

Over the 21 years they have been in operation, ERS has registered remarkable success in the region and is highly regarded as the go-to organization for environmental and livelihood issues. Some highlights of their achievements include:

• Promoting effective coordination and collaboration: ERS has been the driving force behind the Umzimvubu Catchment Partnership (UCP), serving as its co-founder and secretariat from the beginning in 2013. Through their leadership, ERS has facilitated effective coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, making them a vital catalyst for local strategic partnerships. More than 20 field-based learning exchanges have been hosted, fostering active learning between catchments. The UCP just hosted its 40th quarterly meeting of partners.

• Spring protection and improved water quality: ERS has enabled securing of communal water supplies for residents through the protection of over 43 natural springs. They have also built local capacity for the preservation and maintenance of these vital water sources. This has ensured that almost 60,000 people have increased access to clean drinking water, leading to improved livelihoods, better health, and overall well-being. Thirty-eight thousand four hundred forty-five of these people live within 1000m of these springs, the WHO global standard for proximity, helping to meet SDGs on water security.

• Supporting livestock farming and governance through Rangeland Associations: ERS has played a crucial role in establishing more than 25 Rangeland Associations to promote livestock farming initiatives and strengthen governance institutions. Over 850 farmers derive regular income from sale of cattle, as well as increased benefits from sheep.

• They actively engage with local government partners, traditional authorities, local farmers, and NGOs in forming partnerships for water and rangeland management, setting a distinct example compared to other regions in the country.

• Over 75 youth have been reached through various engagement programmes, which has resulted in an Ecochamps model, where young people without tertiary opportunities from villages in ERS’s area of operation are mentored and trained to become full-time staff, amplifying meaningful engagement and impact.

Supporting livestock farming and governance through Rangeland Associations: ERS has played a crucial role in establishing Rangeland Associations to promote livestock farming initiatives and strengthen governance institutions. They actively engage with local government partners, traditional authorities, local farmers, and NGOs in forming partnerships for water and rangeland management, setting a distinct example compared to other regions in the country.