South Africa

  • Maputaland Coastal Plain Peatlands
  • Karst Peatlands (Molopo & Molemane)
  • Palmiet Peatlands (Goukou)

Peatlands

South Africa’s peatlands are under pressure. These ecosystems play a key role in carbon storage and water regulation, while also supporting biodiversity and providing essential services to surrounding communities. They are currently facing serious threats, including degradation and increasing water-related conflicts.

  • Knowledge management
  • Policy

Targets and Global Environmental Benefits (GEB)

  • 1.9K

    Hectares 
    under restoration

  • 40K

    Hectares under
    improved practices

  • 1.1M

    metric tons CO2eq mitigation

  • 900

    Direct
    Beneficiaries

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Restoration Ambition

The project will restore ecosystem functions and biodiversity in three South African peatland systems and their catchments. It aims to improve the delivery of benefits to communities while contributing to national and global restoration targets. Activities include developing integrated catchment-level restoration and management plans, implementing site-specific interventions, and training stakeholders. The project also seeks to attract investment to support ongoing restoration and ensure long-term continuity.

Photo credit: © Ami Vitale

Key Partners and Roles

Project partners include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), responsible for implementation; South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, leading execution; and local stakeholders, engaged in training, restoration planning, and on-the-ground interventions.

Supported by

  • Component 9

Led by

  • Modalità Isolamento

In Partnership with

  • South Africa logo

Our Funding

Impact card image 01

5Million

GEF grants

Impact card image 06

40Million

co-funding

  • 1
  • /
  • 2
  • 1
  • /
  • 2
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How South Africa will achieve this

South Africa is advancing peatland restoration through a coordinated strategy that blends science, planning, and local action. The project targets key regions with tailored approaches to restore ecosystem functions and support community benefits.

  • Collaborative Restoration

    A transdisciplinary approach will guide sustainable and holistic restoration, integrating ecological, hydrological, and social expertise.

  • Smart Planning

    Integrated catchment-level plans will be developed to align restoration with broader land and water management goals.

  • Targeted Action

    Site-specific interventions will be implemented across pilot locations, addressing the unique needs of each peatland system.

  • Building Capacity

    Stakeholders will be trained and supported to carry out restoration, while investment will be mobilized to sustain long-term efforts.

     

    Photo credit: © M&M Pictures

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