The Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project, led by eThekwini Municipality, is one of South Africa’s flagship urban ecosystem restoration initiatives. Begun in 2009 as a carbon-offset initiative, for the FIFA™ 2010 World Cup, the project’s current aim (adopted in 2016) is to restore a species-rich indigenous forest at Buffelsdraai by markedly increasing tree species diversity.
This session will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the project’s ecological and social dimensions, from large-scale tree planting and invasive species control to fire management and biodiversity monitoring. Speakers from eThekwini Municipality, Dr. Errol Douwes, Nokuphila Buthelezi, Thembelihle Mlokoti, and Bheka Nxele, will share insights about community participation, operational challenges, and socio-political complexities, and how the project has delivered on climate adaptation, and urban resilience targets.
*This event will take place on Zoom. Instructions to join will be emailed to you.
