Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust

One of the greatest threats to biodiversity across the globe is habitat loss and fragmentation. The likelihood of additional loss in the remaining islands of diversity is further exacerbated by poor management within the remnants and the surrounding matrix.

In the southernmost region of Africa, we find one of the most overlooked, under-appreciated biodiversity hotspots found within Mediterranean ecosystems globally: Renosterveld. This diverse and severely threatened habitat is found within the World’s smallest Plant Kingdom: The Cape Floristic Region found in South Africa (most renowned for its showy Fynbos and less so for its Renosterveld which happens to be the richest geophyte habitat on the planet). 

I established the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust (ORCT) in 2012, with the aim to ultimately conserve and rehabilitate the remaining 5% of this incredible ecosystem within the Overberg through pioneering a unique programme based on working closely with farmers, conservation partners, ecologists, students, and children. We aim to create awareness and excitement around the plight of Renosterveld, particularly amongst those communities and individuals who may have an influence over its future.