Table Mountain Fund

As we welcome our new Chair of the Board, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Bongani Mnisi for three years of dedicated leadership as our outgoing Chair. Bongani, your gracious and uplifting leadership fostered a strong sense of team between management and trustees. While you step down as Chair, we are delighted that you will continue to serve as a Trustee and member of the Conservation Committee.



Credit: Jacques Marais

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Lisa Plit as the new Chair of the Table Mountain Fund (TMF) Board of Trustees. Lisa has been a dedicated member of the TMF Board since 2020, bringing with her invaluable expertise in Environmental Law and Sustainability. With her extensive environmental background, passion for conservation, and experience on various boards and committees, Lisa is well-equipped to lead the TMF board as it supports the TMF Management Team in its mission to protect and restore the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region.

The TMF team recently attended the 45th FynbosForum, themed 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦: 𝘕𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘺𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. We were thrilled to have six of our funded projects present at this year's forum. Additionally, our TMF Manager, Kerry Maree, delivered a presentation on the first five years of our Conservation Strategy’s implementation and provided a brief overview of the new five-year Conservation Strategy and the Fund’s future direction.

As always, it was an incredibly inspiring week, with over 150 stakeholders from the Cape Floristic Region coming together to learn, share, and network.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗱: TMF’s Kerry Maree and Carla Wood with some of our project executants who presented at this year’s forum.
Sarah Hulley (CFR Partnership and Conservation Outcomes)
Jacques van der Merwe (City of Cape Town)
Rupert Barnard and Michelle de Bruyn (Wild Restoration)
Pieter Viljoen and Lincoln Meyer (Contour Enviro Group)
Nicole Loebenberg (Khwa ttu)

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺

The Western Cape province of South Africa is a botanical treasure trove, home to the smallest yet richest of the world’s six plant kingdoms. Within the Cape Floristic Region, over 9,000 plant species occur, with nearly 70% being endemic.

Safeguarding this unique biome, recognised as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, is a significant responsibility for South Africa. The Table Mountain Fund, as the sole conservation fund resolutely committed to protecting and restoring the CFR, proudly embraces and supports this mission.

To date, The Table Mountain Fund has invested over R109 million in 372+ projects. These initiatives range from acquiring key conservation lands and promoting sustainable land management among landowners to funding applied research and supporting civil society in executing innovative conservation projects in high-value areas.

To find out more about TMF’s project portfolio active across the CFR visit: https://www.thetablemountainfund.org.za/



Credit: Jeremy Shelton

𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗪𝗙 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺

WWF South Africa is looking for a dedicated Scientific Coordinator: Illegal Succulent Trade. This role involves supporting the implementation of the national strategy and action plan to combat the illegal trade of South African succulents. The successful candidate will work closely with and under the supervision of the Senior Scientific Coordinator: Illegal Succulent Trade.

If you are passionate about conservation and ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply!

For more information and how to apply visit: https://lnkd.in/deUc5fWU

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗪𝗙'𝘀 𝗙𝘆𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲!

WWF South Africa is seeking a Fynbos Extension Officer to work closely with their Programme Coordinator to safeguard critical biodiversity on privately owned land within the Cape Floristic Region.

For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/gJRvQe7Y

We are immensely proud to be supporting this critically important conservation project through our Fynbos Forever Programme. This project is a wonderful example of what strong collaborative conservation partnerships can achieve.

Knysna Sand Fynbos Protected Thanks to Collaborative Efforts Celebrating the protection of the last remaining of the critically endangered Knysna Sand Fynbos on the Western Heads of Knysna.

𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

The National Heritage Council has opened its call for funding proposals.

For more information visit the NHC Praxis GMS Portal (https://bit.ly/4cMQFEv) or email [email protected].

Deadline: 30 August 2024

As part of the Table Mountain Fund’s Care Programme, Nature Connect was appointed as a facility to issue small grants on TMF’s behalf. These grants are designed to help new organisations and individuals enter the conservation sector, support biodiversity, boost community participation (involving youth) and encourage sustainable livelihoods.

✨ Spotlight on Small Grant Recipient Community Women Action - ✨

Located in Eerste River, Community Women Action is dedicated to creating an empowering environment that promotes economic independence and sustainable social impact. Their Intergenerational Programme focuses on educating and empowering local unemployed youth by pairing them with senior mentors to explore indigenous vegetation, particularly the Critically Endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos.

This exciting initiative includes a fynbos rehabilitation programme, excursions to local nature reserves, and training sessions that promote income-generating activities. 🌱🌍

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝘆𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

The 45th Annual FynbosForum Conference will take place from 6-8 August 2024 at the Protea Hotel Technopark in Stellenbosch.

Theme: Rooted Resilience: Navigating the Future of Fynbos Conservation

Register today to secure your spot: bit.ly/FynbosForum2024

We hope to see you there!

𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

The City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation directorate is calling on registered organisations and community organisations in Cape Town to apply for funding.

An amount of approximately R5 million is available for allocation. The minimum amount per application per project is R100 000.

The closing date for applications is 17:00 on 6 July 2024.

To find out more and to apply visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Find-grants-and-funding/Business-funding/Get-grants-in-aid-funding

City of Cape Town Link Sharing a City of Cape Town Page...

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦

Today is the day! The much anticipated iNaturalist.org City Nature Challenge has begun.

To participate, you need to download the free iNaturalist.org app and capture photos of all the wild plants and animals you can find.

Nature reserves and conservation areas across the Cape Floristic Region will be hosting a range of activities this weekend, so look out for fun adventures to join in your area. But remember, even the ants and doves in your garden count, so wherever you are, be it on the mountain or in your garden, we want to see your observations flooding in.

Visit iNaturalist.org to find out more.



Credit: Scott Ramsay

Thank you SANParks for implementing such meaningful projects.

Together we certainly can nurture and empower a generation that is dedicated to protecting our natural world and creating a sustainable future for all.

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦

The countdown has begun, it is almost time for the 2024 iNaturalist.org City Nature Challenge. From the West Coast all the way to Nelson Mandela Bay, we can’t wait to see your Cape Floristic Region observations come flooding in. ALL wild nature counts - from the bee in your garden to the unique fynbos you spotted on your hike. We want to see it all!

Join us from 26 – 29 April 2024 as we take part in one of the world's greatest citizen science projects.

To find out more visit: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2024-city-of-cape-town



Credit: Peter Chadwick at African Conservation Photography

Using fynbos gardens in schools across the Cape Flats, Ingcungcu Sunbird Restoration is restoring a critical route for sunbirds between the Table Mountain National Park and the Boland Mountains. Along with key conservation partners, TMF is proud to have supported this important initiative which is not only about sunbirds and fynbos, but is also about getting children on the Cape Flats into nature – educating them about the wonders of our natural world and improving their overall well-being.

Schools are helping sunbirds find their old routes across Cape Town Urban sprawl has disrupted their migratory patterns

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀

The Table Mountain Fund is calling for concept proposals that align with at least one of the fund’s four Programmes – Fynbos Forever, Care, Prosperity and Pride. Projects must be based within the Cape Floristic Region; aligned to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; and address high priority conservation needs.

Registered organisations in good standing and with a specific interest in undertaking conservation action or research in the Cape Floristic Region are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be emailed to the TMF Project Coordinator, Carla Wood ([email protected]), before 08:00 on the morning of 5 April 2024.

Follow the link below to view the full proposal guidelines.

Call for Concept Proposals - The Table Mountain Fund The Table Mountain Fund is calling for concept proposals that align with at least one of the fund’s four Programmes – Fynbos Forever, Care, Prosperity and Pride. Projects must be based within the Cape Floristic Region; aligned to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; and address...

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

As part of the Table Mountain Fund’s Care Programme, Nature Connect has been appointed as a facility to issue small grants on TMF’s behalf. These grants are dedicated to facilitating and supporting the entry of new organisations or individuals into the conservation sector, while also supporting biodiversity and community participation, involving youth, and encouraging sustainable livelihoods.

Congratulations to the following four projects that have been selected for the 2024 cycle:

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 is a team of community members from Retreat, guided by an exceptionally passionate resident. Their mission is to collaborate with volunteers and enthusiastic youth, endeavouring to green their surroundings, provide propagation education, and instil a passion for the environment among local youth, through nature-based excursions.

𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗬𝗦 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 strives to provide youth communities on the South Peninsula with a platform that encourages collaboration and promotes empowerment, through the provision of long-term upskilling and education projects. Through their Chacma Champions project, they offer a captivating experience to young individuals, enabling participants to immerse themselves in the complexities of local ecosystems by delving into the fascinating lives of nearby baboon troops.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, located in Eerste River, is committed to creating an empowering and economically independent environment with a positive and sustainable social impact. Their Intergenerational Programme aims to educate and empower local unemployed youth by pairing them with senior mentors to explore indigenous vegetation – focusing on Critically Endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos. This involves a fynbos rehabilitation programme, excursions to local nature reserves, and promoting income-generating activities through provided training.

𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 have grown in their dedication to conservation and are now looking to develop their young members, the Wetland Wonderers. They will embark on a journey within and beyond the confines of their Fisantekraal community, embracing a rare opportunity to explore nature more broadly and immerse themselves in Cape Town's environmental highlights.

“𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦-𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯.”

𝗧𝗠𝗙'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯

Nature Connect’s small grant facility aims to support the inclusion of new entrants into the conservation community, acting as a stepping stone for the development of start-ups and community projects in the region. The facility will capacitate NGOs and CBOs in their efforts to drive environmental improvement projects linked to conservation and water-resource management within the Cape Floristic Region.

Nature Connect has previously run a successful TMF-funded small grant facility, and this project is therefore building on the success of their previous project.



© Community Women Action

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

𝘒𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘬 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦

Proclaimed in 1999, the Klein Houwhoek Private Nature Reserve spans 1150.41 hectares and holds considerable connectivity and strategic importance in the local landscape. As the only formally protected link between the Groenlandberg and Houwhoek Nature Reserves, the Reserve plays a critical role in completing the corridor between these two Protected Areas. Through long-term conservation efforts, the Pearson family is actively safeguarding this ecologically important area, which is home to Critically Endangered Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos.

Klein Houwhoek Private Nature Reserve is a wonderful example of how dedicated environmental stewardship by private landowners can significantly contribute to the long-term protection of the Cape Floristic Region's rich biodiversity.

𝘛𝘔𝘍’𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 CapeNature’𝘴 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 Conservation Outcomes 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘬 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦.



Credit: Scott Ramsay and Olivia McMurray

𝗧𝗠𝗙'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦: 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴

The main aim of this project is to reconcile conservation and community wellbeing in an ecologically sensitive environment, the Groenvlei-Swartvlei mouth dunes, identified as one of Knysna’s natural wonders. This collaboration between the Sustainability Research Unit (SRU) of Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the Smutsville Informal Settlement Forum (SISF) and the Knysna Municipality hopes to weave different forms of knowledge and ways of knowing to leverage inclusive conservation in the sensitive coastal dunes surrounding the Smutsville informal and formal settlements in Sedgefield.

This participatory action-research initiative was co-designed to empower and build capacity in conservation and sustainability transformation, with a particular focus on community leaders, women, and youth. In the final year, the project will sponsor at least one community-led conservation initiative, co-designed through the engagement process, and coordinated by SISF. The project is anticipated to act as a catalyst for sustainability transformation and conservation efforts in similar socially and ecologically sensitive coastal environments.



© C. Guerbois

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘢

Nestled in the picturesque Elgin Valley you will find the beautiful Thandi Wine Estate, renowned for being the world’s first wine brand to achieve Fairtrade certification. The farm is owned by the Lebanon Fruit Farm Trust, a remarkable Land Reform project started in 1996 to ensure farmworkers could actively participate in the economic gains of farming.

Deeply committed to conservation efforts, Thandi actively contributes to conserving the region's biodiversity, and in 2012 the Lebanon Fruit Farm Trust signed a 10-year Biodiversity Agreement with CapeNature, which was extended for a further 30-year period in 2022. This agreement conserves 27.89 ha of the estate which is home to Critically Endangered Elgin Shale Fynbos. After a recent evaluation of the property's biodiversity, ecologists and managers proposed upgrading its protection status to a 'Contract Nature Reserve'. The whole conservation area is now in a maintenance phase, and there is the possibility of extending it further with a portion of land currently being cleared of alien vegetation.

𝘛𝘔𝘍’𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 CapeNature’𝘴 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 Conservation Outcomes 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘢.



Credit: Scott Ramsay and Olivia McMurray

𝗧𝗠𝗙'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝘗𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘷𝘭𝘦𝘪 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵

Through this initiative, Whale Coast Conservation seeks to empower the Paddavlei Eco Group (PEG) to actively and efficiently participate in the management of Hawston's local environment. With a key focus on safeguarding, restoring and enriching the natural heritage of this historic fishing village, the project aims to curb further degradation of the local ecosystems caused by invasive plant growth, water pollution, dumping, and littering. By involving the youth of Hawston in PEG’s initiatives, the project seeks to instill in them a culture of respect, appreciation, and stewardship of the village's natural assets.

This collaborative effort, in partnership with the Overberg District Municipality, CapeNature, and Whale Coast Conservation, aligns with the 2020 Paddavlei Maintenance Management Plan (MMP). Endorsed by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, the MMP requires robust community support for its successful implementation.



© Whale Coast Conservation

𝗧𝗠𝗙'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘴

Through this initiative, Wild Restoration seeks to establish and bolster an action and learning network for local volunteer groups and community organisations engaged in clearing alien invasives within the Cape Floristic Region. The network's primary objectives include enhancing clearing and restoration practices, fostering the exchange of innovative techniques and knowledge, and creating a supportive community for these groups. By facilitating interactions within the network, the project aims to reinvigorate long-standing clearing groups and provide support for the initiation of new ones. Additionally, the project will also build on common approaches to data capture and monitoring, showcasing the collective impact of volunteer-driven clearing and restoration efforts.

Ultimately, the network aims to elevate the contribution of volunteer groups in combatting alien invasives, a significant threat to the region’s biodiversity.



© Wild Restoration NPC

𝗧𝗠𝗙'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘷𝘪𝘴

Freshwater fishes are among the most threatened and the least protected species in South Africa, and urgent conservation action is needed to halt their decline and promote their recovery. The Witvis, a charismatic but endangered fish species native to the Berg and Breede Rivers in South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region, was driven to extinction in the Berg River 30 years ago due to habitat degradation and predation by invasive fish. Habitat rehabilitation efforts and invasive fish declines over the past decade have created an opportunity to reintroduce the Witvis back into the Berg River.

This project will see the Freshwater Research Centre working closely with landowners, including Babylonstoren , in the Berg River catchment to establish secure Witvis nurseries. In turn, these nurseries will be used as source populations for reintroducing the species into the Berg River. A scientific monitoring programme will track the success of the Witvis reintroductions, and local capacity will be built to continue monitoring and reintroduction efforts beyond the timeframe of the project. In addition, a multi-pronged communication campaign will raise awareness and support for freshwater fish conservation within the local Berg River community.



© Leonad Flemming

𝗧𝗠𝗙'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘭𝘦𝘪 𝘎30 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵

Tucked away on South Africa’s West Coast is the Verlorenvlei catchment, an area of exceptional biodiversity. It includes the Verlorenvlei Estuary, a Ramsar wetland of international importance. The Vlei’s catchment is partially protected by the Moutonshoek Protected Environment, which hosts pockets of highly threatened fynbos vegetation, including Critically Endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld, Endangered Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos, Piketberg Sandstone Fynbos, Piketberg Quartz Succulent Shrubland, and Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetlands.

Verlorenvlei and its catchment are under significant threat from over-abstraction of ground and surface water for agricultural use, as well as mining applications in the Moutonshoek Protected Environment. With support from The Table Mountain Fund’s Care Programme, the Biodiversity Law Centre is working with partners and community activists to address these threats using legal interventions.



© Felicity Strange

𝗧𝗠𝗙'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱

The newly reimagined Cape Floristic Region (CFR) Partnership is supporting collaboration, advocacy, learning, and communication amongst a diverse group of stakeholders and role players within the region. The partnership’s goal is to successfully and sustainably conserve the unique biodiversity of the CFR, building on the legacy of the Cape Action for People and the Environment (CAPE).

Table Mountain Fund’s Care Programme is supporting BirdLife South Africa and Conservation Outcomes in a coordinating role, to convene, champion, and administrate this new collective, which will provide a platform for voluntary engagement and exchange that will foster broader collaborations across the region at multiple levels.



© Giselle Murison

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗: 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

The Table Mountain Fund’s Care Programme aims to grow and strengthen the conservation community of the Cape Floristic Region, by facilitating the inclusion and involvement of new entrants into conservation. To meet the fund's Care Programme objectives, TMF put out a call for proposals in 2023, and the response was inspiring. After an intensive consultation period, we are proud to announce the following seven projects as our new Care Programme funding recipients:

1. Coordination of the Cape Floristic Region Partnership - BirdLife South Africa

2. Protecting the Verlorenvlei G30 Catchment - Biodiversity Law Centre

3. Bringing back the Witvis - Freshwater Research Centre

4. Small Grants Facility as a mechanism to advance conservation in the Cape Floristic Region - Nature Connect

5. Action Network for volunteer and local invasive clearing groups - Wild Restoration NPC

6. Paddavlei Conservation Project - Whale Coast Conservation

7. The Dunes and their People: Reconciling Conservation and Wellbeing in Coastal Communities. Nelson Mandela University



© Giselle Murison

This week, the Table Mountain Fund team was happy to be back at the in-person FynbosForum. Hosted by the wonderful Gourikwa Nature Reserve, situated on the southern coast of the Western Cape, the event saw over 100 of our closest partners coming together to share lessons and support for fynbos conservation. With a dedicated conservation community such as this, we may just move mountains!