Marula SA is a pioneering venture in South Africa's bioeconomy sector that specialises in beneficiating the indigenous Marula fruit, creating sustainable commercial value while uplifting local communities. The company operates a fully functional processing facility in Phalaborwa, Limpopo Province, where it extracts premium Marula oil, produces puree and develops value-added products, including luxury cosmetics, artisanal gin, and organic vinegar.

The business has developed a vertically integrated approach to capture value across the entire Marula supply chain, from fruit collection to finished product development. This project represents a significant opportunity to scale an established operation that has already validated its business model, with strong community connections and exclusive rights to Marula harvesting in the Phalaborwa region through its partnership with the Marula Phalaborwa Trust.

The investment opportunity centres on expanding production capacity, developing commercial Marula orchards, enhancing product lines, and facilitating market access both domestically and internationally. 

The project addresses several key problems:

• Small-scale, informal operations characterise fragmented and unorganised Marula oil production across South Africa, with inconsistent quality and unreliable supply. This has prevented the sector from reaching its full potential, especially in international markets.
• Limited beneficiation of Marula fruit, with most current usage focused on alcohol production (Amarula liqueur), while other valuable applications remain underdeveloped.
• There is a lack of structured, commercial-scale production to meet the growing global demand for natural, ethically sourced oils, especially in the cosmetics and healthcare industry.
• Missed economic opportunities for rural communities in Marula-growing regions, who have traditionally not captured the full value of this indigenous resource.
• Sustainability challenges due to reliance on wild harvesting without coordinated conservation efforts or commercial cultivation.  

Marula SA has created a comprehensive solution through a vertically integrated business model that includes:

• Organised Marula fruit collection through partnerships with local communities, creating seasonal employment for over 160 workers while ensuring sustainable harvesting practices.
• State-of-the-art extraction facilities produce high-quality Marula oil for the cosmetics and healthcare industries, with established client relationships in domestic and international markets.
• Puree production for the beverage industry, particularly for making various types of spirits and juices, leveraging the fruit's unique flavour profile and nutritional benefits.
• Development of multiple value-added product streams:
  • Luxury cosmetic products (face oil, body butter)
  • Artisanal gin and other craft beverages
  • Organic vinegar
  • Nutritious animal feed from production by-products, ensuring zero waste
• Indigenous Knowledge protection is achieved by registering Marula as an Indigenous Knowledge Asset (IK) of the identified communities in partnership with the Marula Phalaborwa Trust.
• Sustainable agriculture plans to purchase land and equipment in surrounding villages to establish commercial Marula orchards, ensuring supply sustainability and creating a closed-loop production system. 
  
  

The business model is structured to ensure fair benefit-sharing with local communities while developing a professional, commercial-scale operation that can compete in global markets. 

The project has several biodiversity and conservation priorities:

• Sustainable harvesting practices are strictly implemented, with fruit only collected after natural falling (not forced harvesting), preserving tree health and the natural ecosystem.
• Planned establishment of Marula nurseries and commercial orchards to reduce pressure on wild Marula populations, enhance habitat connectivity, and preserve genetic diversity.
• Breeding programmes will be developed through planned commercial orchards to ensure sustainable Marula populations for future generations.
• Working with communities adjacent to protected areas like Kruger National Park to reduce pressure on protected resources through sustainable economic alternatives.
• Implement proper waste management for processing by-products through circular economy principles, including developing animal feed from waste products.
• Conservation of indigenous knowledge related to Marula through the BABS (Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing) permit and Indigenous Knowledge registration process.
• Education and awareness creation about sustainable resource use within local communities.
• Research on Marula tree biology and ecology to inform conservation strategies and sustainable management practices.
  
  

The project demonstrates how commercial interests can align with conservation objectives through a model that values and protects natural resources while deriving economic benefits. 

Economic Development:

• Creating a formalised, structured Marula value chain that generates sustainable economic value.
• Direct job creation for over 160 seasonal workers during harvest periods and permanent employment for operational staff.
• Development of a local enterprise ecosystem around Marula collection, processing, and product development.
• Income generation for rural communities that have historically had limited economic opportunities.
• Potential export revenue from international sales of Marula products.
• Value addition within South Africa, rather than exporting raw materials, enhances overall economic benefits.
• Technology transfer and skills development enhance human capital in the region. 
  
  

Job Creation:

• Seasonal employment for approximately 160 harvesters from local communities.
• Permanent operational staff, including production, logistics, administration, and finance positions.
• Skills development for local workers in oil extraction, quality control, and other technical areas.
• Indirect employment through the company's supply chain and distribution networks.
• Employment through women's cooperatives involved in initial processing activities.
  
  

Conservation:

1. Sustainable harvesting practices that protect wild Marula populations.
2. Development of commercial Marula orchards to reduce pressure on wild trees.
3. Circular economy approach to waste management, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
4. Conservation of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices related to Marula.
5. Creating economic incentives for communities to protect and value Marula resources.
6. Education and awareness about sustainable resource management practices.
7. Genetic diversity preservation through cultivation programmes.  

The project faces several challenges and barriers:

Lack of trained personnel: A shortage of skilled workers in handling and production requires significant training and capacity-building investments.

Infrastructure and services limitations: The Phalaborwa area experiences inconsistent services like water and electricity, which disrupt production schedules and impact operational efficiency.

Market awareness: There is limited awareness in target markets about the proposed products, particularly for the new value-added items being developed beyond basic Marula oil.

Community alignment: Potential resistance from current informal fruit users, requiring careful community engagement and education about the benefits of structured commercialisation.

Capital constraints: Limited access to capital for expansion, particularly for acquiring new equipment and establishing commercial orchards.

Production seasonality: The seasonal nature of Marula harvesting (January-March) creates cash flow challenges and requires careful inventory and production planning.

Regulatory compliance: Various regulatory requirements, including product certifications and standards compliance, must be met, particularly for international markets.

Local politics: Community dynamics and local politics may influence smooth operations, requiring careful stakeholder management.

Climate fluctuations: Variations in climate affecting harvest quantities and quality, requiring adaptation strategies.

Market competition: Competition from established international players in the natural oils market requires clear differentiation and quality assurance.  

The project is located in Phalaborwa, Limpopo Province, which is recognised as the epicentre of Marula trees in South Africa. The area is adjacent to the Kruger National Park, one of South Africa's most significant biodiversity conservation areas. This region forms part of the broader savanna biome, which hosts diverse flora and fauna species.

Phalaborwa is considered the "home of Marula" and has even incorporated this identity into its town branding and annual Marula festivals. This region's abundance of Marula trees makes it an ideal location for a sustainable harvesting and processing operation, with significant potential to integrate conservation and economic development objectives.

The project promotes the expansion of protected areas in several ways: 

• Through working with communities adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the project reduces pressure on protected resources by providing sustainable economic alternatives and teaching proper harvesting techniques that do not damage the trees or the surrounding ecosystems.
• The planned establishment of commercial Marula orchards effectively creates new protected growing areas where Marula trees are cultivated, preserved, and managed sustainably.
• The project promotes community-based natural resource management by incorporating indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices, complementing formal protected area approaches.
• The project's emphasis on natural harvesting (collecting only fallen fruit) ensures that existing Marula trees in both protected and unprotected areas remain undisturbed, supporting broader conservation objectives.
• The registration process for indigenous knowledge rights related to Marula creates additional protections for the species and its traditional uses, complementing the physical protection of areas.
  
  

These approaches align with modern conservation thinking that recognises the importance of sustainable use alongside strict protection, particularly in landscapes where communities and protected areas coexist.

Mor Nutri addresses several interconnected environmental, social, and economic challenges in South Africa's Limpopo Province:

High Unemployment:

With provincial unemployment rates exceeding 30% (Statistics South Africa, 2023) and youth unemployment reaching as high as 40% in rural areas, Mor Nutri creates meaningful employment opportunities with a specific focus on youth and women, two particularly vulnerable demographics. The integrated business approach combines direct employment with support for cooperatives and small-scale farmers, creating a multi-layered economic impact.

Nutritional Deficiencies:

Malnutrition affects over 25% of South African children (UNICEF, 2022), with micronutrient deficiencies particularly prevalent in rural communities. With its exceptional nutritional profile, including high levels of vitamins A, C, iron, and complete amino acids, Moringa offers an accessible, locally grown solution to nutritional challenges. The company's innovative product formats make these nutritional benefits available to consumers.

Soil Degradation:

Over 60% of Limpopo's agricultural land suffers from erosion and nutrient depletion (Department of Agriculture, 2021), threatening long-term agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. Moringa cultivation actively counters this degradation through deep root systems that stabilise soil structure, improve water infiltration, and enhance organic matter content through leaf drop and mulching.

Water Scarcity:

Limpopo Province receives annual rainfall of approximately 400-600mm, below the national average, creating persistent water stress. Moringa's exceptional drought tolerance—requiring just 4 litres of water per tree weekly compared to 20 litres for maise—offers a water-efficient agricultural alternative suited to the region's climatic conditions.

Biodiversity Loss:

Conventional agricultural practices, including monocropping and chemical inputs, threaten local biodiversity, pollinators, soil organisms, and native plant species. Mor Nutri's organic cultivation practices and buffer zones support ecosystem health while integrating indigenous ingredients to promote biodiversity conservation through economic incentivisation.

Limited Value Addition:

Raw agricultural products typically generate minimal economic returns, restricting rural development potential. Mor Nutri's processing and product development activities create substantial value addition within the local economy rather than exporting raw materials for processing elsewhere.

Market Access Barriers:

Small-scale producers in rural areas face significant challenges accessing viable product markets. Mor Nutri's partnerships with women's cooperatives and local farmers create structured market opportunities, providing stable income through fair purchasing commitments.

By simultaneously addressing these interconnected challenges, Mor Nutri demonstrates how thoughtfully designed agricultural enterprises can generate positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes rather than forcing trade-offs between these dimensions.

Mor Nutri offers a comprehensive solution that integrates environmental sustainability, nutritional innovation, and inclusive economic development:

Sustainable Cultivation:

The company employs organic growing practices for moringa trees, eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilisers that can harm ecosystems. Water conservation is embedded throughout the cultivation process, with efficient drip irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting that reduce consumption by up to 70% compared to conventional agriculture. The cultivation approach adheres to South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) standards and principles.

Zero-Waste Processing:

Mor Nutri maximises resource efficiency through a circular production model where every part of the moringa tree serves a purpose. Leaves are dried for tea blends and nutritional supplements, seeds are processed for oil extraction, and all byproducts are returned to the soil through composting, achieving a 100% utilisation rate. This integrated approach eliminates waste while enhancing soil health and productivity.

Innovative Product Development:

Through partnerships with research institutions, particularly under the Ubuntu Biobased Innovation programme, the company develops distinctive product formulations that combine Moringa with complementary indigenous ingredients. These formulations enhance taste profiles and nutritional benefits, creating unique offerings unavailable from competitors. Rigorous testing and quality control ensure consistent product excellence.

Multi-Channel Distribution:

The business employs a diversified distribution strategy that includes:

• Direct sales through a network of independent distributors operating on a multi-level marketing model
• Institutional relationships with the hospitality sector, particularly lodges and boutique hotels
• Corporate wellness contracts with organisations seeking to support employee health
• Planned e-commerce capabilities to enable direct-to-consumer sales nationally

Community Partnerships:

Structured relationships with local cooperatives create mutual value. These partnerships include formal purchasing agreements for indigenous ingredients, technical support for harvesting and preparation, and knowledge transfer. The partnerships focus on women's groups, creating economic opportunities for a traditionally marginalised demographic.

Educational Initiatives:

Beyond its core commercial activities, Mor Nutri conducts nutritional awareness and agricultural knowledge-sharing programmes in surrounding communities. These initiatives enhance understanding of indigenous nutritional resources and sustainable farming approaches, extending impact beyond direct business operations.

This integrated solution addresses the identified problems through a model that simultaneously generates commercial returns, environmental benefits, and social impact rather than treating these dimensions as separate considerations or afterthoughts.

Mor Nutri has established clear biodiversity and conservation priorities that are systematically integrated throughout its operations and strategic planning:

Soil Health and Ecosystem Functioning:

The company prioritises soil as a living ecosystem rather than a growing medium. Organic cultivation practices enhance microbial diversity and activity, supporting robust soil food webs that underpin broader ecosystem health. Regular soil testing monitors organic matter content, which has increased by approximately 15% in cultivation areas since implementation. These practices support diverse plant communities and beneficial insects such as pollinators and predatory species that control pests naturally.

Water Resource Protection:

Water conservation extends beyond efficiency measures to include explicit protection of water resources. Buffer zones along seasonal water courses prevent erosion and filtrate runoff, protecting aquatic ecosystems in the Lepelle River catchment. The company's water-efficient practices save an estimated 1 million litres annually compared to conventional crops, reducing pressure on stressed water resources.

Indigenous Species Conservation:

Mor Nutri actively supports the conservation of indigenous flora through its sourcing practices. Incorporating indigenous ingredients like prickly pear creates economic incentives for their preservation rather than replacement with exotic crops. This approach aligns conservation with livelihood opportunities, creating sustainable protection mechanisms.

Pollinator Support:

Recognising the critical importance of pollinators for ecosystem functioning, the company maintains dedicated flowering plants throughout its cultivation areas. These plants provide nectar and pollen resources year-round, supporting native bee populations and other beneficial insects. This approach enhances natural pollination while reducing dependency on managed honeybees.

Carbon Sequestration:

Moringa trees serve as effective carbon sinks, with each mature tree sequestering approximately 22kg of CO2 annually. With 2,000 trees currently planted and additional planting scheduled, the operation makes a meaningful contribution to carbon drawdown. The perennial nature of moringa cultivation means this sequestration continues for decades with minimal disturbance.

Habitat Creation and Connectivity:

Buffer zones and boundary plantings create wildlife corridors that enhance connectivity between fragmented habitat patches. These areas provide resources for small mammals, birds, and reptiles, indirectly supporting larger species by maintaining prey populations. The diverse agroecosystem creates significantly more biodiversity than conventional monoculture farming.

Waste Reduction:

The zero-waste philosophy eliminates agricultural waste that would otherwise contribute to landfill pressures. Composting of all byproducts returns nutrients to the soil while supporting decomposer organisms essential for ecosystem functioning. This circular approach mimics natural nutrient cycling processes.

These priorities are regularly assessed through structured monitoring protocols developed in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in biodiversity conservation outcomes.

Mor Nutri's integrated approach is designed to deliver quantifiable outcomes across economic, environmental, and social dimensions:

1. Economic Impact:

• Creation of 20 additional direct jobs by 2027, with 90% youth representation and 70% female employment, addressing critical unemployment challenges in Limpopo Province
• Generation of R1.5 million in additional community income through direct employment and structured purchasing from cooperatives by 2027
• Development of three women-led cooperatives with 30% average income growth through stable purchasing commitments
• Establishment of market access for small-scale farmers, creating income diversification opportunities
• Skills development for 50+ individuals annually in sustainable agriculture, processing, and marketing
• Tax revenue contribution exceeding R143,000 annually by 2027, supporting local government services

2. Environmental Impact:

• Sequestration of 50+ tonnes of CO2 annually through moringa cultivation, with cumulative impact reaching 88 tonnes by 2027
• Improvement of soil health across 50 hectares through organic practices, with a 15% average increase in soil organic matter
• Conservation of 1 million+ litres of water annually through efficient cultivation practices compared to conventional agriculture
• Elimination of chemical runoff into local waterways through organic cultivation methods
• Maintenance of habitat for 20+ pollinator species, supporting broader ecosystem resilience
• Zero waste to landfill through comprehensive circular economy approaches

3. Social Impact:

• Distribution of 100,000 nutrient-rich product units annually by 2027, addressing nutritional deficiencies in communities
• Reduction in school absenteeism by approximately 10% in communities where moringa supplements are consistently used
• Creation of viable rural livelihoods that reduce urban migration pressures
• Enhancement of women's economic empowerment, with female participants reporting 40% greater decision-making authority within households
• Transfer of sustainable agricultural knowledge to 200+ community members annually through training initiatives
• Preservation and commercial application of Indigenous knowledge systems, creating intergenerational knowledge transfer

4. Biodiversity Impact:

• Enhanced habitat for 5+ species of native pollinators, directly supporting ecosystem services
• Increased soil biodiversity, including earthworms, fungi, and beneficial microorganisms
• Protection of water resources through reduced extraction and elimination of chemical inputs
• Support for avian diversity through habitat creation, with 15+ bird species documented in cultivation areas
• Conservation of Indigenous plant varieties through economic incentivisation
• Demonstration of biodiversity-positive agricultural approaches that can be replicated regionally

These impacts are monitored through structured assessment protocols to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. The framework includes both quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments gathered through stakeholder feedback, creating a comprehensive understanding of the enterprise's contribution to sustainable development.

Despite its substantial potential, Mor Nutri faces several strategic challenges that require thoughtful management:

Market Competition:

The premium health food market has attracted increasing competition, with larger brands leveraging significant marketing budgets and established distribution networks. Mor Nutri addresses this challenge through:

• Differentiation based on scientifically validated nutritional superiority
• Development of unique product formulations unavailable from competitors
• Creating authentic sustainability credentials that resonate with conscious consumers
• Emphasising local provenance and community impact in branding

Supply Chain Reliability:

Working with small-scale producers and cooperatives creates occasional supply consistency and quality standardisation challenges. The company mitigates these challenges through:

• Diversified sourcing relationships that reduce dependency on any single supplier
• Ongoing technical support and training for cooperative partners
• Building buffer inventory of shelf-stable ingredients during peak availability
• Clear quality standards and fair pricing that incentivise consistent production

Climate Risks:

As an agricultural enterprise, Mor Nutri faces inherent vulnerability to climate variability, which includes drought cycles, extreme weather events, and shifting growing conditions. The business builds resilience through the following:

• Selection of drought-resistant moringa varieties specifically adapted to Limpopo conditions
• Implementation of water-efficient cultivation practices and rainwater harvesting
• Diversification of growing areas to spread geographical risk
• Climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance adaptive capacity

Scaling Challenges:

Current production capacity constrains growth potential despite strong market demand. Equipment limitations and logistical bottlenecks represent significant barriers to scaling, which the company plans to address through:

• Strategic equipment investments to increase processing capacity by 50%
• Acquisition of dedicated delivery vehicles to enhance distribution reliability
• Development of e-commerce capabilities to bypass physical distribution constraints
• Implementation of inventory management systems that optimise production planning

Regulatory Compliance:

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape for food products requires substantial resources, particularly for a small enterprise. Mor Nutri manages this challenge through:

• Partnership with the Agricultural Research Council for compliance guidance
• A phased approach to certification, prioritising essential standards
• Collaboration with industry associations for regulatory updates
• Investment in staff training on quality control and documentation

Working Capital Constraints:

Limited access to working capital restricts the company's ability to fulfil larger orders and invest in growth opportunities. This constraint is addressed through:

• Negotiation of favourable payment terms with institutional clients
• Implementation of efficient inventory management to optimise cash flow
• Development of a tiered growth strategy that prioritises high-margin opportunities
• Strategic use of advance deposits for large orders

Market Education:

Moringa remains unfamiliar to many South African consumers, requiring ongoing educational marketing. The company addresses this awareness gap by:

• Conducting product samplings at strategic locations
• Developing educational content about Moringa's benefits
• Leveraging partnerships with wellness professionals
• Creating compelling storytelling around Indigenous nutritional wisdom

These challenges, while significant, are manageable through the strategic approaches outlined and the requested investment support. The company's leadership has demonstrated creativity and resilience in navigating previous obstacles, building confidence in their ability to address future challenges effectively.

Mor Nutri seeks a total investment of R770,256 to capitalise on existing market traction and accelerate growth across three strategic dimensions:

1. Equipment Enhancement (R350,000):

• Two additional professional dehydrators (R150,000) to increase production capacity by 40%
• Automated packaging machine (R120,000) to improve efficiency and consistency
• Quality testing equipment (R50,000) to ensure nutritional content verification
• Storage infrastructure upgrades (R30,000) to maintain optimal inventory conditions

This equipment investment will increase production capacity by approximately 50%, enabling the company to meet growing demand from hospitality clients and expand into new market segments. The packaging automation will improve presentation consistency while reducing labour costs per unit by approximately 30%.

2. Distribution Infrastructure (R250,000):

• Two dedicated delivery vehicles (R250,000) to enhance distribution reliability and control

Acquiring dedicated vehicles will eliminate dependency on third-party logistics providers, reducing distribution costs by approximately 35% while improving delivery reliability. This enhanced control will strengthen relationships with key hospitality clients while enabling expansion into new geographical areas currently unserviced due to distribution constraints.

3. E-Commerce Development (R170,256):

• Comprehensive e-commerce platform development (R75,000)
• Digital marketing campaign implementation (R45,000)
• Product photography and content creation (R25,256)
• Inventory management system integration (R25,000)

This digital infrastructure investment will establish direct-to-consumer sales capabilities, creating a new revenue channel with higher margins than wholesale distribution. The e-commerce platform will enable national reach without proportional increases in physical distribution costs while providing valuable consumer data to inform product development.

The requested investment represents a thoughtfully balanced approach to addressing current constraints while positioning the business for sustainable growth. Each component directly contributes to increased revenue potential, enhanced operational efficiency, and strengthened market position.

Yes, Mor Nutri operates within Limpopo Province, an area of exceptional biodiversity significance that forms part of the Savanna Biome of South Africa. This region is characterised by:

• Rich floral diversity with over 2,000 plant species, including numerous endemic varieties adapted to the region's distinctive climate and soil conditions
• Diverse mammalian fauna ranging from small antelope to iconic species like elephants in nearby protected areas
• Exceptional avian diversity with over 500 bird species documented in the broader region
• Significant reptile and amphibian communities adapted to savanna and wetland ecosystems
• Complex soil biodiversity that underpins ecosystem functioning

The location in GaMphahlele is within a mosaic landscape of savanna, thornveld, and seasonal wetlands that create diverse habitat niches. This ecological context means that agricultural practices substantially influence biodiversity outcomes, either supporting or degrading ecosystem integrity.

Mor Nutri's operations are specifically designed to enhance rather than diminish this biodiversity through:

• Maintenance of buffer zones that support native vegetation
• Implementation of organic practices that eliminate harmful chemical inputs
• Creation of diverse agricultural landscapes rather than monocultures
• Enhancing soil health that supports broader ecosystem functioning
• Conservation of water resources that maintain wetland habitat viability

The company's sustainable practices are particularly important given the increasing regional biodiversity pressures from conventional agriculture, mining activities, and climate change. By demonstrating economically viable approaches that enhance rather than degrade biodiversity, Mor Nutri creates a model for regional land use that reconciles conservation with development imperatives.

While Mor Nutri does not directly expand formally gazetted protected areas, its operations create effective biodiversity conservation zones through several complementary mechanisms:

Buffer Zone Establishment:

The company maintains substantial buffer zones around cultivation areas that function as de facto conservation areas. These zones support native vegetation and provide habitat for numerous species, extending protected habitat beyond formal conservation boundaries. The approach creates ecological stepping stones that enhance connectivity between formally protected areas.

Sustainable Land Use Demonstration:

By showcasing economically viable agriculture that enhances rather than degrades biodiversity, Mor Nutri influences regional land use decisions. This demonstration effect reduces pressure for conversion of natural areas to intensive agriculture, indirectly supporting protected area integrity by minimising edge effects and habitat fragmentation.

Reduced Pressure on Protected Resources:

Communities around protected areas often rely on resource extraction from these zones due to economic necessity. Mor Nutri indirectly strengthens conservation effectiveness by creating sustainable livelihoods that reduce dependency on protected area resources. The economic opportunities provided through employment and cooperative partnerships create alternatives to unsustainable resource harvesting.

Knowledge Generation:

The company systematically monitors biodiversity outcomes from its agricultural practices and generates valuable data that informs regional conservation planning. This knowledge contribution supports evidence-based decision-making about land use and protection priorities, enhancing the effectiveness of formal conservation efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Through its operations and community partnerships, Mor Nutri builds constituencies that support conservation objectives. By demonstrating tangible benefits from biodiversity-positive approaches, the company cultivates conservation advocates within communities that have traditionally viewed protected areas with scepticism due to perceived economic trade-offs.

This indirect but substantive contribution to protected area effectiveness aligns with modern conservation approaches that recognise the importance of landscape-level interventions beyond formal protected boundaries. The company's model demonstrates how private sector initiatives can complement government-led conservation efforts through practices that integrate biodiversity considerations throughout business operations.

932 Hectares

Mpumalanga

• Construction of abattoir and tannery with the capacity to process local livestock
• Working towards the long-term restoration of wetlands
• Development of site infrastructure to restore wetlands and conserve grassland  
• Constructing aviary and bird watching hides Design and develop Ecotourism activity hub  with supporting facilities
• Training, skills development and capacity building

Bambanani Community Farm is situated approximately 30km from Wakkerstroom town in Mpumalanga, the second oldest town in the Province.

The land is owned by the BAMBANANI community representing 64 claimants and their families. The Site is on a 932 hectares area, which increased from 850 hectares through the Biodiversity Stewardship Program. The area is largely grassland and carries livestock and a eucalyptus plantation. It is also a wetland that provides a good habitat for different species and attracts a wide range of rare birds.

The Bambanani CPA has been trained by the WWF-SA in Alien Plant Clearing and Fire Management. The Site has partnered with The Mpumalanga Tourism Agency, Municipality, Birdlife SA and WWF – SA to conserve the area while investments in ecological infrastructure remain a high priority.

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22659 Hectares

Mpumalanga

• Water Resource Management Plan & supporting water supply infrastructure
• Ecological Conservation - Invasive alien plant control working towards the long-term restoration of natural areas
• Design and develop an ecotourism activity hub with supporting facilities – to include God’s Window Look-out and Skywalk Suspension footbridge
• Design and build accommodation facilities and Conference Centre within the reserve
• Game Ranching - Game meat processing and trade
• Build a bio-industrial facility with factory plant capacity to handle a range of bio-prospecting ventures
• Commercial IAP Biomass industrial facility
• Training, skills development and capacity training

The land is owned by the Blyde Community Property Associations, (the CPA). All parent farms and farm portions comprising the Blyde NR and the Lowveld plantations were claimed by four CPAs. These CPAs, collectively trade as Blyde Valley 04 CPA’s NPC, comprise:

• Maorabjang Communal Property Association
• Moletele Communal Property Association
• Setlhare Communal Property Association
• Mahubahuba a Bokone Communal Property Association

The BRCNR (also known as the Motlatse Canyon) holds one of the top ten largest canyons in the world. It boasts of cliffs that rise nearly 2,625 feet (800 meters) from the riverbed below.

The soon to be expanded BRCNR is composed of two historically different

management units, namely the Blyde Nature Reserve (Blyde NR) and the Lowveld Plantations, with different land-use and associated histories.

The BRCNR seeks investors and partners to develop and conserve the site’s unique natural (biodiversity, ecosystems and landscape) & cultural tourism, and bioprospecting offering.

Key highlights include:

• Water supply for wildlife, biodiversity, wetlands and nearby communities
• Conservation, heritage & tourism visitor centre, conference centre & accommodation facilities, game ranching
• A major adventure ecotourism centre that includes God’s Window Look-out and the Skywalk suspension footbridge
• Forestry plantations

2000 Hectares

KwaZulu-Natal

KameelKop is located close to the well-known Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.  

A community of approximately 600 kraals previously lived on the site but were forcibly removed from the site 54 years ago.  The site was then run as a successful game farm/livestock ranch before being returned to the community following a formal restitution process some 15 years ago.  At this point, the community decided to retain the property as a game farm and to re-settle on other areas included in their restitution claim.  

Since then the reserve has been managed as a game farm, with hunting being the main income stream.   As such, there is an urgent need to start generating profits from the farm which have been earmarked for building a creche whilst future needs include investments in boreholes, solar panels & food gardens.

The community seeks to partner with investors in building capacity to provide high-quality service to their hunting and tourism customers. The proposed regenerative commercial livestock farming & conservation model at Kameelkop will boost throughput & complement the current game meat, droëwors and biltong processing operations.

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49 797 Hectares

Eastern Cape

Maloti is a composite site consisting of about 62 farms, located in the Alfred Nzo District, Eastern Cape Province, in the lesser explored southern Drakensberg region, this site lies 70 kilometres from Kokstad, at the nexus of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and southern Lesotho.

The protected area comprises six Traditional Authorities, which form the core of the Management Authority for the declared Protected Environment. The name ‘Maloti Thaba Tsa Metsi’ was decided on by the Traditional Authority leaders together with stakeholders from the UCP support partners.

The anchor business is based on mobilising people around water conservation and linking it directly to socio economic development initiatives and revenue generating business.

The six Maloti chieftains and their people recognize that water is the source of life, given that mountain areas generate high precipitation and discharge essential water supplies into river systems, and water bodies.

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