WWF-Mondi Water Stewardship Partnership
Responsibly managed forestry plantations contributing to wetland conservation
Project Facts
Location
South Africa
Applied Financing Solutions
Grants, Private Equity
Project Dates
Start: 1991
In operation since/from: 2001
The Story
For the future circular bioeconomy, forestry plantations will be indispensable to meet the growing demand for wood and materials derived from it. Well-managed plantations in the right places can help conserve biodiversity and meet human needs.
Initiated in 1991, the WWF-Mondi Water Stewardship Partnership is one of the longest running conservation programs in South Africa. What started out as wetland management activities in isolated forestry plantations outside protected areas has been expanded over the years to work at a landscape scale, catalyzing conservation and restoration efforts not only in the forestry industry, but across multiple land uses, including the agricultural sector. The partnership brings together key stakeholders from business, government, local communities and environmental organizations who have a shared interest in landscape stewardship and social-ecological resilience.
The packaging and paper company Mondi, as the primary funder of the WWF-led program since 2001, is committed to implement, develop and promote a “new generation of forestry plantations“ that maintain ecosystem integrity, protect and enhance high conservation values, are developed through effective stakeholder involvement processes and contribute to economic growth and employment.
The eucalyptus plantation realignment and withdrawal of commercial trees from wetlands in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site on the east coast of KwaZulu Natal is one showcase example. Today, the plantations form an important buffer between the park, local communities and commercial farming areas, protecting the park’s freshwater flows and wild animals from encroaching development.
Success Factor | Hero Moment
The program approach worked because it was co-created by the forestry industry, environmentalists and the government. The long development process allowed the different parties to develop a relationship of trust, mutual respect and a common understanding, which were vital factors for the strong collaboration.
Submitter
WWF - New Generation Plantations, Portugal
Other Involved Stakeholders
WWF, Mondi
Contact Mail
andrew@andrewheald.com
Website
wwf.panda.org/get_involved/partner_with_wwf/corporate_partnerships/who_we_work_with/mondi_group
