The Cape is the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms and, in sheer botanical terms, perhaps the most extraordinary place on Earth. Squeezed into the southwestern tip of Africa is a flora of some nine thousand plant species, most of them found nowhere else, dominated by fynbos, a fine-leaved shrubland of protea and erica and restio that is exquisitely adapted to poor soils and to fire.
Fire is not a threat to fynbos, it is a requirement. Many species will not release their seed without it, and without periodic burning the whole community senesces and collapses. The real threats are invasive trees, pines, wattles, and eucalypts, which drink the water and shade out the fynbos and burn far too hot, and agriculture and urban sprawl pressing in from every side.
The organizations here clear invasive alien vegetation at industrial scale, an effort that has become one of the largest employment programmes in the country because it turns out that removing thirsty trees measurably restores the water supply to Cape Town. It is one of the clearest demonstrations anywhere that ecological restoration is also water infrastructure.
Environmental Organizations in This Bioregion
28 organizations working across this landscape.
Cape Leopard Trust
To ensure the long-term survival of leopard populations by promoting peaceful coexistence and the protection of landscapes, empowered by scientific research, positiv...
Dream Higher
Empowering at-risk youth through the practice of climbing
Dyer Island Conservation Trust
Dyer Island Conservation Trust, protecting biodiversity
Friends of Table Mountain
The Association is a public, non-profit organisation established for the following: To promote efficient, effective and accountable management of Table Mountain Nati...
Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay
We conserve and rehabilitate the river system in Hout Bay
Guardians of the Deep
Guardians of the Deep is a non-profit company delivering scientific content that is up-to-date, engaging and delivered with compassion
I AM WATER Foundation
Ocean conservation through transformative experiences for youth from under-resourced communities.
JBay Surf Alliance
At JBay Surf Alliance, our mission is to rehabilitate and protect the iconic coastline of Jeffreys Bay through dune and beach restoration, marine pollution removal, ...
Kariega Foundation Trust
Conservation through Community
National Sea Rescue Institute of South Africa
The NSRI is widely recognized for its rescue services in South Africa
OceanHub Africa
Leveraging grassroots innovation to shape better interaction between people and the ocean
Protect Our Paths Foundation
Protect Our Paths is dedicated to preserving and restoring South Africa’s natural spaces through sustainable waste management, environmental stewardship, and communi...
Protect The West Coast
PTWC exists to bring whats happening on the West Coast from a mining perspective into the public domain and to embolden local communities to act.
Run West
Run West is a movement-driven organisation focused on environmental awareness, resilience, and community through running and outdoor culture.
Save a Fishie NPC
We run regular beach clean-ups for the public. We also do beach and community clean-ups with school and youth groups. We do educational talks.
Sea Change Trust
Sea Change Trust is a 1% for the Planet nature nonprofit partner associated with freshwater ecosystems. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, it is included in the Ideal...
Sentinel Ocean Alliance
Sentinel Ocean Alliance provides a safe space to create and implement multi-faceted youth development programmes and environmental initiatives, that address real cha...
Shark Spotters
Shark Spotters is a pioneering Non-Profit Organisation globally recognized for managing conflicts between people and sharks, and marine and coastal conservation
Sugarbird Project
We are a PBO who's mission it is to protect and restore the unique biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom by the removal of Invasive Alien Vegetation.
Sunshine Cinema
Sunshine Cinema advances climate-resilient communities by combining renewable energy, youth employment, and solar powered mobile cinemas into decentralized cultural ...
Sustainable Ceder
Actively re-establish a self-sustainable population of the critically endangered Clanwilliam cedar (Widdringtonia Cedarbergensis J.A. Marsh)
The Greenpop Foundation NPC
The Greenpop Foundation NPC is an award-winning environmental NGO headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa.
Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
Our vision is to connect all people to the ocean. Our mission is to inform and inspire all to connect with and protect our ocean and the natural world through conser...
Uthando (Love) South Africa
Uthando connects people with purpose through community-led development . Uthando is an Earthshot Prize nominee and Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award winner