The International Crane Foundation’s groundbreaking carbon offsetting project in the Drakensberg region offers a glimmer of hope for South Africa’s threatened birdlife and farmers.
Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal (26 August 2024) – In a significant step towards safeguarding threatened grassland and wetland habitats in the Drakensberg, the International Crane Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust have secured registration in one of only six global carbon offsetting projects in the world.
Using the Voluntary Carbon Market Methodology, this achievement underscores the organisation’s commitment to protecting the region’s majestic crane populations and covers the country’s widest geographical footprint.
What makes this innovative initiative so noteworthy is that not only does it protect the Berg’s majestic birds and wetland species, but it also provides a lifeline for local communities, such as landowners and farmers, struggling with the devastating impacts of climate change and habitat loss.
So what is Carbon offsetting?
According to the Carbon Offset Guide, a carbon offset is essentially a way to minimise harmful greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that absorb or reduce carbon dioxide, such as reforestation or land restoration.
It’s great because it is considered a sustainable financing option by providing investments that reduce or remove emissions, improve livelihoods, and protect the environment. Carbon credits are also sold on the market with revenue returned to landowners.
Landowners are rewarded financially as they implement sustainable and improved land management practices that contribute to a healthier ecosystem, are friendly to cranes, and promote greater biodiversity.
How the project will benefit the Drakensberg’s environment
The International Crane Foundation has worked in the Drakensberg region for more than 15 years. Home to three species of threatened cranes – Wattled, Blue, and Grey Crowned Cranes – this region’s ecosystem has been at risk from mining, infrastructure development, invasive species, uncontrolled fire, and agricultural expansion.
These factors have reduced habitat for cranes and other species, and pose significant challenges to landowners, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of people who live and work in this region.
By investing in sustainable land management practices, the carbon offset project addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges, creating a more resilient future for both humans and wildlife.
Hope for endangered cranes and communities
Pieter Botha, Carbon and Sustainable Agriculture Project Manager shared:
“We know these are complex problems, and they require innovative solutions. Exploration of the carbon trading market has been one of our key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration, to improve the state of these fragile habitats,” shares Pieter Botha, Carbon and Sustainable Agriculture Project Manager.
Botha said the cost associated with the removal of greenhouse gas emissions to improve the soil is expensive and landowners cannot finance it on their own.
According to the Crane Foundation, this project addresses that financial burden. Removing CO2 from the atmosphere is a cheaper alternative than dealing with the consequences of global warming.
The Drakensberg project encompasses a vast area of 90,000 hectares, with nearly 88,500 hectares under the direct management of the Foundation and Trust.
To ensure the project’s long-term success, the Foundation has established biodiversity stewardship agreements with local landowners.
A rigorous four-year cycle of carbon credit verification and issuance has been implemented, aiming to secure a 30-year commitment to the project. The anticipated revenue from this initiative is substantial, providing a sustainable funding source for conservation efforts.
“We believe this approach will mitigate the effects of global warming while creating resilient habitats for our crane population.
“This pioneering approach will result in increased carbon in the soil, while providing relief to our resilient farmers to protect their livelihoods and create conservationists at the same time,” Botha concluded.
Sources: International Crane Foundation
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