Supported by

Tangible impact

2000

indigenous trees planted

90

of the planted trees survive

8

hectares of invasive vegetation cleared

8

local mini tree nurseries supported

The Ecolution Project logo Visit website

Restoring a forest, tree by tree

The Ecolution Project is a programme of the South African Seven Generations Initiative, a registered non-profit. On the Ruigtevlei wildlife corridor near Sedgefield, on the Garden Route, they restore indigenous forest and fynbos, reconnect fragmented natural areas and build a community that lives regeneratively. They start from optimism: with concrete action and collaboration, nature can recover.

Visit website Donate now

Why

Where a young forest grows today, there used to be a cattle farm: stripped of indigenous vegetation and overrun by invasive alien plants that drain water and push out local nature. Founders Mariette Carstens and Vincent Cubitt set out to repair that damage. After almost ten years of work, birds, wild bees and indigenous plants are returning. With Ecolution they want to share this approach, so that more and more people help take care of the land.

Impact

Mission & goals

Mission: to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity and inspire people to take action together, with a vision of thriving nature, thriving people and thriving communities.

Goals:

  • Restore indigenous forest and fynbos on the Ruigtevlei wildlife corridor near Sedgefield.
  • Reconnect fragmented natural areas, so animals and birds can move freely.
  • Build a community of people who take care of the land, train young people and create local jobs.
Actions
  • Nature restoration: clearing invasive alien plants and planting indigenous trees and fynbos, together with volunteers and the local community.
  • Wildlife corridors: reconnecting natural areas together with ecologists and neighbours.
  • Regenerative living: workshops on permaculture and regenerative farming, and education for young people.
  • Local nurseries: supporting mini tree nurseries in the area, which also create work and income.

“Growing a forest, one indigenous tree at a time.”

The Ecolution Project

How your donation helps

Your contribution helps Ecolution grow and plant indigenous trees, clear invasive plants and give the young trees water, compost and care until they are strong enough. That way the forest on the Garden Route keeps growing, wildlife gets its habitat back and the nurseries create local jobs.

A child carries an indigenous sapling to its planting spot at Ecolution on the Garden Route
Popup content