Project Name: EASTCARE - Ecosystem Approach for Subtropical Thicket Conservation and Restoration on the Eastern Cape

Location: Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

EASTCARE's conservation and restoration activities aim to contribute to both carbon storage and socio-economic objectives. Tourism and environmental education also play an important role.

This proposal includes a sub-project called Carbon Neutral Holidays; it will provide a model for a carbon neutral tourism location for one (or many) of the game reserves located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It will serve as benchmark for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism activities at both a provincial and regional scale. Several facets will be included to ensure that emission levels are minimised.

This project envisages the establishment of a sustainable tourism strategy based on a low ecological (and carbon) footprint. This model will be based on the involvement of local communities and aims to:

establish eco-friendly accommodation facilities, supported by solar, wind or biomass energy and the use of renewable materials;
provide low carbon emission activities, including the wise-use of vehicles and local food consumption (ideally through a locally-owned and run restaurant);
support local harvest of food and materials to supplement tourism income;
establish a nursery producing local plant species, including the carbon 'thirsty' spekboom;
build an environmental information centre, to be used for cultural activities, presentations and courses; and
develop a recycling and waste management system (building on the successful model of Lixomania).

In addition to the carbon storage/credits potential, landscape restoration will contribute to large increases in biomass which is necessary for (mega) herbivore browsing and foraging. Re-vegetation in this area will additionally: sustain larger numbers of native wildlife; reduce soil erosion and degradation; improve water infiltration and retention; and, critically, support local livelihoods through employment, skills training and increased availability of natural resources (of both economic and cultural value).

Given the immense spotlight which will be cast upon South Africa as the 2010 World Cup approaches, thousands of tourists will be in search of unique natural and cultural experiences which showcase the nation's success stories in conserving - and restoring - natural and cultural diversity. To be able to promote opportunities which benefit the environment and which are economically and socially sustainable will undoubtedly be a major advantage.