Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA): Nature-based solutions for climate, biodiversity and people

Large areas of the most important biomes in South Africa are severely degraded due to overexploitation and climate change. The project addresses this landscape-wide degradation and makes the economic case for restoration. By creating the conditions for a just transition of the land-use sector and mobilising investment at scale, the project seeks to restore degraded priority areas in key biomes (grasslands, savannas, thicket), while recognising the socio-cultural and economic context. On-the-ground implementation in close consultation with various stakeholders will contribute effectively to adapt to the impacts of climate change, address biodiversity loss, while improving livelihoods of rural communities and commercial farmers. Targeted capacity development and creating bankable investment opportunities for the private sector will support the upscaling of South Africa’s restoration efforts, climate objectives, green economy and other environmental targets under the Rio conventions and the UN Decade 2021-2030.

Project data

Countries: South Africa
IKI funding: 14,547,493.00 €
Included preparation phase: 441,867.00 €
Duration: 11/2024 till 10/2029
Status: open
Implementing organisation: United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) - Kenya
Political Partner: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) - South Africa

Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME)

South African National Biodiversity Institute
Implementing Partner: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - South Africa

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Online: https://www.relisa.org/

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State of implementation/results

Partnerships with landowners, communities, researchers, government representatives and other stakeholders are being established in the focus areas, with the aim of advancing the restoration of degraded landscapes across thicket, savannah and grassland biomes.
Field visits and advances in hydrological, soil, carbon, biodiversity and socio-economic modelling are guiding site selection and project design. Stocktakes of restoration efforts in the target biomes are being conducted, while pre-feasibility ‘stress-testing’ is helping identify feasible restoration sites and the extent of degradation to attract private sector investment. Stakeholder mapping in each biome is also underway.
6 priority areas have been confirmed and 5 additional areas are being explored.
A review of existing Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems is complete, and work continues to strengthen South Africa’s MRV system and integrate restoration data into national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reporting. Drafting an MRV/GHG status report and engagement with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and others will refine tools and align with international requirements.
Ca. 15,000 ha in Northern Drakensberg, ca. 1631 ha in Amathole, and sites in the Soutpansberg are moving toward formal protection, with landowners actively engaged to expand the protected areas, safeguard key habitats and species. Local community teams have cleared over 12 ha of alien plants in the Soutpansberg, with further sites identified in the Drakensberg.
Collaboration with various stakeholders is shaping restoration work in Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve (BR), Waterberg BR and Magaliesberg BR, identifying proof-of-concept sites, drafting workplans, exploring eco-tourism and setting up a Community of Practice for long-term impact.
The draft design for the new Northern Drakensberg BR is complete, with strong provincial and national support. This biosphere reserve will combine biodiversity protection with nature-based investment opportunities.
Thicket research proposals, Terms of Reference (ToRs), and costed research packages are being developed with local universities to fill critical data gaps.
ReLISA has engaged in several key policy processes, positioning ReLISA as a key contributor to national goals, targets and aspirations.
Preparations are advancing for ReLISA’s official launch on the margins of the 3rd G20 Environment, Climate and Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting in October 2025.
Preparations are underway for the 1st project steering committee meeting in September, with the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) reviewing the suggestion to include additional members.
The communications team has been advancing outreach tools including a website, a factsheet and a policy brief.