South Africa is experiencing significant biodiversity loss, primarily due to habitat degradation. Between 1990 and 2018, the country lost approximately 0.12% of its natural vegetation annually. Alarmingly, this rate doubled to 0.24% per year between 2014 and 2018. This accelerating habitat loss poses a serious threat to South Africa’s rich biodiversity.
In response, the Rooibos industry has emerged as a beacon of sustainability, demonstrating how responsible farming practices can protect endangered species, restore natural habitats, and contribute to global biodiversity conservation efforts.
Sustainable Rooibos Farming: A Conservation Success Story
Marthane Swart, Secretariat for the Rooibos Council, highlights the proactive conservation efforts undertaken by local farmers.
“Many Rooibos farmers are implementing measures to restore and protect the unique biodiversity of the Cederberg region. This includes habitat restoration, conservation of indigenous plant species, and the protection of endangered wildlife, such as the Cape leopard. Our farmers are proving that sustainable agriculture and conservation can go hand in hand.”
Protecting the Cape Leopard: A Collaborative Effort
The Cape leopard, a secretive predator roaming the mountains of the Western Cape, is increasingly threatened by habitat loss due to human encroachment and agricultural expansion. However, some Rooibos farmers, in collaboration with conservation groups such as the Cape Leopard Trust, are actively working to support its protection.
By designating portions of their land as conservation areas, these farmers help minimise human impact and maintain natural prey populations, contributing to the survival of this elusive species.
The majestic and endangered Cape leopard is being actively protected by conservation efforts aimed at preserving its shrinking habitat and ensuring its survival.
Reviving the Clanwilliam Cedar: Restoring a Critical Ecosystem
Similar efforts are underway to restore the Clanwilliam Cedar (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis), a critically endangered tree species endemic to the Cederberg region. Once abundant, these trees have suffered from overexploitation and climate change, resulting in a 90% decline in their numbers.
Rooibos farmers participating in rehabilitation projects are assisting in reforesting areas with these iconic trees, contributing to the restoration of the region’s unique fynbos ecosystem.
Dawie Burger, Managing Director of Sustainable Ceder, believes the Rooibos industry can play a significant role in saving the Clanwilliam Cedar.
“Revitalising the cedar is essential for preserving the region’s unique biodiversity. While some Rooibos farmers have joined conservation efforts, broader participation is crucial. Expanding collaboration would not only support environmental sustainability but also uplift local communities, demonstrating how agriculture and conservation can work together.”
Monique Ruthenberg, CapeNature Conservation Manager for the Cederberg Complex, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the power of collective action.
“Our combined efforts include establishing nurseries, propagating seedlings, replanting thousands of cedars, and raising fire awareness—all of which have spurred job creation. We remain committed to supporting sustainable practices that benefit both nature and the communities reliant on it. When conservation agencies, farmers, and communities stand together, we know we are on the right path toward a sustainable future.”
Sustainable Farming Practices: The Key to Long-Term Viability
Many Rooibos farmers are adopting sustainable farming techniques, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and reducing chemical inputs, to preserve soil health and water resources. These efforts ensure that Rooibos farming remains viable while maintaining biodiversity corridors and preventing monoculture practices that could disrupt local ecosystems.
According to Swart:
“Farmers who have committed to sustainable agriculture are seeing long-term benefits, not only for their crops but for the surrounding environment. By maintaining biodiversity corridors and avoiding monoculture practices, they are helping to preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem.”
Rooibos Industry’s Commitment to Ethical and Sustainable Practices
Through initiatives like the Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT) and Rainforest Alliance certification, the Rooibos industry is reinforcing its dedication to sustainability. Farmers participating in these programmes have collectively rehabilitated 500 hectares of land.
Additionally, the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor (GCBC) has secured:
- 70,406 hectares under conservation through stewardship agreements
- 282,953 hectares under voluntary agreements between biodiversity organisations and the agricultural sector
These measures ensure that agricultural expansion does not come at the cost of biodiversity, fostering coexistence between farming and conservation.
The Rooibos Heritage Route: Promoting Conservation Through Eco-Tourism
The Rooibos Heritage Route is another innovative initiative aimed at showcasing the region’s unique biodiversity and cultural significance. This route takes visitors through the heart of Rooibos country, offering insights into sustainable farming practices, local heritage, and the natural wonders of the Cederberg.
By embracing eco-tourism, farmers are not only generating additional income but also raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Aligning with Global Biodiversity Goals
The Rooibos industry’s conservation efforts align closely with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), a global agreement aiming to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. As a signatory to this framework, South Africa is committed to ensuring that its industries contribute to achieving key targets, such as reducing biodiversity loss and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Swart emphasises:
“The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework challenges all sectors to act, and the Rooibos industry is stepping up. Through habitat restoration, sustainable farming, and conservation partnerships, our farmers are directly contributing to the framework’s 2030 goals.”
A Model for Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation
With climate change and biodiversity loss posing severe threats to ecosystems worldwide, the efforts of Rooibos farmers offer a promising example of how industries can balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. By expanding conservation areas, adopting sustainable farming techniques, and promoting eco-tourism, the Rooibos industry is securing its future while safeguarding the environment.
Through collaboration, innovation, and dedication to sustainability, Rooibos farmers are proving that agriculture and conservation can not only coexist but thrive together.
Issued by Meropa Communications on behalf of the SA Rooibos Council.
For further information, please contact Brigitte Taim from Meropa on 082 410 8960 or email brigittet@meropa.co.za