Amathole SWSA

The Amathole Mountains are a Strategic Water Source Area that supplies urban centers such as Buffalo City. The landscape provides water, soil fertility, and climate regulation but suffers from alien tree invasions and recurring droughts. Restoration emphasizes alien plant removal, reforestation, and catchment management. Opportunities include sustainable forestry, payments for ecosystem services, and carbon-linked restoration. The vision is a drought-resilient water catchment supporting both people and ecosystems.

GPS

-32.5831, 27.2060

Lead Partner(s)

EWT

Biome

Grassland

Hectares

200,112 ha

Land Use (%)

Natural 60%; Cultivation 17%; Plantation 20%; Urban 2%

People/Households
Dependent

Buffalo City & rural communities

Protected
Areas (%)

~3% protected

Ecosystem
Services

Water source, soil fertility

Strategic Water
Source

Yes

Degradation
Challenges

Alien trees, drought

Restoration Actions

Alien clearing, reforestation

Economic Opportunities

Water yield, sustainable forestry, PES

SDG Links

SDG 6, 8, 12, 13, 15

Investment Potential

PES, thicket restoration carbon

Heritage Sites

None

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