Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA) Photobook

South Africa’s landscapes are among the most diverse and life-sustaining on Earth – from the vast grasslands of the interior to the rich savannas and unique thicket ecosystems that anchor rural livelihoods and biodiversity. Yet these vital systems are increasingly under strain from land degradation, invasive species, and climate change. The Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA) project responds to this challenge. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded through Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI), ReLISA brings together policy, science, investment and communities to restore degraded land across the country’s grassland, savanna, and thicket biomes. The five-year initiative (2024–2029) aims to strengthen ecosystem services, build climate resilience, and promote inclusive economic opportunities.

The ReLISA Photobook offers a visual journey through landscapes identified for restoration. Drawing from the project’s interactive map, it celebrates the beauty and resilience of South Africa’s natural heritage while highlighting current ecological challenges, the restoration action needed, and the economic opportunities they present. Each image serves as a reminder that restoring ecosystems is both an environmental imperative and an investment in people, livelihoods, and the future we share.