Addo Elephant National Park

Addo is globally renowned for its biodiversity, iconic elephant herds, and marine protected area. Its thicket ecosystems play a vital role in carbon storage and soil protection but have been degraded by overgrazing and erosion. Restoration focuses on large-scale spekboom planting, soil recovery, and thicket regeneration. Investment opportunities include carbon credits, eco-tourism, and marine biodiversity markets. Addo’s restoration demonstrates how ecological recovery can align with global climate goals while supporting jobs in conservation.

GPS

-33.3080, 25.5425

Lead Partner(s)

EWT

Biome

Thicket

Hectares

~180,000 ha (land) + 120,000 ha Marine Protected Area

Land Use (%)

Mostly natural

People/Households
Dependent

Local farmworkers, tourism

Protected
Areas (%)

Land ~100% protected; MPA added 2019

Ecosystem
Services

Biodiversity habitat, carbon, soils

Strategic Water
Source

Yes

Degradation
Challenges

Overgrazing, erosion

Restoration Actions

Spekboom planting, thicket regen

Economic Opportunities

Carbon credits, eco-tourism

SDG Links

SDG 8, 14, 15, 13, 6

Investment Potential

Thicket carbon, marine biodiversity credits

Heritage Sites

None (though a WHS nomination possible in future)

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