Current Projects

Eden to Addo

Garden Route Initiative

Lakes Eco & Golf Reserve

Rapid Review Policy Guidelines

Other Development Proposals

The Forests of Eden

On the southernmost shores of the African continent lies a region of exceptional beauty, a land of majestic mountain ranges, shimmering lakes, a myriad of fruitful rivers and a rugged coastline alternating with pristine beaches. This is the setting for the largest complex of indigenous afro-montane and sub-tropical forests, relics of ancient tropical forests that once covered the eastern parts of the continent from central Africa to the Cape Peninsula.

As the climate gradually became drier and the ancient forests receded, enclaves such as the southern Cape forests were preserved in more sheltered and well-watered areas. It took the forces of Nature millions of years to shape the character of the land, but man has left his mark in the span of a few centuries.

The earliest traces of modern man found anywhere in the world were discovered in the Southern Cape at the Klasies River mouth. People have been living in this region for more than a hundred thousand years. Semi-nomadic Khoikhoi people, in particular the Outeniqua clans, inhabited the Outeniqua region for many centuries. These clans, due in part to their small number and nomadic life-style, lived in harmony with Nature. The coastal plains and forests teemed with wildlife, including large numbers of elephant and buffalo. A thinly scattered population known as Strandlopers (Beachcombers) lived in caves along the rugged coast.

The first Europeans began to settle in this region in the late eighteenth century, eventually to displace the Khoi clans and end their nomadic lifestyle. With their arrival considerable damage was caused to the ancient forests by tree felling, which tore huge gaps in the forest canopy, farming and hunting, which displaced not only an ancient people, but also large populations of native fauna and flora. Travelers and naturalists from all over Europe have left us descriptions of the region and its people, marveling in their accounts at its natural beauty, its giant trees and abundant wildlife.

Over a period of two centuries woodcutters, farmers and hunters seemed bent on the very destruction of this beauty and diversity through their wasteful practices and excesses. They may even have succeeded in completely eradicating the indigenous diversity, had it not been for the relentless work of pioneers in forest management and nature and wildlife conservation, who fought for a better deal for the forests and their diverse inhabitants.