Realising ecological, economic and social benefits

Biodiversity stewardship can be important to realising the ecological, economic and social benefits that healthy ecosystems can deliver over the long term. Biodiversity stewardship can stimulate rural economic development by creating a focus for nature-based tourism and sustainable natural resource use. This assists in the diversification of rural livelihoods, especially in agriculturally marginal areas. Biodiversity stewardship sites can also support job creation and skills development through direct land management and restoration, or indirectly through compatible commercial activities. In South Africa, land reform often results in new communal land ownership. In these areas, biodiversity stewardship can help to ensure access to the economic opportunities associated with protected areas.

Any project that is in the national biodiversity stewardship program but comply with the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA) regulations and ensure they take care of biodiversity on their property.

WWF-SA learnt that training in fire management also helps community members to get job opportunities within big municipalities and also contributes to food security.