Integrated river restoration and community stewardship to protect the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin

Snapshot Solution

by Aileen Anderson, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy Trust

Planting at the Huis River

Grootvadersbosch Conservancy Trust

This Solution applies integrated river restoration and community stewardship to reduce key threats to the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin in the Huis River, South Africa. It combines invasive alien plant clearing, targeted riparian restoration, water-saving measures and community awareness to improve habitat quality and river resilience.

The approach addresses habitat degradation, invasive vegetation, water pressure and limited local awareness. By restoring riparian structure and coordinating action through a multi-agency Tradouw Redfin Working Group, the project improved river health indicators, restored critical habitat and strengthened long-term protection for the species through a formal Species Action Plan.

Last update: 07 Jan 2026

54 Views

Photo and video gallery

Context

Challenges addressed

Drought

Extreme heat

Floods

Loss of Biodiversity

Ecosystem loss

Invasive species

Pollution (incl. eutrophication and litter)

Lack of access to long-term funding

Lack of public and decision maker’s awareness

Lack of technical capacity

Poor monitoring and enforcement

Poor governance and participation

Unemployment / poverty

Scale of implementation

Local

Ecosystems

River, stream

Theme

Habitat fragmentation and degradation

Invasive alien species

Species management

Restoration

Local actors

Water provision and management

Location

Barrydale, Western Cape, South Africa

East and South Africa

Impacts

The Solution delivered measurable environmental, social and economic benefits for the Huis River system and the Barrydale community. Environmentally, 8.5 km of riparian corridor (over 180 ha including follow-up areas) was cleared of invasive alien plants, reducing evapotranspiration pressure, improving bank stability and strengthening river resilience. Active restoration at three sites established 5,910 indigenous plants and 15 kg of seed, improving riparian structure and habitat quality for the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin. River monitoring indicates fewer critically low health scores and a more stable overall system despite seasonal variability.

Socially and economically, the project created 1,737 days of employment, building local capacity in alien clearing and ecological restoration, including the establishment of a new restoration contractor in Barrydale. Community engagement exceeded targets, reaching 1,552 people, including 177 local youth, 242 adults, and 1,133 learners through education, planting days, workshops and clean-ups. A formal Tradouw Redfin Working Group and a completed Species Action Plan now provide long-term governance and coordination, strengthening stewardship, livelihoods and biodiversity conservation beyond the project period.