The project is located in KwaNgwenya community in iSimangaliso region in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The aim is to:
Conserving Ecosystems focuses on supporting improved conservation of the natural ecosystems and biodiversity associated with these landscapes and seascapes. Our activities focus on supporting the Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land).
This programme is at the heart of Wild Impact’s vision for a future where local communities actively advocate for and support the restoration and conservation of the wild landscapes and seascapes we work in. As part of our Vision 2030, we aim for 40% of partner community residents to support the conservation of the areas they are associated with. Key initiatives include habitat restoration, wildlife awareness through camera traps and communication forums, and sustainable natural resource harvesting, ensuring both environmental protection and community prosperity.
Wild Impact in partnership with &Beyond started working with the KwaNgwenya Community in 2006. Located in KwaZulu-Natal’s large uMkhanyakude District and within the Jozini Local Municipality, KwaNgwenya lies near the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. This community faces significant infrastructure and economic hurdles. Fewer than 10% of households have electricity, and municipal support for water, sewage, and sanitation is minimal. Most households are headed by females, as with the scarcity of formal employment, many men leave to find work in urban areas. Since partnering with KwaNgwenya, Wild Impact has introduced sustainable programmes to strengthen livelihoods, linking community progress with conservation in one of KZN’s key ecosystems.
Wild Impact is a Public Benefit Organisation registered in South Africa. Reg. No.: 930002115