By Lebogang Mashala
CHEP, a global leader in sustainable supply chain solutions, has partnered with WWF South Africa to enhance regenerative agriculture, strengthen water resource management, and promote biodiversity stewardship initiatives in the Southern Drakensberg region. This collaboration sets a benchmark for integrated sustainability practices.
Since June 2023, the two organisations have been working together on this 18-month project, which specifically targets the uMzimkhulu catchment area – home to the majority of CHEP’s timber plantations. This region is designated as a Strategic Water Source Area in KwaZulu-Natal, making it crucial for ensuring water security and conserving biodiversity.
According to the organisations, since the inception of this partnership, they have made significant progress that has had a positive impact on local communities and ecosystems.
Marietjie Brown, Sustainability and Government Affairs Lead for Africa, the Middle East and Türkiye at CHEP, stated that over 1 400 individuals from approximately 287 households have benefited from improved access to clean, potable water through the effective protection and restoration of local natural springs. “This enhancement has notably improved public health standards and overall community well-being,” said Brown.
Furthermore, the initiative has directly supported local livelihoods by training and employing five community members as water monitors. These individuals are responsible for safeguarding vital water resources against contamination and misuse, ensuring long-term sustainability.
“Economic empowerment has also been a crucial outcome of this project. The Rangeland Management component has successfully organised three mobile livestock auctions, generating over R2.2 million in turnover. These funds directly support local farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices and bolstering the economic resilience of the broader community,” explained Brown
The project has formally protected nearly 2 000 hectares of ecologically important land through this partnership. This crucial step plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity, protecting essential ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management practices.
“CHEP’s partnership with WWF demonstrates our unwavering dedication to sustainability and our commitment to creating positive, tangible impacts on both the environment and local communities,” said Brown. “As we celebrate the successful completion of phase one of the project, we are excited about the journey ahead. We firmly believe impactful partnerships can drive sustainable economic growth alongside responsible environmental stewardship.”
Pavs Pillay, Corporate Partnerships and Behaviour Change Lead at WWF South Africa, said this partnership exemplifies the effectiveness of public-private collaborations in addressing complex environmental challenges. Pillay explained that by combining corporate leadership with conservation expertise, this partnership sets a high standard for achieving meaningful and measurable sustainability outcomes, both nationally and internationally, reflecting the commitments established by the global community during COP discussions.
“This initiative clearly illustrates the critical importance of integrated and collaborative approaches to environmental management and sustainability,” said Pillay. “Our combined efforts have already delivered significant environmental and socio-economic benefits in the Southern Drakensberg, showcasing the powerful impact of strategic cooperation in advancing conservation and community development.”
“The completion of Phase One marks a significant milestone in CHEP’s ongoing partnership with WWF South Africa. Building on the progress achieved, CHEP is committed to continuing this collaboration to deepen its impact and promote long-term sustainability for communities and the environment,” said Brown.
