Landscape Restoration
We are architects of ecological revival, expertly guiding diverse landscape rewilding projects to rejuvenate degraded ecosystems.
Loskop Dam Restoration Project
A Pioneering Partnership
WeWild Africa is launching a groundbreaking initiative at the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, an innovative first-of-its-kinds partnership with the Mpumalanga Province. This ambitious restoration and expansion initiative will set a blueprint for working with provincial governments across Africa.
Natural and Cultural Heritage
Loskop Dam Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of flora and fauna biodiversity with unique vegetation like the critically-endangered Middelburg Cycad. The reserve is rich in cultural heritage, with over 50 significant sites, including ancient grave sites, making it invaluable to local communities.
Capacity Building and Collaboration
Our approach is to work hand-in-hand with the government, not with an iron-fist approach. The foundation of successful conservation lies in building and enhancing local capacities.
Training Programs
We will develop comprehensive training programs for local conservationists, rangers, and community members. From wildlife monitoring to anti-poaching tactics, and sustainable tourism management.
Resource Mobilisation
WeWild Africa is dedicated to the sustainable revitalization of the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, implementing strategies that encompass both financial and material resource mobilization. We will secure essential funding and equipment necessary for long-term conservation and fieldwork.
Establishing Networks and Partnerships
A key aspect of our capacity-building strategy is the establishment of robust networks and partnerships. By collaborating with local communities, government bodies, NGOs, regional businesses, and international conservation organizations, we aim to create a strong support system for the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve.
Enhanced Protected Area Management
This includes upgrading fences, installing and upgrading critical infrastructure, and contributing to anti-poaching efforts with ranger equipment funding and training.
Tourism and Community Development
At the heart of our strategy is the transformation of the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve into a top-tier tourist destination. Its advantageous proximity to Johannesburg positions the reserve as a versatile destination, perfect for quick getaways that fulfill an immersive nature experience.
The dam is a paradise for boating and anglers, while the surrounding areas offer picturesque mountainous settings ideal for photo safaris. By co-facilitating tourism and community development programs, we aim to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem where visitors enjoy unforgettable experiences and local economies thrive from increased tourism and therefore income.
Rewilding and Species Conservation
Our efforts focus on restocking key indigenous and historically-occurring species, including the Big 5, and managing the prey base essential for their survival. We co-manage endangered species conservation, such as the cheetah and elusive black-footed cat.
Envisioning 100,000 Hectares for Wildlife Conservatiom
The Loskop Expansion Project
Adjacent to the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve lies miles upon miles of unoccupied wilderness, owned by communities and private individuals. WeWild Africa has successfully negotiated long-term leases of land for many of these, which could allow the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve to expand to a staggering 100,000 hectares in total from its original 23,000 hectares.
A Race Against Mining Prospects
Prospecting for mining regularly occurs on surrounding properties, which places additional pressure on the greater Loskop Dam Nature Reserve area to maintain its integrity as a dedicated wildlife conservation reserve.
Thirty Red List Species in the Region
A total of 30 IUCN Red List (globally threatened) species occur in the area. The King Property Expansions would intend to preserve these habitats by maintaining the land as a self-sustaining game reserve.
Home to the Critically Endangered Middelberg Cycad
The Loskop Dam Nature Reserve and its surrounds are the last remaining area where the critically-endangered Middelberg Cycad grows naturally in the wild, with an estimated 120 mature individuals remaining.
Exceptional Carbon Density
Analysis of the greater Loskop Dam Nature Reserve region shows an extraordinarily high soil organic carbon density, making it critical that this area be protected from the threat of development, agriculture or mining. WeWild Africa has already implemented a host of conservation projects in this area, including black-footed cat breeding and reintroduction programmes, rhino dehorning, pangolin monitoring and supporting the local ground hornbill project.
Although much has been achieved, our work is far from done. The King Property Expansion project will require all hands on deck to reach its objective of placing this land back in nature’s hands, where it rightfully belongs.
Engage with landowners surrounding the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve to incorporate critical habitats and species into the reserve, to ensure long-term protection of the associated ecosystems.
Establish incorporation constitutions which will formalize the incorporation of these properties into the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve and formally proclaim these properties and the endangered species which occur on them.
Fence and install critical management infrastructure to allow for the ongoing protection of these properties.
Develop and implement a long-term strategy to further expand the area to a tremendous 100,000 hectares.
Reintroduce key species which historically occurred in the area to regenerate original ecosystems. This includes cheetahs, black rhinos, lions, and the like.
Implement community beneficiation programs and ensure job creation and economic empowerment at a local level.
£1M Investment by Chantecaille Conservation Foundation (CCF)
and Landmark Partnership Propel Phase I of Infrastructure Development
In 2024, the Chantecaille Conservation Foundation (CCF) stepped in to provide critical support to jumpstart infrastructure upgrades in South Africa’s largest landscape rewilding project at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve. This initial investment of £1 million is being directed towards Phase I of the project, which will protect an additional 25,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, including highveld, lowveld, water bodies, and savanna grasslands. This partnership lays the foundation for the larger vision of protecting over 100,000 hectares in the coming years.
Founded in 2022 by Sylvie and Olivier Chantecaille, the Chantecaille Conservation Foundation (CCF) is dedicated to protecting wild spaces and keystone species on the brink of loss. We focus on empowering local communities who live within these treasured environments, fostering sustainable opportunities that preserve both livelihoods and ecosystems.
To learn more visit, https://www.chantecaillecf.org/
2024 Impact Overview
- Protecting wildlife and habitats with upgraded, state-of-the-art fencing and security
- Grading and building new roads and infrastructure to management, operational, and security accessibility.
- Procuring and purchasing essential equipment and tools such as a tractor, vehicles, and other critical machinery for infrastructure development.
- 25,000 hectares of highveld, lowveld, water bodies, and savannah protected — paving the way for a 100,000-hectare conservation vision.
- Upgraded water infrastructure and borehole drilling.
- Comprehensive management plan development and expansion strategy planning.
- Upgrades to offices and ranger accommodation to support operational efficiency.
Mount Camdeboo
Help the fastest land animal outrun extinction. Habitat destruction is one of the biggest threats to cheetah populations.
8,000 Hectares of Prime Land
WeWild Africa has partnered with Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve to give cheetah coalitions the space to grow, while offering support to a variety of other species equally deserving of the chance to flourish in their natural habitats.
WeWild Africa supports Mount Camdeboo with the habitat co-management of 8,000 hectares of prime wilderness, specifically selected for the purposes of releasing captive cheetahs, or cheetahs from other reserves.
Cheetah Rewilding Success
The first captive-bred cheetah that WeWild Africa released at Mount Camdeboo was translocated all the way from the UK, and continues to thrive on this magnificent reserve. We continue to co-managing cheetah coalitions at Mount Camdeboo, leveraging our decades of experience and deep understanding of cheetah genetics, habitat needs, and dietary requirements.
Diverse Conservation Support
The first captive-bred cheetah that WeWild Africa released at Mount Camdeboo was translocated all the way from the UK, and continues to thrive on this magnificent reserve. We continue to co-managing cheetah coalitions at Mount Camdeboo, leveraging our decades of experience and deep understanding of cheetah genetics, habitat needs, and dietary requirements.
Our conservation commitment extends to a variety of other wildlife conservation projects. This includes hands-on support for caracal releases, elephant translocations, and rhino population management
To ensure the success of these initiatives, WeWild Africa provides comprehensive support to Mount Camdeboo:
Specialised Staff & Leadership Teams
Assigning dedicated teams to oversee and manage the cheetahs, ensuring their well-being and successful adaptation to the reserve.
Tracking Collars & Veterinary Support
Funding and equipping cheetahs with tracking collars for monitoring their movements and health, coupled with comprehensive veterinary care to maintain their well-being.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Overseeing the development and enhancement of reserve infrastructure to support cheetah conservation and other wildlife needs.
Expert Rewilding Guidance
Offering insights and strategies from conservation experts to facilitate effective rewilding practices tailored to cheetahs and the reserve’s unique ecosystem.
Restocking Prey Base Support
Advising and assisting in the augmentation of the cheetah prey base within the reserve, crucial for sustaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem.