Alien Clearing Campaign

The recent Overberg wildfires have burnt vast areas of fynbos. While fire is a natural and essential driver of regeneration, increased intensity driven by drought and invasive alien plants is threatening ecosystem recovery and long-term resilience. In some areas, fynbos has burnt before reaching ecological maturity, reducing seed banks and compromising natural recovery.

Invasive plants increase fuel loads, intensify fire behaviour, and reduce water availability. This creates a reinforcing cycle of more severe fires, biodiversity loss, and escalating long-term management costs. Without timely intervention, much of this unique biodiversity risks being displaced over time.

The post-fire landscape presents a rare and time-sensitive window to act. Reduced biomass and improved access make invasive clearing significantly more effective and cost-efficient, while allowing natural fynbos regeneration to take place. Acting now delivers immediate benefits for biodiversity, water security, and long-term fire risk reduction.

We have two experienced clearing teams, predominantly women from local communities, ready to be mobilised immediately. With additional funding, there is strong potential to scale this work by expanding teams and creating further employment opportunities in fire-affected areas.

This initiative supports both ecological recovery and local livelihoods, providing meaningful, skills-based work where it is most needed. All funds raised will go directly to clearing operations, restoring ecosystems, protecting communities, and building long-term resilience.