For nature and livelihoods

Our network

We’re supported by incredible donors. These are:

Our partners

Meet the AZEF partners who make up our active community. This community is constantly expanding as new stakeholders join us.

Bitterfontein Landbouvereniging

Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc)

CapeNature

Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW)

Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology

Gobabeb Namib Research Institute

Goegap Nature Reserve

Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute

Hamburg University

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Landbouweekblad

Namibia University of Science and Technology

Nelson Mandela University

North-West University

Plant Conservation Unit, University of Cape Town

Rooiberg Breederiver Conservancy

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Sol Plaatjie University

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

Tronox Namakwa Sands

Tshwane University of Technology

University of the Free State

University of KwaZulu-Natal

University of Stellenbosch

University of the Western Cape

Wilderness Foundation Africa

WWF South Africa

Who should I contact?

Because we’re made up of so many partners working in the arid and semi-arid zones in southern Africa, we can help to connect you with the right people to answer your questions.

Here are some guiding frequently asked questions to start you off:

Q: I want to help to monitor plant populations. How can I get involved?

A: Get in touch with the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers to join some of the CREW monitoring outings. Contact: crew@sanbi.org.za

Q: I’ve seen an environmental crime take place. How can I report this?

A: Get in touch with your closest provincial nature conservation office. If you’re in the Western Cape, find your closest office here.
To report environmental crimes you can contact the following:

National Environmental Crimes & Incidents Hotline (24 hours): 0800 205 005
Western Cape: law.enforcement@westerncape.gov.za
Northern Cape: 082 418 8400

Q: I want to find out more about the implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan to address the illegal trade in succulents, or want to get involved to help.

A: Contact Emily Kudze at SANBI (E.Kudze@sanbi.org.za).

Q: I’d like to find out how to sign my land up to become a Biodiversity Stewardship site or Protected Area?

A: If you’re in the Western Cape, get in touch with your closest provincial nature conservation office.

If you’re in the Northern Cape, contact the Biodiversity Stewardship Unit with Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform. Alternatively contact the WWF Land Programmme.

Q: How can I find out about support to clear invasive alien plants?

A: There are some government initiatives undertaking invasive alien clearing work, as well as local, private initiatives. However, support is often difficult to come by. Get in touch with your local provincial department of environment to find out what government initiatives are in your area, and whether there is an opportunity to join them. Or listen out for other private opportunities, often run by local non-profit organisations and landowner groups.

Q: There’s a mining application lodged in my area. What do I do?

A: The first step is to ensure you are registered as an Interested and Affected Party. You’ll find the details to register on the mining application document. Be sure to do this before the deadline. Once you’re on the list, the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) has to keep you informed of the application documents, the Environmental Impact Assessments and all other matters relating to the application, to which you can then respond.