About Save the Sand

Save the Sand is an innovative environmental restoration and community development project focused on the Sabie-Sand River Catchment in South Africa's Mpumalanga province.

Our mission is to revitalize this ecologically significant region through sustainable agroforestry, reforestation, and community empowerment initiatives.

The Problem

Spanning approximately 200,000 hectares, the Sabie-Sand River Catchment is part of the UNESCO-recognized Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve and is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

However, years of unsustainable land use practices and climate change impacts have led to environmental degradation, threatening both the natural landscape and the livelihoods of local communities.

The Solution

Save the Sand is a collaborative effort, bringing together local communities, traditional authorities, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

We're committed to transparency, community engagement, and measurable impact. As we work towards our goals, we're not just planting trees – we're growing a sustainable future for the Sabie-Sand River Catchment and its people.

Our project aims to address these challenges through a multi-faceted approach including, but not limited to:

  • We're planting millions of indigenous and fruit-bearing trees across croplands, rural residences, and rangelands. This effort will sequester carbon, improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and provide sustainable income sources for local farmers.

  • We're offering comprehensive training programs in sustainable agriculture, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to empower local communities with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in harmony with their environment.

  • We're creating new economic opportunities through the development of markets for agroforestry products, eco-tourism initiatives, and sustainable harvesting practices.

  • By restoring degraded landscapes and enhancing ecosystem services, we're contributing to the long-term health of the region's unique biodiversity.