A new study by Stellenbosch University researchers shows that a lack of funding, poor communication among stakeholders and inadequate knowledge are the major barriers to successful restoration of riparian zones in the Global South.
The way that we manage land influences species occurrence and interactions. However, in their recent study investigating species co-occurrence along the west coast of South Africa, Debbi Winterton, Nicola van Wilgen and Jan Venter discovered that intensive management of small areas also makes it difficult to detect ecological drivers.
It may no longer make economic or environmental sense to pursue forestry endeavours using conifers in the Western Cape. If local plantations are to be maintained, invasive pine trees will continue to spread, the Cape’s water supply will continue to dwindle and the unique natural diversity of the fynbos region will be changed forever.