SAVANNA STRATEGIC CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE
The Savanna Strategic Conservation Landscape spans parts of South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. It includes expansive grasslands, floodplains, wetlands, and vital river systems, such as the Limpopo and Olifants. With protected areas like the Greater Limpopo and Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Parks at its core, this region supports a wide range of species, from African Wild Dogs and Cheetahs to reptiles, cycads, birds of prey, and butterflies. These ecosystems are essential not only for wildlife, but also for the people who depend on them for water, grazing, and climate stability.
The EWTs work here focuses on protecting species and habitats while supporting the communities that live alongside them. We collaborate with landowners, farmers, and local partners to promote sustainable farming, reduce conflict between people and wildlife, and reconnect fragmented habitats through conservation corridors. Combating poaching and illegal wildlife trade remains a key priority, as does strengthening protected area management.
To sustain this work, we are developing finance models that can fund long-term restoration and align biodiversity goals with local enterprise and land use. We’re also working to ensure that environmental laws are applied effectively to protect species and ecosystems under pressure. Scientific tools like Bioblitzes help us identify species of concern and guide targeted action.
Together with communities and conservation partners, we are building a Savanna landscape that is better connected, more resilient, and equipped to support both people and wildlife in the face of change.
Why it’s important
The Savanna Landscape is vital to the EWT’s strategy, boasting unique biodiversity, including African Wild Dogs, Cheetahs, and antelope species. Its open grasslands provide critical ecosystem services such as water regulation, groundwater replenishment, and soil erosion prevention.
These services support agriculture, livelihoods, and ecological balance. However, the Savanna faces threats from poaching, unsustainable land use, and climate change. Immediate conservation efforts are necessary to protect biodiversity and sustain the resources critical to local communities and regional resilience.
So What?
Neglecting the Savanna risks the collapse of ecosystems that support communities, agriculture, and biodiversity. Without action, resources essential for survival, like water and fertile soil, will diminish, leaving communities vulnerable to climate extremes.
Protecting this landscape is crucial not just for wildlife but for people, ensuring resilience to resource scarcity and unpredictable climates. Inaction threatens livelihoods, ecosystems, and the balance on which both people and nature depend.
Vision
A thriving, connected Savanna where sustainable conservation partnerships foster resilient landscapes, benefiting wildlife, ecosystems, and local communities for generations to come.
Target Species
Landscape Size
176,547 KM²
Why we do it
protect biodiveristy
 Lead collaborative efforts to safeguard species and rebuild life-sustaining ecosystems, working with, for example, governments, landowners, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).Â
secure vital ecosystem services
Healthy ecosystems provide essential services like clean air, water, and food security.
Empower communities
Enable IPLCs to thrive through nature-based solutions that connect conservation with human well-being, equity, and sustainable livelihoods.
build a sustainable future
Embed biodiversity into corporate strategies and operations to deliver measurable positive outcomes for nature and create resilient, future-fit businesses.
Improve climate Resilience
Build climate adaptation and resilience into conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and human well-being.
Enhance water security
Prioritise the safeguarding of critical freshwater systems and catchments across Africa's threatened landscapes.
Cross cutting approaches
People in conservation unit
Co-developing and implementing conservation management approaches to ensure sustainable conservation impact and benefit sharing.
Wildlife and Infrastructure unit
Reducing infrastructure impacts on species and habitats.
Biodiversity and Business Unit
Supporting the integration of biodiversity into corporate strategy and operations, to achieve measurable positive biodiversity outcomes.
Sustainable Finance Unit
Focusing on mobilising financial resources to support conservation efforts.
Wildlife in Trade Unit
Disrupting and preventing illegal wildlife trade in the landscape.
Conservation Tools and Technology Unit
Discovering new species and understanding species distributions to inform conservation priorities in the landscape.