Prosperity Programme

In order to conserve fynbos and benefit the people of the region, one of the Table Mountain Fund’s desired outcomes is to ensure that fynbos is a source of both social and economic benefit. Through the Table Mountain Fund’s Prosperity Programme, the Fund aims to unlock the potential of fynbos-based economies in order to provide these benefits to our local communities. This requires  empowering communities of the Cape Floral Kingdom in terms of having the knowledge, skills and the agency to take up economic and social opportunities that arise from fynbos. In addition to growing these industries, the programme also aims to encourage more youth to choose careers in fynbos conservation, and to grow the local eco-tourism industry and see more visitors come specifically to immerse themselves in fynbos.

As all of these efforts must, of course, be within the thresholds of what is possible without damaging the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, research projects that help us to understand the thresholds, in terms of resource utilisation, are also a key part of this programme.

This programme aims to ensure that:

• People, communities and organisations living and operating within the Cape Floral Kingdom are empowered and derive social and socio-economic benefits from fynbos
• More fynbos-based industries (such as eco-tourism, cut flower, fynbos gin, honeybush tea, etc) are established and grown
• Youth have meaningful careers in fynbos conservation
• Innovative financing mechanisms to support fynbos conservation are established.

Prosperity Projects:

Experiencing Fynbos on the Edge: A unique immersive experience

Project executant: Endangered Wildlife Trust

1 February 2022 – 30 April 2028

Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm is situated near Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape and hosts especially rich biodiversity.  Our project will aim to showcase the northern reaches of the fynbos kingdom through the development of a unique nature-based tourism product.  The Via Ferrata Iron way will allow visitors to experience the fantastic scenery and rich biodiversity firsthand by exploring the rock faces near the edge of the Oorlogskloof gorge. Proceeds of the Via Ferrata will be used to manage the farm as a declared Protected Environment and this adventure & educational experience will provide visitors with unique insights into the value and beauty of the fynbos kingdom.