Building Trust for People and Nature in South Africa’s Mega Living Landscapes

In South Africa, a paradigm shift is underway, pioneering the way for inclusive conservation in Mega Living Landscapes that integrate communities, natural ecosystems, and nature-based industries into holistic land-use planning. Central to this transformation is the Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node, a designated geographic region targeted for simultaneous ecological conservation and economic development. The recent launch of the Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node Master Plan serves as an important story of change, proving that for a landscape-level strategy to be effective, the "how" is just as important as the "what". Sustainable conservation cannot be rushed. It requires the patient accumulation of trust. Over the past four years, a rigorous process of co-creation has been led by the project implementers in the Greater Addo-Amathole – South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA). This initiative is part of a broader Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project, "Catalyzing Financing and Capacity for the Biodiversity Economy around Protected Areas", which is implemented by the World Bank and executed by the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in partnership with others. The project is part of South Africa’s contribution to the Global Wildlife Program (GWP), funded by the GEF and led by the World Bank, which supports countries to strengthen wildlife conservation while improving benefits for people and local economies. Central to the strategy in the Greater Addo-Amathole has been using annual Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Forums as a connecting point to foster collaboration. The progression of these forums provides a lens into a shared journey (Figure 2) that is driving the successful implementation of the GEF-7 project in this landscape:2023 (1st Forum): Introduced the biodiversity economy concept, mapped out regional stakeholders, and identified baseline opportunities.2024 (2nd Forum): Officially initiated the Master Plan process, emphasizing integration and collaboration among different role-players.2025 (3rd & 4th Forums): Presented the draft Master Plan for comment, followed by months of collaborative refinement to consolidate the final draft.2026 (5th Forum): Stakeholders gathered to formally launch the Master Plan and pivot deliberately towards on-the-ground implementation. Crucially, the Master Plan is not intended to sit on a shelf as an “end in itself”, nor does it represent an immediate financial commitment by the state. Instead, it was launched as a dynamic, living tool for stakeholders to actively use and carry forward. It functions as a call for coordinated multi-stakeholder action and a strategic framework to attract further investment.