Cape Floristic Region

The Cape Floristic Region Hotspot is home to the highest density of plant species in the world. The hotspot harbors more than 9,000 plant species, 70 percent of which are found nowhere else.

Plant species that demonstrate the diversity of plants found here include South Africa's national flower, the king protea; the marsh rose; and the silver tree.

Threats
The greatest threat to biological diversity is agricultural and urban expansion, followed by invasion of alien plant species. Agricultural land use has consumed 26 percent of the region and devastated lowland areas. Other threats include lack of institutional capacity for conservation action and lack of public involvement.

Strategy
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) acknowledges the rigorous priority-setting process of Cape Action for People and the Environment (C.A.P.E.) and its ability to unify donor interest, funding and cooperative action on the highest priorities for conservation.

The CEPF strategy for this region focuses on catalyzing action by nongovernmental organizations, community groups and other civil society partners on the most urgent C.A.P.E. priorities. The partnership supports civil-society led efforts in the three reserve areas of Cederberg, Gouritz, and Baviaanskloof and the last remaining areas of natural vegetation in the lowlands beyond the Agulhas Plain.

Four strategic directions guide CEPF's approach in the Cape Floristic Region:
  1. support civil society involvement in the establishment of protected areas and management plans in Cape Floristic Region biodiversity corridors
  2. promote innovative private sector and community involvement in conservation in landscapes surrounding Cape Floristic Region biodiversity corridors
  3. support civil society efforts to create an institutional environment that enables effective conservation action
  4. establish a small grants fund to build capacity among institutions and individuals working on conservation in the Cape Floristic Region
Cape Floristic Region

Investment Priorities
Full Strategy
Project Database for this Region