Table Mountain Fund

08/10/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗠𝗙-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘤

EcoSync is an AI-assisted conservation planning and operations platform designed to strengthen the effectiveness of protected area management and biodiversity stewardship across the Western Cape.

Conservation planning, implementation tracking and reporting can be fragmented and highly technical, often requiring external expertise. EcoSync introduces a guided digital system that enables users to develop, manage and update Protected Area Management Plans and Annual Plans of Operation, linking planning more directly to implementation and reporting.

Rather than replacing existing conservation processes, the platform is designed to support them by connecting field activities and management actions with structured outputs. Activities such as invasive clearing, fire management and biodiversity monitoring can be tracked alongside real-time field evidence and linked to management objectives as they happen.

The one-year pilot will test EcoSync in live conservation landscapes in the Western Cape, helping to refine the platform and explore its potential as a scalable tool for improving collaboration, management effectiveness and participation in biodiversity stewardship. Developed as an open-source project, EcoSync also aims to create a sustainable access model that enables different users to engage with the system according to their technical capacity and available resources.

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: Conservation Outcomes in partnership with CapeNature



Credit: Olivia McMurray

06/10/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗠𝗙-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘺𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘴 𝘎𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘸 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦

This project aims to establish the Grabouw Forest Information Centre as a community-led conservation and responsible adventure tourism hub within the Kogelberg Biosphere.

The initiative responds to increasing ecological pressure in the Elgin-Grabouw forestry landscape, including land degradation, illegal dumping, wildlife snaring and the loss of formal forestry management following the withdrawal of commercial operators.

The project will train two Biosphere Rangers as NQF4 Eco Rangers and two NQF2 Nature Guides, building local capacity to support environmental management. The trained personnel will conduct regular patrols three days per week, monitoring designated areas and identifying environmental risks and incidents, including illegal dumping and harvesting of resources.

By combining local capacity building, regular monitoring, reliable data collection and public awareness, the initiative aims to create a sustainable, community-driven approach to environmental stewardship in the Kogelberg.

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: Kogelberg Biosphere



Credit: Heather D'Alton

30/09/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗠𝗙-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘎𝘦𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴: 𝘈 𝘔𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘐𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦

This project aims to strengthen long-term river rehabilitation and community stewardship along the Mosselbank River by creating opportunities for young people from Fisantekraal to become involved in the ongoing restoration of their local river.

Over three years, five young people will be recruited and trained each year as part of the existing Mosselbank River Conservation Team. Through hands-on restoration work and structured mentorship, experienced team members will share practical, field-based knowledge while helping to build local conservation skills and capacity.

The programme will provide training in alien clearing, indigenous planting, water quality monitoring, reporting and site maintenance, alongside opportunities to develop administrative and leadership skills. Environmental education and community outreach will also be expanded, while partnerships with landowners along the Mosselbank River are strengthened.

By combining river rehabilitation with youth development and community engagement, the project aims to build a pathway towards a dedicated, locally based river management team that can help sustain rehabilitation, monitoring and conservation efforts into the future, while improving biodiversity and ecological function along the river corridor.

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: Mosselbank River Conservation Team

Credit: Elizabeth Maans

23/09/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗠𝗙-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴: 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯

Wild Hearts aims to connect pre-school children in the Cape Floristic Region with the natural world through structured, curriculum-aligned environmental learning that builds early awareness, curiosity and care for nature.

The programme introduces young learners to key ecosystems and species of the fynbos biome, including wetlands, pollinators, indigenous plants and wildlife. Through 18 interactive lessons using play, storytelling and hands-on activities, children are encouraged to explore the natural world and develop positive environmental attitudes from an early age.

The project will train and mentor 32 Early Childhood Development teachers to deliver these fynbos-focused learning experiences, reaching approximately 1,800 children in the Barrydale/Montagu area and the South Peninsula of Cape Town. Learners will also have opportunities for immersive nature-based experiences at sites including Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and Cape Point.

By helping children build a meaningful connection with nature from an early age, Wild Hearts aims to lay the foundations for a lasting awareness of, and care for, the unique biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region.

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: Made Better Together Foundation



Credit: Leandrie van Deventer and Made Better Together Foundation

22/09/2026

𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 🌿

The Botanical Education Trust is inviting applications for projects that benefit indigenous flora anywhere in South Africa.

The Trust supports education, research and other work that contributes to the conservation and protection of indigenous flora, as well as the publication of relevant literature and initiatives that promote South Africa’s indigenous plant life.

Applications close: 30 September 2026
No late submissions will be considered.

For full funding criteria, eligibility requirements and information on how to apply, visit the Botanical Education Trust website:

Advancing Botanical Knowledge Through Education and Research   SAplants, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 | Aloe arborescens Grant Applications | Close 30 September each year APPLY NOW Who We Are South Africa represents just 1% of the earth’s total land surface, but has the richest flora in the wo...

17/09/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗠𝗙-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘺𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘴: 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸

Roots in the Fynbos is a collaborative wilderness education programme designed by the Cape Leopard Trust and Sustainable Ceder to reconnect young people with the beauty and fragility of the Cape Floristic Region.

Through a series of two-night wilderness camps, learners explore the Cederberg mountains, discover the remarkable diversity of the fynbos biome, deepen their understanding of nature conservation, and take part in hands-on restoration efforts of the critically endangered Clanwilliam cedar tree.

The plight of the cedar trees and the leopards of the Cederberg mountains offers a powerful opportunity to cultivate empathy, shift perceptions, and inspire a commitment to conservation.

By connecting young people with their natural heritage, the programme aims to nurture informed, resilient and passionate custodians who are equipped to help protect the Cape Floristic Region.

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 in collaboration with 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿



Credit: Cape Leopard Trust

15/09/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗠𝗙-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

𝘔𝘶𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘨 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘞𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘌𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘺𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘴 (𝘗𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 3)

This project represents the final phase of a long-term initiative to restore degraded areas of Muizenberg Park and transform them into a functional indigenous wetland fynbos mosaic.

Building on wetland and stream rehabilitation completed in 2024 and expanded wetland and lily pond restoration completed in 2025, Phase 3 will restore approximately 700 m² of heavily degraded lawn through invasive clearing, soil rehabilitation and planting of locally appropriate and critically endangered fynbos species.

The project will also expand and deepen existing water features and create seasonal basins to provide additional habitats for amphibians and birdlife, including the Western Leopard Toad.

Low-impact pathways and wooden bridges will improve access to the restored area, creating opportunities for environmental education and for the community to experience and connect with indigenous fynbos within an urban setting.

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: Friends of Muizenberg Park in partnership with Fynbos LIFE and the City of Cape Town.



Credit: Div Maritz

03/09/2026

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺

BOOKINGS CLOSE TODAY!

🌿 Resilience in Extremes: Navigating Fire, Flood, Drought and Invasives in the Western Cape
📅 10–11 September 2026
📍 Graham & Rhona Beck Skills Centre, Robertson

BOOK HERE: https://lnkd.in/eE9UASC5

Visit Conservation At Work to find out more about the symposium.

We hope to see you there!

You will find the booking form @ https://forms.gle/xqjyquW7PCNY1ooG9

02/09/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗠𝗙-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱

Earlier this year, the Table Mountain Fund invited organisations across the Cape Floristic Region to submit concept proposals aligned with our Care and Pride Programmes, supporting initiatives that strengthen conservation action, deepen appreciation for fynbos, and build more inclusive connections between people and nature.

The response was incredible. Following a careful consultation and review process, we’re proud to introduce the thirteen projects selected as the newest recipients of TMF funding.

1. Amava Oluntu
Project: Youth Fynbos Futures

2. Cape Leopard Trust in partnership with Sustainable Ceder
Project: Roots in the Fynbos: Where Cedars and Custodians Grow

3. Conservation Outcomes in partnership with CapeNature
Project: EcoSync

4. Friends of Muizenberg Park
Project: Muizenberg Park Wetland Rehabilitation: Reconnecting Community to Critically Endangered Cape Lowland Wetland Fynbos (Phase 3)

5. Wild Restoration in partnership with Reweaver Studios
Project: Genadendal Reimagined: Living Heritage, Landscapes & Local Futures

6. 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁
Project: Fynbos custodians: Community-based stewardship and immersive tourism in the Cape Floristic Region

7. Grootvadersbosch Conservancy
Project: Growing Pride: Community champions for indigenous green spaces

8. Kogelberg Biosphere
Project: Growing Fynbos Guardians for the Grabouw Forest Area

9. Made Better Together Foundation
Project: Wild Hearts Connecting Communities to Conservation

10. Mosselbank River Conservation Team
Project: NextGen Nature Stewards: A Mosselbank River Conservation Team Initiative

11. Nature Connect
Projects: Small grants facility as a mechanism to advance conservation and the green economy in the Cape Floristic Region

12. Overberg Renosterveld Trust
Project: Renosterveld-skool: Learning from the Last Renosterveld

13. University of Cape Town
Project: Once were here

Over the coming weeks, we look forward to introducing each of the thirteen funded projects and sharing the people, places and ideas behind them.



Credit: Cape Leopard Trust, Heather D'Alton, Made Better Together Foundation, De Wett Cronje

25/08/2026

In early August, the TMF team joined colleagues, peers and partners from across the Cape Floristic Region for another memorable Fynbos Forum.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Forum such a wonderful success. We are proud to support this long-standing annual gathering, which provides a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration and strengthening the community of practice that underpins conservation across the CFR.

Here's to looking back - as we reflect on an incredible week, we extend a heartfelt thank you to every single one of you for making Fynbos Forum 2026: Working on the Edge such a resounding success.

Bringing together our community - from seasoned researchers and field practitioners, managers to early-career scientists, students, and local conservation partners. You remind us why this network remains so vital!

Warm regards,
~The Fynbos Forum NPC