The uMbilo River CEBA initiatives

The first ecosystem restoration project that will be part of the Durban CEBA Initiative is located at Paradise Valley in the uMbilo River catchment. It will be launched during COP 17/CMP 7. The uMbilo river catchment not only provides core livelihood support for a significant portion of the City, but also feeds water into the Durban Bay, an important economic hub for the city and the country.

Plans:

• These CEBA’s will progressively support the transformation of the poor communities associated with the river into CLEAN and GREEN communities, through:
  • The establishment of tree-preneur and waste-preneur networks throughout these communities.
  • The establishment of restoration teams in the Paradise Valley Ecosystem Services Area.
  • The development of the food-preneurs and entrepreneurial potential of the tree-preneurs, waste-preneurs and restoration teams.
  • The improvement of the life skills and employability of these individuals through the provision of accredited training.
• The formal delineation of a Paradise Valley, and other Ecosystem Services Area (ESA) associated with the uMbilo River.
• The ongoing restoration of these ESAs, through:
  • The removal of all alien plants within the ESAs and adjacent residential areas.
  • The planting of the indigenous trees grown by the local tree-preneurs throughout relevant areas of the ESAs.
  • The establishment of effective community based ESA management systems.
  • The long term protection of the ESAs through the development of an innovative ESA lease arrangement with the two communities.