Extinction Rebellion - The story of Tokai Park's plant diversity

This is a story about the conservation significance of Tokai Park, South Africa, the threats it faces, and its opportunity for restoration. Containing two vegetation types that are critically endangered, and over 550 native plant species, this is a site of global significance. However it is now threatened by the invasive alien trees which caused the land to be saved from development by the city of Cape Town in the first place.

Invasive alien trees are problematic in fynbos, and this film details four key reasons for this: water, biodiversity, fire and carbon. Despite the known impacts, the community is divided on what should be done at Tokai Park. Should the alien plantations be retained, or the area restored? Three potential outcomes being considered by the community are presented: (1) compromise, (2) transition planting, and (3) ecological restoration. Which of these will be the fate of this biodiversity hotspot?

This film goes on to explain what ecological restoration is, and the two key types: passive and active restoration. Both have and are being done at Tokai Park, by key conservation organizations, including the Friends of Tokai Park. Restoration at Tokai Park has been remarkably successful to date, largely due to surprisingly intact seedbanks.

What can you do to help? Join Friends of Tokai Park, or a local WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of southern Africa) -friends group near you.

Join the extinction rebellion. Get involved in helping during the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.