GEF 7 Project
The Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node (GAA BEN) catalyst project for the Mega Living Landscape and Seascape in the Addo-Amathole region. It aims to demonstrate that biodiversity and economic development are not in conflict, by building a thriving, inclusive biodiversity economy that creates sustainable livelihoods, expands conservation coverage, and empowers local communities to benefit meaningfully from the natural capital in their landscapes.
This node spans approximately 2.9 million hectares across 13 municipalities in the Eastern Cape, the node stretches from the Addo Elephant National Park in the west to the Great Fish River Nature Reserve in the east.
View/Download the GAA BEN Master Plan (July 2025)
Sectors
GAA BEN works across six biodiversity economy sectors: wildlife economy, ecotourism, compatible agriculture, ecological restoration, bioprospecting, and the marine economy. Each sector is designed to align conservation with economic opportunity.
Land-use Zones
The node is divided into four spatial land-use zones that guide where and how biodiversity economy activities take place: a Tourism/Recreation/Wildlife Zone, an Agricultural Zone, a Marine Zone and an Urban Zone.
Current Activities
An SMME Incubation Programme is supporting 20 enterprises through an 18-month programme. Community Governance workshops are strengthening the capacity communities to participate meaningfully in the biodiversity economy.