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RSB, Stewards of Nature, and WWF South Africa, have published the first positive results linking the removal of invasive alien plants (IAPs) to measurable, claimable water impacts. This milestone demonstrates how credible, science-based methodologies can unlock new environmental and social value from nature-based solutions, starting with water.
Invasive alien plants cover around 10% of South Africa’s land and are responsible for up to 6% of freshwater loss – an enormous strain on ecosystems, communities, and agriculture. While IAP removal is widely recognised as a cost-effective nature-based solution, the lack of standardised accounting has limited the opportunity to make measurable, verifiable water-related claims.
This new case study, available here, addresses that gap. It outlines the results of a pilot project in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where Stewards of Nature cleared 269 hectares of invasive Black Wattle and Port Jackson. In total, over 9,000 tonnes of biomass were removed, recovering an estimated 844,711 m³ of freshwater, equivalent to the annual water use of more than 16,000 households.
These results were made possible through a new methodology and tool, developed under RSB’s sustainability framework, enabling water impact claims to be passed through the value chain. This aligns with RSB’s Impact Claims Programme, which aims to develop the necessary tools to measure, track and allocate sustainability impacts beyond carbon, translating them into measurable, impactful claims for companies and brands. These claims will provide the necessary evidence to justify premiums for sustainable feedstock and products, encouraging greater private-sector investment in sustainability, with increasing co-benefits for farmers participating in these value chains.
“As companies set new goals for water and nature, this methodology creates a trusted framework to link on-the-ground action with credible impact claims. We look forward to building on this collaboration to support the scaling of invasive alien biomass eradication”. – Arianna Baldo, RSB Programme Director
“WWF hopes to see a huge scaling of rural economies around the eradication of invasive aliens to support biodiverse ecosystems and real water benefits under a changing climate. The linking of water claims to biomass supply could provide an opportunity for companies looking to make a difference as they decarbonise and improve their supply chains.” – James Reeler, WWF Senior Climate Specialist
“This is an important milestone for Stewards of Nature – our first verified water impact results, alongside work to measure biodiversity gains. Our mission is rooted in impact. By sharing these insights, we hope to empower others to scale nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems, unlock water, and regenerate landscapes at speed and scale.” – Bart Hellings, Stewards of Nature CEO
This work builds on RSB’s long-standing research into harnessing the potential of invasive biomass. In 2022, RSB published a first article, Alien Energy: Unlocking the Potential of Invasive Plants in South Africa, exploring how these problematic species can be transformed into a force for good – from ecosystem restoration to SAF production.
Looking ahead, the project partners aim to explore the potential for expanding impact claims to include biodiversity gains such as improved habitat conditions, species return, and healthier soils.
Access the full case study here.
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