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A new dawn is rising on the Global Horizon with the realization that the time is here to RESTORE and PROTECT our Natural Heritage; in turn reducing carbon and harmful emissions, reversing the climatic incidents of Flood and Fire with costly damage and loss of life. Throughout the ages man has enjoyed the four given elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, which translate into the Soil to host the roots of all plant life, the fresh air for all living organisms to "breath", the sun's rays to give warmth and growth, and Water to ensure survival for all life forms. We view our existence on a horizontal plane, but are linked to the life forms and cycles under the surface and in the depths of the oceans.

The Draft Bio-Diversity Act is currently under review and is an indication that we need "All hands on deck" the good Ship "Environmental Bounty" to ensure that South Africa is able to rapidly meet the challenges of sustainable RESTORATION together with the Global carbon reduction goal. A glaring priority is the urgent REMOVAL and ERADICTION of the Alien and Invasive species now highly evident along every roadway. Winter winds will spread the Triffid Weed seeds into Estates, Parks and gardens. In the hedgerows small birds enjoy a feast of berries from the Lantana with pink and orange flower heads twining amongst the Castor Oil, Brazilian Pepper bushes and clumps of Mexican Sunflower. NEMBA lists record 399 plant species for removal to the roots.

The Exotic species which have arrived from outside our borders add further concern with Prof. Debra Roberts indicating a maximum 2% content only in any landscape. Permits for Import and Export of all species to be a requirement with strict controls in place. In turn this should stop the Rape of our Protected and medicinal plants and the on-going poaching of our Rhinos for their Horns. The horn composition is Keratin, the same as our hair, so one wonders at the form of "Muti" trade with high cost implication, in far off lands!

Focus on Rehabilitation of our "Disturbed and Modified" landscape becomes the challenge ahead for all Land Owners. For every project whether large or small a "Site Specific" Team Approach, from the start, will achieve the BEST RESULTS. An Initial Assessment to highlight all existing species is a starting point, together with the Soil Fertility Analysis. The Plant Lists to nominate three categories, Alien & Invasive, Exotics and Indigenous. Then add the birdlife, evidence of reptiles, butterflies, insects, and presence of mammals from rats to mongoose and monkeys! Gradually re-introduce selected species like bush buck and duiker. The Cape Nature Reserve through community events and fund raising put back a pair of Honey Badgers!

A "Wetland" area, Water presence or ephemeral stream requires separate appraisal and professional delineation. Reference books offer a useful back-up such as "Pooley's Trees of Eastern South Africa - A Complete Guide" by Richard Boon. Integrated appraisal with Botanical Society members, Conservancy Groups, Dendrology Society Members within the local community, with expertise, may greatly benefit a Project area.

For optimum planning a professional Approach should include comprehensive Lists of Indigenous species, including Trees, Aloes, Palms, Shrubs, Succulents, Bulbous and Herbal Plants, Grasses and Groundcovers compatible with sunny or shaded aspects. The completed Information Procedure will enable a Rehabilitation Layout to Scale for presentation to a top Environmental Consultant with previous "Review" experience. Compliance must include minimum standards, for example, not less than 75 different species should be included and available. For a "Forest Zone" to introduce approximately 10 trees per 15M sq. to be allowed plus under-storey planting to secure the soil with "Density Planting" principles applied throughout. Where there is evidence of Storm and Flood Damage specific "Methodology" to assist restoration is available.

Lastly, it is essential there is NO VAT LEVY on all stages of our RESTORATION efforis, from Seed Collection to implementation of the Layout and including necessary "Continuity of Establishment". The era of Hunter Gatherers from the Drakensberg to the Sea, certainly did not pay VAT!