StrangeFoot-Oupot. Photo credit: Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative
TL;DR:
Inspired by a single elephant, the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative aims to create a vital 400km conservation corridor. Located in South Africa, this ambitious project seeks to link the protected areas from the Garden Route’s Eden to the Addo Elephant National Park, ensuring safe passage for wildlife and promoting biodiversity across a significant landscape. The initiative is a powerful example of rewilding through ecological connectivity and habitat preservation.
Since 2006, Eden to Addo has been at the forefront of rewilding through landscape-scale connectivity, creating a 400 km-long conservation corridor that links three mega-reserves: the Garden Route National Park, Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve and Addo Elephant National Park. By partnering with private landowners, local communities and government agencies, the initiative is restoring natural migration routes and ecosystem processes—ensuring that wildlife can once again move freely across their historic ranges.
Photo credit: Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative
This is also possible thanks to 1-1 support to landowners, a fundamental component of this approach based on establishing personal connections and helping landowners manage their properties according to protected area law and high ecological standards.
This corridor traverses five distinct biomes, making it one of the most ecologically diverse rewilding efforts in the world.
Fynbos biome. Photo credit: Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative.
Erica canaliculata. Credits: Arno/Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative
Rock hyrax. Credits: Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative
From Elephants, Leopards, ungulates to rare bird species, reptiles and endemic plants, the project protects critical habitat while addressing the impacts of climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss.
At the heart of Eden to Addo’s approach is a commitment to inclusive conservation. The initiative empowers local communities through employment in restoration, environmental education, ecotourism and stewardship programs. These efforts not only rebuild ecosystems but also help foster long-term social and economic resilience.
Eden to Addo has also been featured in Sam Chavallier’s Corridors of Life series, and you can check these three relevant episodes on YouTube:
All well worth the watch!
As we welcome Eden to Addo into the Global Rewilding Alliance, we are adding two decades of experience and passion to a growing global movement. Their work exemplifies the power of rewilding to heal landscapes, uplift communities, and safeguard the planet’s living heritage.
Robberg Coastal Corridor. Photo credit_ Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative