Who we are

CONNECT | COLLABORATE | CONSERVE

The Waterberg Landscape Alliance NPC (WLA) was founded in 2012 as a non-profit company under the name Save the Waterberg Rhino and was formally incorporated in 2016 (Reg No. 2016/163270/08). Since 2015, WLA has concentrated on strengthening area integrity to reduce crime and ensure a safe, secure Waterberg for all, with a particular emphasis on rhino protection.

As a community-based coordination and support organisation, WLA has successfully facilitated the establishment of a strong and effective security cluster network that now spans more than four million hectares. This collaborative network, supported by WLA, has played a critical role in combating rhino poaching and other forms of wildlife crime, while also helping to reduce broader criminal activity across the region through proactive approaches and the strategic use of resources.

WLA’s mission is to facilitate stakeholders in the Waterberg to effectively prevent and respond to crime and threats against people, property, and wildlife through collaboration, technology, a proactive unified approach, and shared resources — in alignment with national efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.

By leveraging over 13 years of experience, a credible network, and trusted partnerships, WLA and its collaborators are working towards a safer, more resilient Waterberg—where people, wildlife, and conservation economies can thrive together.

Our Vision, Mission & Purpose

OUR VISION

A well protected and conserved Waterberg that is valued locally, recognised globally and sustains a nature based future.

OUR MISSION

To actively undertake, facilitate and support the promotion and enhancement of the conservation and biodiversity value of the area.

OUR PURPOSE

With unmatched local expertise, deep-rooted partnerships, and a proven security-based conservation model, the Waterberg Landscape Alliance is driving lasting change. Our purpose is to safeguard the Waterberg’s biodiversity and landscapes while empowering communities and fostering sustainability. By working at scale and with collective commitment, we are building a resilient region and securing the Waterberg’s legacy for generations to come.

CONSERVATION

Conservation Aim

To promote and ensure long term biodiverse conservation in the Waterberg, with as much land as possible under recognised or effective conservation.

AREA INTEGRITY

Area Integrity aim

To support and facilitate systems and networks for conservation resilience and sustainability of the area thereby providing a safe haven for the Waterberg's people and wildlife.

RHINO CONSERVATION

RHINO CONSERVATION AIM

To provide a safe and secure environment for both species of rhino and to support and facilitate rhino conservation in the Waterberg.

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY AIM

To provide developmental support by working together with private parties, like-minded NGO's, organisations and institutions to link and connect communities to conservation or to drive benefits from conservation.

WHAT WE DO

LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION

Through advocacy, facilitation, and technical support, we promote the application and expansion of protected areas. Each new designation strengthens the ecological integrity of the Waterberg and its role as a global conservation stronghold, ensuring resilience for generations to come.

Promote and encourage greater understanding of the importance of protected area expansion in the Waterberg, and motivate landowners to contribute.
Strengthen spatial data and information to support more informed and effective decision-making.
Develop practical information resources using spatial data to assist landowners with strategic conservation planning.
Monitor development applications, offering guidance and submitting objections where proposals threaten the integrity of the landscape.

Collaborating proactively to make the Waterberg one of the safest districts in South Africa, driving down crime rates.
Collaborating proactively to make the Waterberg one of the safest districts in South Africa, driving down crime rates.
Establishing and expanding security networks that now cover over 4 million hectares, protecting people and wildlife at scale.
Supporting major security projects, raising awareness on rhino poaching, and advancing proactive prevention measures.

area integrity

We work to maintain the integrity of the Waterberg by supporting clusters and stakeholders, strengthening security, and ensuring that conservation areas remain free from illegal activity, and wildlife crime.

Rhino & Biodiversity conservation

Safeguarding one of Africa’s key rhino strongholds and global Key Biodiversity Areas.

Helping keep rhino poaching losses low, contributing to the Waterberg recording less than 2% of South Africa’s total losses.
Creating awareness and promoting conservation action for threatened species such as African wild dogs, pangolins, and vultures.
Developing information resources that support and promote biodiversity conservation.
Encouraging citizen science to strengthen biodiversity data collection and research.

Continuously raising funds, securing over R18 million to date for regional security, technology upgrades, training, infrastructure, and equipment
Fostering cooperation among SAPS, ESU, CPC, landowners, government, security stakeholders, and NGOs to maximise collective impact.
Strengthening strategic partnerships that drive conservation and security at scale.
Sponsoring and participating in landowner workshops, conferences, and collaborations, both nationally and globally, to advance conservation action.

alliance support & facilitation

Uniting landowners with support and facilitation to strengthen conservation across the Waterberg. Through cooperation, resources and shared learning, we create a stronger, more resilient landscape for people and wildlife.