Succulent Karoo Programme (SKEP)

What we do

The success of the Succulent Karoo Programme is due to a committed partnership in supporting conservation and sustainable development activities in the Succulent Karoo Hotspot.

The Succulent Karoo Programme is involved in the following activities:

• Securing land in priority areas
• Expanding partnerships
• Linking livelihoods and biodiversity
• Building local government capacity
• Strengthening linkages between natural and social science and management in the Succulent Karoo
• Capitalising on climate change and renewable energy
• Involving the mining sector
• Raising awareness 

Where we work 

• Greater Richtersveld
• Bushmanland Inselbergs
• Central Namaqualand Coast
• Namaqualand (Kamiesberg) Uplands
• Knersvlakte
• Hantam/Tanqua Roggeveld
• Central Little Karoo
• Central Breede River Valley

Reason for our programme

The Succulent Karoo has breathtaking scenery, interesting endemic animals, a geological paradise and a coastal strip, and some of the oldest communities who still follow a traditional lifestyle.

The Succulent Karoo has about 6 300 plant species of which 38% are endemic. In addition to its annual flower displays, it boasts a large number of geophytes and dwarf succulents.

What we have achieved

• Protected areas doubled
• Half a million hectares better managed
• New discoveries made
• Conservation jobs created
• Social capital strengthened
• State support secured
• More support mobilised
• Industry brought on board

Who we are

The SKEP partnership is currently being co-ordinated and governed by an Interim Steering Committee whose Secretariat role is based and being provided by the Hantam National Botanical Garden.

How to contact us

Tel: +27 (0)27 218 1117

Email: Eugene Marinus

How you can contribute

• Send us your news and events in and around the Succulent Karoo.
• Like and share your Succulent Karoo news, events and activities on the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme (SKEP) Facebook page.
• Subscribe to our newsletter