THE CONSERVATION HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Banking biodiversity today, for tomorrow
Protecting Natural Heritage for Generations to Come
The Conservation Heritage Foundation raises philanthropic funding to support high-impact conservation initiatives across southern Africa. We invest in both targeted conservation projects and a long-term Endowment Fund — building a sustainable foundation for people and nature to thrive.
Why Biodiversity is Essential to Life
Biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy planet and resilient communities.
We depend on it for:
Food and
Medicine
Clean air and
fresh water
Protection from
natural disasters
Cultural heritage, recreation, and economic opportunity
A thriving natural environment supports every aspect of human well-being.
Conservation with Purpose
About the Foundation
Learn who we are
and why we exist.
Our Purpose
Explore our conservation
goals and vision.
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The Growing Threat to Natural Capital
Globally and in South Africa, biodiversity is under pressure. Unsustainable land use, habitat destruction, and climate change continue to erode the ecosystems we rely on.
At the same time, growing economic and social needs put added pressure on the land. In this context, conservation can no longer be treated as optional — it is essential to long-term development, social equity, and environmental resilience.
With the right planning and support, we can achieve all three goals — economic, social, and environmental — together.
The Growing Threat to Natural Capital
To meet the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, we need bold investment. Globally, the biodiversity funding gap is estimated at over US$700 billion per year.
In many cases, governments either cannot commit these funds or fail to recognise the direct link between biodiversity loss and socio-economic decline. Without urgent financial action, the costs will be far greater in the long run.
Without urgent financial action, the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework — and the ecosystems that support us all — will remain out of reach.
Conservation funding in South Africa
South Africa currently allocates less than 1% of its national budget to biodiversity, despite our economy’s deep reliance on natural resources.
Sporadic, short-term funding leaves conservation efforts vulnerable.
With long-term, reliable support, we can:
Protect endangered species and vital ecosystems
Strengthen the management of protected areas
Create green jobs and empower local communities
Sustainable conservation is not a luxury — it's an investment in life itself.
The Conservation Heritage Foundation
To help close the conservation funding gap, Conservation Outcomes has established the Conservation Heritage Foundation — an independent fund dedicated to mobilising long-term financial resources for conservation in Southern Africa.
The fund will work to: