Our Projects
Empowering Lives, Cultivating FuturesA Story of Transformation
At the Greater Riverside Biodiversity Initiative (GRBI), environmental conservation and community empowerment go hand in hand. Through our partnership with South Africa’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), we create meaningful employment opportunities for young people in Mbombela while investing in their future.
The GRBI provides EPWP work opportunities within the Greater Riverside area, where unemployed youth gain practical experience while helping maintain and protect important natural spaces along the Nels River and surrounding green areas.
Beyond providing temporary employment, the programme focuses strongly on training and empowerment. Participants develop practical environmental skills as well as essential life skills that prepare them for long-term employment.
During their time with GRBI, EPWP workers receive training in:
These skills open doors to employment in landscaping, conservation, environmental management, tourism, and land management.
The programme has already created meaningful impact. Over 80% of participants who complete their EPWP term with GRBI go on to find employment in the environmental sector or related industries.
Every restored green space, maintained trail, and improved public area represents more than environmental progress — it represents opportunity, dignity, and a stronger future for young people in our community.
RIVERSIDE LITTERBOOM PROJECT STOPPING PLASTIC AT THE SOURCE
The Riverside Litterboom Project protects rivers and ecosystems in Mbombela by intercepting plastic and litter before it flows downstream. By tackling pollution upstream, we safeguard our rivers, wildlife, and the Indian Ocean.
Key Highlights:
* Engages local communities, businesses, and the public to sustain operations
* Annual monitoring and community involvement to track environmental impact
Partners Making This Possible:
Green Guru, Wolf Plumbing and Maintenance, Duise Designs, Greater Riverside Biodiversity Initiative (GRBI), Durabuild, 2Care4Water
The project demonstrates how local action has global impact, restoring natural ecosystems one river at a time while inspiring community involvement in conservation.
CARING FOR CATS PROJECT HUMANE MANAGEMENT OF STRAY AND FERAL CATS
The Caring for Cats Project helps stray and feral cats in the Riverside precinct through a Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) program, ensuring cats live safely while stabilizing local populations and protecting the environment.
Key Highlights:
This project demonstrates how humane cat management can benefit both the community and the local environment, creating a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable Riverside precinct.
WETLAND MAINTENANCEPROTECTING RIVERSIDE’S NATURAL SPACES
GRBI is committed to environmental care through regular wetland maintenance and grass cutting across the Riverside precinct. These efforts ensure that wetlands remain clean, healthy, and well managed for both the ecosystem and the community.
Key Highlights:
Through responsible wetland management, GRBI protects natural ecosystems, encourages biodiversity, and ensures that Riverside’s wetlands continue to thrive for the benefit of both nature and the community.
RIVERSIDE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT
GRBI’s nursery – Roots of the Reserves, grows indigenous and ornamental plants to restore habitats, enhance urban spaces, and support biodiversity across the Riverside precinct.
Key Highlights:
Through careful cultivation, GRBI’s nursery strengthens biodiversity, restores habitats, and encourages sustainable urban gardening — helping the community and the environment thrive together.
