Summary of biodiversity actions in cultivation and wild harvest of Buchu in South Africa

 
 

This is a summary of researched and validated biodiversity-friendly practices in Buchu production in South Africa. These practices were studied and compiled over 12 months as part of BioInnovation Africa (BIA), a project commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The project has supported biodiversity-based, African-European value chains for social-ecological change in partner countries. As part of this project, GIZ formed a partnership with UEBT, the South African Rooibos Council (SARC) and Martin Bauer. UEBT, through the local expertise of NaturaLibra and in collaboration with Buchu producers, compiled this summary of the key practices for cultivation and wild collection of Buchu that have been followed and are proving to support the regeneration of wild Buchu population as well as the resilience of Buchu farming without negative consequences on the environment. 

  • Document type: Summary report

  • Date: February 2026

 
download
 
Nelly Debril