We believe nature can heal if we listen, act together, and move with care and urgency.

We are Stewards of Nature

We rehabilitate ecosystems by making nature care practical, scalable, and financially viable—so that biodiversity, water, climate, and community wellbeing can thrive together.

“We’re building a model where ecosystems are no longer the afterthought, but the foundation for thriving communities, resilient economies, and a liveable future.”

Bart Hellings, CEO at Stewards of Nature

Our vision

We envision a world where ecosystems are healthy, resilient, and cared for—not exploited. Where invasive species are cleared, native life returns, and restoration becomes a shared responsibility.

Where the shared natural systems are recognized, valued, and protected, not sidelined. Where every person sees themselves not as separate from nature—but as a Steward of it.

Our mission

We develop and employ business-driven models and tools to sustainably rehabilitate and maintain healthy natural ecosystems. We work to bring the care of nature into the heart of our decision-making.

We rehabilitate nature by—for example—clearing invasive plants and turning their biomass into regenerative products—so land can recover, biodiversity can return, and communities can thrive.

Stewards way of working

We remove all invasive alien plants—species that choke out native growth, disrupt water systems, and fuel wildfires—so that nature can restore itself.

We begin by selecting high-impact landscapes, especially those rich in water systems like wetlands, riparian zones, and key catchments.

We focus on water-rich areas where clearing has the highest impact, then work with local teams to remove biomass carefully and restore balance.

As water flows return, fynbos and other native species regenerate, bringing biodiversity back to life.

Stewards of Nature

  • Emiel Hanekamp

    FIBRE SUPPLY

  • Nadia Basson

    SUSTAINABILITY AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER

  • Bart Hellings

    CEO

  • Gwen Landman

    HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

  • Digby Fraser

    FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

  • Joseph Gunn

    PRODUCTION MANAGER

We’re not starting from scratch—we’re already in the field.

Our first project is up and running in South Africa (Gqeberha),

where we’re working towards restoring land, creating jobs, and generating value from previously overlooked biomass. We’re working with local partners and already seeing early signs of impact. 

We’re developing a practical model that brings together ecological restoration and economic viability: one that can adapt to different landscapes, funding sources, and community needs. What we learn in one place, we apply in the next. 

“With our project running in Gqeberha, we’re not only removing these species—we’re helping natural water systems recover, making more water available for people, agriculture, and the land itself. It’s a clear example of how ecological restoration directly supports climate resilience and community wellbeing.”

Willem Jacobs, Landowner relations and sites manager at Stewards of Nature