Ecosystems are a form of natural capital. Invasions by introduced alien plant species alter ecosystems, often reducing supplies of valuable ecosystem goods and services and imposing substantial costs on South Africa’s economy. Reversing these losses by removing alien plants imposes further costs because clearing and control operations are expensive. However, the high costs can be offset by the benefits of creating employment opportunities through such operations and the livelihood benefits that can be derived from the cleared land.

Using the Agulhas Plain as an example, this policy brief compares two different post-clearing land-use options that can be used to support livelihoods in the area, namely: restoring natural capital to allow wildflower harvesting, or using the land for bioenergy production. The different costs and benefits associated with each option are illustrated, together with guidelines about how to deal with selecting post-clearing land-use options.