Activity Description: Since 1995, the South African based Working for Water (WFW) Programme has worked to clear invading alien plants (IAPs) from the country, and continues its efforts with over 350 projects currently in operation.

According to WFW, IAPs, "waste 7% of [South Africa's] water resources; reduce [SA's] ability to farm; intensify flooding and fires; cause erosion, destruction of rivers, siltation of dams and estuaries, and poor water quality and can cause a mass extinction of indigenous plants and animals."

A recently instituted WFW project and a 2005 winner of the World Bank's Development Marketplace competition, uses invasive alien wood to manufacture low-cost, culturally and socially acceptable coffins.

While benefitting the environment, creating jobs and increasing incomes for local manufacturers, the coffins priced at US$60 (15% below current prices) will reduce funeral costs for the bereaved. To ensure the affordability and cultural acceptability of the coffins, the Wfw project team will partner with faith-based organizations.