HCV Africa

Specialists in HCV, HCS, and ESIA Excellence

HCV Africa offers extensive experience and in-depth expertise in HCVHigh Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments, as well as comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA). We collaborate on international projects to achieve sustainable and meaningful outcomes.

High Conservation Value (HCV)

High Conservation Value, biodiversity, environmental impact assessments.

High Carbon Stock​ (HCS)

Identifying High Carbon Stock forest areas for protection and ongoing management

Ecological Monitoring & Auditing​

Environmental auditing and impact assessments – mining, agriculture, renewable energy

Environmental Management
(ESIA & ESMP)

Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs)

Environmental & Water Laws
& Advice

Administrative law pertaining, opinions and advice relating to Environmental and Water Law
High Conservation Value (HCV)

High Conservation Value, biodiversity, environmental impact assessments.

High Carbon Stock (HCS)


Identifying High Carbon Stock forest areas for protection and ongoing management

Ecological Monitoring & Auditing​


Environmental auditing and impact assessments – mining, agriculture, renewable energy

Environmental Management (ESIA & ESMP)


Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs)

Environmental & Water Laws
& Advice

Administrative law pertaining, opinions and advice relating to Environmental and Water Law

Licensed High Conservation Value (HCV) & High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessors.
Experienced Environmental Management and Impact Assessment practitioners

 

HCV Africa is an environmental platform based in Africa, providing international-standard services in biodiversity assessments, environmental impact assessments, environmental auditing, and advisory through highly qualified specialists with extensive experience in Africa.

Our team offers a wealth of experience and expertise in environmental management, which allows us to successfully conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments, as well as comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA). Our multidisciplinary team ensures that every project we undertake complies with regulatory and sustainability standards, promotes biodiversity conservation, and minimizes environmental impact.

HCV Africa has a number of specialist scientists and project managers that work as associates to fulfil the disciplines required to conduct successful HCV and HCS assessments and ESIAs/ESMPs.

Mammology

Social Sciences

Herpetology

Aquatic Ecology

Pedology

Botany & Vegetation

Ornithology

Assessment Practitioners

Anthropology

Legal Advice

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Specialists​

 

Our specialists are recognized leaders in their respective fields, with senior members registered as scientists in Africa and Europe. Due to our extensive hands-on experience, we’ve executed complex assessments in challenging and remote environments with limited infrastructure and constrained local capacity. As a result, we have a track record that showcases numerous projects across Africa and globally, with specific expertise in large-scale agribusiness, renewable energy, and other sectors.

The HCV Africa team comprises a diverse range of professionals, specifically ornithologists, botanists, mammologists, aquatic ecologists, terrestrial ecologists, anthropologists, and social scientists. Additionally, these experts have collectively completed HCV and HCS assessments in various regions, including Africa and Asia, showcasing our global reach and adaptability to diverse ecosystems and cultural settings.

Portfolio​

 

HCV Africa’s project portfolio includes several IFC-compliant assessments, and our team deeply understands the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards, particularly those related to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and community involvement.

Every assessment aligns with these global benchmarks to meet the most stringent requirements. Our specialists design environmental management plans (EMP) tailored to meet client needs while ensuring compliance with both local and international regulations, including the Equator Principles (EP4) and the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines set by the IFC.

Our integrated approach combines rigorous scientific methodology with practical insights gained from extensive fieldwork, ensuring that each project achieves the highest relevant sustainability standards, environmental stewardship, and corporate responsibility.

With a proven track record in sectors ranging from mining and oil & gas to agribusiness and renewable energy, HCV Africa is committed to helping our clients meet their environmental and social goals while protecting critical ecosystems and promoting community well-being.

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What are the six HCV’s?


HCV’s are biological, ecological, social or cultural values which are considered outstandingly significant or critically important, at the national, regional, or global level. All natural habitats possess inherent conservation values, including the presence of rare or endemic species, provision of ecosystem services, sacred sites, or resources harvested by the local community.

The HCV African team has the experience and technical knowledge to identify the HCV’s relating to their respective specialist fields.

HCV ONE​

Species Diversity​


Areas containing globally, regionally, or nationally significant concentrations of biodiversity and includes endangered species as well as unique ecosystems which are crucial to wildlife survival.

HCV FOUR

Ecosystem Services​
​

Areas that provide essential ecosystem services, such as water supply, erosion control, and carbon storage, can be especially crucial to local communities and overall environmental health.

HCV TWO

Landscape-Level Ecosystems​
​

Large undisturbed landscapes with natural ecosystems that support viable populations of species across the landscape. These areas are essential for large-scale ecological processes and biodiversity.

HCV FIVE​

Community Needs​

Fundamental areas need to meet the basic needs of the local communities, for example allowing access to gather food, water, or materials essential for the community’s survival.

HCV THREE​

Ecosystems & Habitats​
​

Rare, threatened, or endangered ecosystems, habitats, or refuges, and areas that are critical for conserving biodiversity and ecological processes because they contain unique ecosystem types.

HCV SIX​

Cultural Values​

Sites of significant cultural, archaeological, or religious importance which hold historical, cultural, or spiritual significance for indigenous peoples and local communities.

HCV Africa - Philip Patton

Philip Patton​

The founder of HCV Africa​

He is a licensed High Conservation Value Assessor (ALS15041PP), and HCS Registered Practitioner. Philip holds a B.Sc. Hons (Environmental Science) from the University of Cape Town, and a B.Sc. (Geology and Botany) from the University of Port Elizabeth

Meet The Team

Contact Us

Reach out to us, and one of our experienced specialists will be happy to discuss how we can support your environmental goals with tailored, internationally recognized solutions.
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