The mission of the Scientific Services Division (SSD) of CapeNature is to provide professional scientific services to support biodiversity conservation programmes in the Western Cape Province.
Conservation scientists and technical assistants aim to:
- provide an inventory and assist in the monitoring of the natural heritage of the Western Cape
- do research or have research done to understand natural systems and processes
- provide new and revise current policies
- ensure technology transfer and capacity building towards effective conservation management
Members of the SSD supply expert advice on indigenous aquatic systems, plants, invertebrates, freshwater fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals to top management, they liaise with outside academic and non-governmental organizations, represent CapeNature at corporative level, and facilitate the flow of conservation biology information to and from the management division.
Members of the SSD form part of the extensive regional management committee network, and accept co-responsibility for management issues pertaining to the regions.
The division gives input into the evaluation of impact assessments for new developments in the region and aims for a balanced approach towards conservation and development in the Western Cape.
The offices of the SSD are situated at the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve in the Jonkershoek Valley 6 km outside Stellenbosch.
