The illegal trade in fauna and flora continues to present a major threat to
biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape.
The Biodiversity Crime Unit (BCU) has to be continually vigilant to address
new challenges. For example, the wild harvesting of Hoodia gordonii recently
emerged as a significant problem.
CapeNature, through its Biodiversity Crime Unit, has become involved in the investigation of this practice and has been instrumental in:
- uncovering widespread irregularities – which are being investigated further
- reforming the system used to regulate Hoodia gordonii industry participants,
- with the support of the newly founded Southern African Hoodia Growers’
- Association (SAHGA) – and as a result of which the harvesting of wild
- populations of Hoodia gordonii will be phased out by 2008
- the signing of a Benefit Sharing Agreement between SAHGA and the San Council.
