Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy 2021-2025
A strong network of private and state protected areas has proved to be an important mechanism to conserve biodiversity and improve land management. The Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy for 2021 to 2025 is aligned to the South African National Protected Area Expansion Strategy, the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and the CapeNature Strategic Plan 2021-2025. The identification of priority areas for the protection of biodiversity is informed by the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP) of 2017. Habitat loss, climate change and degradation are among the most pressing threats to biodiversity globally and this is equally true for the Greater Cape Floristic Region, the world’s smallest floristic region and a global biodiversity hotspot.
To support functional ecological processes and climate change adaptation, CapeNature implements a landscape-scale conservation approach. The emphasis is moving from protected area-centric conservation to bridging divisions between geographies, jurisdictions, sectors, and cultures to safeguard ecological, cultural, and economic benefits for all. This approach enables a stronger focus on strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as local municipalities, provincial and national departments, NGOs, other conservation agencies, landowners, and communities. Click here to download the 2021-2025 draft strategy.
Related News
Kai and his friends escape a wildfire
CapeNature in partnership with key stakeholders drives success in wildfire management
From April 2023 to March 2024, CapeNature responded to 89 wildfires, which burned an area of approximately 73 671 hectares, of which 22 762 hectares were on Entity managed land.
KAI AND HIS FRIEND help clean up the beach One
One day, as Kai, the leopard cub, was lying on his back, warming his full tummy in the sun, he was thinking about the class he had attended with his mom, brother, and sister the previous day. It was about survival, the importance of helping your friends and caring for your environment. It all sounded a bit boring, farfetched and un-adventurous! His mom had caught him dosing off in class.
CapeNature discourages engagement with Cape fur seals this holiday season
The public is urged to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines during the upcoming summer holiday season when encountering Cape fur seals. These marine mammals are an integral part of our coastal ecosystem, but it is crucial to recognise that human-wildlife interactions can have severe consequences.
Now you see me, now you don’t: the hidden world of Dwarf Chameleons
The charismatic true chameleons belong to the family Chamaeleonidae and are found throughout much of Africa, Madagascar, southern Spain, southern India, Sri Lanka and the southern Arabian Peninsula. There are more than 160 species globally, which belong to eight genera. The South African endemic genus of Dwarf Chameleons Bradypodion (meaning “slow-
Join the effort to protect the African Penguin at Penguin Palooza 2024 and WIN the opportunity to release one back into the wild
Join CapeNature and SANCCOB for an unforgettable day at the annual Penguin Palooza on Saturday, October 26, 2024! Set in the beautiful Stony Point Nature Reserve, this free event starts at 10:00 and is dedicated to raising awareness about the Endangered African Penguin. This year, the event will see two lucky people win the opportunity to release a penguin back into the wild. The public is encouraged to enter this incredible competition and will need to enter on the day of the event. Entries will close 30 minutes prior to the release.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?