Image related to website content

Biodiversity Crimes Awareness Initiatives in the South Landscape

13 Jun 2023 by Phunyuzwa Xhegwana and Phindile Gazu

CapeNature is a managing authority that protects naturally occurring plant and animal life (biodiversity) in the Western Cape. Awareness and capacity-building initiatives were conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders in the respective landscape units. On Monday, the 3rd of April, the Landscape Support Phindile Gazu, together with Gillian Paranzee, the chairperson of Nur Ture Colab and Deputy Secretary of the People & Parks - South Landscape, hosted community members on a guided walk on open land opposite Gwarrie Camp (an informal settlement in Barrydale), showcasing edible and medicinal plants in the area. The proceedings included a #CombattingBiodiversityCrime presentation facilitated by Phindile Gazu and concluded with an interesting Q&A session with the audience. The session inspired community members to landscape public spaces such as the local park in Barrydale to improve its current state.

Image related to website content
Image related to website content

The Overberg Landscape Unit collaborated with the Overberg Education District and Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) to host a 4-day holiday programme. The programme was hosted at four different locations, including the De Hoop Nature Reserve (Koppie Alleen section) and the Walkerbay Nature Reserve Complex (De Kelder's section). Each day, the audience was treated to an anti-bullying session with a BADISA official, as well as demonstrations from the Fire & Rescue and the K9 unit. Each live demonstration came with showcasing of the equipment used, including sniffer dogs from the K9 unit. Each day, ahead of the demonstrations, the Overberg Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Phunyuzwa Xhegwana, facilitated a #CombattingBiodiversityCrime presentation detailing biodiversity crimes (e.g., the implications of unauthorized faunal/floral harvesting and unlicensed entry into protected areas, as well as starting fires). Thereafter, solutions-based discussions were held, covering topics such as the importance of permits and avoiding unwanted fires.

Share:

Related News

20240705 111126
5 Jul 2024
The secret of CapeNature’s new ambassador is out!

CapeNature is thrilled to announce the identity of its new Cubs Club ambassador, Kai the Cape leopard cub. Kai was introduced to the public and a group of Cubs Club members on Friday, 5 July 2024, for the very first time.

Blog Bouldering
5 Jul 2024
What you need to know: Bouldering in Rocklands Cederberg, South Africa

It’s a crisp, sunny Winter’s morning in a far-flung corner of the Western Cape. Despite the early hour and the cold conditions blanketing the Pakhuis Pass, at the northern-most tip of the Cederberg mountains, the air is filled with cheering and whoops of elation.

Baboon icon
4 Jul 2024
Call on communities, interested parties to nominate representatives to serve on Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, is calling on communities from baboon-affected areas, stakeholders, and organisations from the South Peninsula with a direct interest in baboon management to nominate representatives to serve on the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group. Click to read more.

Tegansmithphotography goukamma fisheagle 4468
1 Jul 2024
A gift voucher from you is a gift to nature.

The gift worth giving - any season, any occasion, and any time - is the perfect opportunity to make someone feel loved with CapeNature. Our online gift vouchers do not have to be wrapped to spark emotion, doing less has never been more satisfying to nature.

Dr Ashley Naidoo Minister Anton Bredell Prof Tyrone Pretorius HOD Gerhard Gerber
28 Jun 2024
CapeNature Conservation Review 2024 brings excellence in sustainable conservation practices to the forefront

CapeNature showcased its achievements realised through its dedication to fostering sound governance, innovative eco-tourism offerings, successful conservation operations, and exceptional biodiversity protection at its CapeNature Conservation Review 2024.

Vaalkrans Sharp Rock Cape Nature
28 Jun 2024
Call for Nominations to serve on the CapeNature Board

Call for nominations to serve on the CapeNature Board is now open. Four Board appointments (two Finance Management, one Biodiversity Conservation and one Human Resource Management will be effective from 30 August 2024; while a further two Board appointments (Corporate Governance, and Eco-tourism and Biodiversity Economy) will be effective from 15 June 2025. Nominations close on 28 July 2024.