Seabird protection in South Africa is ensured through the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), and the Sea birds and Seals Protection Act (No. 46 of 1973). These laws specifically address the conservation of biodiversity and safeguarding marine habitats and their inhabitants. The marine environment, covering 70% of the Earth’s surface, plays a vital role in supporting diverse species and providing valuable ecosystem services.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are crucial for safeguarding species and maintaining the balance of ecosystems. They also contribute to the sustainability of fisheries, which in turn supports livelihoods and boosts the economy. In South Africa, at least 3.6 million people depend on coastal food resources for subsistence, MPAs are managed through the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) and associated regulations. CapeNature oversees six of the 13 MPAs along the Western Cape coast, including the De Hoop MPA.

Nature has long been associated with healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The vast landscapes and unique environments found at CapeNature reserves in South Africa offer the perfect backdrop for visitors looking for a wellness escape. Here are five CapeNature reserves that offer the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and wellness activities for visitors.

The Cape Karoo is truly a remarkable place with its rugged mountain ranges and captivating plant life. Its unique beauty lies in the serene and secluded surroundings, offering a sense of tranquillity and peace. The region is renowned for its historic wonders, including the famous Cango Caves, which showcase breath taking underground formations and enchanting waterfalls that cascade down rocky cliffs, adding to its natural allure.

CapeNature recently launched its Greening Initiatives, a new project under its Plant One Million Trees campaign. The project intends to help communities and schools become more environmentally friendly by assisting them with planning, creating, and maintaining indigenous gardens, with the emphasis on sustainable gardening practices.

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.

The annual CapeNature Conservation Review provides an opportunity to highlight some of the achievements over the last year related to our work in Biodiversity Conservation, Tourism, and Community Engagement.

As we celebrate World Environment Day on June 5th, CapeNature is thrilled to present a selection of captivating presentations that were prepared for the 2023 Conservation Review.

CapeNature, has recently launched a new project under its Plant One Million Tree Campaign. The Greening Initiatives project aims to help schools and communities become more environmentally friendly by providing assistance in planning, creating, and maintaining indigenous gardens and garden areas.

One of CapeNature’s video productions, “Customer Service values - Eco-tourism and Biodiversity Conservation” filmed at its popular Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, was selected among 378 entries from 59 countries as a finalist at the 5^th  Edition of the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA). 

CapeNature is thrilled to unveil an irresistible offer that will warm your heart and your wallet. Immerse yourself in the #CapeNatureWinterWarmer promotion, where you can indulge in nature's finest, cosy fireplaces and eco-friendly hot tubs while enjoying a phenomenal 40% discount on bookings made between 1 May and 31 July 2023.

One can only marvel at the art of botanical drawings. In Figure 1, a coloured engraving of flowering and fruiting stems of Aponogeton distachyos, by F. Sansom, after S. Edwards (Wellcome Collection) can be seen. This very old drawing, done around 1810, beautifully depicts the different parts of this specific plant, best known in the Afrikaans vernacular as waterblommetjies.