Commencement of the Western Cape Biodiversity Act, 2021 (Act 6 of 2021)
“The Western Cape Biodiversity Act allows us to modernise our thinking on biodiversity, driven through partnerships with key sectors and communities to promote the conservation of our biodiversity while also allowing for development, economic growth, and job creation,” Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said.
Minister Bredell said the Biodiversity Act, which was signed into law earlier in November 2022, will come into effect in a phased manner. Certain sections of the WCBA have come into effect on 15 November which is an important step towards having a modern environmental management framework that is in step with current realities in the Western Cape, South Africa, and globally. “We are driving proactive approaches to enable the identification, prioritisation and conservation of key species, habitats and ecosystems, and to identify and implement special management measures to ensure ecological resilience and future-proof our economy and basic needs provided through natural resources”.
Anton Bredell noted: “The Western Cape Province has been anticipating the outcome of the up-and-coming Conference of Parties for the Convention of Biological Diversity which will decide a new Global Biodiversity Framework. This includes some incredible stretch targets that could see the nations across the glove unite to secure the protection off the earth’s biosphere. A critical part of these agreements is Access and Benefit Sharing. The WCBA and its implementation through regulations will enable a transformed biodiversity economy focusing on enabling access to critical resources in an equitable and sustainable and manner.
The WC Biodiversity Act sets out a best practice model for the governance of public entities in the conservation space. This will further enable CapeNature’s successes and ability to pursue the multiple objectives of protection and management of the world-renowned biodiversity and ensure that protected areas enable economic opportunities in local rural economies. CapeNature’s ecotourism product is among the best in the world and has significant opportunity for optimisation and expansion.
In this way the Act Integrates administrative provisions and institutions for the conservation, restoration, management and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems in the Western Cape Province.
Anton Bredell explained that the proactive protection of and investment in ecosystem and ecological infrastructure restoration is a low- to no- risk climate change adaptation strategy ensuring the resilience of landscapes, people and the economy. Key to this is the optimisation of investment into ecological infrastructure restoration which reduces fire, water and climate risk while offering a range of job and economic opportunities.
CapeNature and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) will now commence on a public participation process where interested parties will be consulted to formulate and co-create several regulations within the Act. Opportunity for participation will be advertised in the near future.
Contact:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
079 694 3085
Related News
Stewardship practitioners tackle mining, municipal and agricultural interfaces at annual CapeNature Stewardship Workshop
The 23rd Annual CapeNature Stewardship Peer Learning Workshop was held between 29 and 30 October 2026 under the theme "Stewardship Interface: Connecting with Key Stakeholders – Where, How and Why." The workshop brought together 75 delegates representing 26 organisations and provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and capacity building among stewardship practitioners. Designed to strengthen practitioners' understanding of
Relax and explore another day on us this Black Friday
Make the most of the season with our Black Friday 3-for-2 accommodation promotion at select nature reserves. It's the perfect excuse to slow down, unwind, and enjoy everything our unique accommodation and on-site amenities have to offer - ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. Spend your evening beneath starry skies in the Cape Karoo, soak up the warm weather and mountain pools of the Overberg, or take a scenic drive along the West Coast, where blue skies, vibrant landscapes, nearby beaches, or a private pool awaits.
Green Noise named SA Podcast Awards finalist
Green Noise, CapeNature's podcast, has been named a finalist in the Best Education category at the 2026 South African Podcast Awards. The podcast is one of five finalists in the category, competing alongside Pippa Hudson's Curriculum Bootcamp and Dr Carra's The Paws & Effect Podcast, among others. Finalists are scored across six criteria: concept and originality, content quality, host performance, structure and pacing, audience connection and production quality. Each entry is scored blind by an independent panel of judges.
CapeNature to phase out trade in California kingsnakes
CapeNature is phasing out trade in California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis californiae) in the Western Cape over a two-year transition period that began on 1 April 2026, after a risk assessment classified the species as high risk for invasion. Animals already lawfully held may remain in captivity for the remainder of their natural lives. The assessment, which used the Bomford (2008) rapid risk assessment model, identified the potential for ecological disruption and competition with indigenous species should
HeliHack volunteers clear 5 334 invasive pines from Boosmansbos
Twenty-three volunteers were flown by helicopter into the remote upper slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area from 23–25 October 2026, where they cut down 5 334 invasive alien pine trees across 904 hectares. The operation, led by the HeliHack Initiative in partnership with CapeNature, comes as the region is still recovering from the wildfires of 2025. With the South African Weather Service forecasting a strong El Niño and warmer, drier conditions through the 2026/27 summer, the fire risk in the months
CapeNature welcomes conviction of Cape Town woman in case involving 145 reptiles
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction of Mrs Jacqueline Hewett of Woodstock, Cape Town, on all six charges relating to the unlawful acquisition, possession and keeping in captivity of 145 reptiles. The offences involved snakes, geckos and lizards, including protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited species, kept at a shop in Lower Main Road, Observatory and her residence in Woodstock in March 2023.