CapeNature embarks on exciting partnership this Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 April and brings environmental issues that are of greatest concern to the fore. This year’s theme is “Restore our Earth” and speaks directly to climate action.
Waste remains one of the top climate change contributors and CapeNature has made incredible progress in finding innovative ways to contribute to solving this problem. According to CapeNature’s CEO, Dr Razeena Omar, “The entity has put a variety of programmes in place to encourage responsible citizenry with the focus on litter in and around our hiking trails and beaches. We have implemented a voluntary clean-up programme on the iconic Whale Trail and initiated a series of clean up and educational events around the Western Cape. Most recently, we entered into negotiations with the Hikers Network. Volunteers from this network will assist us with cleaning and clearing trails, as well as trail audits and trail monitoring.”
The Hikers Network will also run awareness campaigns amongst their clubs and members. This non-profit organisation’s main objective is to create a diverse and vibrant hiking community and it currently has 4 800 registered members across the Western Cape. CapeNature will also support access for environmental education groups from disadvantaged communities arranged by the group. Anwaaz Bent, president of the Hikers Network, has fully committed to making this partnership work, “The Hikers Network with its core mission concentrating on communities, education and safe, responsible access welcomes this initiative and partnership with CapeNature. We will endeavour to grow this initiative with teamwork.”
Visitors to the Whale Trail, located within the De Hoop Nature Reserve, are also proving that most hikers want to play a part in keeping our nature areas clean and healthy. More than 50% of hikers participate in the optional clean-up whilst walking the trail.
CapeNature encourages the public to get involved in clean ups and make a difference this Earth Day. A variety of clean ups are being planned across the Western Cape between 22 and 30 April. The entity appeals to hikers and visitors to leave only their footprints behind, to dispose of waste responsibly and to #DontBeTrashy. For more information and a full list of planned clean ups email learning@capenature.co.za.
Related News
Roll-out of baboon-proof bins to start as northern fence gets under way
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team is pleased to announce key developments related to the practical implementation of the approved Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP). The Action Plan that guides the practical implementation of the CPBSMP was approved by SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town in November 2025.
Explore the Western Cape for free this Access Week – Nature is for Everyone
A week of free access to some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular natural spaces is on offer this September, as CapeNature opens the gates to selected nature reserves for its 12th annual Access Week. Taking place from 19–25 September 2026 under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, Access Week invites individuals, families and communities to explore participating reserves without paying a conservation entry fee.
CapeNature extends cashless payments to more nature reserves
Building on the success of its initial rollout, CapeNature will extend its cashless payment system to a further five nature reserves in September 2026, in line with its ongoing commitment to service excellence, sustainability and safety. Following the successful transition to cashless payments at Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay nature reserves earlier this year, CapeNature will expand the cashless payment system to reach more visitors across the Western Cape.
CapeNature updates fees for commercial filming across its reserves
From fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous forests to rugged coastlines and Marine Protected Areas, CapeNature’s reserves have long provided a diverse backdrop for local and international film and television productions. From 1 October 2026, CapeNature is updating its commercial filming tariff structure to better align fees with the scale of productions and the demands they place on protected area management.
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive
CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences
CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and