CapeNature shines the spotlight on job creation to mark International Tourism Day
“Tourism for inclusive growth” is the 2021 international theme marking Tourism Month and in specific, Tourism Day celebrated on 27 September 2021. CapeNature has worked tirelessly to deliver on inclusivity, not only in terms of access, but also in terms of local economic development. This day is an opportunity to commemorate CapeNature milestones in reaching its goals of inclusive economic growth, and a skilled and vibrant workforce.
Community engagement and beneficiation is critical to the success of any protected area management. During the last financial year the entity created 1 212 work opportunities through our SMME programme, a further 662 of direct job opportunities through our EPWP programme that benefited 67 communities surrounding our protected areas. The programme stimulates local economic development in mainly rural parts of the province focusing on job creation and skills development of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature says, “We continue to create economic opportunities through eco-tourism for various services such as housekeeping, laundry services, access control and security services and infrastructure maintenance. Public Private Partnerships and tourism concession opportunities with local partners allow us to grow our tourism offerings such as bouldering, zip lining and ferry rides, further stimulating local and regional economic development. A successful tourism industry is built through partnerships with the community, private sector and government.”
Related News
Rocherpan clean-up kicks off MPA Day 2025 celebrations
CapeNature kicked off Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebrations with a community-driven beach clean-up at Rocherpan Nature Reserve on 31 July 2025. With school learners, volunteers, and the ever-popular Cubs Club mascot, Kai, lending a hand, all to highlight the link between marine and ocean protection and a public responsibility for conservation.
New nature reserve secures rare Cape Vernal Pools habitat
The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region). This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.
Biodiversity crime often overlooked but its impact is devastating
Biodiversity crime is a growing and often overlooked threat that directly harms South Africa’s unique ecosystems. From the illegal plant trade in the Western Cape to poaching and even picking wildflowers in protected areas without a permit, these acts all contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and the loss of crucial natural resources.
New EPWP intake launches careers in conservation and eco-tourism in the Western Cape
CapeNature has welcomed 475 new participants into a three-year Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) cycle, emphasising its commitment to skills development, conservation, and community upliftment across the province.
A small cohort of these participants, based at Kogelberg and Stony Point Nature Reserves, were officially welcomed at an event hosted at Kogelberg and led by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.
How biodiversity crime threatens the Western Cape’s people, economy, and ecosystems
Biodiversity crime may sound like something intangible compared to other crimes encountered on a daily basis in our lives, but it is a very real and growing threat to our planet’s delicate ecosystems. It includes any illegal activity that harms plants, animals, or the ecosystems they depend on from high-profile crimes like rhino poaching to illegal plant trade in the Western Cape. It can even be something as simple as picking wildflowers in a nature reserve without permission or a permit.
Young leopard dies after being caught in gin traps near Heidelberg
CapeNature can confirm the death of a young leopard following a call to assist in a rescue operation on 2 July in the Heidelberg area, near the World Heritage Site of Boosmansbos.
Officials discovered a young 13 kg male leopard, estimated to be around six months old, ensnared in two gin traps set adjacent to each other. One front paw and one hind leg were caught. Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the leopard did not survive.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?