Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy 2021-2025

19 Aug 2021

A strong network of private and state protected areas has proved to be an important mechanism to conserve biodiversity and improve land management. The Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy for 2021 to 2025 is aligned to the South African National Protected Area Expansion Strategy, the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and the CapeNature Strategic Plan 2021-2025. The identification of priority areas for the protection of biodiversity is informed by the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP) of 2017. Habitat loss, climate change and degradation are among the most pressing threats to biodiversity globally and this is equally true for the Greater Cape Floristic Region, the world’s smallest floristic region and a global biodiversity hotspot.

To support functional ecological processes and climate change adaptation, CapeNature implements a landscape-scale conservation approach. The emphasis is moving from protected area-centric conservation to bridging divisions between geographies, jurisdictions, sectors, and cultures to safeguard ecological, cultural, and economic benefits for all. This approach enables a stronger focus on strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as local municipalities, provincial and national departments, NGOs, other conservation agencies, landowners, and communities. Click here to download the 2021-2025 draft strategy.

Share:

Related News

Pengiun Article
24 Apr 2024
Collaborative Conservation benefits the Stony Point African Penguin Colony

In the heart of Betty’s Bay lies the Stony Point African Penguin colony, a critical breeding ground for these beloved seabirds. This colony has become a beacon of hope thanks to the collaborative efforts of several key partners: CapeNature, SANCCOB, Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT)/African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-SA), and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Together, these entities have implemented an integrated programme that has positively impacted the local penguin population.

Tegan Smith Photography 19 1
15 Apr 2024
More Reserves Added to the CapeNature Mobile App: Adventure Awaits!

What does this mean for you? More destinations to travel to and explore at the ease of your fingertips! CapeNature is making local travel an easier with the latest update to our visitor mobile app!

WTM CN 40893 1
15 Apr 2024
CapeNature shines bright at WTM as attendance grows

World Travel Market (WTM) Africa concluded with impressive momentum, reflecting a 53% increase in attendees, indicating robust growth in African tourism.

Picture 112
5 Apr 2024
Guardians of the galaxias: How partnerships are key to identification and conservation of unique fynbos fish taxa

The Cape galaxias, Galaxias zebratus, are a small-bodied freshwater fish with a wide distribution in the Cape Fold Ecoregion. While being described as far back as 1861, it was only recently discovered that the single widespread species is a species complex comprising several unique and genetically diverse lineages.

Geometric Tortoise 1 W1600 Mcrop upscale1 autoformat compress CZ1 I1 P50 50 ratio
4 Mar 2024
Herculean Effort to Save Critically Endangered Tortoise During Recent Fire

In late January 2024, CapeNature was alerted to a fire in the vicinity of one of its stewardship partners, and also an area of concern for the critically endangered, geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) according to IUCN Red List.

Feb24 Fish survey 3 credit Melanie de Mornay SAN Parks
1 Mar 2024 by Drs Martine Jordaan & Marienne de Villiers
Fish and Forests: Sampling the rivers of the Garden Route Nature Reserve Complex

A baseline survey of the Garden Route Nature Reserve complex was completed in January 2024 to provide updated information on the freshwater fish community of the reserve complex and inform future management interventions.