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
Rare Erica species rediscovered after nearly four decades
After an unsuccessful search in 2012, the rare Erica cunoniensis was feared extinct, but in September 2025, a team of conservationists made a rediscovery of this Endangered plant species, found for the first time in nearly four decades.
New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo
A long-cherished dream has come true with the establishment of the 18 000 ha Karoo Gateway Conservancy in the Klaarstroom district. This initiative provides a strong framework for biodiversity conservation in the region through a voluntary agreement among landowners to manage their land in an environmentally sustainable way that promotes biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.
Make space in your heart for penguins at Penguin Palooza 2025
African Penguins are now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with scientists warning they could vanish from the wild by 2035. CapeNature and SANCCOB are collaborating to protect the species at their annual Penguin Palooza event at Stony Point Nature Reserve.
Man convicted and sentenced for attack on Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl thanks to joint efforts
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national Gustigu Mthini, who was found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl along the Sea Point Promenade earlier this year.
The Vrolijkheid Nursery Project is Growing Conservation Through Community
The nursery project at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve has officially entered its early stages of becoming operational, marking an exciting step towards a collaborative conservation and community initiative.
Empowering Communities: How EPWP Transforms Lives Through Skills Development
A well-earned promotion to the permanent position of Maintenance Assistant at Goukamma Nature Reserve was granted to Mr. Graeme Highburg, an EPWP employee at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?