Stewardship Peer Learning Workshop
It has been 3 years since CapeNature was last in the position to host an annual Peer Learning Workshop that could compare to previous ones. This workshop however will be remembered for the positive energy that was brought about by CapeNature stewardship staff and our incredible partners in the landscape. It truly reflected the desire to connect, share and learn.
The 44 participants representing 16 different organisations, attended the 2-day workshop at the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve where the beauty of the place vividly reminded us that we need to look after what we’ve got, which was the over-arching theme of the 2022 workshop.
The importance of landowner extension and the perseverance in trying to change perceptions were highlighted and new innovative ways that can be used as steppingstones towards formal stewardship were presented. A Custodianship Agreement is a simple and effective tool used by Kammanassie Nature Reserve to encourage landowners to take ownership in the management of Cape Mountain Zebras. Building relationships and maintaining trust is the motto carried by the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve to take landowners on a journey towards management plan development and implementation.
‘Ways to improve our effectiveness’ drew discussions towards capacity and resource constraints and it was encouraging to see that there are more cost-effective alternatives to secure long-term conservation through conservation servitudes. The effort our partners put into developing alternatives that encourage landowners to participate in conservation is key to the success in maintaining momentum and eventually contribute towards reaching our provincial and national protected area targets.
Presentations on habitat restoration, which was the sub-theme of the workshop, sparked such positive and energetic discussions amongst the group that it made everyone hopeful for the future. It was incredible to experience the different restoration approaches in the different landscapes and it showed that the project leaders are committed to try new methods, record, and analyse their efficacy. The successes of the restoration projects are appreciated by landowners and the direct benefits bring about change, co-operation, and enhanced conservation outcomes.
The 2-day workshop ended with a field trip to Dikkopkraal Nature Reserve, a stewardship site bordering Grootvadersbosch. CapeNature’s fauna specialist showed the group the diversity of indigenous fish species which have been recorded at the site as part of an ongoing monitoring project. The life-cycle and survival instinct of these vulnerable fish fascinated the group and reminded us what is still out there to see and to learn, making Peer Learning an inspiring uplifting event not to be missed.
Related News
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve
In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.
The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025
CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.
CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.
“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire
The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” — a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible.
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future
Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.
Task team briefs Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group on progress and way forward
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, hosted its second meeting with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) on 27 May 2025. The Shark Spotters who are implementing selected operational tasks under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership, also provided feedback on progress and challenges with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?