Biodiversity Crimes Awareness Initiatives in the South Landscape

13 Jun 2023 by Phunyuzwa Xhegwana and Phindile Gazu

CapeNature is a managing authority that protects naturally occurring plant and animal life (biodiversity) in the Western Cape. Awareness and capacity-building initiatives were conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders in the respective landscape units. On Monday, the 3rd of April, the Landscape Support Phindile Gazu, together with Gillian Paranzee, the chairperson of Nur Ture Colab and Deputy Secretary of the People & Parks - South Landscape, hosted community members on a guided walk on open land opposite Gwarrie Camp (an informal settlement in Barrydale), showcasing edible and medicinal plants in the area. The proceedings included a #CombattingBiodiversityCrime presentation facilitated by Phindile Gazu and concluded with an interesting Q&A session with the audience. The session inspired community members to landscape public spaces such as the local park in Barrydale to improve its current state.

The Overberg Landscape Unit collaborated with the Overberg Education District and Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) to host a 4-day holiday programme. The programme was hosted at four different locations, including the De Hoop Nature Reserve (Koppie Alleen section) and the Walkerbay Nature Reserve Complex (De Kelder's section). Each day, the audience was treated to an anti-bullying session with a BADISA official, as well as demonstrations from the Fire & Rescue and the K9 unit. Each live demonstration came with showcasing of the equipment used, including sniffer dogs from the K9 unit. Each day, ahead of the demonstrations, the Overberg Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Phunyuzwa Xhegwana, facilitated a #CombattingBiodiversityCrime presentation detailing biodiversity crimes (e.g., the implications of unauthorized faunal/floral harvesting and unlicensed entry into protected areas, as well as starting fires). Thereafter, solutions-based discussions were held, covering topics such as the importance of permits and avoiding unwanted fires.

Share:

Related News

Firefighter1
2 May 2024
CapeNature honours its firefighters ahead of International Firefighters' Day

On 30 April 2024, CapeNature hosted a firefighters appreciation event at Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve to honour the brave men and women who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape’s fire season.

Kogelberg Nature Reserve
1 May 2024
Get CapeNature’s 40% winter discount on your next getaway!

Pack your bags, grab the essentials and head towards one of CapeNature’s pristine reserves for your next winter holiday, and take advantage of our spectacular 40% saving on select self-catering accommodation and campsites.

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.

Jannie Swanepoel 060 A5594
18 Apr 2024 by Image: Jannie Swanepoel, Blog: Luke Folb
Another first for the Cape mountain zebra genetic rescue project

The Cape mountain zebra known as GB42 has had an exciting year! In January, this stallion from Gamkaberg Nature Reserve sired a foal with genetic material from two of the three genetically distinct stocks of the species. In March, there was proof that 2023 was a busy year for GB42 after a second foal was born with genes from all three stocks.

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.

Australasian Gannet AU 2
28 Mar 2024
Unusual bird species welcomed at CapeNature’s Bird Island this summer

CapeNature’s Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lambert’s Bay, known for its stunning seafront vistas and diverse birdlife, recently hosted unexpected visitors that sent bird enthusiasts into a frenzy. In a rare sighting, four Australasian Gannets and two Brown Boobies made a surprise visit to the island.