CapeNature Conservation Review 2024 brings excellence in sustainable conservation practices to the forefront
CapeNature showcased its achievements realised through its dedication to fostering sound governance, innovative eco-tourism offerings, successful conservation operations, and exceptional biodiversity protection at its CapeNature Conservation Review 2024.
The event, held at the UWC Life Sciences Auditorium on 27 and 28 June, highlighted the Entity’s successful operations covering the 2023/24 period, aligned to the theme “Journey to a Greener Tomorrow, Together.” A number of CapeNature’s implementation partners also attended the event, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects.
The golden thread throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Lively panel discussions featuring both CapeNature and partner panellists on several conservation and ecotourism related topics kept the audience captivated.
Some of the Entity’s highlights for the period under review include adding over 45 000 ha to the protected area estate, 11 biodiversity stewardship site agreements were signed, tourism products grew by 133%, and the release of the fifth rendition of the five-year State of Biodiversity Report.
The State of Biodiversity Report 2023 provides a detailed synopsis of the changes and trends over the 2019-2023 reporting period as they relate to the conservation status of species and ecosystems, biodiversity crime, fire, invasive alien species and protected area expansion.
With increasing population density, financial constraints and demand on natural resources, sustainable practices, partnerships and innovative solutions are essential for conserving ecosystem services.
Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, emphasised the impact as well as the opportunity that migration to the province and higher levels of economic activity has on the environment.
“Without intelligent conservation planning, effective execution of these plans, and strong enforcement of relevant legislation, the consequences for our ecosystems will be very negative,” said Minister Bredell.
He added, “Our Western Cape Biodiversity Act is a good example of intelligent and forward-looking conservation planning. We are also making good progress with our Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan, which is currently out for public comment. This Plan will be of critical importance in the future to guide us in protecting the environment whilst also accommodating people and their activities.”
CapeNature CEO, Dr Ashley Naidoo, said the Entity’s conservation and eco-tourism operations were driven by the understanding that vibrant ecosystems are the bedrock of a population’s wellbeing.
“We manage large amounts of protected areas, ensuring that these nature reserves and marine protected areas can continue to provide essential services, while also turning our tourism visitors into ambassadors for the environment.”
Dr Naidoo added, CapeNature’s work extends beyond the boundaries of a nature reserve with communities and stakeholders central to the goals of the Entity.
“We actively engage with local communities, landowners, businesses and government departments to promote sustainable practices and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.”
Related News
Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026
The last bout of extreme weather began in early May, when a cut-off low-pressure system hit the Garden Route. A week later, two powerful cold fronts swept through the rest of the Province, unleashing torrential rains and gale-force winds. The result has been widespread damage, with 85% of all reserves reporting at least some form of damage. The Cederberg region has emerged as the hardest hit.
Huis River aquatic invertebrate survey strengthens partnerships for freshwater ecosystem conservation
In the upper reaches of the Huis River near Barrydale, a recent aquatic macroinvertebrate survey is helping to inform conservation decisions for the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli), including the potential expansion of its range into upstream habitats in the river. The survey was conducted in partnership with
Ongoing efforts to safeguard the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin through monitoring
The Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli) is one of South Africa’s most range-restricted freshwater fishes. It is endemic to the Huis–Tradouw River catchment near Barrydale in the Western Cape. The species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its small and fragmented distribution, threats from invasive fish species, pollution, water abstraction, and habitat degradation.
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge
The Big Biodiversity Challenge Returns to Inspire Young Eco-Champions
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, Western Cape Government, SANBI, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, announces the return of its flagship biodiversity competition for learners in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature urges public not to unnecessarily remove chameleons following Garden Route storms
Members of the public are urged to assist wildlife responsibly following recent severe weather events in the Garden Route, and to avoid the unnecessary removal of chameleons from their natural habitat. Following severe storms experienced in the region over the last two weeks, many trees have lost branches or fallen entirely. As a result, some small animals have been displaced from their natural habitat.