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
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of
State of Conservation Report 2026 tracks progress and pressures facing Western Cape biodiversity
The Western Cape’s biodiversity is facing mounting pressure, with a sharp increase in the area affected by fires and more ecosystems and species classified as threatened, according to the Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026. The report records 107 fires that burned 215 936 hectares during the 2025/26 reporting period – almost three times the 75 174 hectares burned by 97 fires in the previous reporting period.
El Niño raises fire risk as Western Cape prepares for a challenging fire season
The Western Cape is preparing for a potentially challenging wildfire season, with the developing El Niño weather pattern expected to contribute to hotter and drier conditions and an increased risk of wildfires across the province. The South African Weather Service has warned of below-normal rainfall associated with the expected strong El Niño during the coming summer season. While El Niño does not automatically mean that every part of the province will experience drought
Cape fur seal safety remains important this World Rabies Day
On World Rabies Day (28 September), CapeNature is reminding residents and visitors to keep a safe distance from Cape fur seals and to act immediately if they or their pets are bitten, scratched or exposed to a seal’s saliva. Rabies has been detected in Cape fur seals along the South African coastline and by the end of 2025, at least 176 people had been bitten by seals. While most seals do not pose a threat to people, they are wild animals and should never be approached, touched, fed or encouraged to interact with humans.
How Waste Affects Biodiversity and What We Can Do About It
Waste is more than an eyesore. Littered streets, polluted rivers and overflowing landfills are visible signs of a much wider environmental problem. Every year, people generate large volumes of waste, yet much of it is not managed effectively. In South Africa, more than 60% of waste has been reported as ending up in landfills. With service-delivery challenges and many major landfill sites approaching capacity, the pressure on communities and natural ecosystems continues to grow. Both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity carry much of the impact.