Image related to website content

Invitation to comment on the Draft 2023 Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan

3 Jun 2024

In terms of section 34(1) of the Western Cape Biodiversity Act, 2021 (Act 6 of 2021) (the Act), CapeNature must prepare a Draft Biodiversity Spatial Plan (the Draft Plan) and submit it to the Provincial Minister responsible for environmental affairs in the Western Cape for adoption. Before adopting the Draft Plan, a consultative process in accordance with section 34(2) and (3) of the Act must be followed. Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on the Draft Plan using the comment form provided by the 30th of July 2024.

Click here to see all relevant documents as well as the form to submit comments.

Share:

Related News

Anysberg Nature Reserve copyright Scott N Ramsay www yearinthewild com 40
14 Jul 2025
How biodiversity crime threatens the Western Cape’s people, economy, and ecosystems

Biodiversity crime may sound like something intangible compared to other crimes encountered on a daily basis in our lives, but it is a very real and growing threat to our planet’s delicate ecosystems. It includes any illegal activity that harms plants, animals, or the ecosystems they depend on from high-profile crimes like rhino poaching to illegal plant trade in the Western Cape. It can even be something as simple as picking wildflowers in a nature reserve without permission or a permit.

Leopard
10 Jul 2025
Young leopard dies after being caught in gin traps near Heidelberg

CapeNature can confirm the death of a young leopard following a call to assist in a rescue operation on 2 July in the Heidelberg area, near the World Heritage Site of Boosmansbos.

Officials discovered a young 13 kg male leopard, estimated to be around six months old, ensnared in two gin traps set adjacent to each other. One front paw and one hind leg were caught. Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the leopard did not survive.

Whats App Image 2025 04 25 at 19 14 07 2
9 Jul 2025
Darwin200 Young Leaders & CapeNature Launch Inspiring Documentaries

Three DARWIN200 young leaders worked hand in hand with CapeNature to produce awe-inspiring and heartwarming videos on the Cape vulture colony of Potberg, the bontebok at De Hoop Nature Reserve and the invasive carp at Groenvlei. Click read more to watch the videos.

White rhino
9 Jul 2025
Three Arrested for Illegal Rhino Horn Trade

On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks) assisted by SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg and Stock Theft and Endangered Species based in Swellendam, executed an undercover operation at Buffeljags River, N2 route outside of Swellendam.

Three suspects were arrested after being found in possession of the rhino horn and engaged in a transaction to sell the rhino horn during an undercover operation. CapeNature officials were contacted to assist in the further investigation of the case, which was subsequently registered at the Swellendam Police Station.

BOCMA Capacity building Rhett Smart
3 Jul 2025 by Rhett Smart
BOCMA & CapeNature Boost Water Sustainability

On 8 May 2025 a capacity building event was held at the Barn Owl Conference Venue in Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve provided by the Breede Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) to CapeNature staff from Landscape South and Central. BOCMA are responsible for implementing the National Water Act (NWA) within the Breede and Gouritz catchments, which regulates water use. A similar event was held in Oudtshoorn with the Landscape East staff on 23 May 2025. Water is an essential natural resource that requires responsible management to ensure the sustainability of the resource both for human use and ecological function.

Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA Marine Impact Award Image 1
1 Jul 2025
Marine Dynamics Wins ATTA® Award

Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.