2025 Conservation Review Highlights Biodiversity
CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.
The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.
The two-day event, held at the University of Western Cape’s Life Sciences Auditorium on 26 and 27 June, aligned to the theme “Adapting Together: Forging a Resilient Tomorrow”, featured lively panel discussions with both CapeNature and partner panellists on several conservation and biodiversity related topics, which kept the audience captivated.
The highlight of the event took place on day one, as CapeNature released its 2025 State of Conservation Report. The report is underpinned by significant fieldwork, analysis and ecological monitoring across river corridors, mountain fynbos, and coastal habitats. The report also helps to provide a snapshot of how species and ecosystems are faring and where more conservation work is needed to strengthen ecological resilience.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Provincial Minister
CapeNature continues to demonstrate that when we work together, we can achieve good results for conservation in the Western Cape. The partnerships and work showcased at the Conservation Review are measurable environmental outcomes. This event, and the launch of the State of Conservation Report, reflect a collaborative effort in the face of growing environmental pressures in the province.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature
CapeNature CEO, Dr Ashley Naidoo, said collaboration for positive conservation outcomes, incorporating a diversity of land-uses, stakeholders, and mechanisms are all key to promoting positive conservation and biodiversity outcomes.
Without close co-operation with partners, government, and our stakeholders we would not be able to manage our protected areas effectively, meaningfully engage with a wide range of stakeholders and expand our conservation estate.
The event also explored upscaling of enforcement and consideration of the ecological intelligence to effect compliance, highlighting the Entity’s record of prosecutions, advancements in negating the impacts of succulent plant poaching, coastal and marine compliance and enforcement. Other issues explored included the impacts of fire and invasive alien plant management on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, water security, and the increased resilience of our ecosystems and species through partnership, coordinated monitoring, and management.
Professor Robert Balfour, Vice Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Coral Birss, Executive Director of Biodiversity Capabilities at CapeNature
2025 Conservation Review
Gerhard Gerber, Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Head of Department
Related News
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western
Freshwater science takes centre stage at the 2026 SASAqS Conference
The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) is a learned society concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters and their associated biota throughout southern Africa. Established in 1964 as the Limnological Society of South Africa, SASAqS provides an important forum for discussion and sharing of scientific ideas. The two cornerstones of the society's activities are the annual conference and the African Journal of Aquatic Science.
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.