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
World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline. HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are
CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most
The perfect time for a family escape into nature
Winter in the Western Cape is often misunderstood. While many people think of it as a season best spent indoors, it is actually one of the most rewarding times to slow down, reconnect, and take a short break close to home. For domestic travellers, especially families planning around the school holidays, winter offers the ideal opportunity to step away from routine without the stress of long travel or high-season crowds. It is a chance to rediscover what is right on your doorstep.
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.
CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Applications are hereby invited for candidates to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee of CapeNature.
The member shall be independent from CapeNature, be contracted for a maximum period of two terms of three years each and will be remunerated for attendance at meetings.
Closing date for applications: 3 July 2026
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.