Western Cape to benefit from CapeNature’s 2026 Greening Initiative
CapeNature will continue its Greening Initiatives in 2026, building on the success of previous programmes that supported schools and communities in establishing indigenous gardens and non-invasive food gardens across the Western Cape.
The initiative forms part of CapeNature’s Plant One Million Trees campaign, which contributes to the National Government’s Plant 10 Million Trees initiative aimed at increasing tree planting and promoting environmental sustainability throughout South Africa.
Through the Greening Initiatives, CapeNature partners with schools and community groups to create and maintain green spaces that promote biodiversity, environmental awareness, and sustainable living. These spaces not only enhance local environments but also serve as outdoor learning areas where learners and community members can gain practical knowledge about biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable practices.
As part of the 2026 programme, CapeNature will launch a fun and engaging greening competition for schools and communities across the Province. The competition will encourage participants to develop or improve their gardens by planting indigenous plants, maintaining green spaces and promoting environmental stewardship. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and commitment to sustainability while competing for recognition and support from CapeNature. The initiative aims to inspire learners and community members to actively participate in protecting the environment.
The competition will launch on 13 April 2026 to coincide with International Plant Appreciation Day and will run until 15 May 2026.
Greening initiatives are particularly important in the Western Cape due to the region’s unique biodiversity and environmental challenges. Creating green spaces helps improve air quality, reduce heat in urban areas, and provides habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife.
CapeNature encourages residents of the Western Cape to plant indigenous plants and trees during the winter months, when rainfall is more frequent, and water is usually more readily available. Planting during this period generally increases the chances of successful growth and establishment with natural rainfall supporting healthy root development. Local nurseries are always ready to assist with knowledge on what plants are suited to the many niche habitats across the Province.
Indigenous plants are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and maintenance while providing important habitats and food sources for local wildlife. By planting indigenous species, communities can help protect the Western Cape’s unique biodiversity.
As part of the 2026 Greening Initiative, CapeNature will work with selected schools and communities across the Province. Participating groups will receive support in the form of seedlings, indigenous plants, gardening tools, and environmental education programmes to help establish and maintain sustainable gardens.
Through collaboration with schools, communities and environmental partners, CapeNature continues to play a role in restoring ecosystems and building a greener, more resilient Western Cape.
For more information about greening initiative competition contact sjavu@capenuture.co.za and view the competition Terms & Conditions here.
Greening Initiative: Online Gardening Competition
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.