More nature reserves in the pipeline for Cape Town

According to the City’s Deputy Mayor for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews the City has formally supported the commencement of the process to expand nine existing reserves and the proclamation of six new reserves in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. There will be an opportunity for the public to submit comments on the proposed new nature reserves in due course. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Biodiversity Management officials for the sustainable response to the urban pressures that Cape Town faces; for their meaningful contributions towards the accolades that the City receives annually, as well as the progress they have made with these conservation areas that are now officially proclaimed as new City nature reserves

Through pro-active land banking of conservation-worthy areas, the City is able to facilitate development by securing biodiversity offsets. These identified areas must be protected for conservation and public benefit.

The additions to the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve is of particular interest as these areas have been purchased to implement the approved Atlantis Generic Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) and thus facilitate development projects within the Atlantis urban area. The EMPr has been gazetted by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and eliminates various environmental authorisation triggers, including those for the removal of indigenous vegetation from the Atlantis urban area, which will greatly facilitate development in Atlantis.

ALSO READ: Middelpunt Nature Reserve declared a Ramsar site

Soetwater is a critically important recreation and biodiversity area

The Soetwater resort and surrounding area is another critically important recreation and biodiversity area and it is now due to be transferred to the Environmental Management Department. This area includes a spectacular section of coastline, extensive coastal wetlands and high-quality natural vegetation that warrants nature reserve status.

‘The City, through its Biodiversity Management Branch, is dedicated to conserving, restoring and managing Cape Town’s unique biodiversity and natural resources. These efforts will assist the City’s resilience, and preserve natural assets for generations to come,’ said Alderman Andrews.

The formal proclamation process which includes public participation will soon commence in collaboration with CapeNature.

The reserves up for expansion are:

• Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
• False Bay Nature Reserve
• Harmony Flats Nature Reserve
• Steenbras Nature Reserve
• Table Bay Nature Reserve
• Tygerberg Nature Reserve
• Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve
• Wolfgat Nature Reserve
• Zandvlei Nature Reserve