Photo: Scott N Ramsay
Occupying roughly 11% of South Africa’s land surface, the Western Cape is home to more than 50% of
the country’s biodiversity.
tion and monitoring at a provincial level. The new Bill
will be aligned fully to the NEM:BA and with South Africa’s obligations under Articles 6 (General Measures
for Conservation and Sustainable Use) and 7
(Identification and Monitoring) of the CBD. In anticipation of the new Bill, the Western Cape Provincial Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) has an ambitious vision that … “by 2040, biodiversity, the natural
heritage and ecological infrastructure is valued, widely
used, conserved and restored and delivers ecosystem
services that improve the quality of life for all people of
the Western Cape Province”. The strategic mechanisms
to achieve this vision are envisaged through the:
Photo: Gavin Maneveldt
South Africa encompasses three biodiversity
hotspots, the Cape Floristic Region falling entirely
within our political borders.
conservation and reduction of threats and pressures
on biodiversity;
mainstreaming of biodiversity into land-use planning;
promotion of equitable access and a sustainable
and inclusive biodiversity-based economy;
improvement and sharing of knowledge, and the
promotion and optimal use of technology;
empowerment and improvement of participation by
civil society and citizens;
development of institutional and human capacity;
and
development of financing mechanisms and the mo-
57% of the strategic water resources in South Africa are held in the Western Cape and yet 45-71% of river
and wetland ecosystem types in the province are threatened.
Photo: Gavin Maneveldt