CapeNature

Description

CapeNature is a public entity responsible for nature conservation in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Officially known as the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, it manages 31 nature reserve complexes made up of 112 individual reserves, including six marine protected areas, covering more than 828,000 hectares. It offers eco-tourism activities such as hiking, kayaking and whale watching at 25 of these reserves. The organization is governed by a board appointed by the province’s environmental affairs minister under the Western Cape Biodiversity Act.

CapeNature conserves biodiversity, including the Cape Floristic Region’s fynbos, and manages the mountain catchments that supply much of the Western Cape’s drinking water. It also polices wildlife crime, works with private landowners and farmers to establish conservancies, and supports small businesses that sustainably use natural resources such as honeybush tea and buchu water. The organization runs education, research and training programmes and partners with communities and other stakeholders to protect the region’s natural heritage.