DA welcomes CapeNature’s extensive recovery plan for fire-ravaged Cederberg

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has welcomed CapeNature’s extensive recovery programme for the fire-ravaged Cederberg Wilderness Area. 

A wildfire raged through more than 53,000 hectares of vegetation in the Cederberg Mountains for more than two weeks during the festive season.

The blaze, which started in December last year, caused damage to several camping sites, hiking trails, and mountain huts in the area, leading to closures at Algeria State Forest, Bosherberge, Driehoek, and Kromrivier. 

READ: CapeNature begins massive restoration project following Cederberg fires

CapeNature says a six-to-twelve-month programme to restore the Algeria State Forest, Bosherberge, Driehoek, and Kromrivier sites in the Cederberg Wilderness Area is underway.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Dave Bryant, says selected areas are reopening under controlled conditions. Bryant says the intervention will ensure natural recovery and resilience to future climate and fire risks in the area.

"We support the recovery work being led by CapeNature and believe that having a clear understanding of the scale and cost of this fire season will strengthen our resilience as climate risks continue to increase."

Bryant urged visitors to respect access restrictions to the reserve, as premature access could hamper restoration efforts.