Western Cape adds 20 new nature reserves in major biodiversity boost

The Western Cape has added 20 new nature reserves in the past year, expanding protected land by more than 81,000 hectares across critical biodiversity regions.

The expansion strengthens protection in areas including the Cedarberg, Agulhas Plain, Little Karoo and Garden Route.

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CapeNature CEO Ashley Naidoo said the additions form part of a focused effort to protect endangered and unique ecosystems.

“It is a major boost… but there’s a long way to go,” Naidoo said.

He said the province is prioritising a ‘representative network’ of habitats, especially those that are critically endangered or highly endemic.

The reserves span diverse landscapes, requiring what he described as a ‘step-by-step, small approach’ rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Private landowners key to expansion

Much of the newly protected land has come from private landowners.

Naidoo said longstanding ties to the land have helped secure agreements.

“We are extremely grateful… often the private landowners have had these lands for generations, and there’s a strong bond with the land.”

CapeNature works from a priority biodiversity map to identify areas that need protection, many of which are privately owned.

Partnerships have also played a role, including with WWF South Africa, which helped acquire some of the largest land parcels declared.

More land is still needed

Despite the progress, significant expansion is still required.

Naidoo said global targets call for 30% of ecological areas to be protected.

For the Western Cape, that means adding about 1.7 million hectares to the current 2.2 million hectares already protected.

At the current pace, he estimates it could take 15 to 18 years to reach that goal.

For more information, listen to Naidoo on CapeTalk’s Afternoon Drive with John Maytham using the audio player below: