The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (JTT) has confirmed that all parties involved, including SANParks, CapeNature and the City of Cape Town, have signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that serves as the foundation for collaboration among the three levels of government in developing a long-term management plan for the Chacma baboon population on the Cape Peninsula.
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According to the City of Cape Town, the MoA clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of each government entity and defines both collective and individual functions and mandates in the pursuit of sustainable baboon management. According to the MoA, the relevant parties will take whatever actions and interventions are necessary, either on their own or in collaboration.
Furthermore, the MoA facilitates joint decision-making through the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team, which will oversee the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan once it has received approval. The development of this plan is the result of the collaborative efforts of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature and the City of Cape Town, drawing upon research, international best practices, operational experience and input from stakeholders.
To ensure comprehensive consideration of public input, the JTT is reportedly reviewing the substantial number of comments received on the draft Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
This plan was made available for public comment on 27 January 2023, and by the closing date of 31 March 2023, the JTT had received over 800 individual comments, including those provided during the stakeholder engagement session held in Tokai on 3 March 2023.
In May 2023, the JTT also engaged with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, an important stakeholder, which offered valuable input and guidance on the draught plan.
The City reported that all comments received will be carefully considered as the JTT works towards finalising the draft plan, with the aim of signing it by the end of August 2023, pending the successful completion of the process.
Following the plan’s finalisation, the JTT will invite representatives from recognised community organisations, such as ratepayer associations, advocacy groups and research institutions, to participate in the Baboon Advisory Group. This will ensure diverse perspectives and expertise are incorporated into the ongoing management efforts.
Additionally, the JTT acknowledges the extension of the City’s Urban Baboon Programme contract with NCC Environmental Services until 31 December 2024. This extension allows for a smooth transition period as the management initiatives progress.
The JTT reportedly intends to interact with the communities living close to the baboons’ natural habitat to address their particular needs and concerns. The objective is to develop area-specific solutions that are tailored to each community, taking into account their unique circumstances, available resources and geographical considerations.
The JTT aims to ensure that these solutions are well-suited to the respective areas and garner support from the residents to the greatest extent possible.
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