The City of Cape Town encourages organisations with an interest in the City’s nature reserves to apply for membership on the Protected Area Advisory Committees (PAACs) by May 17, 2024.
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Advisory committees allow organisations from neighbouring communities and interest groups to participate in matters pertaining to their local nature reserves and protected areas.
‘The Protected Area Advisory Committees play an important role because they allow our communities to participate and provide advice on the management of the City’s natural reserves. The PAACs facilitate interaction, communication, engagement, and the formation of partnerships with surrounding communities and interest groups to achieve the objectives of the reserves’ management plans. We are constantly working to improve our collaboration with residents, and platforms like the PAACs help us build stronger and more resilient partnerships,’ said Eddie Andrews, the City’s deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment.
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The PAACs are made up of representatives from formally established user groups and organisations. These delegated representatives serve in the PAACs on behalf of the group or organisation rather than for themselves. In addition, the City may, from time to time, appoint specialist advisory members to the PAAC.
The PAACs were last renewed in 2021, as specified in the Protected Areas Act. These committees serve for three years, and membership is now open for renewal and new applications.
The following nature reserves have PAACs:
- Blaauwberg
- Bracken, including Perdekop and Haasendal
- Durbanville, including Uitkamp Wetland and Botterblom
- False Bay, including Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Pelican Park, Slangetjiesbos, and Strandfontein birding area
- Helderberg, including Silverboomkloof, Harmony Flats and Morkel’s Cottage
- Steenbras
- Table Bay, including Rietvlei, Diep River, Milnerton Racecourse and Zoarvlei
- Tygerberg, including Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve and Arriesfontein
- Witzands Aquifer, including the Klein Dassenberg Hills
- Wolfgat, including Zandwolf, Strandfontein Aquifer and Macassar Dunes
- Zandvlei, including Muizenberg East
- Edith Stephens
‘I invite organisations with an interest in nature conservation to please apply for membership to serve on these committees. The nature reserves concern all of us, they provide a calming refuge away from the busy built-up urban environment, provides opportunities for learning and exploring, and help preserve our biodiversity for future generations. Those who visit and use these areas are key stakeholders and guardians. All of us can make a contribution, get involved, and make a difference,’ said Andrews.
The closing date for applications is 17 May, 2024.
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