CapeNature has put a spotlight on its conservation wins and the power of partnerships at a recent two-day gathering held at the University of the Western Cape’s Life Sciences Auditorium.
Themed ‘Adapting Together: Forging a Resilient Tomorrow’, the event, held on 26 and 27 June, brought together key players in the conservation space, from government to community-based organisations, to reflect on the strides made in biodiversity protection across the Western Cape.
While lively panel discussions and knowledge-sharing took centre stage, the standout moment came with the launch of CapeNature’s 2025 State of Conservation Report. The in-depth report draws from months of fieldwork and monitoring across mountain fynbos, coastal zones and freshwater ecosystems – offering an honest look at where our natural systems are thriving and where more care is needed.
‘CapeNature continues to demonstrate that when we work together, we can achieve good results for conservation in the Western Cape. The partnerships and work showcased at the Conservation Review are measurable environmental outcomes,’ said Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell.
‘This event, and the launch of the State of Conservation Report, reflect a collaborative effort in the face of growing environmental pressures in the province.’
The report is underpinned by significant fieldwork, analysis and ecological monitoring across river corridors, mountain fynbos and coastal habitats. The report also helps to provide a snapshot of how species and ecosystems are faring and where more conservation work is needed to strengthen ecological resilience.
Touching on some tough issues too, including succulent poaching and marine enforcement, as well as the ongoing battle against invasive plants and the impact of fires, the event explored upscaling of enforcement and consideration of the ecological intelligence to effect compliance.
The conversations reflected real-world challenges and the collaborative efforts needed to face them.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo said collaboration for positive conservation outcomes, incorporating a diversity of land-uses, stakeholders and mechanisms are all key to promoting positive conservation and biodiversity outcomes.
‘Without close cooperation with partners, government and our stakeholders we would not be able to manage our protected areas effectively, meaningfully engage with a wide range of stakeholders and expand our conservation estate.’
Other issues explored included the impacts of fire and invasive alien plant management on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, water security and the increased resilience of our ecosystems and species through partnership, coordinated monitoring and management.
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Picture: Supplied
