Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
In the light of the recent proclamation of 13 new nature reserves in the province:
(a) What is the Department’s progress with the international “30 by 30” conservation target and (b) how is he and his Department ensuring that the rapid expansion of the provincial protected estate is matched by a proportional increase in law enforcement and monitoring capacity?
(4) (a) CapeNature is actively pursuing the international “30 by 30” conservation targets and is adding all newly proclaimed nature reserve hectares to the Protected Area Estate Register. This is in line with the Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy (2025). These nature reserves include both provincial nature reserves and stewardship sites. CapeNature had planned to add 25 000 hectares over the past five years. As of 31 March 2026, the actual realised target has surpassed that figure significantly, totalling 146 422.5 hectares.
(b) With regard to privately owned nature reserves (stewardship sites), there has been no increase in staff, as landowners assume responsibility for managing their land for conservation and compliance through approved management plans. More broadly, CapeNature is in the process of appointing two Compliance Officers and a Compliance Specialist to strengthen compliance functions. Furthermore, one Contract Landscape Compliance post has been made permanent. CapeNature has also improved cooperation with the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Units in the Western Cape to facilitate law enforcement and policing across conservation landscapes and has decentralised investigation capabilities to these landscapes. More human capacity to develop management plans and to monitor compliance may be motivated as the need grows.
