The City of Cape Town has published a draft Nature Reserves by-law that aims to protect and preserve the nature reserves in the city’s municipal boundaries.
The City manages 23 nature reserves that fall under the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA). These reserves boast the beauty and diversity of the Cape Floristic Region, one of six in the world.
The unique nature of this Region means conservation of the areas are of significant importance.
The by-law will allow City officials to improve efficiencies, as the reserves are currently managed by the National Nature Reserve Regulations.
According to Tourism Update, the proposed by-law will ensure that the City fulfils its obligations under NEMPAA and that they continue to be used by citizens and tourists in a sustainable manner.
‘Thousands of people visit our nature reserves every month. They want a safe space, and an environment that contributes to the pleasure and enjoyment of being in nature. We have a responsibility to these visitors,’ said City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Marian Nieuwoudt.
Once this by-law is approved, the City could enforce regulations relating to nature reserves through the municipal court system and the issuing of compliance notices.
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