The Cape Nature Route focuses on each of the reserves that fall under CapeNature, with its main attention focused on how the communities surrounding these reserves benefit from the reserves and how they play a role in assisting the reserve to fulfil its aims and objectives. This route really illustrates that there can be benefits beyond the boundaries of protected areas; that conservation can mean something to the people living alongside the conservation area, and that the protected areas can benefit from the people who live in their vicinity.
Cape Nature previously the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board:
Cape Nature's origins lie in the establishment of the Cape Department of Nature Conservation in 1952. After almost eight years of negotiations a statutory board was established on April 1, 2000. Traditionally the nature conservation department relied entirely on the provincial government for its funding. The forming of an independent statutory board heralded a new period in which this organisation could take its rightful place, as a world-class conservation organisation, within mutually beneficial partnerships.
Cape Nature is a public institution with the statutory responsibility for biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape Province. The Board has a global responsibility towards the conservation of biodiversity and natural systems and ecological processes in the Cape Floral Kingdom. It also strives to involve all citizens in environmental conservation and to stimulate the economy through the sound and sustainable use of natural resources.
Cape Nature is committed to fulfilling its conservation mandate, while simultaneously becoming a driver of rural economic development. Their vision is to establish a biodiversity economy in the Western Cape Province, and to turn biodiversity conservation into a key component of the local economy.They foresee a virtuous cycle - by empowering people, engaging communities in conservation actions, and providing access to social and economic opportunities, they strive to ensure the long term conservation of the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, while improving the quality of life of the people of the Western Cape.
CapeNature underwent strategic restructuring in 2002, with the aim of forming an organisation capable of fulfilling its mandate in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The end product was the establishment of 10 new business units to manage the conservation regions of the Western Cape, which is complemented by seven organisation-wide programmes, that focus on biodiversity conservation, partnerships, community development and youth.
This restructuring process led to many functions at reserves being taken on by contractors - allowing the reserve staff to focus more on conservation initiatives. Linked to each reserve, therefore, are businesses that supply services to the reserve on a contractual basis. Many of these businesses are owned and managed by previous employees - people who have now started businesses because of the skills they acquired at the reserves. The reserves in turn, support these local service providers and help them to develop their businesses. Any other products and services needed by the reserve are also bought locally wherever possible - thereby ensuring that income generated by the reserves is also spread into the local community.
Working for Water:
The Working for Water programme sustainably controls invading alien species to optimise the potential use of natural resources, through the process of economic empowerment and transformation. In doing this, the programme leaves a legacy of social equity and legislative, institutional and technical capacity.
Working for Water was launched in 1995 in an effort to tackle the problem of invading alien plants and unemployment. It is a multi-departmental initiative led by the South African Departments of Water Affairs and Forestry, Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Agriculture. With 300 projects throughout the country, the programme aims to enhance water security, improve ecological integrity, restore the productive potential of land and promote sustainable use of natural resources, and invest in the most marginalised sectors of South African society.
Cape Nature played a seminal role in initiating this national water conservation programme, and is still the largest implementing agent in the country.
So next time you visit a conservation area, take a minute to look around and see more than just the beautiful nature. Experience more than the wonderful fresh air and peace, notice how people and nature are living in harmony. Take some time to consider the struggle to balance benefits between people and nature. Ponder the meaning of “Benefits beyond boundaries” and take a while to investigate the particular area we are visiting. Seeing a little of what goes on behind the scenes to bring you your nature experience will make the experience that much more worthwhile.
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