Conservation boost expands WC reserves

MORE than 81000 hectares of ecologically significant land have been added to the Western Cape's protected area network over the past year, with over 20 new nature reserves declared since April last year.

- STAFF REPORTER

The expansion, led through CapeNature’s Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, brings 81715 hectares (ha) under formal protection, strengthening efforts to conserve critical landscapes, species and vegetation types across the province.

The newly declared reserves are spread across key biodiversity regions, including the Cederberg, Agulhas Plain, Little Karoo and Garden Route, and range from smaller private properties to vast mountain and lowland ecosystems.

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the declarations play a crucial role in safeguarding one of the world’s most important ecological regions.

“The Cape Floristic Region is one of 36 recognised global biodiversity hotspots,” Bredell said.