Cape Town's unique environment is its greatest asset, making it one of the most sought after urban areas in the world, both to live and work in and as a tourist destination. Located in the Cape Floral Kingdom (the smallest and most diverse of the world’s six floral kingdoms) the city is a biodiversity hot spot of international importance.

In recognition of the need to effectively manage and protect this valuable environment, the Environmental Resource Management Department (ERM) is tasked with leading the implementation of the City's Integrated Metropolitan Environmental Policy (IMEP) - a framework of strategies and programmes for environmental sustainability. One of the department’s many focus areas is to manage 24 of the City's more than 30 nature reserves and natural areas that lie within its boundary.

You can find out more about our work in the department functions section and in our biannual newsletter, Enviroworks. Recent additions to our website can be found on the What’s new page.