City of Cape Town Link

Our conservation strategies and plans

<div class="ExternalClass6D2694E5B46A4BD3ACDDAFB18C014093"><p> The City of Cape Town is committed to sustainable development, which means building our city while taking care of our environment and its incredible biodiversity. We aim to maintain this delicate balance through our policies and laws, by setting up positive partnerships and by creating educational projects that highlight how important our environment is – and how we can all protect it.</p></div>

<h2 class="sectHeading">How the City protects our natural world</h2><p>In 2017 we adopted the Environmental Strategy which provides City decision-makers with an effective policy and governance framework to pursue sustainable development. The strategy adopts an integrated approach to sustainability, that recognises our economy is embedded within society, which in turn is embedded in nature.</p><p>This strategy replaces the City's Integrated Metropolitan Environmental Policy (IMEP) and the Environmental Agenda 2009-2014. Various strategies that were associated with IMEP, however, will remain in place unless specifically cancelled by Council or replaced with updated versions.</p><p>The Environmental Strategy, coupled with the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/SDS_SocialDevelopmentStrategy.pdf" target="_blank">Social Development Strategy </a>and <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Economic%20Growth%20Strategy.pdf" target="_blank">Economic Growth Strategy</a>, provides a sustainability framework to guide and inform service delivery and implementation.</p><p>At the core of the Environmental Strategy is our commitment to enhance, protect and manage Cape Town's natural and cultural resources for long-term prosperity in a way that optimises economic opportunities and promotes access and social wellbeing.</p><p>Read the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Environmental%20Strategy.pdf" target="_blank">Environmental Strategy</a>.</p><p>The protection of our natural areas and rich biodiversity is steered by our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Biodiversity_Strategy_and_Action_Plan.pdf" target="_blank">Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan</a>.</p><p>In 2015, we adopted the Cape Town Bioregional Plan, which informs and guides planning, environmental assessment and natural resource management by all whose decisions affect biodiversity in our city. This plan also identifies sites with rich biodiversity value all over the city. This biodiversity network includes critical biodiversity areas and critical ecological support areas (like corridors).</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p> <b>Corridors</b> are areas that permit the movement of animals and the dispersal of seeds between conservation areas. Corridors can include areas where indigenous species still survive (indigenous remnants), commons, roadside verges, land under power lines (servitudes) and undeveloped land on farms. Protecting these areas prevents our reserves from becoming genetically isolated.</p></div></div></span> <p> Read our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Bioregional_Plan_CCT_FINAL_2015-08-19_policy_number_44854.pdf" target="_blank">Cape Town Bioregional Plan</a> and its associated documents – including maps of key biodiversity sites.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Our initiatives and partnerships</h2><p>The City runs many pioneering environmental programmes, on our own and with our partners. We focus on a range of projects from the rehabilitation and restoration of natural environments, to community education and teaching.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Protected natural areas</h2><p>Setting up protected natural areas that are properly managed is an important part of our biodiversity strategy. A visit to the City’s nature reserves and other natural areas will take you through a breath-taking network of mostly indigenous flora and fauna. </p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info toptip"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Top tip</h4><p> See our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors">Nature and outdoors section</a> for plenty of ideas on getting outdoors, whether you want to walk, bird watch, picnic or mountain bike.</p></div></div><p>The City manages a number of <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Nature%20reserves"> nature reserves and nature areas</a>.</p> <span> <div class="content-accordion"><div class="content-trigger contentTrigger"><h3>Integrated Reserve Management Plans<i class="icon button-down-arrow"></i></h3><div class="content-toggle contentToggle" style="display:none;"><p> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Blaauwberg_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Bothasig_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve: Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Botterblom_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Botterblom Nature Reserve: Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Bracken_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Bracken Nature Reserve: Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Durbanville_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Durbanville Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Edith_Stephens_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Edith Stephens Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/False_Bay_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">False Bay Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/False_Bay_Appendix_D4_Zeekoevlei_eastern_shore.pdf" target="_blank">False Bay Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan (Appendix E2)</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Harmony_Flats_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Harmony Flats Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Helderberg_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Helderberg Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Steenbras_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Steenbras Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Table_Bay_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Table Bay Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Table_Bay_IRMP_Appendix_A-C_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Table Bay Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan (Appendix A-C)</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Table_Bay_IRMP_Appendix_D_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Table Bay Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan (Appendix D)</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Tygerberg_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Tygerberg Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Uitkamp_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Uitkamp Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Witzands_IRMP_Sep2014v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Witzands Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Wolfgat_IRMP_Jun2011v03_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Wolfgat Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Zandvlei_IRMP_Jun2011v02_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Zandvlei Nature Reserve Integrated Reserve Management Plan</a> </p></div></div></div></span><span> </span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)</h2><p>We use a generic Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) to guide the management and mitigation of potential environmental impacts within the City. </p><p>Our EMPr was revised in 2017 to align with the regulatory requirements and evolving industry.</p><p>Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) and Environmental Planners are required to make use of our EMPr to manage and moderate potential impacts for all development within the City:</p><ul><li>that require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process; </li><li>that is in a sensitive environment (protected/heritage etc.); or </li><li>at the discretion of our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Environmental%20Management%20Department">Environmental Management Department</a>.</li></ul><p>The generic EMPr may be adapted to project specific requirements.</p><p>Download the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Project%20and%20programme%20documents/CCT_Environmental_Management_Programme.pdf" target="_blank">Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)</a>.</p> <span> <div class="content-accordion"><div class="content-trigger contentTrigger"><h3>EMPr Guidelines<i class="icon button-down-arrow"></i></h3><div class="content-toggle contentToggle" style="display:none;"><p><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_EMP_01_STANDARD_Env_Specification_Revised2007.pdf" target="_blank">Guideline 01: Standard Environmental Programme Specification Regulations </a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_EMP_02_DETAILED_Env_Specification_Revised2007.pdf" target="_blank">Guideline 02: Specification Environmental Management Regulations </a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_EMP_03_STANDARD_Revegetation_Specification_Revised2007.pdf" target="_blank">Guideline 03: Standard Revegetation Specification Regulation </a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_EMP_04_DETAILED_Revegetation_Specification_Revised2007.pdf" target="_blank">Guideline 04: Detailed Revegetation Specification Regulation</a> <br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_EMP_05_Guidelines_for_contractors_Revised2007.pdf" target="_blank">Guideline 05: Guidelines for the Contractor</a> <br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_EMP_06_Guidelines_for_EO_and_ER_Revised2007.pdf" target="_blank">Guideline 06: Environmental Officer and Engineer's Representative </a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_EMP_07_Guidelines_for_EMP_in_tender_doc_Revised2007.pdf" target="_blank">Guideline 07: Incorporation of Environmental Specifications into Tender Documents</a> <br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_EMP_08_Management_staff_handout_Revised2007.pdf" target="_blank">Guideline 08: Environmental Management Plan for Staff </a></p></div></div></div></span>

What the City of Cape Town is doing to protect our natural environment.

Bioregional Plan for City of Cape Town Policy	Bioregional Plan for City of Cape Town Policy	4826268	GP0\|#ecf0e702-25db-4c12-bbc2-be85db2304fd;L0\|#0ecf0e702-25db-4c12-bbc2-be85db2304fd\|Policy;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#2d2209ac-5bcc-4d2a-9da9-05fb21c94ea1;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2015-07-31T22:00:00Z
Dunes and Beaches Maintenance Management Plan	Dunes and Beaches Maintenance Management Plan	1867322	GP0\|#2ebe23fa-619b-4f2c-b187-ad205c696ff7;L0\|#02ebe23fa-619b-4f2c-b187-ad205c696ff7\|Management plan;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-11-17T10:00:00Z
Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 01: Standard Environmental Programme Specification Regulations	Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 01: Standard Environmental Programme Specification Regulations	283683	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2007-03-31T22:00:00Z
Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 02: Specification Environmental Management Regulations	Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 02: Specification Environmental Management Regulations	428586	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2007-03-31T22:00:00Z
Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 03: Standard Revegetation Specification Regulation	Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 03: Standard Revegetation Specification Regulation	425270	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2007-03-31T22:00:00Z
Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 04: Detailed Revegetation Specification Regulation	Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 04: Detailed Revegetation Specification Regulation	451078	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2007-03-31T22:00:00Z
Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 06: Environmental Officer and Engineer's Representative	Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 06: Environmental Officer and Engineer's Representative	1101226	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2007-01-03T22:00:00Z
Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 07: Incorporation of Environmental Specifications into Tender Documents	Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 07: Incorporation of Environmental Specifications into Tender Documents	1022750	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2007-01-03T22:00:00Z
Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 08: Environmental Management Plan for Staff	Environmental Managemenent Programme Guideline 08: Environmental Management Plan for Staff	1035914	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2007-01-10T22:00:00Z
Environmental Managemenent Programme Guidelines 05: Guidelines for the Contractor	Environmental Managemenent Programme Guidelines 05: Guidelines for the Contractor	1428607	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2007-01-03T22:00:00Z
Environmental Management Programme	Environmental Management Programme	1523750	GP0\|#d81e56af-7acf-43bf-9e7b-70c657ff027b;L0\|#0d81e56af-7acf-43bf-9e7b-70c657ff027b\|Programme overview;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#7922fed8-60a6-4fd6-b1c5-ad6347009b36;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-06-27T22:00:00Z
Environmental Strategy	Environmental Strategy	709570	GP0\|#ecf0e702-25db-4c12-bbc2-be85db2304fd;L0\|#0ecf0e702-25db-4c12-bbc2-be85db2304fd\|Policy;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#2d2209ac-5bcc-4d2a-9da9-05fb21c94ea1;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e;GP0\|#bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59;L0\|#0bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59\|Strategy;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-08-23T22:00:00Z
Inclusive Economic Growth 2021 Strategy	Inclusive Economic Growth 2021 Strategy	2070191	GP0\|#bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59;L0\|#0bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59\|Strategy;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2021-09-09T22:00:00Z
Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan	Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan	965846	GP0\|#4720c1d1-f963-4060-a28c-3c3d27102211;L0\|#04720c1d1-f963-4060-a28c-3c3d27102211\|Action plan;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e;GP0\|#bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59;L0\|#0bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59\|Strategy;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2019-07-01T10:00:00Z
Social Development Strategy	Social Development Strategy	718302	GP0\|#bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59;L0\|#0bb3e3c24-a53e-46bf-bfce-cc8d4ebdaa59\|Strategy;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2012-12-31T22:00:00Z