Residents to register and get ready for City Nature Challenge next week
22 April 2023
The City Nature Challenge is one week away. The City of Cape Town is calling on Capetonians to register on the iNaturalist app to take part in the challenge between 28 April 2023 and 1 May 2023. Various events at City nature reserves and other conservation areas across the Cape Town has been arranged to make it easier and more fun for residents to participate. Also, those who cannot attend, can make observations in their own neighbourhoods.
‘I want to encourage all Capetonians to register on the iNaturalist app and assist us in capturing the wildlife in our city. The City and other City Nature Challenge partners have arranged events at various reserves and conservation areas for next weekend where residents will be able to join groups on different kinds of guided walks. Even divers will be able to join in on the marine bioblitz events.
‘If you are interested to join, please visit the City Nature Challenge Cape Town Facebook page and RSVP for the event that appeals most to you. For planning purposes we ask that you RSVP as soon as possible. We are so privileged to have such vast and beautiful natural spaces right within our city, it’s time some of us get out and go see these for ourselves,’ said the City’s Executive Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
A list of planned activities and events can be found at https://www.facebook.com/CitynaturechallengeCT/upcoming_hosted_events and City Nature Challenge 2023: City of Cape Town · iNaturalist will be updated as the challenge approaches, so residents are advised to keep checking in.
All that is required of residents when making an observation is to take a photo and upload it onto the iNaturalist app. Experts will then help to identify the fauna or flora.
‘Importantly, you do not need join an event to participate. Those who want to do this at their own time can make observations of anything and everything around them in their own neighbourhoods and surrounds. The most important thing is to join the effort, regardless of how,’ said Alderman Andrews.
Cape Town is competing with various international cities to record the most observations of local plant and animal species.
‘Together, Cape Town participants were able to record 66 144 observations and 4 388 species across the city in the last year. We would really like to increase our number of participants this year and are targeting 3 000 participants for this year’s competition. We have 116 wards in the City and if we get at least 25 participants per ward we will easily achieve the 2023 target,’ said Alderman Andrews.
Participants who make the most observations or capture the most species will win various prizes, which include nature reserve accommodation from CapeNature and the City.
Residents in Cape Town are spoilt for choice with an array of nature reserves and conservation areas right on their doorstep. Guided tours at coastal and inland protected areas across the city have been arranged. Here participants will have the opportunity to capture an array of species ranging from reptiles to birds and fynbos to marine life.
Residents are to note the following information about conservation areas around Cape Town:
• City reserves will be open to the public free of charge from 27 April until 1 May 2023. For a list of all of the City’s reserves and details about their location, facilities and attractions, please visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Nature%20reserves
• Cape Point will be open free of charge to registered participants of City Nature Challenge events only
Social groups are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to facilitate, manage and support student outdoor learning and exploration in schoolyards, nearby parks or other green spaces.
For more information, please contact Eleanor Hutchings at Eleanor.Hutchings@capetown.gov.za or Tony Rebelo at t.rebelo@sanbi.org.za
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
