Environmental Management Department

Welcome to the Environmental Management Department. Find out more about what we do and how you can reach us.

What we do

We coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the City’s Environmental Strategy, working with a range of other departments and external partners to manage and protect the environment and ensure Cape Town’s long-term environmental sustainability.

"We are serious about following a holistic approach to sustainability and about managing our environment in a way that enhances economic opportunities and social wellbeing. It is, however, not only the responsibility of the City and its partners to protect and conserve this wonderful place we call home – every single one of us has a role to play. Our department's vision is 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." Lorraine Gerrans Director: Environmental Management

We include

Biodiversity Management Branch

We are responsible for conserving and restoring Cape Town’s unique biodiversity.

Our work includes:

Conservation planning
Environmental education
Invasive alien species management and job creation
Management of nature reserves

Coastal Management Branch

We assume accountability and management of the city’s coastline (seaward of the defined Coastal Edge)

Our work includes:

ensuring ongoing economic growth and opportunities, with increased access and social value of the coast;
reducing coastal risk, management and conservation of the natural coastal environment and systems; and
conducting regular water sample testing along the coastline to determine the water quality at recreational beaches, tidal pools, and coastal monitoring points.

Environmental Compliance Branch

We help the City comply with environmental laws, policies and procedures.

Our work includes:

civil and criminal environmental law enforcement;
environmental compliance inspections and environmental audits of City facilities;
environmental sustainability and planning through development and integration of tools such as Environmental Management Frameworks into the City’s Spatial Development Framework;
guiding other departments in developing environmental management systems to protect the environment; and
provision of environmental spatial data for biodiversity, wetlands and the coast.

Environment, Heritage and Signage Branch

We are responsible for environmental and heritage monitoring, procedures and projects at the district level.

Our work includes:

approval, management and monitoring of outdoor advertising and signage, to ensure compliance with legislation;
enforcing compliance with environmental and heritage legislation and policies; and
working with communities to maintain and enhance our shared environmental and cultural heritage through a range of projects and programmes.

Environmental Planning and Sustainability Branch

We coordinate and facilitate the implementation an environmental strategy, which provides the City's decision-makers with an effective policy and framework to aim towards environmental sustainability.

Our work includes:

coordinating and implementing the City’s Environmental Strategy and contributing towards the Climate Change Strategy, which deals with known impacts and challenges presented by climate change;
conducting environmental reports and plans, coordinating natural open space systems and establishing a green infrastructure programme in Cape Town;
co-ordination of the City’s strategic environmental partnerships and key catalytic projects; and
environmental education, communication, training and development.