The process to proclaim six new nature reserves in Cape Town is underway.
This while the City Council has also supported the process to expand nine existing reserves.
The public will have time to comment on the proposals in due course.
“We have formally supported the commencement of the process to expand nine existing reserves and the proclamation of six new reserves in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act,” said mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews.
"I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Biodiversity Management officials for the sustainable response to the urban pressures that Cape Town faces; for their meaningful contributions towards the accolades that the City receives annually, as well as the progress they have made with these conservation areas that are now officially proclaimed as new City nature reserves.”
The proposed new nature reserves include Ariesfontein Nature Reserve; Haasendal Nature Reserve; Soetwater Nature Reserve; Symphony Way Nature Reserve; Van Schoorsdrift Nature Reserve and Westlake Nature Reserve.
The reserves up for expansion are:
· Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
· False Bay Nature Reserve
· Harmony Flats Nature Reserve
· Steenbras Nature Reserve
· Table Bay Nature Reserve
· Tygerberg Nature Reserve
· Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve
· Wolfgat Nature Reserve
· Zandvlei Nature Reserve
The formal proclamation process, which includes public participation, will soon start in collaboration with CapeNature.
Cape Times