Biodiversity Management

The Sub-Directorate plays a key role in promoting effective biodiversity management, mainstreaming and institutional capacity, while actively engaging in multi-level programmes and initiatives that advance the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Western Cape Biodiversity Act.

Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy ecosystems and a resilient society. It encompasses the variety of life on earth, from genes and species to ecosystems, and underpins essential services such as clean water, food production, climate regulation, and disaster risk reduction. In the Western Cape, biodiversity is not only a natural heritage but also a critical asset for sustainable development, economic growth, and human well-being. Protecting and restoring biodiversity is vital to ensuring ecological integrity, climate resilience, and equitable access to nature’s benefits for all communities.

With this context, the Biodiversity Management Sub-Directorate is responsible for providing strategic guidance to and performance monitoring of CapeNature in relation to biodiversity policy and strategy. The Sub-Directorate plays a key role in promoting effective biodiversity management and institutional capacity, while actively engaging in multi-level programmes and initiatives that advance the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Western Cape Biodiversity Act.

The Sub-Directorate also oversees the five UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves in the Western Cape:

Performance Monitoring, Oversight and Institutional Support

Provide strategic direction and conduct performance monitoring of CapeNature in alignment with provincial biodiversity objectives
Provide strategic guidance and oversight to five Biosphere Reserves in the Western Cape
Lead and facilitate biodiversity-related programmes and strategic partnerships, including the Cape Floristic Region Partnership, to ensure cohesive implementation across stakeholders

Policy, Strategy and Legislative Development

Develop, review, and provide inputs into biodiversity-related strategies, policies, and legislation at provincial and national levels
Implement the Provincial Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) 2025–2030
Align provincial actions with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and the Western Cape Biodiversity Act (WCBA)

Biodiversity Economy Development

Lead implementation of the Provincial Biodiversity Economy Strategy (PBES)
Develop, implement and support projects in:
- Ecological Infrastructure value chains
- Natural Resource Products
- Natural Resource Products (i.e. Honeybush and Aloe ferox)
- Invasive Alien Plants Biomass Strategy
Support the growth of SMMEs, agripreneurs, and community-based enterprises in biodiversity-linked sectors

Ecological Infrastructure Investment

Lead the development and implementation of the Ecological Infrastructure Investment Framework (EIIF)
Facilitate investment in ecological infrastructure to support water security, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience

Municipal Support and Spatial Planning

Provide technical support to municipalities and review/comment on IDPs, SDFs, and Environmental Management Frameworks
Promote the use of the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (BSP) and ensure its integration into municipal planning tools

Invasive Alien Species Management

Support efforts to manage invasive alien species (IAS) in priority catchments and protected areas
Promote biomass beneficiation and ecosystem restoration linked to IAS clearing

Climate Change Integration

Integrate biodiversity and ecological infrastructure into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Contribute to the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy: Vision 2050 and related implementation plans

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

Facilitate partnerships with NGOs, academia, private sector, and civil society to support biodiversity conservation and restoration
Promote co-governance, participatory planning, and community engagement in biodiversity initiatives
Promote gender equity and inclusion of priority groups in biodiversity programmes

Technical Advisory Services