The Western Cape is the country’s leading exporter of agricultural commodities, is a province of outstanding natural beauty and a preferred destination for tourists and permanent residents alike. Towards ensuring the wise management of biodiversity priority areas and sustainable development within a growing economy, the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (CapeNature) has developed a province-wide Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan.

The Western Cape is the country’s leading exporter of agricultural commodities, is a province of outstanding natural beauty and a preferred destination for tourists and permanent residents alike. Towards ensuring the wise management of biodiversity priority areas and sustainable development within a growing economy, the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (CapeNature) has developed a province-wide Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan. This is a summary overview of said plan.

The Western Cape has often been described as a ‘world in one province’. With its coastline that stretches more than 1000kms, pristine beaches, majestic mountainranges, an abundance of wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves and national parks, as well as its wealth of fauna and flora, this richly diverse natural paradise should be enjoyed – but at the same time protected.

It is here that environmental education and awareness has an important role to play. Whether it be the education of children to appreciate, enjoy and conserve all that the province has to offer, or providing the right sort of guidance to older children who are considering an environmental career.

Adults too, who wish to learn more about the environment and what we should be doing to preserve our natural heritage, will benefit from knowing who to contact.

The Western Cape Nature Conservation Board is established as a juristic entity in terms of the Western Cape Biodiversity Act, 2021. CapeNature is governed by this Board, which is CapeNature's accounting authority.

The tortoise is a terrestrial reptile and the world is home to a total of about 43 species. South African has 13 species and 8 are found in the Western Cape alone.