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Cheers to a milestone in local conservation as Cape Town’s Blaauwberg Nature Reserve has snagged its fifth Green Coast Status, as a way to recognise years of hard graft and heart for our natural heritage.

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the trailblazer behind the Green Coast initiative, proudly presented the official Green Coast Status to Blaauwberg Nature Reserve during a special ceremony held at the Two Oceans Aquarium on 28 October 2024.

This award is a well-deserved nod to the dedicated efforts of many, including the passionate folks from the Environmental Management Department and the Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area.

The Green Coast Awards shine a spotlight on local conservation heroes and towns that excel in effective environmental practices while promoting nature-based tourism.

Through these awards, WESSA champions citizen science projects—like water quality testing and biodiversity surveys—as well as local community activism and environmental education. These initiatives empower South Africans to actively protect our stunning coastlines.

 

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Those paying attention know there is always a lot of work to do to keep the mining magnates and big diggers out of the way. The West Coast faces several threats to the pristine natural landscape and biodiversity as the government authorises rampant mining operations – activists from Protect the West Coast (PTWC) revealed the damage in some chilling images.

Meanwhile, a fight has been brewing between residents of Table View and Milnerton and developers hoping to build 337 flats and nine group houses along a stretch of land that is home to the endangered Cape Fynbos.

This week, the City confirmed that approval was granted on ERF 38599 Milnerton for the residential development despite more than 300 objections from residents in the area being lodged. Local residents are now challenging the City over their decision to proceed with the development despite their objections that the property was home to Cape Fynbos.

But, as always, we will take the wins when we can.

Eddie Andrews, the City of Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, applauded this achievement as a testament to the hard work of the City’s Environmental Management Department and its partner, the Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area.

He highlighted their collective efforts in “actively monitoring, maintaining, and ensuring the accessibility of the coastline, all while creating opportunities for environmental education, sustainable tourism, and empowering local communities.”

“Today we can proudly say that Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is a beacon for coastal conservation in Cape Town and South Africa. I am pleased that we have set the ‘Green’ bar.”

Yes, sir, you’ve shown us what you can do, now hopefully the same generosity and hard work is implemented across all our nature-rich areas.

[source:sapeople]