Environmental Strategy.pdf

Summary

This document outlines the Environmental Strategy for the City of Cape Town, a formal policy approved in 2017 to replace the outdated Integrated Metropolitan Environmental Policy. It serves as a comprehensive framework for managing the city’s unique natural and cultural assets while addressing modern urban pressures like rapid population growth, resource scarcity, and climate change. Central to this strategy is an "embedded" model of sustainability, which recognizes that economic and social prosperity are inseparable from a healthy, functioning environment. The policy defines key terms such as ecological infrastructure and resource efficiency to guide municipal departments toward low-impact urban design and equitable access to nature. By aligning with broader economic and social development plans, the strategy aims to transform the environment into a resilient and productive asset for all residents. Ultimately, the document establishes a long-term vision to protect global biodiversity hotspots and ensure that Cape Town’s natural heritage remains a foundation for future stability and growth.