Western-Cape-Biodiversity-Act-No.-6-of-2021-14-December-2021__shortname.pdf

Summary

The Western Cape Biodiversity Act of 2021 establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the protection and sustainable management of ecosystems and wildlife within the province. This legislation officially designates CapeNature as the primary public entity responsible for biodiversity conservation, outlining its governance through a specialized Governing Board. The Act mandates the creation of a Biodiversity Spatial Plan and a strategy for expanding protected areas to ensure long-term ecological resilience. Additionally, the text defines strict compliance and enforcement mechanisms, granting nature conservation officers the authority to monitor activities and investigate environmental offenses. By repealing older statutes, this Act modernizes provincial law to align with the South African Constitution's commitment to environmental rights for future generations.