Education & Awareness

Critical Biodiversity Maps Available - 1 July 2008

Government's ability to deal with land development applications in the Cape Floristic Region has received a major boost following the recent successful completion of ten Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) maps. These maps serve as primary spatial biodiversity informants - guiding proactive conservation action and land-use planning as well as reactive decision-making in local, provincial and national government.

The maps are products of the C.A.P.E. Fine-scale Biodiversity Planning project. Led by CapeNature, in partnership with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the project aims to produce CBA Maps at a scale of 1:10 000 for municipalities within the Western Cape and for the Bokkeveld area in the Northern Cape. According to project coordinator, Kerry te Roller, the project is planning for landscape linkages which aim to mitigate the effects of global climate change on the environment. "It will also assist the application of the Western Cape's Spatial Development Framework which aims to ensure that all future developments adhere to principles that will guarantee the sustainability of our environment and quality of life" said te Roller.

CBA maps for Saldanha, Bergrivier, Cederberg and Matzikama municipalities are available. CBA maps for Hessequa, Mossel Bay, Witzenberg, Breede Valley and Breede River/Winelands municipalities as well as for the Bokkeveld area have been completed and will be available shortly.

Contact Kerry te Roller on 021 799 8731 or teroller@sanbi.org for more information.