A public engagement process will soon commence as progress has been made to establish a Baboon Management plan for the Peninsula.
SANParks’ Managing Executive of Conservation Services, Dr Luthando Dziba, confirmed that since the roundtable discussion hosted by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Barbara Creecy on 7 June 2022, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team has held several meetings to discuss a Memorandum of Agreement between the three parties.
The public engagement will take place as soon as a draft plan is available, currently planned for November 2022.
To date, a Joint Task Team Terms of Reference has been agreed upon by the parties. The aim is to finalise the Memorandum of Agreement between the three parties for approval by the end of October 2022.
The parties will also ensure the engagement of other parties such as the South African Navy, National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, DFFE, Cape of Good Hope SPCA, and as well as other major property owners, for example, the Western Cape Government.
Dziba says since mid-August, the City has hosted seven online meetings with residents and businesses from baboon-affected areas to discuss sustainable proposals.
These areas are Kommetjie; Scarborough and Misty Cliffs; Constantia south of Constantia Nek, Tokai, Zwaanswyk; Da Gama, Welcome Glen, Glencairn; Simons’ Town South and Murdock Valley; Sunnydale, Capri, Imhoff’s Gift, Heron Park, Ocean View; and Simon’s Town main.
The eighth meeting with Constantia residents north of Constantia Nek will follow on 22 September 2022.
”I am very pleased to say that all of these meetings were well attended and the engagements positive and constructive. Residents, interested parties and ratepayers’ associations across the board contributed with comments and proposals and also raised some concerns.”
The Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews says feedback from the meetings will be presented to the Joint Task Team for consideration in the development of the draft Strategic Management Plan.
”I want to thank Minister Creecy, SANParks and CapeNature, for their leadership and guidance, and all of the officials for the spirit of cooperation. It is encouraging to note that the task team is making progress and that the draft Strategic Baboon Management Plan may be published for the public’s input before the end of the year.”
CapeNature’s Executive Director, Conservation Operations, Dr Ernst Baard says CapeNature remains committed to being part of the process.
”The sustainable management of baboons is important to ensure baboons continue to form an integral part of the biodiversity of the Cape Peninsula, including the Table Mountain National Park.”
Residents and all affected persons are encouraged to make contributions to the draft Strategic Management Plan once the public participation process commences.
