Hugo is the coordinator of the Cape Action for People and the Environment (CAPE). This programme was made possible by an initial grant from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in 1998. It identified the key threats and root causes of biodiversity losses that need to be addressed in order to conserve the Cape Floristic Region. A spatial plan over a 20 year period was developed. The plan aims firstly to establish an effective reserve network, enhance off-reserve conservation and support bioregional planning; secondly, the plan will strengthen and enhance institutions, policies, laws, cooperative governance and community participation. Lastly, the plan will develop methods to ensure sustainable yields, promote compliance with laws, integrate biodiversity concerns into catchment management and promote sustainable eco–tourism.
The goal of CAPE is “by the year 2020, the natural environment of the Cape Floristic Region will effectively be conserved and restored wherever appropriate, and will deliver significant benefits to the people of the region in a way that is embraced by local communities, endorsed by government and recognized internationally”. The programme aims to strengthen institutions, support conservation education, unleash the socio-economic potential of protected areas, integrate biodiversity concerns into watershed management and ensure ongoing co-ordination, management and monitoring.
Hugo will discuss some of their projects and challenges in CAPE around biodiversity conservation and get a discussion going around some of the ‘realities’ and challenges that can get in the way of theory.
(Edwin Muchapondwa)
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