News

Table Mountain National Park held four focus group workshops to prepare for a new 10-year management plan up to 2036.

In May the park held a Desired State Workshop where stakeholders revisited the park’s mission and vision, explored key attributes, risks and opportunities and reflected on high-level objectives for biodiversity, heritage, tourism, and socio-economic transformation. This was part of the review process for the Park Management Plan and Marine Protected Area Management Plan for 2027 to 2036.

Following the desired state workshop held in May, Table Mountain National Park hosted four focus group workshops to guide the review process for the Park Management Plan and the Marine Protected Area Management Plan (2027–2036).

Chand Environmental Consultants, an independent service provider that specializes in stakeholder facilitation, led the focus group workshops, providing professional guidance and insightful observations.

The first workshop focused on the management of the marine protected areas, was led by Dr. Alison Kock, SANParks’ Marine Biologist. This two-day workshop aimed to develop management programmes for the TMNP-MPA, emphasizing areas such as biodiversity, cultural heritage, tourism, and socio-economic transformation. It also involved the development of management objectives, sub-objectives, projects, and key actions.

The second workshop concentrated on cultural heritage, addressing key areas such as identifying and understanding heritage resources, effectively managing these resources, allowing for the expression of cultural and spiritual heritage within the park, and developing institutional capacity to protect the park’s heritage.

The third workshop focused on socio-economic transformation, aiming to facilitate mutually beneficial dialogues with stakeholders to enhance their understanding and support for SANParks’ objectives. It explored local economic development strategies, including outsourcing, job creation, and utilizing Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWP) and Poverty Relief Projects. The discussions also covered the needs for consumptive use of natural resources and available alternatives, as well as how to offer an Environmental Experience programme that enhances education and visitor experiences. Additionally, the workshop focused on developing and maintaining a vibrant volunteer corps at TMNP and utilizing the park for youth development programmes.

The fourth workshop addressed Biodiversity Management as part of the review process. Professor Wendy Foden, a Climate Change Specialist from SANParks’ Cape Research Centre, set the stage by discussing future climate scenarios and what needs to be planned in terms of climate change.

Dr. Marna Cheney, a SANParks Regional Ecologist, covered several essential biodiversity topics, including integrated fire management, fauna management, management of alien and invasive species, management of species of special concern, freshwater management, and habitat rehabilitation.

SANParks will provide further communication about the next stages of the review process, where the public will have the opportunity to share their input on the plans.

Additional information and a current copy of the TMNP Park Management Plan can be downloaded from: https://www.sanparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/tmnp_approved_plan.pdf