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07 December 2023

Launch of the revised EMP for Table Mountain National Park and various user groups

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and the Horse Riders Association celebrate a significant milestone today as they unveil the revised Table Mountain Environmental Management Programme (EMP). Months of hard work and collaborative consultations with stakeholders have culminated in this launch, charting the path forward for diverse user groups across various sections of TMNP.

At the core of this achievement is the extensive collaboration between TMNP and the Table Mountain Equestrian Forum (TMEP) to update the 2004 Horse Riding EMP within the park.

The revised EMP aligns with TMNP’s overarching vision of “A Park for All, Forever.” It aims to harmonize the conservation and heritage goals while catering to the responsible access and usage of designated routes within Table Mountain National Park for current and future generations of equestrians.

The EMP serves as a comprehensive framework governing all recreational equestrian activities within TMNP, encompassing horse riding and related activities involving horses. Notably, it excludes commercial services and events, which fall under SANParks’ commercial permitting system.

This EMP specifically targets activities within TMNP boundaries and doesn’t cover adjacent private or public lands. However, it can serve as a reference in discussions with other landowners, especially where integration with approved TMNP routes is possible.

The primary aim is to sustainably utilize this natural asset, emphasizing biodiversity management and diverse recreational opportunities within the national park and World Heritage site. The EMP outlines a comprehensive set of objectives, including reviewing the 2004 EMP, mitigating impacts on biodiversity and heritage, designating suitable routes, and formulating a Code of Conduct for equestrian activities.

It deliberates roles and responsibilities for stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated approach to implementation, monitoring, and enforcement. Crucially, it manages future growth and diversity in equestrian activities within TMNP while regulating commercial operations under SANParks’ permit conditions.

This EMP is intended for use by equestrians, SANParks management, the Table Mountain Equestrian Forum, and other horse-related organizations. Moreover, it serves as a point of reference for all TMNP users, including hikers, cyclists, and the general public.

As part of South Africa’s national parks managed by SANParks, TMNP plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation within the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site. Regulations governing visitor activities within TMNP ensure a balanced approach, preserving the park’s unique biodiversity and heritage while accommodating diverse recreational pursuits.

TMNP Park Manager Ms Megan Taplin says that the signing of the revised EMP symbolizes a collaborative effort aimed at sustaining the delicate balance between conservation imperatives and recreational needs within Table Mountain National Park. “This milestone reinforces TMNP’s commitment to preserving its ecological integrity while facilitating responsible and enjoyable recreational experiences for all visitors,” Ms. Taplin concludes.

For further details on permit applications and regulations, please visit SANParks’ official website at www.sanparks.org.