Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)
As the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) includes mountains, beaches, forests and oceans, there are a variety of popular recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. However, because the Park receives in excess of 2.6 million visits per year, regulations, permits and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) apply to certain of these activities in order to minimize the impacts on the environment.
Users of the Park are asked to respect the environment at all times to assist us in protecting our unique natural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.
What is an EMP?
When the Park was established there was a need to formally recognize appropriate recreational activities within the managed area of TMNP as these activities have impacts on both the environment and other users of the park.
The TMNP therefore, through public processes, developed Environmental Management Programs (EMP) for dog walking; hang and paragliding; sport/rock climbing; horse riding; mountain biking; and line fishing.
These EMPs include:
- an overview of the current status of an activity and a brief summary of impacts and issues
- an environmental policy
- a strategic approach to respond to impacts and issues
- guidelines for implementation of the EMP
- maps of the approved routes and entry/exit points
- a Code of Conduct
EMPs require users to respect the rules and regulations of the park, undertake their activity with care and consideration for other users and to protect and conserve the natural and heritage resources of the park.
Rather than abuse the privilege of undertaking activities in the Park, users are encouraged to conduct themselves responsibly in the park by following the requirements of the relevant EMP. In this way promoting a safe and appropriate low impact means of enjoying and appreciating the Park.