Planning is underway to incorporate four properties of about 6.7 hectares, as indicated in red on the map (below), into the Stony Point reserve. These properties all qualify for Nature reserve status. The relevant officials still need to submit the required documentation in order to formally declare the properties.
The Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said that a formal meeting will soon take place with representatives of the Overstrand Municipality to begin the process of property transfer and declaration.
The Betty’s Bay Conservancy welcomes the news of the proposal to increase the Stony Point Nature Reserve with the additional four “nature reserve status” properties. We trust that all the necessary steps required by all stakeholders will proceed smoothly and efficiently in order to achieve this valuable addition as soon as is possible.
The critically endangered African Penguin needs all the help and support possible to prevent the current prediction that the species face extinction in the wild by 2035.The recent settlement on fishing closures around the colonies was a very important step. Providing a safe environment for the Stony Point colony, which is a land-based colony, is another vital step. They face additional stress from people and land-based predators, which island colonies do not experience.
Photo: taken from Die Burger, who credited CapeNature
The BBC hopes that with increased food availability due to the island closures, and increased safe space from the enlargement of the Stony Point Nature reserve, that the unique African Penguin colony at Stony Point will have a better chance of survival beyond 2035. The BBC continues to support CapeNature and SANCCOB in the vital work they do with seabirds at Stony Point.
REMEMBER TO CHECK UNDER YOU CAR WHEN YOU LEAVE THE CAR PARK
Photo: Carol Clark