Booze-free decree for reserves
CAPENATURE will implement a no-alcohol or illegal-substance ban at Limietberg and Assegaaibosch nature reserve’s picnic areas from today.
The biodiversity conservation authority in the Western Cape said the move was aimed at creating a safe and trusted experience in nature for visitors of all ages.
The organisation said alcohol and substance abuse had dire implications to millions of South Africans as it contributed to many ills such as crime, gangsterism, domestic violence and other forms of social problems.
“Sadly, some of these social ills have spilt over to certain reserve facilities and CapeNature would like to curb this kind of behaviour in the great outdoors,” the organisation said.
The leafy Assegaaibosch reserve is located outside Stellenbosch in the Jonkershoek Valley. It has two hiking trails open to the public, where guests can enjoy swimming in the Eerste River.
Further afield, tucked away in the Du Toitskloof Mountains, near Paarl, is the Limietberg Nature Reserve.
It offers a number of hikes through steep kloofs and the Tweede Tol picnic spot, which is surrounded by deep valleys.
Additional security and foot patrols will be rolled out at both reserves.
CapeNature chief executive Razeena Omar said: “CapeNature is the biodiversity conservation authority for conservation in the Western Cape and with this comes a huge social responsibility.
“We pride ourselves in creating access for all, which is trusted and safe.
“To continue to conserve nature for a sustainable future, we have to ensure that we are proactive in striking the balance between social challenges and protecting these World Heritage sites.
“This is why we are affiliated with and support numerous social organisations, and work alongside the SAPS.”
Omar said the organisation hoped that it would have the support of visitors to adhere to “this plight against the social ills that plague our communities”.
“We need to ensure our reserves are kept on an international standard and incident-free to attract more tourists and plough back (the benefits) into the local community.”
Cape Nature has invited the public to enjoy the 24 nature reserves across the Western Cape during this festive season by keeping footprints light and respecting the guidelines implemented.
Tips when visiting a Cape Nature reserve picnic area:
Stay on existing tracks – careless driving through the veld destroys plants and small creatures.
Use biodegradable cleaning materials, and take refuse with you on leaving.
Do not throw cigarette butts into the veld.
Only make fires in demarcated areas. The vegetation is extremely flammable, and uncontrolled fires have a devastating impact.