The SANParks team are launching the management plan for Robben Island’s surrounding marine protected area (MPA) and needs the public to add comments.
Western Cape, South Africa (06 February 2024) – South African National Parks (SANParks) is set to commence with a consultative process on the Table Mountain National Park’s Robben Island Marine Protected Area (MPA). Members of the public are invited to participate and enrich this process by engaging with the draft MPA’s Management plan.
The draft management plan will inform the development and management of the MPA from its current to an envisaged future form. It details the biophysical context, desired state, zonation, and programmes at strategic and operational levels.
MPAs increase the conservation footprint of South Africa and contribute to the safeguarding of our oceans, islands, and coastal habitats. They also serve to protect threatened species, such as penguins, whilst rebuilding overexploited species, such as line fish, abalone, and rock lobster.
As part of the engagement process, three public information sessions that are two in-person and one virtual will be held in mid-February with interested and affected parties. During the information sessions, participants will have the opportunity to provide input/comment on the draft Robben Island MPA Management Plan which was drafted after workshops with stakeholders and SANParks staff last year.
SANParks is calling upon all the relevant stakeholders, interested and affected parties, authorities, and the public to participate in this process. SANParks will soon publish the arrangements for the public meetings and relevant contact details.
by 