By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) appealed for public input following the adoption and release to the public of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP), which acts as a framework for the sustainable management of Chacma baboons in the Cape Peninsula.
In a statement, the CPBMJTT said the plan will be supported and elaborated upon with area-based solutions developed jointly with affected communities.
The CPBMJTT consists of representatives from the South African National Parks (SANParks), CapeNature and the City of Cape Town.
In the new year, the CPBMJTT will commence with engagements with affected communities to collaborate on area-specific solutions and strategies applicable to an affected community.
“The Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan must be operationalised with specific local strategies that address the different needs, circumstances, resources and geographical concerns of impacted communities. This is to ensure these are best suited and most appropriate to respective areas and supported by residents,” the CPBMJTT said.
Work on the draft plan commenced in June 2022 after roundtable discussions on baboon management within the Cape Peninsula took place at Kirstenbosch.
A draft plan was presented to the public for comment in January 2023 and was followed by a stakeholder engagement meeting that was hosted in Tokai in March 2023.
“The CPBMJTT received and considered more than 800 individual comments emanating from the public participation period. In July 2023, the three spheres of government signed a Memorandum of Agreement that sets the foundation for cooperation between the three parties,” CPBMJTT said.
More information about the process will be revealed early next year.
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan can be accessed via the following channels:
- SANParks
- CapeNature
- City of Cape Town – here and here.