Plans to advance the preservation and sustainable development of the ecologically sensitive Paardevlei Nature Reserve were unveiled by the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Management Department last week.
The plans also addressed growing concerns over proposed coastal developments that could threaten its biodiversity and heritage assets.
The municipal presentation, which is dated Friday 23 May, reiterates that the Paardevlei Wetland is now one of Cape Town’s premier birding hotspots which has seen a surge in popularity due to its rich avian diversity. Over 200 bird species, including 10 species of conservation concern and migratory Palearctic waders, have been recorded here.
The area’s granitic Renosterveld flats and seasonal wetlands also offer a critical opportunity to link the reserve to the coast, bolstering ecological corridors.
Beyond its natural value, the site is steeped in history. Heritage assessments highlight cultural assets such as a 1918 Spanish Flu graveyard, a staff cemetery, ancient shell middens, and the wreck of the Robert, a ship stranded in the 19th century. These elements underscore Paardevlei’s dual role as a refuge for both wildlife and human memory.
Key discussion points of the presentation included a proposed lease agreement with a film studio and unresolved plans for coastal “development nodes”. While the City recently approved a new boundary for the wetland and appointed a land surveyor to advance rezoning, the Biodiversity Management Branch (BMB) has raised alarms about the coastal section.
Environmental officials warned that isolated development nodes – spanning 12,3 and 8 hectares – could fragment endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (CFDS) and wetlands, creating a 3,6 km edge effect. Concerns also include pressure on marine protected areas, disrupted access, and lost opportunities for environmental education and recreation.
When the matter was first reported on last year, a petition was started by the Friends of Paardevlei chairperson, Tiffany Schultz, which has garnered well over 7 000 signatures in support for its protection as a nature reserve (“Paardevlei wetland under threat from development plans”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 21 August 2024).
Schultz said they are thrilled that the City has supported this initiative and listened to the call from the community to protect the wetland.
“It is a positive message about conservation and particularly the commitment of the City to conserve waterways that can benefit the community through natural flood prevention, mental well-being, environments education and leisure activities,” she said.
