The City of Cape Town has celebrated the power of collaboration in environmental protection, hosting its first Partner Appreciation Event at the Smart Living Education Centre and Dome Classroom in Green Point Park. The gathering brought together NGOs, researchers, civic organisations and international partners who work alongside the City to safeguard Cape Town’s natural environment.
Deputy Mayor Alderman Eddie Andrews delivered the keynote address, emphasising that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. He noted that Cape Town’s strength lies in its active civic culture and long-standing partnerships that bring together communities, conservation specialists and the City’s Environmental Management Department.
Leaders from Nature Connect, ICLEI Africa and Table Mountain National Park reflected on how collaboration has strengthened conservation outcomes. Nature Connect highlighted the development of more than 70 staff who have transitioned into City positions, the placement of 500 young people in nature reserves and international learning exchanges. Table Mountain National Park acknowledged the joint efforts on fire response, public safety integration and coordinated wildlife management, calling the Baboon Management Task Team a national example of effective shared planning.
The City presented certificates of appreciation to several partners, including British Consul General Colin Leeman and Karl-Heinz Schmitz of the German Consulate for their contribution to the C40 climate project. The 25-year partnership with the City of Aachen was also recognised, with Schmitz and Norbert Kuntz accepting the certificate on behalf of Aachen-Kapstadt e.V.
The event drew a broad range of environmental partners, among them CapeNature, Shark Spotters, CREW, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Table Mountain Fund, Cape of Good Hope SPCA, The Nature Conservancy, Cape Town Water Fund, Working on Fire, the Cape Floristic Region Partnership, NSRI, the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership and the C40 Cities Finance Facility, along with multiple internal City teams.
Partners expressed appreciation for the City’s Environmental Management Department and reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together. Lorraine Gerrans, Director of the department, said the City’s environmental progress is possible only because of the dedication of its partners, whose roles range from fundraising and scientific expertise to community engagement.
The event also marked the introduction of the City’s new environmental education mascot, Onke the Otter. Onke will visit schools, community facilities and environmental centres to inspire young people to learn about and protect Cape Town’s natural heritage.
