Partnerships
The composition of the BCA Implementation Co-ordination Committee (ICC) is a clear demonstration of the significant partnerships at a local and regional level which have been established around the BCA.
In addition, the BCA was included as one of 37 key projects of the Cape Action for People and the Environment (C.A.P.E.) strategy 2000. C.A.P.E. has as its goal that by 2020 the natural environment and biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom will be to effectively conserved, restored where appropriate, and deliver significant benefits to the people of the region in a way that is embraced by local communities, endorsed by government and recognised internationally.
The BCA project was also identified by C.A.P.E. as one of 6 pilot projects for submission to the international Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (C.E.P.F.) for the Cape Floristic Region Ecosystem Profile. The proposal was successful and the BCA-CEPF Project commenced in November 2003. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) is the lead organisation for this project, working in partnership with the City of Cape Town and other members of the BCA ICC.
In association with the 4 Wheel Drive Club (Western Cape) and the Cape Landrover Club, the Friends of BCA have been assisting the BCA Management with the rehabilitation of erosion gullies on Blaauwberg Hill. In addition, they have been involved with raising awareness amongst off-road vehicle users of the importance of the BCA and that in order to protect the Blaauwberg Hill, it needs to be off-bounds to all vehicle activity.
The City of Cape Town, working in co-operation with the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, have also undertaken law enforcement campaigns and issued fines to persons found illegally accessing the hill with off-road vehicles. It is encouraging to note that off-road vehicle activity has reduced dramatically as a result of these interventions, thus slowing down the degradation of the Hill. An appeal and warning is made to all 4x4 drivers, quad bike and scrambler riders to please not use the BCA as a playground.
The Working for Water programme of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has, over the last 3 years, provided funding for the removal of invasive alien vegetation. This has made a great difference to the areas where the clearing has taken place and the naturally-occurring vegetation is making a remarkable recovery.

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