Cape Town: Table Mountain National Park conducted four focus group workshops to prepare for a new 10-year management plan by the year 2036. In May 2025, the TMNP held a Desired State Workshop where stakeholders reconsidered the mission and vision of the park.
Reportedly, it also explores key attributes, risks and opportunities and reflects high-level objectives for biodiversity, heritage, tourism, and socio-economic transformation. This was a part of the reviewing process for the Park Management Plan and Marine Protected Area Management Plan for 2027 to 2036.
Following this workshop, which was held in May 2025, Table Mountain National Park hosted four focus group workshops to guide the review process for the Park Management Plan and the Marine Protected Area Management Plan from 2027 to 2036.
The independent service provider Chand Environmental Consultants, which specializes in stakeholder facilitation, has led the focus group for workshops, by providing professional guidance and insightful observations.
The first and foremost workshop focuses on management of the marine protected areas, which was led by Dr. Alison Kock, SANParks’ Marine Biologist. This two-day workshop aimed to develop management programmes for the TMNP-MPA. This emphasized areas such as biodiversity, cultural heritage, tourism and socio-economic transformation. It also involved the development of management objectives, sub-objectives, projects and key actions.
The second workshop concentrated on cultural heritage, that addresses key areas such as identifying and understanding the heritage resources, effectively by managing these resources, allowing for the expression of cultural and spiritual heritage within the park, and developing institutional capacity to protect the heritage of the park.
Later, the third workshop focused on socio-economic transformation, that aims to facilitate mutually beneficial dialogues with stakeholders to enhance their understanding and support for SANParks’ objectives. It explored local economic development strategies, including outsourcing, job creation and utilizing Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWP) and Poverty Relief Projects.
Discussions held at workshop also covered the needs for consumptive use of natural resources and available alternatives, as well as how to offer an Environmental Experience programme that enhances education and visitor experiences.
Also, the workshop focused on developing and maintaining a vibrant volunteer corps at TMNP and utilizing the park for youth development programmes.
The next, fourth workshop addressed Biodiversity Management as part of the review process. Climate Change Specialist from SANParks’ Cape Research Centre – Prof. Wendy Foden, set the stage by discussing future climate scenarios and what needs to be planned in terms of climate change.
SANParks Regional Ecologist – Dr. Marna Cheney, covered several essential biodiversity topics which includes integrated fire management, fauna management, management of alien and invasive species, management of species of special concern, freshwater management and habitat rehabilitation.
Notably, SANParks will provide further communication about the next stages of the review process, where the public will have the opportunity to share their input on the plans.