The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (BBNR) is  a unique area of approximately 2 000 ha comprising a rich mosaic of natural, cultural and historical elements.  It is within the growth corridor of the City and is therefore placed under extreme pressure from the direct threats of urban development.

Vision of the BBNR: To conserve, protect and enhance the unique diversity of natural, historical and cultural resources of this area for the sustainable enjoyment and development of present and future generations through education.

Mission of the BBNR: Through judicious land acquisition and the development of economically viable conservation and education-related facilities and activities, we aim to secure the protection of the entire area and ensure its long-term sustainability based on sound ecological and cultural values.

History of the Reserve

The BBNR has been a concept since the 1980s. In 1996, conservation area status was conferred on public-owned portions of land, as well as a section of private land comprising the site of the Battle of Blaauwberg, in terms of the National Monuments Act (Act 28 of 1969). A proposed boundary for the reserve was also gazetted. In 2000, the Blaauwberg Conservation Area development and management plan and its recommendations were approved by the then Cape Metropolitan Council and Blaauwberg Municipality.  One of the key programmes in the plan was the Land Consolidation Programme, which has resulted in three of the five private landholdings having been incorporated into BBNR in 2002, 2005 and 2010 respectively.  The programme is ongoing. Of special note is the 462 km² that was donated to the reserve by Garden Cities.

In 2006, the Western Cape Member of the Executive Council for Environmental Affairs and Development Planning granted approval for the establishment of the Blaauwberg Conservation Area local nature reserve in P.N. 345/2006 dated 27 Oct 2006.  The provincially-owned portions of the reserve were proclaimed as Blaauwberg Provincial Nature Reserve by means of P.N. 06/2007 dated 2 Mar 2007. The City of Cape Town manages both its own and the provincially-owned land as a single entity called Blaauwberg Nature Reserve.

The official office of the BBNR is at Eerstesteen, on Otto du Plessis Rd between Bloubergstrand and Melkbosstrand.

Friends of BCA

The Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area (FoBCA) is a voluntary group of concerned citizens whose mission it is to contribute to seeing that the BBNR is protected and utilised to the benefit of the general public now and for the future. They are affiliated to WESSA Western Cape.

The FoBCA is a registered Non-profit Organisation (Reg No: 068-317 NPO) and as such their Constitution must comply with certain requirements. A new  document Constitution (82 KB)  was adopted in April 2008.

We invite you to read the latest annual pdf FoBCA Chairman’s and Portfolio (2.88 MB)  reports, and pdf Financial statements (225 KB)