Incorporating community conservation with waste management in the Wolfgat and Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Nature Reserves have played a pivotal role in conserving biodiversity for many decades. Nonetheless, migration and rapid population increase in metropolitan areas have resulted in the creation of residential areas adjacent to protected areas leading to a growing volume of solid waste in nature reserves as a result of littering and unlawful dumping. The purpose of the study was to investigate neighbouring communities’ socioeconomic impact on the nature reserves and how the relationship between the study sites and their communities can facilitate effective waste management. The research was conducted at two of the City of Cape Town's nature reserves in Western Cape; South Africa, using a mixed method approach; Qualitative and Quantitative. A total of 40 and 45 households were randomly selected in Wolfgat Nature Reserve and Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to collect field surveys from selected households, which were then analysed using statistical package software. The study's findings were consistent with prior studies which revealed that ignoring local communities often leads to people disregarding the appropriate regulations in place. Nonetheless, the survey discovered a lack of community practical participation, and the reserve managements were more reactive than proactive. In this study, the level of education, which in some studies is always associated with knowledge, was contradicted; those with post-secondary education knew little about these protected areas, and the vast majority of participants did not know the protected areas located just a few kilometres from their communities. The study revealed that in order to address illegal dumping and littering, nature reserves must take a people-centred approach and gain public support by involving the public in critical decision-making and management plans.