In this episode, we dive into the world of eco-tourism and community engagement, exploring how these two vital elements can work together to create a more sustainable future.

Set at the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Dan Corder (radio personality and podcast host), Edith Henn (Stakeholder and Access Manager at CapeNature) and Jacques Stoltz (Director of Tourism at the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism) engage in thought-provoking discussions about the importance of fostering strong relationships between communities, visitors, and the natural environment.

Discover how CapeNature is leading the way in sustainable tourism and making a positive impact on the Western Cape.

Tune in to Green Noise and be inspired to join the movement for a greener, more sustainable world.

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One million marine animals are dying from plastic pollution every year and the ocean is suffocating under a mountain of plastic waste, with 51 trillion microplastic particles polluting our seas.

In the second episode of CapeNature’s podcast series Green Noise, host Dan Corder dives deep into conversation with Captain Fanplastic, Yanga Gceya (Partnership Manager) and Shark Spotters Taryn van Neel (Education Manager) to discuss the urgent need to address this crisis.

Stay tuned and let's make some noise for a sustainable tomorrow!

Discover how CapeNature's concession model is empowering local communities while protecting our natural heritage.

Together with esteemed host, Dan Corder, they’ll explore insights into building and sustaining eco-tourism businesses in protected areas, and how CapeNature's concession model supports both conservation and community empowerment.

Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can make a difference. 

In Episode 4 of Green Noise - a podcast series by CapeNature - we shine a light on the plight of the majestic African Penguin, teetering on the precipice of extinction.

Discover how Marine Protected Areas serve as a lifeline, safeguarding habitats and fostering resilience. Join the quest to protect our ocean's sentinels and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

Pierre De Villiers (Senior Manager of Marine and Coast Operations - CapeNature) and Dr David Roberts (Senior Clinical Veterinarian - Sanccob) sit down with host Dan Corder for a captivating conversation about the heroic efforts to save Africa's iconic penguins.

Discover the groundbreaking work being done to:

• Protect vulnerable habitats
• Rescue and rehabilitate injured birds
• Harness innovative tech: microchips, trackers, and real-time cameras.

Learn how YOU can make a splash in the fight against their extinction and ensure these charismatic creatures thrive for generations to come. Tune in and be part of the wave of change together with the dedicated people and organisations who work tirelessly to preserve our planet's precious wildlife.

#GreenNoise #CapeNature #SANCOBB #AfricanPenguins #PenguinConservation #WildlifeProtection #Sustainability #InnovationForNature #ConservationPodcast #Conservation 

The Western Cape summer hiking season sees CapeNature welcome international and local tourists to scenic trails dotted around the Cape – and your safety is tantamount.

Never underestimate the difficulty of a trail, or your fitness level. Always check the weather. Be prepared to hike in all four seasons in one day, and make sure you wear the right gear for the right terrain. These are expert tips from seasoned hikers, Khalid Chogle, founder of Adventure Rocks and Louise White, Hi-Tec Brand Manager. 

In the fifth episode of Green Noise, a CapeNature conservation podcast and video series hosted by Dan Corder, we trek through the importance of mountain safety and stumble on an interesting hiking trend called Gorpcore (you have to hear it to believe it). Our experts also share vital information that could save your life in a perilous situation. Don’t be caught off-guard, the mountains are for everyone but even nature has rules to abide by. 

#GreenNoise #CapeNature #SafeHiking #Hiking #MountainSafety #HikingTips #HikeSafely #ConservationPodcast #Conservation #Hike #WesternCapeHikes #OutdoorAdventures #Sustainability #SustainableClothing #HiTech #Gorpcore

Through innovative programmes created by the Western Cape Government like WOW! (Western Cape on Wellness), together we’re empowering people of all backgrounds to tap into the wellness wonders of nature reserves.

In our sixth episode of Green Noise, host Dan Corder sits down with Kelly Fortune (Western Cape Government Health Department Deputy Director) and Loren Pavitt (CapeNature Marketing & Promotions Manager) to explore the transformative power of holistic health.

WOW! is more than just a programme - it's a movement designed to support individuals every step of the way, from pregnancy to seniorhood. By creating environments that foster healthy behaviours, we can build stronger, more resilient communities. Tune in to learn more.

#GreenNoise #CapeNature #ConservationPodcast #Conservation - #CapeNature #NatureForWellness #HolisticHealth #WellnessInNature #ConservationAndHealth #WesternCapeOnWellness #WOWWesternCape #HealthyCommunities #SustainableLiving

On the next episode of CapeNature's Green Noise podcast and video series we peek into the fascinating world of filmmaking in protected areas. Our expert guests will share the secrets of balancing creative vision with environmental responsibility.

On the first episode of Season 2 next of CapeNature's Green Noise podcast and video series we chat through change, adaptation, technology and ultimately, safeguarding the unique ecosystems that define our region against fire. 

From carving out accessible trails and pathways to adapted accommodation and sensory-friendly experiences - universal access is not a conversation anymore, it is a responsibility that CapeNature takes seriously.  

You'll hear how the vibrant 55-plus generation is actively conquering hiking trails, enjoying gentle walks, and rediscovering the sheer joy of wild spaces.

We’ll also reveal how forward-thinking organisations like CapeNature and You’ve Earned It are passionately dedicated to making nature more accessible than ever, proving beyond a doubt that your senior years are indeed the golden age for outdoor adventure.

It might surprise you, but women comprise nearly 70% of South Africa's tourism workforce – a stark contrast to other sectors, highlighting their immense and often unsung contribution. 

Two incredible powerhouses: Julia Louw, Head of Leisure Tourism at Wesgro, and Itumeleng Pooe, Managing Director of Afri-Centric Luxury Travel experiences chat to host Dan Corder on the transformative work they're doing.

From his adventurous past as a wreck and diamond diver - including an incredible tale of discovering 18th-century Swedish plate money off the Cape coast - Wilfred shares his journey from personal adversity to building a thriving ecotourism empire. 

Discover how accessing CapeNature's stunning landscapes - from the craggy heights of the Cederberg to the scenic trails of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve - is essential for mental and physical wellbeing.

The conversation explores the deep-rooted culture of climbing and hiking - and how local initiatives are working to break down barriers to access. Learn how these programmes use nature to enrich the lives of youth and connect communities while fostering conservation.

It requires a delicate balance between high-intensity recreation and environmental conservation. In the Western Cape, CapeNature manages these spaces by implementing a rigorous application process that evaluates the potential risks to biodiversity and the environmental footprint of every proposed activity.

To ensure long-term sustainability, event organisers are encouraged to use existing footprints and infrastructure, minimising the impact on the natural landscape. 

Find out more about the essential role of the "digital detox" in youth development, as the conversation highlights how stepping away from screens allows young minds to calm down, concentrate, and reconnect with their natural biological wiring. From learning "no trace" ethics and traditional mapping skills to participating in modern citizen science projects, this episode showcases how hands-on experiences in the wild build self-sufficient, responsible keepers of the land.

From the intensity of 3am call times to the massive engineering feat of building scaffolding sets on remote mountain summits, you'll learn how crews protect delicate biomes while hosting some of the world's biggest productions. It is a fascinating look at why the Cape’s scenery is far more than a backdrop - it is a storyteller that can't be replaced by a green screen or AI.

The conversation highlights a shifting philosophy in conservation, moving away from viewing nature as a "free playground" for Instagram photos toward a model of active stewardship. Key takeaways include the urgent need for trail recovery - which can take over a year of specialised assessment - and the innovative use of community-led audits and technology to monitor land health. 

Ultimately, the emphasis is that while the Cederberg is inhospitable and currently scarred, its recovery depends entirely on the passionate, coordinated intervention of the people who love it. 

The discussions centre around the harrowing 15-day firefighting effort and the "triple threat" of environmental damage: extreme fire, wind-driven soil erosion, and subsequent flash floods.

The conversation highlights a shifting philosophy in conservation, moving away from viewing nature as a "free playground" for Instagram photos toward a model of active stewardship. Key takeaways include the urgent need for trail recovery - which can take over a year of specialised assessment - and the innovative use of community-led audits and technology to monitor land health.

Ultimately, the emphasis is that while the Cederberg is inhospitable and currently scarred, its recovery depends entirely on the passionate, coordinated intervention of the people who love it.

Beyond the immediate destruction, the conversation highlights a critical turning point for the region: approximately 80% of central trails are now closed for a year to allow the fragile ecosystem to recover and prevent soil erosion.

There is an emphasis that in these remote wilderness areas, residents are the fire service, sparking a call for better infrastructure and "hand-up" community training. Despite the loss of young cedar saplings and the threat to local hospitality, the episode finds a silver lining in the profound solidarity of the Cederberg community, who have united to monitor, clean, and replant this "spiritual" landscape. 

Key discussions focus on the shift from reactive firefighting to proactive pre-attack planning, the critical need for defensible space in town planning, and the biological urgency of protecting endangered fynbos species like the Frost Protea in the Swartberg. Ultimately, there is a call to action for increased investment in ground crews over aerial resources and a fundamental shift in public awareness to survive an era of increasingly intense Extreme Wildfire Events. 

Instead, we are standing on a shifting baseline where once-in-a-century floods and catastrophic wildfires are becoming the standard for a more volatile future. A senior specialist from WWF South Africa breaks down the invisible mechanics of this crisis - from the destruction of "seed banks" hidden in the soil to the rapid erosion of our landscapes - while offering a roadmap for a "Just Energy Transition." 

It’s a look into how South Africa can pivot from environmental degradation toward a green economy that turns conservation into a powerhouse for jobs and resilience. 

Key themes include the rapid adoption of cashless payment systems (CapeNature recently launched its first cashless sites), the growing role of AI and technology in personalising and improving visitor experiences - including potential biometric health screening for adventure activities - and the push for geographic spread of tourism beyond the Western Cape and Kruger.

Looking ahead, SATSA is prioritising geographic diversification, inclusive accessibility for people with disabilities, and wildlife protection, while CapeNature is focused on growing its international audience and digitalising its marketing strategy so that AI platforms proactively recommend CapeNature as a travel destination.

Key highlights include CapeNature’s "eco-pods" at Grootvadersbosch, which offer "more-less" minimalist retreats, and the rising trend of digital nomadism in small towns like Swellendam.

A significant portion of the dialogue centres on universal access and the episode concludes by framing these inclusive practices not just as ethical necessities, but as vital business opportunities that sustain local jobs and preserve South Africa’s natural heritage.