Nicky Schmidt, Parkscape chairperson
At the outset, let me state that while I understand the underlying reasoning for the discontinuation of the baboon monitor programme, it should be noted that the program was unilaterally terminated and without any consultation with the public.
The legality of this decision to terminate over 14 years of successful urban baboon management is deeply questionable, and the view of senior counsel is that this decision is not legitimate.
It is commonly accepted that the responsibility for baboon management lies with the three spheres of authority as represented by the JTT – the City of Cape Town, Cape Nature and SANParks. It is also scientifically accepted that urban baboon management comprises a “bundle” of tools that need to work together. No one element alone can do the job, and all elements need to be applied collectively to ensure consolidated and coherent success in managing Chacma baboons across the Southern Peninsula. These elements include strategic baboon-proof fencing coupled with a monitor programme, waste management, baboon proof bins, traffic calming, baboon proofing electricity infrastructure, wildlife signage and law enforcement.
While the JTT acknowledges these elements in the Strategic Management Plan it provides no clarity or detail for the operational implementation of these elements and more worryingly, information on costs and responsibilities is vague.
It should be noted that it is not the responsibility of communities to find or pay for solutions. Yet it is of grave concern that the idea has been promulgated by the City and the JTT that communities should somehow take responsibility for any monitor programmes – without which strategic fencing is largely a waste of time and money. Again, I note the issue of legality regarding the decision to terminate the monitor programme.
Of further concern is the timing of the roll-out of any new operational plan. We are only six months away from the termination of the monitor programme – the only thing currently preventing suburbs from being overrun by baboon troops, to the detriment of baboons and people. It seems likely that come January there will be areas that will be left without monitors, will have no fences and will be a in a five-year waiting programme for improved waste management and baboon proof bins. No transition programme appears to be in place.
The JTT has the opportunity to create a world-class urban wildlife programme, yet it seems to veering away from success to a situation of impending disaster, which will serve neither the authorities, communities nor baboons. It is my sincere hope that the JTT will be able to disabuse me of my perception of the impending situation, and that in support of a world leading conservation initiative will provide a realistic plan - with committed budgets and responsibilities and in a realistic time frame of 3 to 5 years - that allows development and testing of new strategies, sharing the successes and lessons with the community without dropping the current level of support.
Issues
• The intergovernmental dispute between the City and SANParks underpins the current situation and holds residents and baboons to ransom in a manner that raises serious questions.
• The need exists for the creation of a coherent, Peninsula-wide sustainable management program for baboons. This is not obvious in the current circumstances – which are shrouded in vagueness and lacking in clarity. The current situation requires a significant reset.
• Given the nature – part-time nature - of the JTT, we need to see the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle, guided by science, for the management of baboons. The JTT and JBOT members do not have the time, experience or knowledge to consistently apply their minds to baboon management.
• Baboon management and funding of baboon management is not the responsibility of communities but of the three authorities: the City, SANParks and Cape Nature.
• Responsibility for baboon management, as shown by the 2015 Weinkove judgement, lies entirely with authorities. Responsibility does not lie with communities who should not be paying for monitors, fence maintenance etc.
• Better education and awareness of communities is required in order to create better understanding of baboon management. This includes education by scientists so the public gain an informed understanding.
• The JTT needs to consult with scientists.
• The current proposed strategy offers less service than previously from the authorities. Service, going forward, should be equal to or better than what communities have traditionally experienced. Communities should not accept less or worse service.
The Bulletin approached the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team for a response but had not received a response at the time of publishing.
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team concluded its engagements with baboon-affected communities about how to operationalise the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan with area-specific interventions on Thursday June 20.
Next, the CPBMJTT is to consider all of the comments and feedback received during this engagement process, as well as input from among which experts, scientists, and other interested parties.
Parallel to this process is our intention to call for nominations from communities for representation on the Baboon Advisory Group and the establishment of the BAG to continue the conversation around interventions, solutions, and the transitioning period.
We will keep the public informed.
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