The Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) map aims to guide sustainable development by providing a synthesis of biodiversity information to decision makers. It serves as the common reference for all multi-sectoral planning procedures, advising which areas can be developed, and which areas of critical biodiversity value and their support zones should be protected against impacts. The broad objective is to ensure appropriate land use and planning for the best possible long-term benefits and to promote integrated management of natural resources. The main CBA Map categories are Critical Biodiversity Areas (Terrestrial and Aquatic), Ecological Support Areas (Critical and Other), Other Natural Remaining Areas and No Natural Remaining Areas. The first two mentioned categories represent the biodiversity priority areas which should be maintained in a natural to near natural state. The last two mentioned categories are not considered as priority areas and a loss of biodiversity within these areas may be acceptable. The CBA map indicates the most efficient (least land-hungry) selection and classification of land portions requiring safeguarding in order to meet national biodiversity objectives (termed biodiversity thresholds). Furthermore, wherever possible, the selection has attempted to avoid conflict with other land uses.

The Critical Biodiversity Areas Map forms a vital component of the Biodiversity Sector Plan. Other components of the Biodiversity Sector Plan include the GIS shapefiles and technical related reports (downloadable from the site) as well as the Biodiversity Sector Plan handbook (in preparation). This handbook provides an interpretive guideline as to how the maps were produced and how they should be used and also includes a biodiversity profile for the local municipality.

The CBA map provides the information needed for three broad categories of day-to-day land- and resource-use decisions: 1) Reactive decision making, such as environmental impact assessment (EIA), agricultural land-use decisions, water-use licensing and other development control decisions through the Land-use Planning Ordinance (LUPO) or other land-use legislation; 2) Proactive forward planning, such as Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) and Zoning Schemes; and 3) Proactive conservation, such as stewardship, land acquisition and clearing of invasive alien plants.

Disclaimer
The map associated with this handbook is not guaranteed to be free from error or omission. Consequently, the authors and designers hold no responsibility for any inaccuracies, injuries or financial loss. The map together with the guidelines serves as the primary biodiversity informant for land-use planning and decision making, and does not claim to address other land-use or town and regional planning policy.

Map Producers
The CBA maps have been produced by Genevieve Pence and James Magidi as part of the C.A.P.E. Fine-scale Biodiversity Planning Project, implemented by CapeNature.