South African National Protected Area Dataset Assembly Assembly of the dataset was a joint venture between SANParks and SANBI. An earlier national protected areas layer, prepared for the NSBA project was used as the starting point, and was updated to reflect the current state of protected areas in South Africa. This included the addition of new reserves, changes to protected areas, and correction of identified errors. Data for formal protected areas was updated based on data received from SANParks, and the following provinces: Northwest, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Previously used categories of protected areas were retained in the <Spec_Type> field, but were categorized into Formal_A, Formal_B, and Informal Conservation Area System categories in the <PA_Categ> field (see Table 1), as part of the National Protected Areas Expansion Conservation

Assessment.

Note that the dataset can be considered fairly reliable for the formal protected area system, but is known to contain significant errors and omissions in the Informal Conservation Area system data. NOTE - Only the Formal A protected areas were provided as part of the CBA maps.

Categorisation of Protected Areas

Formal Protected Area System (Formal A)

• DWAF Forest Area

• DWAF Nature Reserce

• Island Reserve

• National Park

• Nature Reserve (state and formally proclaimed private reserves only)

• Marine Protected Area

• Primary conservation area (DWAF)

• Provincial Nature Reserve

• Special Nature Reserve

• Special Protection Forest

• State Forest Nature Reserve

• Wilderness Area

• World Heritage Site (excluding cultural only sites)

Formal B

• Local Authority Nature Reserve

• Mountain Catchment Area

• Municipal Nature Reserve

• National Botanical Garden

• Protected Natural Environment

• Conservation Management Area