CBA areas considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which are required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality of ecosystems.

The MBCP Aquatic Biodiversity Corridors were developed from the MBCP Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment layer. It was an expert assessment of mainstem rivers requiring protection as they are either vulnerable and of high biodiversity value, or they are important in linking up important subcatchment areas.

The Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP) is the product of a systematic biodiversity planning assessment that delineates, on a map (via a Geographic Information System (GIS)), Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) which require safeguarding to ensure the continued existence and functioning of species and ecosystems, including the delivery of ecosystem services, across terrestrial and freshwater realms. These spatial priorities are used to inform sustainable development in the Western Cape Province. This product replaces all previous systematic biodiversity planning products and sector plans with updated layers and features.

The Northern Cape CBA Map identifies biodiversity priority areas, called Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) which, together with protected areas, are important for the persistence of a viable representative sample of ecosystems and species, as well as the long-term ecological functioning of the landscape as a whole. The “reasons” layer is based on the planning units used in the spatial analysis, and provides a list of biodiversity and ecological features found in each planning unit, which contribute to the biodiversity target.