Environmental Responsibility
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway plays its part to protect the surrounding environment and its inhabitants. Photo courtesy ebatty
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is passionate about the environment, and we do all we can to minimise our impact on the mountain ecology. Conserving the area’s biodiversity is our top priority, and all waste is brought down from the summit, to ensure the mountain-top remains pristine.
Water is life
Water is a precious commodity anywhere in the Western Cape, and especially on top of Table Mountain. We want to help prevent the dehydration of some 1460 different species of fynbos that grow on the slopes, by minimising water consumption. Chemical toilets were introduced in 1997, and visitors are constantly reminded to save water wherever they can. Even the Table Mountain Cafe is playing its part, saving a whopping 1-million litres in its first year alone.
A burning issue
Fires are vital, yet a constant threat to the mountain’s natural balance. In 2002 we introduced a smoking policy, restricting smoking to designated areas. This has significantly contributed to a reduction in cigarette-butt litter, and in the associated fire hazard that lighting up poses. Visitors are strongly urged to smoke in designated areas only.
People problems
Table Mountain is understandably popular with tourists, but people can cause considerable damage to its delicate ecosystem. We do all we can to limit and reduce the impact of visitors, by creating designated paths and smoking areas. A low-emissions zone was also introduced at the Lower Station bus parking area in 2005.
We ask you to please keep the following in mind:
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has SABS 14001 accreditation
- Do not litter – use the bins provided
- Do not chip or damage the rocks
- Do not feed the animals
- Do not pick the flowers
- Do not waste water
- Stay on the footpaths
- Smoke in designated areas only
Eyesores
We have worked hard to ensure the Cableway’s facilities integrate with the beauty and natural splendour of Table Mountain. We want the mountain to remain unaffected by the movement of people up and down its slopes and on its summit. In 1999, we were awarded The ILASA (Institute of Landscape Architects of South Africa) Award for Excellence in Landscape Architecture, “for the restructured pathways and viewpoints, which enhance visitors’ experience, whilst ensuring that detriment to the vegetation and rock formations are kept to a minimum”.
Awards and Accolades
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is associated with the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme
2009: South African Tourism’s Attraction of the Year (finalist)
2009: Re-certified as ISO 14001-compliant
2008: Imvelo Award for Responsible Tourism (Best single resource management – water)
2008: Heritage Environmental Rating – Silver Class
2008: Ishkus Power Achievement Award, in recognition of energy savings
2008: SANParks Cape Regional Achievement Award (Business Partner of the Year)
2005: Finalist in the Imvelo Awards for Best Overall Environmental Management Programme
2004 : Table Mountain becomes a World Heritage Site
2003 : TMACC’s Environmental Management System is awarded ISO 14001 certification
2000: The Green Globe Achievement Award: a commendation for Environmental Management and Awareness in our first year of membership. Rick Taylor, chief executive officer of Cape Metropolitan Tourism Council said “TMACC has proven that it is able to achieve a balance between development and respecting and protecting the environment.”
1999: The EPPIC (Environmental Planning Professions Interdisciplinary Committee) National Premium Award for Integrated Environmental Management, in recognition of the environmentally sensitive manner in which the cableway was built and is being operated.
