The West Coast National Park (WCNP) celebrates 40 years since its declaration photos supplied
By JP Louw
SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson
This year marks a momentous milestone as the West Coast National Park (WCNP) celebrates 40 years since its declaration four decades of protecting one of South Africa’s most treasured coastal ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Since its establishment in 1985, the West Coast National Park has stood as a beacon of conservation excellence, safeguarding the unique habitats of the Langebaan Lagoon and associated wetlands as well as the offshore islands in Saldanha Bay, Salt marches, Postberg Section, and surrounding fynbos landscapes.
The park has grown into a flagship destination under the custodianship of South African National Parks (SANParks), attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, particularly during the iconic spring wild flower season.
Over the past four decades, WCNP has made significant strides in protecting and restoring vital ecosystems.
Conservation initiatives have focused on rehabilitating degraded areas and infrastructure, monitoring endangered species such as the African oystercatcher and eland, and managing the delicate balance between conservation and recreation.
The park’s success in maintaining the ecological integrity of the Ramsar-listed Langebaan Lagoon remains one of its proudest achievements.
No success story is complete without the people behind it.
Over the years, WCNP has seen many passionate individuals dedicate their careers to conservation and environmental education.
Several long-serving staff members have witnessed the park’s transformation, passing on invaluable knowledge to new generations of conservationists.
This continuity has helped build a strong institutional memory and a deep sense of pride within the park’s team.
Collaboration has always been central to the park’s achievements.
The strong partnership between SANParks, the SANParks Honorary Rangers, Saldanha Bay Municipality, SAS Saldanha Navy, Traditional leaders, Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment, Boarder Police and other stakeholders has been instrumental in supporting conservation projects, visitor management, and community upliftment.
Together, these partners have contributed to initiatives such as environmental awareness campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and volunteer-led maintenance and visitor services.
Through its Socio-Economic Transformation efforts, the park has seen a turnover of 500 children and seniors visiting the park per year.
Each year WCNP comes alive with colour during the spring wildflower season, drawing visitors from across South Africa as well as international guests.
Visitor numbers during this period continue to grow, with the park recording an average of over 100,000 entries during the peak months in recent years.
The combination of pristine beaches, birdlife, cultural sites, and the spectacular floral displays throughout the Park, makes WCNP one of the most loved destinations in Langebaan.
As WCNP celebrates this remarkable milestone, the park reaffirms its commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships, values that align strongly with SANParks Vision 2040, which envisions “A world-class system of sustainable national parks reconnecting society with nature.”
The next 40 years promise continued growth, innovation, and resilience as the park adapts to emerging environmental challenges and opportunities while deepening its role as a catalyst for conservation-led development along the West Coast.
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