Kogelberg Biosphere turns 25!
The UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme turned 50 in March this year.
“We’re a fantastic 25 years old! And that makes us the oldest biosphere in South Africa, as we celebrate International Day for Biosphere Reserves. It all started in November 1998, when we were first registered with UNESCO.
As a budding, young adult, there are exciting times ahead for us, as we continue to create a sustainable future for people and nature” the Reserve shared on its social media platforms.
About 100,000 hectares from Gordon’s Bay to Hermanus, there are 1880 plant species protected, and some 77 indigenous ones that can only be found in that area.
There are also 3500 marine species.
Such reserves are managed mostly, as non-governmental initiatives, perceived as “bottom-up” ways to manage nature. Some challenges in Kogelberg, include abalone poaching.
There are now 7 biospheres declared by UNESCO in South Africa, including, Kogelberg, Cape West Coast, Cape Winelands, Vhembe, Magaliesberg, Garden Route and Marico.
Together they make up 9,5% of the landscape (115, 732 kilometers).
In its South African Strategy for the Biosphere Reserve Programme (2016-2020), the Government said reserve must help the country fulfill international obligations to protect the environment, including Rio+20 outcomes and sustainable development goals.
There are 93 biospheres in Africa located in 33 countries.
There are 738 reserves in the world according to UNESCO, located in 22 sites.
Picture: Lonely Planet
