Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal eco-systems which are internationally recognised within the framework of the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO's) Man and Biosphere Programme.

Collectively, they constitute a World Network. They are nominated by national governments and must meet a minimal set of criteria and adhere to a minimal set of conditions before being admitted into the World Network.

CapeNature continues to serve as a member on the technical committees of the five Western Cape Biosphere Reserves, including the Cape West Coast, Kogelberg, Cape Winelands, Garden Route and Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserves. CapeNature and DEA&DP support Biosphere Reserves in fulfilling their UNESCO MAB requirements, such as developing frameworks and management plans and the 10 year periodic reviews.

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve

Due largely to its ecological importance, the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve was the first Biosphere Reserve to be declared in southern Africa and forms part of UNESCO's world-wide network of Biosphere Reserves.

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve boasts 1 300 different plant species per 10 000 square kilometres - the highest diversity in the World! The next highest, Amazon rain forest, has only 420 species within the same area!

For more information on the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, download the brochure.

(Pictures by Scott Ramsay)