Kogelberg Biosphere
UNESCO Heritage Site
Our place in the Kogelberg Biosphere
We are proud to be a member of the Kogelberg Biosphere, one of the most celebrated natural landscapes in South Africa, not to mention the first region in the country to be declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. As members of the Biosphere, we share in the responsibility of protecting its extraordinary biodiversity while helping people and nature to thrive together.
The Kogelberg Biosphere covers around 100 000 hectares, from just north of Hermanus up to Gordon’s Bay and inland to Botriver, Grabouw and Elgin. It includes core conservation areas such as nature reserves and other formally protected sites, as well as the surrounding buffer zones and outer transition areas.
A biodiversity jewel
The Biosphere lies within the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. The Biosphere is in fact known as the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, given the incredible biodiversity found here. Here you’ll find 1 880 plant species, of which 77 are endemic. This includes the fynbos-covered mountains all around the Elgin Valley – including the Groenlandberg Mountains and the Houwhoek Nature reserve.
People and nature living in harmony
A UNESCO Biosphere is not a wilderness area as such. Instead, it is designed to balance the needs of conservation with the needs of people. The Kogelberg Biosphere includes not only pristine protected areas but also towns, farms and communities that are part of the landscape.
This approach recognises that healthy ecosystems are essential for human wellbeing. Wetlands filter water and reduce flooding, natural vegetation prevents soil erosion, and diverse landscapes support tourism and livelihoods. By protecting the natural world, the Biosphere helps ensure a sustainable future for everyone who calls this area home.
Protecting what matters most
As members of the Kogelberg Biosphere, we actively support initiatives that safeguard biodiversity while creating opportunities for local people. Some of the work taking place across the Biosphere includes:
- Invasive alien clearing: Removing invasive plants such as pines and wattles, which threaten water security, increase fire risk and outcompete indigenous fynbos. For example, the Kogelberg Biosphere coordinated an alien clearing project now managed by Groenland Water User Association. The funds to manage the project are donated by British retailers, coordinated by WWF South Africa. Clearing costs are covered by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s LandCare division, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and property owners. This project focuses on agricultural land that forms part of the fruit export industry in the Elgin Valley. The Biosphere is providing strategic support and guidance to the GWUA on this project.
- Wildlife rescue: The Biosphere is home to the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre, a permitted wildlife rescue centre that provides critical care to injured animals, in order to release them back into the wild.
- Supporting management in forestry areas: The Biosphere, in partnership with the Overberg District Municipality (ODM) and Elgin Grabouw Cycling Association, is providing work to 4 local youths from the Grabouw area as part of the ODM Expanded Public Works (EPWP) programme. And 10 Forest Monitors have also been appointed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. These youngsters are conducting daily patrols in the old forestry areas from Eikenhof Dam to Sir Lowry’s Pass. They report fires, assist with trail building and raise awareness on the importance of conserving the forestry areas that form part of the Kogelberg Biosphere buffer zone.
- Awareness raising: Much work is taking place to raise awareness not only of the incredible area, but also the conservation work taking place here.
Why membership matters
Being a member of the Kogelberg Biosphere means contributing to a global network of places where people are committed to living in harmony with nature. It signals that we are aligned with international standards of conservation, sustainability and community development.
Through this membership, we have the opportunity to work alongside conservation organisations, government partners and local communities who share our passion for protecting this remarkable landscape. Together, we are part of a collective effort to conserve the “heart of the fynbos”.
Looking ahead
The challenges facing the Kogelberg Biosphere are real: climate change, habitat loss and invasive alien plants all place pressure on fragile ecosystems. But the opportunities are just as powerful. By working together under the umbrella of the Biosphere, we can create lasting solutions for both nature and people.
We are honoured to be a member of the Kogelberg Biosphere, and we are committed to doing our part to ensure that this extraordinary landscape continues to thrive.
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