Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve lies in the Western Cape Province, approximately 60km south east of Cape Town. 

It encompasses the entire coastal area from Gordon's Bay to the Bot River vlei and inland to Grabouw and the Groenland Mountain.
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The Kogelberg Nature Reserve forms the largest part of the core area of the biosphere reserve.  This reserve, known as the "heart of the fynbos", is home to an incredible 1 600 different plant species, making it one of the world's richest sites of plant diversity!

Plantations, farms, local towns and industrial developments make up the transition zone.

In addition numerous animals including leopard, antelope, many birds, freshwater fish and smaller creatures occur in this region of natural splendour.

Private and municipal nature reserves, the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, the Palmiet River estuary, sections of the coast and the marine area comprise the buffer zone. Plantations, farms, local towns and industrial developments make up the transition zone.

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve was registered under UNESCO'S Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) in December 1998.

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What is a Biosphere Reserve?

A biosphere reserve is a specific type of conservation area which accommodates and benefits both the natural environment and the communities living in and around it. This is possible because a biosphere reserve consists of three different but associated zones:

CORE: most ecologically sensitive and pristine area where nature conservation is a priority and low-impact activities (e.g. hiking and birdwatching) are allowed.

BUFFER: less ecologically sensitive but mostly natural area where recreation (e.g. camping, boating, mountain biking), and sustainable utilisation of natural products (e.g. fishing, wildflower harvesting) can be accommodated.

TRANSITION: least ecologically sensitive area where a great variety of land uses occur (e.g. farms, commercial plantations and towns).

All zones are interdependent and are managed and protected according to the definitions above. By linking conservation, development and the sustainable use of natural resources, a harmony and balance between nature and people can be achieved.

Biosphere reserves may be registered with the United Nation's Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) which gives them international recognition and status. A biosphere reserve is managed by a team representing local communities, agriculture, business, conservation and local authorities and other relevant parties.

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How can the community participate and benefit?

• Conserving the plants, animals and natural features within the biosphere reserve ensures that the environment is healthy, safe and pleasant for people and their future generations.


• The biosphere reserve may enhance opportunities for employment, recreation, education, tourism and sustainable utilisation which will directly benefit local communities.


• The people living in the region will be involved in the management of the biosphere reserve.


• All new developments will occur within a framework approved by, and to the advantage of, local inhabitants.


• Local schools, colleges and universities may use the biosphere reserve for environmental education and research.


• Indigenous gardens will be promoted.


• Environmentally friendly homes will be encouraged, with recycling and safe sewage disposal as examples, thereby creating a sound and healthy environment for residents.

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More information

The Reserve Manager: Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Private Bag X1
7195 Kleinmond
Tel:(028) 271 5138
Fax:(028) 272 9425
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Co-ordinator: Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
Scientific Services
Private Bag X5014
7599 Stellenbosch
Tel:(021) 866-1560
Fax:(021) 889-1523
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
Amida and Mark Johns

This little book is an introduction to the reserve through a series of beautifully shot images accompanied by brief descriptions.  It is an album of a scenic fynbos wonderland just 40km east of Cape Town, which is at the core of the reserve. 
This mountainous and coastal core is buffered by farmland, recreational resorts and major wetland systems that lie within the reserve's 100 000 hectare expanse.
For the many who visit, live and make their living in the Kogelberg reserve, play in it, draw water from it and eat of its fruits, this book is a precious reminder of the beauty of the natural environment and the urgent need to sustain it.

About the Authors
As residents and part of the management of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Mark and Amida Johns have come to know well its landscape, the needs of its ecosystem and the many special plant species in the area.  Mark Johns has been reserve manager of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve since 1989.  His wife, Amida, is a keen amateur photographer.

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