PHOTO CREDIT ALAIN PROUST DEFINITIONS

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PHOTO CREDIT ALAIN PROUST DEFINITIONS PHOTO CREDIT PETER CHADWICK PHOTO CREDIT AMIDA JOHNS BIODIVERSITY: Biodiversity refers not only to species of plants, animals and micro-organisms, but also their

Biodiversity therefore includes the diversity of all living organisms, the diversity within species and of the ecosystems that contain them.

on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). CORRIDOR: A biodiversity corridor links large habitat parcels through landscape gradients.

2 PHOTO CREDIT ALAIN PROUST DEFINITIONS PHOTO CREDIT PETER CHADWICK PHOTO CREDIT AMIDA JOHNS BIODIVERSITY: Biodiversity refers not only to species of plants, animals and micro-organisms, but also their range of genetic diversity, and the landscapes, ecological and evolutionary processes that allow the diversity of life to persist over time. Biodiversity therefore includes the diversity of all living organisms, the diversity within species and of the ecosystems that contain them. BIOSPHERE RESERVE: Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof, which are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO s Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). CORRIDOR: A biodiversity corridor links large habitat parcels through landscape gradients. A corridor contains key elements of ecological infrastructure that forms a network of interconnected structural landscape elements including natural ecosystems that deliver tangible services to people and underpins sustainable socio-economic development. MAB PROGRAMME: The Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) promotes the establishment of biosphere reserves throughout all biogeographical provinces of the world. Biosphere reserves are designated by UNESCO and form part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, presently consisting of 621 biosphere reserves in 117 countries. PROTECTED AREA (PA) EXPANSION STRATEGY: The PA Expansion Strategy provides a broad national framework for PA expansion in South Africa, identifies areas of importance to be targeted for this expansion in the country, and the mechanisms to achieve this. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the current generation without threatening the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and choose their own lifestyle. This requires environmental protection, economic growth and social justice to be reconciled with one another. 1 COVER PHOTO CREDITS SCOTT N RAMSAY

PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY COMPOSITION OF THE KBR 2 VISION OF THE KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve: the Cape Floral Kingdom s model sustainable

The KBR was designated by UNESCO in December 1998.

3 PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY COMPOSITION OF THE KBR 2 VISION OF THE KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve: the Cape Floral Kingdom s model sustainable living environment for all. BACKGROUND & HISTORY The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (KBR) is Africa s southernmost biosphere reserve and is located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The KBR was designated by UNESCO in December The biosphere reserve comprises approximately hectares, including terrestrial and marine components, covering terrain from below sea level to the highest peak of 1270 metres and stretches along the coast from Gordon s Bay in the west to the Bot River Vlei in the east, and inland to the Groenlandberg. It also includes the marine zone up to two nautical miles along its 70 kilometre coastline. Included are vast tracts of natural vegetation, important marine habitats, major wetland systems, five towns and various settlements, agricultural lands, commercial plantations and recreational resorts. The concept of a biosphere reserve is an international designation in accordance with the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO. The essence of the biosphere reserve concept is about the combination of three complementary functions: conservation (of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation); sustainable development (fostering economic development which is ecologically and culturally sustainable); and logistical support (promoting research, monitoring, education and training). These functions need to be implemented within a defined landscape according to a threetiered zonation system of core areas, buffer zones and transition zones. With the inception of the KBR, a process was followed to delineate the three biosphere reserve zones. Core areas predominantly include pristine state land; buffer zones include areas of biodiversity importance and are either in public or private ownership; and transition zones mainly include converted lands. As far as possible, the boundaries of the KBR coincide with ecological boundaries such as watersheds, rather than regional planning boundaries. The primary core area of the KBR, the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, is a declared state forest and is managed by the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (CapeNature). The biosphere reserve core also includes the Betty s Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) of hectares, also managed by CapeNature, and other smaller tracts of state land. At the heart of the KBR are mountainous areas and the Palmiet River catchment which are managed MANAGEMENT ENTITY & PARTNERS The management entity of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve Company (KBRC), a registered non-profit company in terms of the South African Companies Act (No. 71 of 2008). The KBRC consists of an elected Board of Directors, which is supported by a Management Committee. All major stakeholders are represented primarily for biodiversity conservation and also yield high quantities of quality water. In its lower reaches, the Palmiet River flows through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and within this region the river receives flows from pristine sub-catchments. The upper and middle sections of the Palmiet catchment fall within the buffer and transition zones of the KBR and are intensively cultivated for fruit farming and plantation forestry. The majority of the land within the buffer zones is privately owned, most of it being smallholdings in a natural or near-natural state. Some areas are also state-owned by national government or local authorities. The marine area up to two nautical miles from the coast, excluding the Betty s Bay MPA, forms part of the buffer zone. The terrestrial buffer zone comprises hectares and the marine buffer zone hectares. on the Management Committee. CapeNature, being the land manager of the primary core areas of the KBR, is a permanent member of the Management Committee. Other members include government departments, local authorities, non-profit organisations and community groupings. 3

SALIENT BIOPHYSICAL & BIODIVERSITY FEATURES The KBR lies within the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), the smallest and most diverse of the six floral kingdoms of the World.

The CFR includes all the vegetation types within the area known as the Fynbos Biome or commonly referred to as Fynbos.

The KBR, in particular the Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos, is floristically regarded as the heart of the Cape flora.

The diversity is attributed to rapid change in species composition along habitat gradients. An array of smaller animals can also be found in the Kogelberg area, e.g. water mongoose, porcupine, red rock rabbit, honey badger, bat eared fox and the Cape fox.

Numerous reptiles and amphibians are represented within the KBR, e.g. the rare micro frog (Microbatrachella capensis). The Bot River Vlei is an important habitat for a wide variety of water birds.

4 SALIENT BIOPHYSICAL & BIODIVERSITY FEATURES The KBR lies within the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), the smallest and most diverse of the six floral kingdoms of the World. The CFR is regarded as a hot-spot for biodiversity conservation worldwide. In addition, the Kogelberg area is widely regarded as a botanical hot-spot and a centre of endemism. The CFR includes all the vegetation types within the area known as the Fynbos Biome or commonly referred to as Fynbos. The Kogelberg area comprises of a number of different vegetation types including Sandstone Fynbos, Shale Fynbos, Shale Band Vegetation, Western Strandveld and Seashore Vegetation. The KBR, in particular the Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos, is floristically regarded as the heart of the Cape flora. It has an exceptional floral diversity of more than plant species occurring in only 240 square kilometres. Of the 178 known rare and noteworthy species, 150 are locally endemic. The Kogelberg region is known for its special plant species, which among others include the Marsh Rose (Orothamnus zeyheri) that is depicted in the logo of the KBR. Other special plants include Mimetes hottentoticus, Agapanthus walshii, Nivenia stokoei, Erica pillansii and Haemanthus canaliculatus. The diversity is attributed to rapid change in species composition along habitat gradients. An array of smaller animals can also be found in the Kogelberg area, e.g. water mongoose, porcupine, red rock rabbit, honey badger, bat eared fox and the Cape fox. Antelope are represented by grysbok, klipspringer, common duiker and grey rhebuck. Top predators of the area include the leopard and Black Eagle. Numerous reptiles and amphibians are represented within the KBR, e.g. the rare micro frog (Microbatrachella capensis). The Bot River Vlei is an important habitat for a wide variety of water birds. Stony Point in Betty s Bay provides habitat for one of only two land-based breeding colonies of the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus). The marine area hosts a wide variety of marine life of which the shellfish species, abalone (Haliotis midae or locally known as perlemoen) is rapidly being depleted due to overexploitation for commercial purposes. The ecological functioning of the natural environment is sustained by an array of interactions between plants and animals. Insects are by far the most significant pollinators in Fynbos. Many of the Kogelberg s endemics rely on seed dispersal by ant species, a mutualistic relationship called myrmecochory. The Palmiet River and its tributaries is a mega hot-spot for dragonflies (Odonata), and as a result the KBR has been referred to as an irreplaceable area due to 53% of dragonflies being listed as national endemics. KOGELBERG NATURE RESERVE The Kogelberg Nature Reserve comprises a large area of hectares and several smaller fragments, totaling approximately hectares. The Nature Reserve forms part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site. CapeNature manages the protected area as an integral part of the core area of the KBR. The purpose of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve is to fulfil the Organisation s mandate through conserving the unique biodiversity of the area through integrated catchment management and effective partnerships; to PHOTO CREDIT ALAIN PROUST AFRICAN PENGUIN (Spheniscus demersus) PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY ensure sustained water yield; to allow the opportunity to access the reserve and to be proactive in fostering relationships with surrounding communities. The Kogelberg is recognised as a critically important catchment area, and is managed to ensure the optimal sustained flow of high quality water, providing water to surrounding towns and deciduous agriculture. High peaks and rugged mountainous terrain dominate the landscape while the area enjoys a Mediterranean type climate with warm dry summers and cool wet winters. Marsh Rose (Orothamnus zeyheri) Nivenia stokoei 45 PHOTO CREDIT AMIDA JOHNS PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY PHOTO CREDIT DONOVAN KIRKWOOD PHOTO CREDIT ALAIN PROUST

PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY Too frequent fires and uncontrolled alien plant infestations threaten the fire driven Fynbos ecosystem.

These light-weight stilted cabins, adorned with roof gardens and largely constructed of locally sourced alien timber and stones, were intentionally designed to blend in with the pristine surroundings.

Surrounded by vibrant Fynbos and soaring mountain peaks, the self-catering cabins set a new benchmark in sustainable development.

Only activities compatible with the Nature Reserve s zonation and that do not adversely affect natural processes and wildlife, such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and bird watching, are allowed.

propagate trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals for planting in open public spaces (for the greening effect) and also for sale via local nursery outlets; thirdly, the nursery will focus on the

concern, especially where deforestation has already become a huge concern to members of the local community.

buildings and even informal settlement housing. This will be done as part of a consultative process with local municipal officials to ensure that no safety and legal issues are overlooked.

This facility aims to establish and resource a number of small, locally based projects, coordinated by the KBRC and in support of the KBR s Catchment to Coast initiative.

It will also aim to identify and implement economically viable uses for alien vegetation, such as innovative craft products, packaging materials and raw materials for building components.

5 PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY Too frequent fires and uncontrolled alien plant infestations threaten the fire driven Fynbos ecosystem. Accommodation on the Nature Reserve is provided in the form of five eco-cabins. These light-weight stilted cabins, adorned with roof gardens and largely constructed of locally sourced alien timber and stones, were intentionally designed to blend in with the pristine surroundings. Boardwalks weave through the indigenous landscaping to link the PHOTO CREDIT ALAIN PROUST separate buildings. Surrounded by vibrant Fynbos and soaring mountain peaks, the self-catering cabins set a new benchmark in sustainable development. The development has already received international recognition in the form of the prestigious Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction. Only activities compatible with the Nature Reserve s zonation and that do not adversely affect natural processes and wildlife, such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and bird watching, are allowed. THE NURSERY PROJECT, located in Grabouw, will have three main focal points; firstly, to propagate and grow seedlings for the local community farmers as well as a nursery retail store; secondly to propagate trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals for planting in open public spaces (for the greening effect) and also for sale via local nursery outlets; thirdly, the nursery will focus on the propagation of not only indigenous flora/ trees that could be replanted in the areas along the river that have been cleared of alien vegetation, but also trees that would be used to reforest areas of concern, especially where deforestation has already become a huge concern to members of the local community. THE ALTERNATIVE BUILDING WITH ECO- BRICKS PROJECT, which cooperates closely with the Recycling Swop-shop, will endeavour to use recycled materials in the form of eco-bricks for building utility buildings and even informal settlement housing. This will be done as part of a consultative process with local municipal officials to ensure that no safety and legal issues are overlooked. PROJECTS The KBR is implementing a small grants facility in collaboration with the Table Mountain Fund. This facility aims to establish and resource a number of small, locally based projects, coordinated by the KBRC and in support of the KBR s Catchment to Coast initiative. The facility will assist local organisations and entrepreneurs in building income generative activities providing ecosystem services within the KBR region. It will also aim to identify and implement economically viable uses for alien vegetation, such as innovative craft products, packaging materials and raw materials for building components. The Catchment to Coast initiative aims to achieve three objectives of conservation, sustainable livelihoods and innovative products. It is currently working with eight individual projects, namely: A RECYCLING SWOP-SHOP, known as the RSS FIRE LIGHTERS made from locally harvested pine Project, where all non-recyclable plastic material collected cones was the brainchild of a local entrepreneur, Anthony by the youth from the surrounding areas will be stuffed Appel, who has seen the need and opportunity to harvest into 2 litre bottles and turned into eco-bricks, which in large volumes of pine cones in the local forest, bag them turn will be used to build low-cost housing and supporting and sell them to a growing number of retail outlets. This structures. The youth who bring in their recycled material business not only has access to thousands of hectares of will receive an item, for example clothing, toys, stationery, free natural resources, but also provides self-employment educational games and even food items in return. to a number of sub-contractors that help Anthony harvest and bag the pine cones. THE SUSTAINABLE VEGGIE GARDEN PROJECT focuses on addressing the issue of food shortage as its primary purpose. Depending on the demand, this project could be expanded to other members of the community provided that they have access to sufficient water and security measures are available to protect their crops. The owners of Peregrine Farm Stall have already agreed to buy all their excess vegetables as a contribution to a local soup kitchen in the community. THE ELGIN RABBITS ENTERPRISE (ERE) is a young start-up company with their main operations depot based in Grabouw. They are the pioneers in a niche market providing rabbit meat to the elite/cuisine market, as well as the growing number of consumers who are not able to afford red meat. Once they have built up a strong/large enough stock of breeding rabbits they aim to expand their supply-chain by empowering other emerging entrepreneurs from the surrounding towns to start and operate licensed ERE depots in their respective towns. THE CLEAN-GREEN BOT RIVER PROJECT involves not only the cleaning of Bot River by means of waste reduction, but also involves the greening of the Bot River open public spaces which will be turned into gardens using some of the plants generated from one of the other nursery projects. 6 7 PHOTO CREDIT AMIDA JOHNS

THE ELGIN WOOD CRAFTS PROJECT focuses on manufacturing children s educational toys and hand-made novelty and/or utility items mainly from recyclable products obtained essentially from up-cycled apple

HOW PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE & BENEFIT These projects have been provisionally selected as they already have momentum and show definite signs of potential success.

org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/ Department of Environmental Affairs MAB Programme: https://www.environment.gov.

twk.org.za/ Table Mountain Fund: http://www.wwf.org.za/what_we_do/tablemountainfund/ Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau: http://www.kleinmondtourism.co.za/ Cape Country Meander: http://www.

6 THE ELGIN WOOD CRAFTS PROJECT focuses on manufacturing children s educational toys and hand-made novelty and/or utility items mainly from recyclable products obtained essentially from up-cycled apple bins, pallets, off-cuts from local saw mills and the removal of alien vegetation obtained from cleaning up processes. HOW PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE & BENEFIT These projects have been provisionally selected as they already have momentum and show definite signs of potential success. They all cover some aspect of concern that is in line with the ethos of what the KBR is all about. UNESCO MAB Programme: Department of Environmental Affairs MAB Programme: Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning: Overstrand Municipality: Theewaterskloof Municipality: Table Mountain Fund: Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau: Cape Country Meander: Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve: Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve: Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve: Waterberg Biosphere Reserve: Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region: Vhembe Biosphere Reserve: Elgin Valley Tourism Bureau: Conserving the plants, animals and natural features within the biosphere reserve ensures that the environment is healthy, safe and pleasant for people and future generations The biosphere reserve enhances opportunities for employment, recreation, education, tourism and sustainable utilisation which directly benefit local communities People living in the region are involved in shaping the future of the biosphere reserve and their living space through collaborative decision-making The biosphere reserve forms part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and draws value from the international affiliation with UNESCO All new developments occur within the approved Biosphere Reserve Framework Plan, and to the advantage of both people and nature Local schools, colleges and universities use the biosphere reserve for environmental education and research The biosphere reserve promotes sustainable living practices such as recycling, indigenous gardening and efficient use and re-use of natural resources Environmentally-friendly living spaces are encouraged, thereby creating a sound and healthy environment for residents Sign up as a member of the KBRC on their website and indicate your interests PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT N RAMSAY 8

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