Magaliesberg has been declared a World Biosphere Reserve, the International Coordinating Council of the Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB) has announced.
This follows a lobbying campaign and sustained efforts that began in 2006.
MAB is a Unesco programme that aims to build a supportive and sustainable relationship between people and their environments, focusing on safeguarding natural ecosystems through economic development.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is made up of 631 biosphere reserves in 119 countries.
Paul Fatti, Chair of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Initiative Group (MBIG), said: “We are delighted with this final acknowledgement of the unique nature of the Magaliesberg and the powerful contribution it is making to our country; to the ecosystem services in Gauteng; and the North West communities it nurtures over an extensive area.”
Vincent Carruthers, the former Chair of MBIG and Chair of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Not-for-Profit Company, said: “I’m most grateful there is now international recognition of this great mountain range that has witnessed the whole span of life, from its very origins. The Magaliesberg is almost 100 times older than Mount Everest and half the age of the earth, a unique treasure for us in this part of Africa.”
When recognising Magaliesberg into the World Biosphere Reserves, the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves noted: “The area is endowed with scenic beauty, unique natural features, rich cultural heritage value and archaeological interest with the Cradle of Humankind, which is part of the World Heritage Site, with four million years of history.”
South Africa has eight Biosphere Reserves, including the Gouritz Cluster.
The Magaliesberg Biosphere will be formally registered by Unesco and the Department of Environmental Affairs in October.
