THE WATERBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The seemingly impenetrable Waterberg Mountain Range covers 14,500 square km – the equivalent of 80% of the Kruger National Park – and is one of Limpopo's major mountain ranges.

The area surrounding the Waterberg Mountain Range is an immense storehouse of cultural, archaeological and biological diversity. It is a breathtakingly beautiful area that is well worth a visit for anyone who loves nature, history and cultural experiences.

To make it easy for visitors to explore this region, a dedicated group of individuals has, with the support of local and international funding, created an exciting number of routes within the Waterberg, called The Waterberg Meander.

Biodiversity is high on the agenda in the Waterberg, but sustainability can only be achieved through the commitment of all the stakeholders, no exception.

[ZZZ_Photo02-1]

There are over 500 UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserves in the world – spread over 100 countries – and linked through the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Waterberg is one them since 2001, and the only savannah biosphere reserve in the world!

What is a biosphere reserve?

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and/or coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognised, nominated by national governments and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the states in which they are located.

Core functions of a bioshere reserve

A biosphere reserve is intended to fullfil 3 core functions, which are complementary and mutually reinforcing:

1. conservation – to contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation,
2. economic development – to foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable,
3. logistics – to provide support for scientific reseach and education.

Promotion of the core functions

The core functions are being promoted in a substantive way through the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve's 3 main projects:

1. management plan
   
2. skills development initiative
   
3. branding and promotion of the area as a eco-tourism destination
   

How is a biosphere reserve structured?

Biosphere reserves are organised in 3 interrelated zones:

1. the core
   
2. the buffer zone
   
3. the transition zone
   

These zones are created in a way that they accommodate geographical conditions, socio-cultural settings, available legal protection measures and local constraints. This flexibility is one of the strongest advantages of the biosphere reserve concept, facilitating the integration of protected areas into a wider context.

About Biosphere Reserves

Structure and Partners

Biosphere Documents

Waterberg Biosphere Today

Conservation