About Waterberg Biosphere
In 2001, the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve (WBR) was established and gained formal status as part of the world network of biosphere reserves under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MaB) programme.
The WBR encompasses a number of unique features, which makes it worthy of special attention, including the following:
- The WBR comprises a large, contiguous environment (100x100km) with remarkable wilderness quality, given its proximity to South Africa’s economic heartland
- The area does not have any significant mining, industries or forestry, allowing for the scenic beauty of the area to remain largely intact
- The area has a historically low population density
- The area comprises only one town (Vaalwater), one hamlet (Alma) and some 30 rural settlements on the periphery
- The WBR boasts a rich archaeological heritage
- The Waterberg complex is a critically important water catchment area in a largely water scarce Province
- Approximately 80% of the area is already under conservation management or is operating as game farms
Gaining recognition as a biosphere reserve was just the start of the hard work that is necessary to ensure that the WBR becomes a biosphere reserve success story.