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.