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BiosphereBiosphere Reserve More Info: www.waterbergbiosphere.org The VisionThe central vision for the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is to maximise this unique area’s considerable potential for conservation, sustainable development and social upliftment. In broad terms this will entail developing the area as a premier tourist destination, building a conservation and sustainable-use ethic, which can then be effectively monitored, actively spreading benefits and opportunities to poorer members of the community and facilitating relevant research, education and skills training in the area. (The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Brochure Publication) What are Biosphere Reserves?Biosphere reserves are areas of either terrestrial or coastal environments that are of international conservation importance designated by UNESCO. Biosphere reserves are areas promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognised and nominated by national government.There are three functions to these reserves.1. A conservation function – to contribute to conservation of the full hierarchy of biodiversity – landscapes, ecosystems, species and genes.2. A development function – to foster economic and human development, which is socio-culturally and ecologically sensitive.3. A logistical function – to support research, monitoring, education and information sharing of conservation and development. The Man and Biosphere Reserve programme (MAB)UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere programme develops the basis, within the natural and social sciences, for the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity, and for the improvement of the relationships between people and their environment. South Africa became part of this programme in 1995.There is now a large global network of biosphere reserves in the MAB programme, which fosters exchange of information and facilitates co-operative activities.There are currently, around 551 reserves in 101 countries. South Africa has six biosphere reserves. These are the Waterberg, Kogelberg, the West Coast, Kruger to Canyons, the Winelands, and Soutspanberg Biosphere Reserves. How are Biosphere Reserves different?Biosphere reserves include a diverse range of different landuse-types and different community stakeholders. This novel approach allows land that could not otherwise be designated as a formally protected area to gain status to recognise the international importance of such an area. This differs hugely from provincial and national parks strategy to protect and conserve land and biodiversity. Provincial and national parks are managed in the absence of people’s livelihoods, and with few stakeholders, making decision making fairly easy. Biosphere reserves on the other hand, have to co-ordinate and manage all the interests of the stakeholders, as well as accomplish the conservation and management objectives. This is one of the biggest challenges to biosphere reserves. However, the benefits of a working biosphere reserve are enormous and as a community we need to pull together to help achieve the objectives of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.“If we lose this official status we will lose far more than we seek to gain” Clive Walker. Benefits of a Biosphere Reserve to the WaterbergStatus benefit, either to areas with no recognised status (Farms/ Private reserves) or additional status (to already existing formally protected areas).To raise the profile of the Waterberg area both nationally and internationally.Can be used as a focus for marketing, both for the Waterberg as a whole as well as private land.Used to link conservation and development.Allows different community members to be stakeholders to aid development and conservation in the area.Can be used to assist current legislation and structure plans for planning, development and conservation of a region.To create links between the private sector, community structures and government.To create education and training opportunities that will create environmental responsible actions to contribute to the welfare of the region.To assist bio-regional planning and tourism marketing strategies for the area. Why do we need Biosphere Reserves?To conserve biological diversity and natural resources.To maintain healthy ecosystems.To learn about natural systems and how they are changing.To learn about traditional forms of land-use.To share knowledge on how to manage natural resources in a sustainable way.To cooperate in solving natural resources problems. How are Biosphere Reserves organised?To carry out the complementary activities of nature conservation and use of natural resources, biosphere reserves are organised into three interrelated zones - core area (long term protection of the area, human activity highly limited), the buffer zone (completely surrounds the core, may be used for 'light' human activity such as ecotourism) and the transition zone (area of cooperation, human activities must be respectful of, and promote sustainable use). Who benefits from Biosphere Reserves?Local communities. Farmers, foresters and fishermen.Scientists.Government decision-makers and agencies.The world community. How are Biosphere Reserves selected?On major biogeographic regions.To contain landscapes, ecosystems or species in need of conservation.To provide opportunity of sustainable development.An appropriate size.On the zoning system. Who is participating?Local scientists, officials and representatives of institutions and local inhabitants.Major institutions involved in nature conservation and sustainable use of resources.International government and non-government organisations.Supported by the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the World Conservation Union (IUCN), Conservation International and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). For more info: The Waterberg.Com Waterberg South Africa Copyright. Last updated June 2010 Author/ designer: K Abramemail: Kelly@thewaterberg.com |