Garden Route Biosphere Reserve
The Garden Route Biosphere is located within the Cape Floristic Region along the southern coast of the country.
Introduction
The Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR) is located within the Cape Floristic Region along the southern coast of the country. The permanent population of approximately 500 000 rises to in excess of 1.4 million seasonally. The area includes the Tsitsikamma, Goukamma and Robberg Marine Protected Areas, Wilderness Lake Ramsar site, Garden Route National Park, the Nelson Bay Cave and the Langkloof Valley. The Garden Route National Park, primary core area of the GRBR, also forms part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site, inscribed by UNESCO in 2004.
Stats
UNESCO Designation: 2017
Management Entity: Garden Route Biosphere Reserve Non-
Total Area: 698 363 ha, including a marine portion of 32 487 ha
Core Zone: 179 897 ha (terrestrial); 32 487 (marine)
Buffer Zone: 288 032 ha
Transition Zone: 197 956 ha
Contact
Email: admin@gardenroutebiosphere.org.za
Website: www.gardenroutebiosphere.org.za
Flagship Projects
The GRBR, still being in its formative stage has the following key strategic focus areas:
- The establishment of an organisation founded on Biosphere Reserve values, supported by a strong, hands-
on board of directors, advisory team, members’ and the broader community - involvement.
- The creation of a long term invasive to indigenous transformation programme also supported by the other four Biospheres Reserves of the Western Cape Province.
- Support for the Eden to Addo corridor project is a major key landscape focus.
- The development of several programmes including a green enterprise mentorship development programme, youth involvement programme, and land use capacity development programme.