Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems. The Kogelberg Biosphere comprises a combination of both terrestrial and marine.
Biospheres have three zones:
Core – which is a legally protected area where human intervention is strictly prohibited,
Buffer – clearly identified and surrounding or contiguous to the core,
Transition – where sustainable resource management practices are promoted for both residential and commercial development. Betty’s Bay has a combination of both transitional and buffer zones
The Kogelberg Biosphere comprises about 10 000 hectares. It spans from Gordon’s Bay to Grabow, to behind the Groenlandberg and Houw Hoek mountains, to the Bot River estuary and all the way along the shoreline from Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay, Rooiels and Gordon’s Bay
The Kogelberg Biosphere is one of six plant kingdoms of the world , the Cape Floral Kingdom,and is home to 77 plant species only found here
Diagram: from the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve website. https://kogelbergbiosphere.org.za/
The Betty’s Bay Conservancy plays an important role in helping the residents of Betty’s Bay learn how to restore habitat, preserve biodiversity and embrace “biosphere living”. If you wold like to join the BBC, please email us at bettysbayconservancy@gmail.com,. Membership fees are R120.00
Ann Bradshaw
Thanks to Sandy, Barbara, Warren, Jan and Ann for their contributions to this month’s BBC update.
Compiled and edited by Carol Clark