There are additions to the number of Biosphere Reserves in the world, and some biospheres are expanding!

Read the links to find about where and who they are and why they have been named a Biosphere Reserve.

Extract from UNESCO website -

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme today added 18 new sites in 12 countries to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which now numbers 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries around the globe.

The International Co-ordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC) meeting in Paris from 17 to 21 June approved these additions along with the extension of eight existing biosphere reserves, which in most cases also led to a change in their official names.

UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay said, “There is a pressing need to take action for biodiversity, for our shared environmental heritage. After diagnosing the issue at stake, highlighted by the recent report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the vitality of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves gives us cause for hope. Each UNESCO biosphere reserve is an open sky laboratory for sustainable development, for concrete and lasting solutions, for innovation and good practices. They seal a new alliance between the world of science and youth, between humans and the environment.”

https://en.unesco.org/news/18-new-sites-join-unescos-world-network-biosphere-reserves

Extract from UN article –

Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history – and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating, with grave impacts on people around the world now likely, warns a landmark new report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the summary of which was approved at the 7th session of the IPBES Plenary, meeting last week (29 April – 4 May) in Paris.

“The overwhelming evidence of the IPBES Global Assessment, from a wide range of different fields of knowledge, presents an ominous picture,” said IPBES Chair, Sir Robert Watson. “The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever. We are eroding the very foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.”

“The Report also tells us that it is not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global,” he said. “Through ‘transformative change’, nature can still be conserved, restored and used sustainably – this is also key to meeting most other global goals. By transformative change, we mean a fundamental, system-wide reorganization across technological, economic and social factors, including paradigms, goals and values.”

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/05/nature-decline-unprecedented-report/

Identifying and naming new finds.

Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve has co-facilitated and collaborated with organizations to arrange camps for youth from many different areas and backgrounds. Below is the recollection by a CWBR guide of a memorable camp. It was the first of its kind at De Hoop Collections, as part of a local outreach programme instigated by the De Hoop Collection guides, who had themselves already taken part in FGASA and Life Skill courses.  

De Hoop Community Outreach Camp June 2019

Recognising the CWBR bus and trailer approaching, the young girl increased her pace. She was still on her way to school with her bags for the weekend camp. As we pulled the bus into Nuwerus Napier Day Care Centre, her speed increased to meet us, as did her excitement and the size of the smile on her face.

To make a weekend camp possible, CWBR provided transport and equipment to De Hoop Collections, within De Hoop Nature Reserve. The camp was for 15 young people (aged between 2 and 14) and 2 teachers from the Day Care Centre. The principle of Nuwerus Napier Day Care Centre is herself a graduate from the first CWBR FGASA & Life Skills Guiding course. Before attending the course, she worked at the Day Care Centre as an assistant, and later at De Hoop Nature Reserve as a guide. However, feeling her deep conviction to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people in her community was not being fulfilled, she returned home to Napier and to the Day Care Centre.

Arriving at De Hoop, we were greeted with a magnificent view of the ocean, bright pink Protea repens and a wonderful welcome from the resident guides. They were anxious to get to know their young clients and prepare for the first camp activities. Without hesitation, the young people leapt on to the game-drive Landcruiser to go to the campsite. The sun would be setting soon. There were tents to erect and meals to cook.

That evening, the Team (Centre teachers, De Hoop guides and CWBR representatives) built a big fire in the middle of the boma and laid out a long table to seat everyone. They made a potje, and with an evening of games and great laughter, the young people were introduced to De Hoop, the Team and the weekend ahead.

Next morning the group rose early brimming with excitement to explore their surrounds. First, they ate a healthy breakfast at the long table and cleaned up to leave nothing for the baboons. Whilst CWBR made and cooked burgers for lunch, the group headed off for their first adventure – a walk around the inland lagoon.

The walk gave an opportunity to watch hundreds of Dung Beetle grubs. There were sightings of giant Ostrich and many Bontebok. We watched great Pelicans and many other coastal birds diving for fish close to us in the lagoon. In the distance, clearly visible with binoculars, Flamingos displayed their pink beauty. The wonderful sights at the lagoon kept the group fascinated until it was time to head off for the rocky shore tour.

Being transported from inland adventure to seashore by game-drive vehicle - the group was thrilled! The principal guide for the seashore walk is a seasoned professional at De Hoop and has become a hero and role model for the young people of Napier. He and his colleagues explained some of the rich and diverse forms of life on the rocky shores.  They discovered many creatures of all colours and shapes previously unknown to the group. A lucky find was an Octopus! Along the walk the group collected rubbish washed up on the beach and learned what happens when we pollute.

When we reached the sandy beaches, the urge to swim overcame inhibitions and the children splashed in the shoreline of the ocean. Returning to camp, the group warmed up with cups of tea.

With energy levels revived, the group put together ingredients for that night’s meal and headed, with their guides, for the protection of the boma. As the food was cooking, the group was introduced to the night skies – an experience enhanced by the arrival of marshmallows for the fire.

Packing and a hearty breakfast feast followed an early rise and shower next morning.  The group set off for another short adventure, which enabled the remaining guides and CWBR staff to discuss our work together, share experiences and learn from each other. It was a great opportunity to show off and test individual skills and knowledge.

Saying farewell to our hosts and colleagues was hard. Nobody wanted the weekend to end. With great joy, appreciation and fond memories, we waved goodbye to De Hoop and headed back to Napier.

Back at the Centre, we said our goodbyes to the principle and her colleagues.

Many thanks indeed to all who made the weekend possible, especially the wonderful people of Nuwerus Napier Dagsorg.

Using binoculars and cameras throughout the camp to see and document the animal and plant life

The beach was a highlight for most, with discovery of new creatures, fresh saltwater and sand.

Experiencing new environments and textures.

There is only one International Earth Day a year: However, every day is Earth Day.

This year’s theme is ‘Protect Our Species’

UNESCO says it best: International Earth Day is a reminder of the ‘Earth and its ecosystems [that] provide us with sustenance, and that we have a collective responsibility to achieve balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations’.

UNESCO’s article for Earth Day exemplifies Heritage Sites as one of Nature’s largest strongholds for particularly endangered species. In their article they give examples of heritage sites around the world and pinpoint them as critical ecosystems for threatened species and vital resources for the earth’s life support. 

The Cape Floral Region Protected Area in South Africa, known as the world’s hottest hot-spot for plant diversity and endemism, supports almost 20% of the continent’s flora: a haven for plants and 6000 endemic species to South Africa.

Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve is located within the Western Cape Floral Kingdom and has some of the key areas for protection of particularly the fynbos biome. 

In protecting our species, to know the IUCN Red List is fundamental. 

Cape Nature has published a guide and introduction to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List which contains an inventory of criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of biological species and subspecies. The article gives examples of how South Africa’s plant and animal Red Lists are evaluated and complied as well as defining the nine categories in the Red List. 

A unified and standardized way to measure biodiversity loss, this list has become the backbone of global conservation, and is used to inform policy and conservation planning. To keep this list up to date a vast network of scientists, conservationists, and other stakeholders pool knowledge together. 

To read these articles follow the links below:

IUCN Red List

https://www.capenature.co.za/iucn-red-list-explained

An ode to Earth Day by UNESCO

https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1960

The last meeting of the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the UNESCO MAB (Man and the Biosphere) Programme, was held in Palembang, Indonesia from 23 to 28 July 2018.

During this meeting, 24 new biosphere reserves were designated and therefore added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) that at present comprises 686 sites in 122 countries. Two countries have joined the WNBR for the first time, namely Moldova and Mozambique. These countries have not been part of the MAB network in the past, but have joined now with their first designated biosphere reserves, which are the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve in Northern Mozambique and the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve in the south of Moldova (an eastern European country located between Romania and Ukraine). 

Of the 24 new biosphere reserves (BR), five are located in Africa. These are Quirimbas BR in Mozambique, Arly BR in Burkina Faso, Tsimanampesotse–Nosy Ve Androka BR in Madagascar, Gombe Masito Ugalla BR in Tanzania, and Marico BR in South Africa. 

Marico BR is located in the North West Province, covering 447 269 ha and assisting in protecting the broader dolomitic aquifer system of the Province. The Marico River is recognised as one of the last free flowing pristine river systems in South Africa and the only one in the North West and Gauteng Provinces. It is one of a small number of rivers where the sources are eye springs fed from dolomitic aquifers and there are a number of rare tufa waterfall formations.  Heritage components include both historic and pre-historic sites and structures. The area encompasses one of the most biodiverse regions in South Africa, with the second highest number of recorded bird species. It is also home to multiple endangered and several unique species. The Marico Biosphere Reserve is managed by the Marico BR Non-profit Company. With the designation of Marico BR, South Africa now boasts ten biosphere reserves, collectively covering approximately 9.5% of South Africa’s total land area. This is clearly not an insignificant figure and demonstrates the MAB Programme’s contribution to the South African conservation estate.  

South Africa has ten UNESCO designated biosphere reserves. Recently a booklet was produced to showcase the total impact of the MAB Programme in the country. The story of biosphere reserves and the impact they have on South Africa is powerful, therefore the main goal of this booklet is to communicate the collective value of biosphere reserves. Included is information on the MAB Programme in specific, Sustainable Development Goals, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, UNESCO’s Lima Action Plan, as well as detailed information on each of the ten existing biosphere reserves. In conclusion, the impact of biosphere reserves is organised in accordance with  four core pillars, namely 

(1) Biodiversity Conservation, Awareness and Research

(2) Employment and Quality of Life

(3) Ecosystem Services

(4) Facilitation

It is believed that the booklet will contribute towards awareness and better understanding of the MAB Programme and the benefits that biosphere reserves have on both people and the greater landscape.

http://online.fliphtml5.com/koew/undf/

For Mandela Day last year, Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve joined ChangeAbility and Taquanta Investment Holdings in installing vegetable gardens at five homes belonging to people with disabilities in Kayamandi. The partnership continued with four more on-site workshops throughout the year, with the latest one taking place past Wednesday. Here knowledge, victories, and overcoming the challenges in growing a food garden in conditions which seem at first not possible were shared. 

An ongoing programme in Cape Winelands Biosphere, is to educate and empower people to maintain home-grown foods and make use of their surrounding area at home, whether it is sparse of water or space. This programme focuses on sustainable food security, nutrition for healthy living, being water-conscious, and community involvement. CWBR has been running workshops and talks and through this programme actively exchanged and shared knowledge. 

Taquanta, for their 64 minutes on Mandela Day, approached ChangeAbility in 2018 to sponsor the Kayamandi food garden community project for people with disabilities. ChangeAbility, a non-profit organization who pioneer programmes to encourage more inclusive communities for people with disabilities, brought together a big team of helpers from Taquanta and approached CWBR to run the first horticultural workshop of their programme. 

The initial workshop was received so well that the programme was extended from two follow up workshops over two months to four follow up workshops and three additional visits throughout 2018 ensuring additional intervention in the gardens, sustainability of the project, and ongoing support to the community until they have a self-sustainable food-producing garden. 

Each garden, with its own environment, came with its own advantages and challenges for each participant. From learning to utilize small spaces and upcycling of waste materials to having potential for a large garden on grassy hills once the area has been prepared once more seedlings were populated from the initial planting. The support network amongst the families offered a great opportunity to share knowledge and experiences in their different gardens, to share amongst themselves and their community in assisting each other and overcoming physical disadvantages. 

Both the volunteers and participants were surprised to find out that not much is needed to build and grow a food garden. The project started off with upcycled material including wooden planting boxes, buckets, ice-cream tubs, newspaper, compost, and lots of seed produced by CWBR hub ranging from beans, spinach, tomatoes, beetroot, squash, and even potatoes. These were plants requested by the group.

On each visit, there was sharing of ideas and support amongst the gardeners and CWBR and volunteers. One garden with its first round, did exceptionally well, and produced an abundance seedling. These were shared with the ones who did not have such good fortune with their seedlings at the start. Veggies have also been shared amongst the neighbours and one of the homes has started a small tree nursery.

On this last visit, it was evident that the heat, drought, and water restrictions had affected the productivity of the gardens over the Christmas period. However, this is not a setback, but a learning experience for everyone. Each garden has been provided with additional compost, seedlings, mulch,  and more planting materials to kickstart their garden again in the next workshop. 

We look forward to our next visit and am thankful for the partnership with ChangeAbility and the sponsorship from Taquanta Investment Holdings.