The Biosphere Reserve is characterised by a mosaic of diverseecosystems and physiographic environments, and a gradation of land-uses and human settlement patterns associated with the world-renownedCape Winelandsviticultural landscape. The area includes an array of historic towns, hamlets and farmsteads, which are home to approximately 320 024 people.
Main economic activities in the area include agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, forestry, real estate, and business services. Agriculture forms the backbone of the economy with most of the other sectors being dependent on its strong backward and forward linkages.
The key management focal areas of the Biosphere Reserve include:
coordination ofconservation activities with the focus on protection of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site and its associated ecosystems;
provision of a sustained flow of high-quality water to adjoining regions (including the Cape West Coast) and the City of Cape Town; and
promotion of sustainable development in order to alleviate poverty and inequality.
Endangered vegetation types, including Mountain and Sand Plain
Fynbos; various types of Renosterveld (e.g. Central Mountain Renosterveld, South and South-West Coast Renosterveld), and Little Succulent Karoo.
Diversity of topographic features including a key portion of the Cape Fold Mountains, valleys and open plains, and a unique cultural landscape characterised by vineyards, pastures, wheat fields, commercial plantations, and a built environment characterised by the distinctive Cape Dutch architectural vernacular.
Location : 33° 18’ 0.19” to 34° 9’ 2.12” South; 18° 42’ 29.93” to 19° 29’ 5.99” East Area (hectares) : 322,030 Core area(s) : 99,459 Buffer zone(s) : 133,844 Transition area(s) when given : 88,727 Altitude (metres above sea level) : 20 m to 1 860 m.
This article incorporates text from afree content work (license statement/permission). Text taken fromUNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory, UNESCO, UNESCO.
