As many of you might know, the WBR has been hard at work for the past three years preparing for our 10-year UNESCO review and renewal application.
Every 10 years, a biosphere is reviewed, and UNESCO monitors the work done in the biosphere to assess whether it is fulfilling its mandate and is successful in its core activities to improve the livelihood of its resident communities, whilst at the same time working towards conserving essential biodiversity. During this review process, a biosphere can in fact lose its precious status!
Along with our 2023 application, the WBR is also proposing to expand the Biosphere borders from 662 059 hectares to 2 548 163 hectares. WBR is also proposing changing its name from Waterberg Biosphere Reserve to Waterberg Biosphere Region.
We have completed compiling the first draft of the submission, which is currently under review by the Limpopo Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism (LEDET) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE). Once these governmental agencies have reviewed the initial submission, we will do a final edit to address any issues the government agencies feel need to be highlighted or removed.
We will then submit our final application to DFFE for final review before it is submitted to UNESCO for approval. We’ll keep you updated on the process and the results.
Photo Credit: Fanie du Plessis (www.waterberg-bioquest.co.za)
