Magaliesberg Biosphere UNESCO listing launch
The Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development's Magaliesberg Biosphere project has finally yielded positive results. Magaliesberg is now listed as a Biosphere through the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation. The pronouncement has been made at the 27 International Coordinating Council (ICC) sessions of Man and Biosphere Programme held at Paris, France recently. The delegation which included the National Department of Environmental Affairs Acting DG and Head of delegation, Ms Skumsa, HOD of North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ), Dr Poncho Mokaila and the Head of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Thandi Rambassa were part of a team that accepted the International accolade on behalf of South Africa.
The development of the Management plan and compilation of biosphere for registration of the Magaliesberg was initially commissioned back in September 2011. This proposal was however not successful. The Advisory Committee welcomed the re-submission of the proposed biosphere reserve covering an area of 357,870.0 ha at the end of 2014.
The success of the Magaliesberg Biosphere is a joint effort between the National Department of Environmental Affairs, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as the North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development.
In line with this achievement the department plans to celebrate and introduce the accolade to all South Africans through a Media Launch due to be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, 14 June 2015
Venue: Lesedi Cultural Village, Haartebeespoort (Portion 198 of Farm 493, Kalkheuwel - Broederstroom).
Time: 12h00
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this prestigious activity.
Enquiries:
Ms Thandiwe Moripe-Thabethe
Acting Head: Communication Services
Te: 018 389 5337/8
Cell: 071 862 4270
E-mail:tmoripe@nwpg.gov.za
