Magaliesberg officially declared a Biosphere Reserve
The milestone celebration following Magaliesberg officially a Biosphere Reserve was in order. It took three attempts of UNESCO submissions of the Magaliesberg Biosphere project for the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development to earn the jovial mood that occupied Lesedi Cultural Village (Haartebeespoort) the past Sunday. The department was there to present a world accolade - The declaration of Magaliesberg as a Biosphere Reserve. Magaliesberg Biosphere project which started few years ago by the Magaliesberg Biosphere Initiative group has finally yielded positive results.
Magaliesberg is now listed as a Biosphere through the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation. The pronouncement was made at the 27 International Coordinating Council (ICC) sessions of Man and Biosphere Programme held at Paris, France held from 08-12 June 2015. 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.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Dr Poncho Mokaila said they were still celebrating. Dr Mokaila said the accolade is humbling. He said the road seemed long but it eventually paid off. "The onus is now upon the Magaliesberg management body to ensure that the Biosphere does reach its goal of maximising the potential conservation, sustainable development and social upliftment", Dr Mokaila said about the wayforward.
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.
In her keynote address MEC Tlhape says accolades like this are encouraging. Tlhape said “the department will work had to ensure that plans are in place for the project to be fruitful to the deserving communities around it. Magaliesberg is the first nomination for the North West Province and there is still more to come from this province. The province will remain thankful to the Finnish government for the capacity they developed in the province though the SYKE partnership. This approval together with that of the Gouritz Cluster in the cape increased the South African footprint in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves from six to eight biosphere reserves registered.
The approval of the nomination and inclusion in the WNBR means improved management of landscapes, ecosystems approaches for integrating the management of land, water and biodiversity for conservation and a fair and sustainable use. There will be empowerment of institutions and human resources for promoting sustainable development and upliftment of socio economic status of the people living in, adjacent and outside the Biosphere”, concluded the MEC.
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. For the inclusivity in all developments within the Biosphers in the country, a suggestion for the formation of the women movement “WOMEN and the BIOPHERES” led by the Honourable MEC Manketsi Tlhape was pronounced to the guests for immediate consideration. This will be coordinated by the Department READ in consultation with other Provinces.
The event was graced by amongst other the landowners, members of MBIG, Madibeng Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Jostine Mothibe as well as members of the Magaliesberg Steering committee.
Enquiries:
Ms Thandiwe Moripe - Thabethe
Acting Head: Communication Services
Department Rural Environment and Agricultural Development
Te: 018 389 5337/8
Cell: 071 862 4270
Email:tmoripe@nwpg.gov.za
