Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve
After nearly a decade of lobbying and sustained efforts by a committed team of environmentalists — including the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) — the Magaliesberg was officially declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in June 2015. The announcement was made in Paris by the International Coordinating Council of the Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB).
This prestigious designation forms part of UNESCO’s global MAB Programme, which promotes sustainable and balanced relationships between people and their environments. At its core, the programme focuses on protecting natural ecosystems while encouraging innovative, sustainable development strategies.
With its new status, the Magaliesberg joins the World Network of Biosphere Reserves — a global community now comprising 631 reserves across 119 countries.
Geologically remarkable, the Magaliesberg mountain range is nearly 100 times older than Mount Everest and half as old as the Earth itself. It stands as a unique natural treasure in the heart of southern Africa.
The Magaliesberg Biosphere was formally registered by UNESCO in collaboration with South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs. While the region continues to face intense pressure from urbanisation, the biosphere designation brings with it a robust regulatory framework to support its protection and guide sustainable development.
This international recognition, coupled with renewed local focus, is expected to energise ongoing initiatives aimed at the conservation and responsible use of the area.
Covering almost 358 000 hectares, the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve includes:
58000 hectares of core protected area,
110 000 hectares of buffer zone and
190 000 hectares of transition area where sustainable economic activities can take place.
The region is home to two distinct biomes — the central grassland plateau and sub-Saharan savannah — and supports exceptional biodiversity. Notably, it is the only habitat of the Aloe peglerae and Frithia pulchra, and hosts an astonishing 443 bird species, nearly half of all bird species found in southern Africa.
In its endorsement of the Magaliesberg’s inclusion, the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves noted:
“The area is endowed with scenic beauty, unique natural features, rich cultural heritage value, and archaeological significance — particularly with the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site with over 40 million years of history.”
The designation marks a significant milestone in the preservation of one of Africa’s most ancient and ecologically rich landscapes — and a promising step toward securing its future for generations to come.
Source: Mountain Club of South Africa.
