Garden Route Biosphere Reserve

Garden Route Biosphere Reserve Recognised by UNESCO since June 2017 as South Africa’s 9th Biosphere Reserve. The core areas cover 31% of the GRBR, with 26% being terrestrial and 5% marine.

The Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR) was recognised by UNESCO as South Africa’s 9th Biosphere Reserve in June 2017. The GRBR was established as a Non-Profit Company in terms of the Companies Act to manage the Biosphere in terms of the requirements of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. This GRBR covers an area of approximately 700,000 hectares and extends from the coastline south of the

George Airport, north along the eastern boundary of its neighbouring Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, along the coastline into the Eastern Cape to include Jeffrey’s Bay and St Francis Bay. The GRBR is located within the Cape Floristic Region along the southern coast of the country, and includes the Tsitsikamma, Goukamma and Robberg Marine Protected Areas, Wilderness Lake RAMSAR site, Garden Route National Park, the Nelson Bay Cave and the Langkloof Valley. The Garden Route National Park, the primary core area of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, also forms part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site, inscribed by UNESCO in 2004. The GRBR is divided into areas of biodiversity significance for incorporation into development planning. The buffer zone accounts for 41% and the transition area 28%. There are three Marine Protected Areas and a Ramsar Wetland site found within the reserve. The GRBR is both socially and ecologically rich with approx. 500,000 inhabitants and a network of active social actors living and working within a biologically diverse natural habitat with great natural beauty that underpins a strong tourism economy in the region. In this era of the Anthropocene, the region is threatened by climate change, increasing urbanisation and a multitude of land uses including associated waste, the spread of invasive alien species and unsustainable harvesting of natural resources. These threats are coupled with a burgeoning population, high levels of inequality and unemployment, low skills levels and limited social capital. These social and ecological drivers threaten the sustainability of the region and have informed the GRBR key focus areas.

🌍 MISSED THE PRE-SYMPOSIUM WEBINAR? CATCH THE RECORDING!“Living in Balance: Where Nature and People Thrive Together – Bi...
27/08/2026

🌍 MISSED THE PRE-SYMPOSIUM WEBINAR? CATCH THE RECORDING!

“Living in Balance: Where Nature and People Thrive Together – Biosphere Reserves in Action”

Explore how Biosphere Reserves across Africa are connecting people, nature and sustainable development while contributing to ecosystem restoration, resilient communities and sustainable livelihoods.

The full webinar recording is now available on the SER Africa YouTube Channel.

🎥 Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/9J-_Lay6a9g

📺 Subscribe to the official SER Africa YouTube Channel for webinars, restoration stories, expert discussions, and updates from across the African restoration community.

🌿 Resilient Landscapes Forum 2026On 18–19 August, the Resilient Landscapes Forum brought together scientists, landowners...
25/08/2026

🌿 Resilient Landscapes Forum 2026
On 18–19 August, the Resilient Landscapes Forum brought together scientists, landowners, farmers, conservationists, practitioners and other partners at Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve for two days of conversation, learning and collaboration around building more resilient landscapes.
The Forum created space to explore what resilience is and how it can be strengthened through climate adaptation, water management, ecological infrastructure, fire and flood preparedness, sustainable land management, and — importantly — local knowledge and experience.
From Guy Midgley’s insights on climate change, to discussions around George as a “Sponge City”, and the experiences shared by landowners and farmers around the koffietafel, the conversations highlighted the value of bringing different people together.
The Forum was not just about sharing knowledge, but about asking what could we do, and what’s possible when we work together?
🌿 There’s lots more to share. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing some of the ideas, insights and conversations from the Forum here, so follow along as we continue exploring what resilient landscapes can look like in practice.
A big thank you to all the speakers, participants, partners and organisers who contributed their time, knowledge and experience to valuable discussions.
Thank you for being part of the conversation. 🌿

🌿 Species Spotlight: KatstertslangbosA Hidden Gem of the Fynbos 🌱The Katstertslangbos (Stoebe alopecuroides) may not hav...
25/08/2026

🌿 Species Spotlight: Katstertslangbos
A Hidden Gem of the Fynbos 🌱
The Katstertslangbos (Stoebe alopecuroides) may not have the bright colours of some fynbos flowers, but this hardy shrub plays an important role in the unique landscapes of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve.
🌿 A fynbos favourite:
This South African endemic grows on moist mountain slopes, fynbos areas, and forest margins — often becoming an important part of montane fynbos communities.
🌸 Look closer:
Its small white flowers grow together in distinctive finger-like clusters, creating striking displays when many plants flower together, earning it the descriptive name "deadman's fingers"
📍 Where to find it:
Mountain fynbos, sandstone slopes, and forest edges across parts of the Western and Eastern Cape.
💚 Even the less showy plants of the biosphere have a role to play.
Have you spotted Katstertslangbos while exploring the Garden Route?

21/08/2026

🌿 Join the Conversation: Shaping the Future of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve

What matters most to you about the future of the Garden Route?

As part of the process to update the UNESCO Garden Route Biosphere Reserve Management Plan, we’re inviting stakeholders, partners, and community members to join one of our Community Conversations

These one-hour online sessions are an opportunity to share your experiences, priorities, and ideas, and to help shape the challenges, opportunities, and actions reflected in the updated Management Plan.

📅 Choose the session that works best for you:

🌿 Tuesday, 25 August 2026 | 10:00
🌿 Friday, 28 August 2026 | 15:00

👉 Swipe through for more information and scan the QR code to RSVP.

💬 Your voice matters. Help shape the future of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve.

🌿 Join the Conversation: Shaping the Future of the Garden Route Biosphere ReserveWhat matters most to you about the futu...
20/08/2026

🌿 Join the Conversation: Shaping the Future of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve

What matters most to you about the future of the Garden Route?

As part of the process to update the UNESCO Garden Route Biosphere Reserve Management Plan, we’re inviting stakeholders, partners, and community members to join one of our Community Conversations.

These one-hour online sessions are an opportunity to share your experiences, priorities, and ideas, and to help shape the challenges, opportunities, and actions reflected in the updated Management Plan.

📅 Choose the session that works best for you:

🌿 Tuesday, 25 August 2026 | 10:00
🌿 Friday, 28 August 2026 | 15:00

👉 Swipe through for more information and scan the QR code to RSVP.

💬 Your voice matters. Help shape the future of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve.

🌿 Join the Conversation: Shaping the Future of the Garden Route Biosphere ReserveAs part of the process to update the UN...
18/08/2026

🌿 Join the Conversation: Shaping the Future of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve

As part of the process to update the UNESCO Garden Route Biosphere Reserve Management Plan, we are inviting stakeholders, partners, and community members to take part in our Community Conversations.

These online sessions provide an opportunity to share your experiences, priorities, and ideas for the future of the Garden Route. Together, we will explore what matters most, the challenges and opportunities facing our region, and the actions that should help guide the updated Management Plan.

📅 Choose the session that works best for you:
🌿 Tuesday, 25 August 2026 | 10:00
🌿 Friday, 28 August 2026 | 15:00

💬 Share your voice and help shape the updated Management Plan.

👉 Register via the QR code or this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/B9AeMumyMw

Haven’t completed the stakeholder survey yet? You can still share your views as part of this important consultation process. Find the survey link in our previous posts and here:

🌿𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲!The Resilient Landscapes Forum 2026 starts tomorrow!Join us on 18–19 August at Gourikwa Coastal Nature Rese...
17/08/2026

🌿𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲!

The Resilient Landscapes Forum 2026 starts tomorrow!

Join us on 18–19 August at Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve for two days of science, local experience, and collaboration — exploring how we can build more resilient landscapes across the region.

From climate change and agriculture to fire and flood preparedness, ecological infrastructure, water, conservation and local partnerships, the programme brings together people and perspectives from across the landscape.

Swipe through for a look at what’s coming up 👆

📅 18–19 August 2026
📍 Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve

🎟️ Spaces are limited — book your place: quicket.co.za/events/389935
Or contact Rina at [email protected] / 087 702 9126

Learn • Share • Connect • Act 🌱

🌿 Species Spotlight: Knysna TuracoThe Garden Route’s Forest Jewel 💚The Knysna Turaco (Tauraco corythaix) is one of the G...
14/08/2026

🌿 Species Spotlight: Knysna Turaco
The Garden Route’s Forest Jewel 💚
The Knysna Turaco (Tauraco corythaix) is one of the Garden Route’s most iconic birds. With its bright green feathers, red wing flashes, and distinctive call, this forest resident is a true symbol of our indigenous forests.
🌳 Where to look:
Indigenous forests, forest edges, and gardens with fruiting trees.
🐦 Listen for:
Their loud, rolling calls echoing through the trees — you may hear one before you spot it!
🌱 Why they matter:
By feeding on fruit and spreading seeds, Knysna Turacos help support healthy forest ecosystems.
💚 Have you spotted a Knysna Turaco in the Garden Route?

12 Aug - International Youth Day UNESCOInternational Youth DayToday we celebrate the energy, creativity and commitment ...
12/08/2026

12 Aug - International Youth Day UNESCO
International Youth Day
Today we celebrate the energy, creativity and commitment of young people making a difference in their communities and for the environment.
Every action, whether learning, volunteering or caring for nature, helps build a more sustainable future for the Garden Route.
Happy International Youth Day!
🌿 Together, we can make a difference.

International Day of the World's Indigenous PeoplesToday we recognise the International Day of the World's Indigenous Pe...
09/08/2026

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Today we recognise the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
For generations, Indigenous communities have lived in close connection with nature, passing down knowledge that continues to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable living.
At the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, we recognise the importance of respecting cultural heritage alongside protecting our natural environment.
Indigenous knowledge reminds us that people and nature thrive together.
💬 How can we honour and protect our cultural heritage for future generations?
🌿 Together, people and nature thrive.

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