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IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Western Cape declares Wilderness Nature Reserve to protect biodiversity
The Wilderness Nature Reserve Image: CapeNature In a significant stride towards bolstering environmental conservation, the Western Cape has officially declared the Wilderness Nature Reserve, encompassing over 643 hectares near Heidelberg. Declared as a Provincial Nature Reserve on 17 July 2025, this new sanctuary plays a crucial role in preserving freshwater biodiversity, safeguarding endangered species, and establishing vital ecological corridors. The Wilderness Nature Reserve features a wealth of biodiversity, including the Critically Endangered Breede River Redfin. It also provides a crucial breeding area for the Black Harrier, recognised as the rarest raptor in southern Africa, and classified as an Endangered species. This new reserve is not just a haven for wildlife; it is paramount for maintaining the delicate balance of local ecosystems. Approximately 615 hectares of the reserve have been designated as a Priority Biodiversity Area, linking directly to the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area—a formally protected Provincial Nature Reserve recognised as part of a World Heritage Site. This strategic connection enhances biodiversity conservation efforts across the region. MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, praised the collaborative efforts between CapeNature and various landowners that led to this declaration. 'This new reserve is not only a haven for wildlife; it is paramount for maintaining the delicate balance of local ecosystems,' he said. 'Our commitment to expanding protected areas is essential in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change.' The establishment of the Wilderness Nature Reserve is a proactive measure that guarantees the long-term health and resilience of the province's biodiversity. It protects critical components of the ecosystem, ensuring that vital species have a secure habitat where they can flourish. Moreover, this nature reserve serves as a key ecological link to the adjoining Boosmansbos Nature Reserve, significantly enhancing the overall network of protected areas. The properties hold immense conservation value, not only by offering habitat for threatened species but also through their contribution to essential ecosystem services, acting as a critical catchment for the Duivenhoks Dam that supplies water to communities downstream. Landowners interested in protecting their land formally are encouraged to reach out to CapeNature's Antia Wheeler at awheeler@ or Kaylin Reid at kreid@ for guidance and assistance.
IOL News
18-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Haarwegskloof: a new provincial nature reserve for biodiversity conservation
Haarwegskloof in the Overberg declared a provincial nature reserve Image: CapeNature In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof has been officially designated as a provincial nature reserve, marking the last remaining connected expanse of renosterveld on the planet. This vital ecological haven, managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT) and overseen by WWF South Africa, spans an impressive 547 hectares of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Nestled between the charming towns of Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the picturesque Overberg region, this reserve plays a crucial role in protecting a unique ecosystem.. Located between Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the Overberg region, Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve spans 547 ha of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Image: CapeNature The reserve is home to a staggering array of endemic and rare plant species, which flourish in this unique ecosystem. Moreover, it provides a critical habitat for threatened avian species, including the elusive Black Harrier and the majestic Cape Vulture. Notably, secretive mammals such as the Aardwolf and Aardvark have also been spotted in the reserve, underscoring Haarwegskloof's status as a vital sanctuary for wildlife. This significant declaration was announced in April 2025 by Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Bredell commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders that fostered this successful conservation initiative. 'We have excellent environmental legislation in South Africa, but without passionate and dedicated stakeholders, it would mean very little,' he said. He expressed pride in CapeNature's continuous efforts to enhance the conservation estate in the province. CapeNature provides facilitates the legal administrative process to declare these sites as protected areas in terms of the National Environmental Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003). Image: CapeNature 'Healthy biodiversity is key to protect and buffer us against extreme weather and climate change. We owe it to future generations to preserve our unique and precious natural environment,' Bredell said. Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, highlighted the long-standing partnership between CapeNature, ORT, and WWF South Africa in their conservation efforts. 'This declaration is an acknowledgment of the admirable conservation initiatives being implemented by ORT in the Overberg, supporting their work through stewardship facilitation and legal backing,' he said. For Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and founder of the ORT, the reserve's formal protection represents a monumental step in safeguarding one of South Africa's most imperilled ecosystems. 'Renosterveld is among the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa, with merely 5% of its original extent intact, much of which has been sacrificed for agriculture,' she said. The declaration ensures that Haarwegskloof will remain dedicated to conservation efforts while permitting scientific research, habitat restoration, and sustainable eco-tourism. The area has an abundance of fauna and flora, endemic to the region. Image: CapeNature Part of the globally significant Cape Floristic Region, Haarwegskloof is an ecological treasure nestled within one of the world's six floral kingdoms, though it has historically received less attention than its fynbos counterpart primarily due to its fertile soils which have been largely converted to farmland. The ORT has been actively engaging landowners for over 10 years, securing conservation easements and restoring degraded habitats to counteract the numerous threats facing renosterveld.
