Waste management

The Kogelberg Biosphere works with the Overstrand Municipality to implement its sustainable waste management system. The Overstrand Municipality has recently implemented a new waste management plan and has also now opened a new waste recycling depot.

Managing fire

During fire season, our region is particularly vulnerable to devastating wildfires. The dry summer, accompanied by hot, windy days, often make it impossible to stop a fire once it’s burning. In the past, the Kogelberg Biosphere has suffered huge losses to uncontrolled fires. That’s why we work with our partners, such as the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association, to prepare ourselves for the fire season during the winter months. And we support coordination efforts during wildfires.

Researching our wildlife

We want to know more about the animals and plants that occur in the Kogelberg Biosphere. So we work with partners who are undertaking research. For example, we work with the Cape Leopard Trust. This Trust is now undertaking a monitoring project for leopards in our biosphere, to better understand where these leopards live, how they move, and how we can better protect them.

Living with baboons

If you live in many of the towns that are adjacent to natural areas in the Western Cape, you may come across baboons. Baboons naturally belong in our landscapes, but they do sometimes enjoy human food, and therefore can come into towns in search of food. That’s why we provide the platforms for three Baboon Liaison Committees: in Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. They work together to find a sustainable solution fit for a transition zone in a biosphere to manage baboons and other wildlife, and work to change people’s attitudes towards human-wildlife conflict.

Land invasions

Land invasions in South Africa stem from complex situations, and a complex history. And there is no simple solution. In the Kogelberg Biosphere, land invasions are taking place in a section of state forestry land. In this case, there is also no easy answer. From the perspective of the biosphere, partners must come together to address this situation in a way that benefits people and nature. These invasions must not threaten areas that are vital to the success of the Valley’s economy, nor the protection of our biodiversity.

As such, the Kogelberg Biosphere is aiming to work closely with the relevant government departments, partners, community members and all role players to develop a sustainable strategy to address this.

Wildlife rescue

The Biosphere is home to an array of indigenous animals that often suffer due to habit loss, wildfires, snaring and poisoning. The Kogelberg Biosphere has trained a group of volunteers as Wildlife First Responders who can respond to incidents and work together with veterinarians in the area. We would like to grow this team and provide them with the necessary equipment and support. We are also investigating the possibility of starting a wildlife rehabilitation centre as there is currently no centre in the Western Cape.

The Biosphere is also partnering with the Cape Leopard Trust and CapeNature to set up a snare response protocol. This protocol will focus on who, how and when to respond to animals trapped in snares. We’ve got more information on our wildlife rescue work here.