The Kogelberg Biosphere caps a year of conservation and community impact
The Kogelberg Biosphere has experienced a year marked by community partnership, expanding conservation efforts and measurable progress in ecological stewardship. That’s according to Chief Executive Officer Corlie Hugo at the Annual General Meeting, held on Tuesday 15 July at Eikenhof Farm in Elgin.
The biosphere’s focus areas for 2024/25 were on economic growth, education, water security, protecting nature and nature-based solutions. “We enjoyed a number of exciting steps forward in the period, which not only benefits nature, but also the people of the biosphere,” said Corlie.
Green jobs in the biosphere
Two invasive alien clearing teams undertook extensive work across the Kogelberg Biosphere, clearing more than 200 hectares of lightly and densely infested areas. The work, much of it in the Kleinmond region, was underpinned by funding from the Department of Agriculture LandCare, WWF South Africa, private landowners and the Southern Sun Arabella Hotel.
Corlie says, “Invasive alien plant clearing is not only creating jobs – it’s also improving water retention and ecosystem integrity. This is essential in the biosphere, particular the Strategic Water Source Areas of the biosphere, which supports so many downstream communities, including the City of Cape Town through this water supply.”
Addressing illegal activities
The biosphere also created job opportunities for four Forest Monitors who are working in forestry land. These monitors conduct daily patrols in the old forestry area, reporting illegal activities – such as hunting with dogs and dumping. Excitingly, this project has leveraged additional support, with 15 more Forest Monitors employed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Hugo says, “This shows the value of partnerships, and how much more we can achieve when we work together.”
This partnership has also been captured in the Participatory Forestry Management Forum, which is an experimental agreement between government, business and other parties. This ensures that a broad range of stakeholders work together to address the challenges facing the old forestry areas. “For example, partners came together to fix a six-kilometre section of road in government-owned areas. This allows emergency services to access the main roads and respond to fires where needed, which once again benefits everyone.”
Wildlife rescue takes flight
The Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre remains a focus area for the team. The centre earned its CapeNature permit in December 2024, meaning it is now authorised to receive, rehabilitate and release injured animals. Already the centre has been a halfway house for hundreds of animals, including four injured and orphaned blue cranes.
The centre benefits from donations and grants from key supporters. “We are so grateful to incredible donors who ensure we can continue this work. This includes the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust, the Endangered Wildlife Trust and a number of individual philanthropic donors.”
Addressing the loss of abalone
Another highlight for Corlie included the biosphere’s application for abalone to be listed as a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) species. The COP20 meeting where this will be discussed takes place in November this year in Uzbekistan. It will address issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife.
Corlie says, “We believe that if we can ensure perlemoen (abalone) are protected by CITES, it will go a long way to halt the ongoing poaching of this marine snail. We know that this poaching cannot continue at this pace, as we are decimating our populations.”
The biosphere’s Chair Mike du Toit stepped down at the AGM, after playing this leading role for the past seven years. Corlie adds, “We are incredibly grateful to Mike for all his help and guidance over the years. We could not have asked for a better Chair, who has led through his gracious and innovating leadership style. He will be sorely missed.”
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