The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR)
is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its globally significant biodiversity value. The GCBR is also an action-oriented non-profit company, founded in 2011. We are driven to effectively restore and manage the natural ecosystems within our 3.2-million-hectare domain.
Our organisation is dedicated to the conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity, and the socio-economic development and wellbeing of its people. We aim to be a catalyst for change towards solving one of our greatest challenges: the disconnect between people and nature.
Projects
Friends of the Biosphere
Online Store
Blog
Resources
Our Vision
People and nature
living in harmony.
Our Mission
Nurturing resilience in Nature and Communities
Our Values
Integrity, respect, collaboration, innovation and sustainability.“We champion people and nature living in harmony”
We are all aware that humanity completely depends on the natural ecosystems that support us and all other life on Earth.
2021 marks the start of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
As part of a global effort, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve focuses on restoring degraded river, wetland, mountain and thicket ecosystems.
In the GCBR, we are growing collaborations with farmers and other landowners for effective fire and wildlife management, invasive alien plant control, river and wetland management.
We also plant thousands of spekboom and employ hard working field teams that clear tons of invasive plants.
We live and work in the spectacular, globally important Cape Floral Region; partner with us to create a healthy, resilient and safe place for future generations.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
Latest Blog Posts
Protecting Biodiversity Through Partnerships with Landowners
Since 2019, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) has been building relationships with landowners through its Ecological Corridors Project. By working directly with landowners, GCBR Landscape Coordinators provide guidance and support on invasive alien plant...
Climate Change and Farming in the Southern Cape: What Matters Most?
By Halcyone Muller The Southern Cape has always been shaped by climate. Farmers, land managers and rural communities depend on reliable rainfall, healthy soils, secure water supplies and functioning ecosystems. However, changing weather patterns are placing increasing...
Biodiversity Stewardship: An Opportunity for Southern Cape Landowners
By Halcyone Muller In the Southern Cape, Biodiversity Stewardship is not a threat to landowners. It is an opportunity to be part of something bigger: protecting South Africa's natural heritage while strengthening the future of the land they know and love. The Southern...
3.2-million-hectares
This 3.2-million-hectare area has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its major biodiversity significance to the planet.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
This 3.2-million-hectare area has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its major biodiversity significance to the planet. Find out more
3 global diversity hotspots
The only place in the world where three global biodiversity hotspots converge, namely the Cape Floristic Region, Succulent Karoo and Maputuland-Pondoland-Albany Thicket.
5 000+ indigenous plant species Over 5 000 indigenous plant species are found in this area, many of which are rare and unique.
670+ endemic plant species
This area has at least 670 endemic plant species which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.