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

View our projects to see how we are making a difference.

Friends of the Biosphere

Empowering communities to take ownership of their environmental future with support from the business sector.

Online Store

Apparel, clothing and merchandise in support of nature.

Blog

Read our latest news and tips on projects and the environment.

Resources

Visit our resources site for publications and scientific information.

Get involved

Find out how you can become a part of positive change.
gouritz cluster biosphere reserve get involved we need you

Our Vision

People and nature
living in harmony.

gouritz cluster biosphere reserve blog stories

Our Mission

To restore and effectively manage the ecosystems on which all life in the GCBR domain depends.

invasive alien plant clearing

Our Values

Integrity, 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?

“Created in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) develops the basis for the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity and for the improvement of the relationship between people and their environment globally.”

– UNESCO

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal or marine ecosystems that are internationally recognised as being of great natural and scientific value. By formally designating these areas, UNESCO promotes harmony at the human-environment interface, through increased understanding of the environment and greater involvement of science in environmental policy development. In essence, Biosphere Reserves are living laboratories and international test sites for sustainability in the 21st century.

Biosphere Reserve Zones Graphic

Latest Blog Posts

World Wetland Day
World Wetland Day

By Nelisiwe Khusi On 2 February, we celebrate World Wetlands Day to highlight the importance of wetlands and their role in supporting life. These unique ecosystems provide clean water, store carbon, protect us from floods, and serve as vital habitats for diverse plant...

Follow-Up Plant Biodiversity Assessments in the Upper Goukou Catchment
Follow-Up Plant Biodiversity Assessments in the Upper Goukou Catchment

By Nelisiwe Khusi The restoration team kicked off the year by conducting follow-up plant biodiversity assessments at two sites in the Upper Goukou Catchment. Initial baseline assessments were conducted between June and July 2024 to document the pre-clearing conditions...