The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme designated the area northward from Diep River in Cape Town, South Africa to the Berg River, covering 378000 hectares of coastal lowland plains. a biosphere reserve. The local and provincial government completed the formal designation procedure in November 2000 and it was ratified by the Minister of Environment and Tourism. The aim of the Cape West Coast Biosphere is to: i. Foster human development that is ecologically sustainable. ii. Conserve the landscapes, vegetation and species of the West Coast iii. Lend support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development.
