{"id":9,"date":"2021-12-24T08:24:52","date_gmt":"2021-12-24T08:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/sktthemes-new\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2026-07-19T15:31:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T15:31:22","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cwcbr.co.za\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to our Biosphere Reserve!<\/h2>\n

What is the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cape West Coast Biosphere forms part of UNESCO’<\/a>s World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme<\/a>. Established in 1971, the programme promotes practical solutions that balance biodiversity conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources, recognising that people are an integral part of healthy ecosystems. Its purpose is to promote ecologically sustainable development while conserving the region’s exceptional biodiversity, natural resources and unique cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

The Cape West Coast Biosphere brings together conservation areas, working landscapes, towns and communities to demonstrate that people and nature can thrive together through responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable development practices.<\/p>\n

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Why the CWCB was Established<\/strong><\/p>\n

More than two decades ago, civil society on the West Coast recognised that urgent action was needed to protect the region’s botanical diversity and unique cultures from increasing pressure associated with urban expansion, industrial development, mining and unsustainable land-use practices.<\/p>\n

With the support of all three spheres of government, an application was submitted to UNESCO for recognition under the Man and the Biosphere Programme. The Cape West Coast Biosphere was formally designated in November 2000, with the designation subsequently ratified by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.<\/p>\n

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The CWCB Landscape<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cape West Coast Biosphere extends from the Diep River in Cape Town northwards to the Berg River, covering approximately 378,000 hectares of exceptional natural and cultural landscapes. Unlike a traditional protected area, a Biosphere has no fences. Instead, it brings together a mosaic of landscapes where conservation, sustainable development and human activity coexist.<\/p>\n

Within the CWCB is a national park, marine protected areas, state- and privately-owned nature reserves, conservancies, climate change adaptation corridors, two Ramsar-listed wetlands, agricultural land, rural towns and communities, and parts of a metropolitan area. It also includes significant economic infrastructure, such as a nuclear power station, phosphate mines, an industrial harbour, and portions of the City of Cape Town, Bergrivier Municipality, and the entire Swartland and Saldanha Bay municipal areas.<\/p>\n

Together, these diverse landscapes demonstrate how biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and economic development can be integrated to create a resilient and thriving region.<\/p>\n

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CWCB Trials<\/h2>\n \r\n
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Eve’s Trail<\/h4> \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div> \r\n
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The Darling Stagger<\/h4> \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div> \r\n
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The Five Bay Trail<\/h4> \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div> \r\n
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The Wheels of Time<\/h4> \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div> \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \n

Book one of our breath-taking trials<\/h2>\n
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Eve’s Trail<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
Walk amidst beautiful scenery in the footsteps of Eve, from who it is suggested that all human life \u2013 well before the emergence of Homo sapiens \u2013 is thought to have descended. Experience what it was like to be governed by the sun, the stars, and the tides of the sea? Spend the days without your watch and live life at natures pace to replenish your soul.<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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The Darling Stagger<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
It\u2019s great to see South Africans finally picking up on what the Italians have known for centuries, that this is the way life is meant to be lived \u2013 slowly and simply, with good food and wine and good company, in a natural, outdoor setting. This 2.5 day, 20 km hiking cultural experience is for those who know how to experience the good things in life.<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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The Five Bay Trail<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
The Five Bay Trail is a scenic, 2.5 day, 38km coast hugging hike between the West Coast Fishing villages of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai. It is made up of three legs connected through a series of transfers and marvellous interactions with local folk over meals. Guests are accommodated in a 3-4 star comfortable lodge in Paternoster for 2 nights.<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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The Wheels of Time<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
This ride through time is not aimed at adrenalin junkies or Absa Cape Epic trainees, but rather recreational cyclists who are keen to experience the back roads and beauty of the West Coast, from the seat of a bicycle. Destinations and overnight stops vary greatly and the journey in between is filled with some awesome scenery and lots of fun.<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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The CWCB – Our First Impressions<\/h2>\n