River in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is South Africa’s first to be managed according to the worldwide Biosphere conservation principles of UNESCO. These principles are aimed at retaining special sites on earth for future generations by ensuring sustainable use and continual care by beneficiaries.

The Palmiet River running through the Kogelberg has 11 tributaries, one of them the Louws River. The photo shows one of many pretty spots in this ecosystem. Clean rivers are vital for healthy life. Clean rivers are only possible if natural vegetation in its unimpeded diversity is maintained.

Key issues include dam management, pumping from the rivers, effluent from community life and industry into rivers, fires in catchment area vegetation, dumping or littering, spread of alien plants and uncontrolled access. The future can hold such treasures for all if well informed citizens live here wisely (www.groenlandwater.co.za).