Vhembe Biosphere Reserve

The Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (“VBR”) is established within the framework of UNESCO’s (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) interdisciplinary programme on the Man and the Biosphere (MaB). We are internationally acknowledged, and all biosphere reserves have the following functions: 1. A Conservation role by conserving the natural biodiversity, including the diversity of ecosystems, ecosystem processes, genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem services, as well as the conservation of cultural and historical resources and scenic beauty within its boundaries. A Development role, by combining conservation objectives with the sustainable use of ecosystem resources and indigenous knowledge systems to benefit local communities by fostering socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic development. A Logistic role, by providing research, monitoring, education and training opportunities and facilities for local, regional and worldwide purposes. Vhembe Biosphere Reserve support, encourage and complement Local Authorities, Local Communities, District Councils, Provincial and Government Departments and all other decision-makers to apply the principles of responsible and sustainable development. “The focus of Vhembe Biosphere Reserve is on developing projects to serve as models and learning-sites for stakeholder communities to collaborate in translating global principles of sustainable development”. These are known as Biosphere Demonstration Projects (BDP). The demonstration projects serve as examples of how community, private and public Projects”) can collaborate to generate profitable, sustainable livelihood enterprises in harmony with nature.