FROM IDEA TO DECLARATION
MAGALIESBERG BIOSPHERE DECLARATION TIMELINE
The initiative to create a Biosphere reserve in the Magaliesberg region attempted to comply strictly with proper procedures and protocol regarding provincial and national involvement. A biosphere can only be proposed to UNESCO by the national government. The Magaliesberg region falls within two provinces each of which is responsible for the management and protection of the Magaliesberg Protected Environment. It is therefore appropriate to motivate the provinces to take control of the Biosphere project, starting with the NW Province in which 80% of the MPE falls.

2006 Nov – The Idea is Proposed
Mercia Komen in MemoriamThe Idea is Proposed November 18, 2006 The initiative to create a Biosphere reserve in…

2007 – Biosphere Foundations Laid
Mercia Komen in MemoriamMeeting With Other Biospheres February 4, 2007 Members of the MPA and others met with…

2008 – Steering Committee & Planning
Mercia Komen in MemoriamBiosphere to be a Line Function February 13, 2008 Paul Fatti (Chairman of the informal…

2009 – ICI Representatives Visit SA
Mercia Komen in MemoriamGauteng Urban Task Team Support January 29, 2009 The Biosphere concept is presented to a…

2010 – Magaliesberg Biosphere NPC Registered
Mercia Komen in MemoriamFocus on Children March 13, 2010 A festive day was arranged for children to enjoy…

2011 – Application Drafting Process
Mercia Komen in MemoriamConsultants Appointed to Prepare Application February 2011 Contour Project Management was appointed as consultants to…

2012 – Report Published & Application Drafted
Mercia Komen in MemoriamPublic Participation Meetings January 7, 2012 The Consultant firm calls Public Participation Meetings for various…

2013 – Application for Magaliesberg Biosphere Deferred
Mercia Komen in MemoriamInternational Coordinating Council (ICC) of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme meeting held in…

2014 – Re-submission Process
Mercia Komen in MemoriamMBIG submits proposal to NW to promote the Biosphere and facilitate the appointment of a…

2015 – The Final Countdown to Declaration
Mercia Komen in MemoriamAdvisory Committee supports listing March 20, 2015 The advisory committee to UNESCO supports the listing…

2015 June – The Magaliesberg has been declared a World Biosphere Reserve!
Mercia Komen in Memoriam“We are delighted with this acknowledgement of the unique nature of the Magaliesberg and the…