New Nature Reserve for South Africa’s Soutpansberg
A new conservation area has been established in South Africa’s Western Soutpansberg, covering over 11,600 hectares across 14 properties. The Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve (WSNR) was officially declared on 17 January 2025 under the National Environment Management Protected Areas Act. Spearheaded by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), the reserve protects a critical centre of biodiversity in Limpopo, including rare biomes, groundwater sources, and cultural heritage sites such as rock art and sacred locations.
The WSNR development is the result of collaboration between eight landowners, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, and a coalition of supporting organisations. Managed by the Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve Association, the initiative includes efforts to control invasive species, promote environmental education, and engage with local communities. As part of ongoing sustainability plans, the project highlights the importance of conserving this ecologically and culturally significant region, benefiting South Africa’s natural heritage and its ecotourism potential.
Source: BizCommunity