It is the 7th and largest of South Africa’s biosphere reserves;[1] divided into four connected sectors ranging from sea level to 2,240 metres.

Notwithstanding the richness in biodiversity, the area currently faces deep rooted socio-economic challenges including high unemployment, wide-spread poverty, sprawling informal settlements with inadequate services, rising HIV and crime rates.

The Outeniqua and Langeberg Mountains separate the coastal region from the Little Karoo, forming a natural barrier between the southern cape and the interior.

The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve is the only area in the world where three recognised biodiversity hotspots converge (Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany).

The primary economic activity across these communities is intensive agriculture, including ostrich, dairy, citrus, wine and grain, combined with extensive grazing of cattle and sheep for meat as well as wool production.

The area is facing deep-rooted socio-economic challenges including high unemployment, wide-spread poverty, sprawling informal settlements with inadequate services, rising HIV and crime rates.