A Win for Renosterveld
It was a 'win' for Renosterveld conservation as Haarwegskloof was declared a provincial nature reserve. In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth, has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve. The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.
Located between Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the Overberg region, Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve spans 547 ha of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. It's home to a remarkable diversity of endemic and rare plant species. Threatened bird species such as Black Harrier and Cape Vulture have been recorded here, as well as secretive mammals, including Aardwolf and Aardvark.
The declaration, made in April 2025 by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, cements the site's status as a vital stronghold for one of South Africa's most threatened ecosystems. Minister Bredell congratulated the different stakeholders for working together to make this conservation initiative a reality.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo said CapeNature, the ORT, and WWF South Africa have a long-standing relationship with each other. “This declaration is an acknowledgement of the ongoing and admirable conservation efforts that the ORT is carrying out in the Overberg. CapeNature supports these efforts through assessing and reviewing the biodiversity value of these important biodiversity areas. Through stewardship facilitation, legal support and on-the-ground collaboration, CapeNature continues to assist in securing the future of some of the Western Cape's most vulnerable ecosystems.”
For Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and founder of the ORT, the declaration marks a milestone in the journey to protect this irreplaceable landscape. “Renosterveld is one of the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa, with an estimated 5% of its original extent intact. Much of it has been ploughed for agriculture, and what little remains is highly fragmented, making the formal protection of Haarwegskloof as a nature reserve really important.”
The declaration provides the highest level of legal protection under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. It ensures that the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve will remain dedicated to conservation efforts, while allowing for scientific research, habitat restoration and low-impact eco-tourism activities. Renosterveld is part of the Cape Floristic Region, which is a global biodiversity hotspot and one of only six floral kingdoms in the world. Curtis-Scott added the declaration of Haarwegskloof as a nature reserve is the key to these efforts and not just a win for conservation but also science and the countless species that call this extraordinary landscape home. The declaration also serves as inspiration for a globally unique vegetation type facing functional extinction.
“We hope our ongoing work with incredible partners and landowners will inspire further protection of renosterveld remnants throughout the region,” said Curtis-Scott. Haarwegskloof stands as an example of what is possible when government and private organisations work together in the conservation of our South African and Western Cape biodiversity.
(Article shortened: Hardus Botha)
CapeNature General Manager:
Advocacy Petro van Rhyn
