The decision to establish a Western Cape Biosphere Reserve Forum (the BRF) was taken at a Western Cape Biosphere Reserves (BRs) workshop which was held on 26 and 27 March 2013 at Malgas, Swellendam.

The motivation put forward for the establishment of the forum is the need for an organisation in terms of which existing as well as future BRs can engage with one another and collectively, with the Western Cape Government (WCG) and the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) about the implementation of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB Programme).

The purpose of the BRF is to be a platform for BRs within the Western Cape to engage with one another on the implementation of the MAB Programme within the framework of the following programmes and legislation:
(a) Western Cape Biosphere Reserves Act, 2011 (Act 6 of 2011); and
(b) UNESCO MAB Programme.

The BRF is a non-profit company (NPC) that has formal status because it is recognised by the Head of the Department: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP).

The BRF comprises of the BRs in the Western Cape at any point in time on ratification of such BR’s membership of the Forum by the Forum in meeting. The first current members of the BRF are:
(i) The Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve;
(ii) The Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve;
(iii) The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve;
(iv) The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve; and the
(v) The Garden Route Biosphere Reserve

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