Haarwegskloof: a new provincial nature reserve for biodiversity conservation

In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof has been officially designated as a provincial nature reserve, marking the last remaining connected expanse of renosterveld on the planet.

This vital ecological haven, managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT) and overseen by WWF South Africa, spans an impressive 547 hectares of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Nestled between the charming towns of Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the picturesque Overberg region, this reserve plays a crucial role in protecting a unique ecosystem..

The reserve is home to a staggering array of endemic and rare plant species, which flourish in this unique ecosystem. Moreover, it provides a critical habitat for threatened avian species, including the elusive Black Harrier and the majestic Cape Vulture. Notably, secretive mammals such as the Aardwolf and Aardvark have also been spotted in the reserve, underscoring Haarwegskloof’s status as a vital sanctuary for wildlife.

This significant declaration was announced in April 2025 by Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.  Bredell commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders that fostered this successful conservation initiative.

“We have excellent environmental legislation in South Africa, but without passionate and dedicated stakeholders, it would mean very little,” he said. He expressed pride in CapeNature’s continuous efforts to enhance the conservation estate in the province.

“Healthy biodiversity is key to protect and buffer us against extreme weather and climate change. We owe it to future generations to preserve our unique and precious natural environment,” Bredell said.

Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, highlighted the long-standing partnership between CapeNature, ORT, and WWF South Africa in their conservation efforts.

“This declaration is an acknowledgment of the admirable conservation initiatives being implemented by ORT in the Overberg, supporting their work through stewardship facilitation and legal backing,” he said.

For Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and founder of the ORT, the reserve’s formal protection represents a monumental step in safeguarding one of South Africa’s most imperilled ecosystems.

“Renosterveld is among the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa, with merely 5% of its original extent intact, much of which has been sacrificed for agriculture,” she said. The declaration ensures that Haarwegskloof will remain dedicated to conservation efforts while permitting scientific research, habitat restoration, and sustainable eco-tourism.

Part of the globally significant Cape Floristic Region, Haarwegskloof is an ecological treasure nestled within one of the world’s six floral kingdoms, though it has historically received less attention than its fynbos counterpart primarily due to its fertile soils which have been largely converted to farmland. The ORT has been actively engaging landowners for over 10 years, securing conservation easements and restoring degraded habitats to counteract the numerous threats facing renosterveld.

Dr Curtis-Scott underscored the importance of this declaration as not just a win for conservation, but also for scientific research and the myriad species reliant on this extraordinary landscape.

“We hope our ongoing collaborations with incredible partners and landowners will inspire further protection of renosterveld remnants throughout the region,” she said.

Haarwegskloof stands as a testament to the successful partnership between government and non-profit organisations, creating a blueprint for the conservation of South Africa’s rich biodiversity. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, this declaration provides hope and inspiration for preserving unique ecosystems at risk of functional extinction.