THE Cape Floristic Region in the Western and Eastern Cape has been officially recognised as South Africa’s sixth World Heritage Site by the World Heritage Committee which is meeting in Suzhou, China. Reacting to the news, minister of environmental affairs and tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, said: "This is another fantastic achievement for South Africa, with great significance for our continuing role as global leaders in both responsible tourism and sustainable environmental management." Covering a total area of more than 553 000 hectares, the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage site comprises eight separate protected areas stretching from the Cape Peninsula into the Eastern Cape. "Apart from the importance of adding another World Heritage Site to the list of protected areas in South Africa, this announcement is also a world-first. No other natural World Heritage Site includes a botanical garden. The inclusion of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the flagship of the Cape Floral Kingdom, in the decision underscores the strength of our research and management component, and represents international recognition of the highest order,” said Van Schalkwyk. The Minister added that the naming of the region puts SA in an excellent position to expand responsible tourism and to create employment in the region. (Lucy Siebert)
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