ZONATIONS

Central to fulfilling these three basic functions is the zonation of biospheres that spatially and conceptually delineates the following zones that are bound by and guided by national and provincial legislation as well as district and local municipal by-laws:

• • Core Areas – securely protected sites for conserving biological diversity, monitoring minimallydisturbed ecosystems, and undertaking non-destructive research and other low-impact uses; Environmental Management Framework for the Olifants and Letaba Rivers Catchment Areas
  • Buffer Zones – surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for co-operative activities compatible with sound ecological practices, including environmental education, recreation, ecotourism and applied and basic research; and
  • Transition Areas – may contain a variety of agricultural activities, settlements and other land uses.

  In addition, biosphere reserves are placed to provide the means for people to attain a balanced relationship with the natural world, to contribute to the needs of society, and to show a way to a more sustainable future.