The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), through its Environment Services Unit, confirms that twenty (20) protected areas in and around the Marico Biosphere Reserve have officially been declared Nature Reserves in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).
The final declarations were published in the North West Provincial Gazette (Notice No. 8968, Vol. 269) on 10 February 2026.
The declaration of these areas marks a significant milestone in the province’s ongoing efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation, promote responsible and sustainable land use, and expand the conservation estate within the North West Province.
The process was made possible through collaboration between the Department and landowners in the Marico area through the implementation of the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, which enables private landowners to voluntarily commit their land towards long-term conservation.
MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, welcomed the milestone and commended the landowners who partnered with government to protect the province’s natural heritage.
“The declaration of these Nature Reserves demonstrates the power of collaboration between government and landowners in protecting our province’s rich biodiversity. These areas will play a crucial role in safeguarding ecosystems while also unlocking opportunities for eco-tourism and sustainable economic development in rural communities,” said MEC Lenkopane.
Collectively, the newly declared Nature Reserves contribute 6,500.9969 hectares towards achieving the 2030 vision outlined in the North West Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (2025–2030).
These protected areas will play an important role in preserving critical ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and promoting environmental sustainability across the province. At the same time, the declarations create opportunities to expand the province’s nature-based tourism offering, positioning the Marico area as a destination for eco-tourism and conservation-driven tourism experiences.
During the 2025/2026 financial year, the North West Province successfully declared a total of 113,761.7908 hectares of protected land, further demonstrating the province’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The Department remains committed to working closely with landowners, conservation partners and local communities to strengthen biodiversity protection, promote responsible environmental stewardship and enhance the tourism profile of the North West Province.
The Marico Biosphere Reserve forms part of one of South Africa’s ecologically significant landscapes and is recognised for its rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems and cultural heritage. The area plays an important role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management within the North West Province.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng
083 687 3649
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect