Welcome to KVET

Dear Reader,

Welcome to our website.

The reason you find yourselves on this page is most likely due to a shared interest in living in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and all the wonders that it encompasses.  You might also be wondering who we, the Kogelberg Villages Environmental Trustees (KVET) are and what it is that we do.

The Kogelberg Villages Environmental Trustees formed out of a shared concern for the well-being of Chacma Baboons in the Overstrand area, where their presence has become a divisive issue. We believe that by increasing awareness and fostering collaboration within the community, we can create a more harmonious relationship with these animals. By implementing waste management bylaws, enforcing proper baboon-proofing of homes and businesses, and strengthening gun and animal anti-cruelty laws, we can make a significant difference.

Protecting the Cape Chacma baboon in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the region. As an important keystone species, these baboons play a significant role in seed dispersal and controlling the growth of invasive plants, thereby helping to maintain the biodiversity of the region. Additionally, baboons are an important cultural and tourist attraction in the area, and their protection can contribute to the sustainability of the local economy. Moreover, Cape Chacma baboons face many threats including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, making it even more crucial to implement conservation measures to ensure their survival. Protecting this species in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is therefore not only important for the baboons themselves but also for the overall health and well-being of the ecosystem and the human communities that depend on it.

We welcome you to join us in our effort to create a better future for both humans and baboons for generations to come.

Nicolette Maritz – Chair
Kogelberg Villages Environmental Trustees