Why South Africa?
This area is of exceptional value because its floral diversity, density and endemism are among the highest in the world. Its outstanding ecological and biological processes and unique plant reproductive strategies, adaptivity to fire and insect seed dispersal are also invaluable to the scientific community.
Nearly 95% of South Africa's vineyards are also located in this Cape Floral Kingdom, so in 2004, with much of the lowland fynbos and unique renosterveld ecosystems under threat, the wine industry initiated a conservation partnership with the South African Botanical Society, Conservation International and the Green Trust, which led to the establishment of the BWI. The BWI not only protects natural habitats but also encourages wine producers to farm sustainably and to exhibit the benefits of the Cape's abundant diversity in wines.
"Our vision is to protect and conserve our unique natural heritage within the Cape Winelands – an outstanding place with iconic species whilst maintaining living, productive landscapes."
The following wineries are all CHAMPION BWI WINE FARMS, and as such are leaders in environmental best practice and have committed more than 10% of their farms to conservation.
Stellenbosch - Bartinney Wine Estate
Stellenbosch - Delheim
Stellenbosch - Lourensford Estate
Stellenbosch - Vergelegen
Stellenbosch - Waterkloof
Stellenbosch - Wedderwill Farming Partnership
Paarl - Backsberg
Franschhoek - La Motte
Darling - Burgherspost Wine Estate
Darling - Cloof Wine Estate
Overberg - Eikenhof Farm
Overberg - Paul Cluver Wines
Robertson - Graham Beck Wines
Elgin - Oak Valley Wines
Tulbagh - Schalkenbosch Wines
Tulbagh - Waverley Hills Organic Wines
Cederberg - Cederberg Wines
Agulhas Plain - Hermanuspietersfontein
Notable successes
Over 126 000 hectares of natural area have been conserved by BWI producers in less than four years. This means that the South African wine industry’s conservation footprint is well in excess of its current vineyard footprint of 102 000 hectares. For every hectare under vineyard, an additional hectare of natural vegetation is committed to conservation – and this figure continues to grow.
BWI has received global and national recognition for its leading business model that unites conservation and agricultural development in a complementary, mutually beneficial manner."
Follow this link for a list of BWI winery Members. BWI Members (as compared to Champions) are wineries that have committed to protecting their remaining highly threatened natural areas and adopting better farming practices to ensure functioning, healthy and natural systems.
Latest Statistics
Number of Champions : 19
Number of Members : 167
Number of Producer Cellars: 17
Total area conserved by BWI members: 127266 ha
[ Source: Biodiversity and Wine Initiative ]
The Cape Floral Kingdom (CFK) is a global biodiversity asset, the smallest of the world's six floral kingdoms and the only one to be found entirely within one country. It is home to more types of indigenous plants than any similar sized area on Earth.
What makes it even more special is that approximately 70% of its 9000 plant species are found nowhere else on Earth. - Fynbos.co.za
What do you think about our Cape Floral Kingdom and fynbos?
Do think it's important for South Africa to protect and look after this incredible one of a kind ecosystem?
