Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains
Country
South Africa
Inscribed in
2018
Criterion
(viii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Situated in north-eastern South Africa, the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains comprises 40% of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, one of the world’s oldest geological structures. The property represents the best-preserved succession of volcanic and sedimentary rock dating back 3.6 to 3.25 billion years and forms a diverse repository of information on surface conditions, meteorite impacts, volcanism, continent-building processes and the environment of early life. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
The best, most diverse and outstanding examples of rock outcrops from the Archaean stage of Earth's history.
Criterion
(viii)
The foundational value of the site is that it is the best, most diverse, and outstanding example of an Archean greenstone belt. This type of geological formation is one of our only pictures of the early earth, and are recognized as critical from a scientific and educational perspective (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Highly accessible ancient exposures present a continuous sequence of rocks.
Criterion
(viii)
The World Heritage site and its environs are relatively accessible with nearby facilities for visitors. This value was considered very important in establishing the Outstanding Universal Value of the site (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Large number of remarkably well-preserved sites and features that, when combined, provide a unique, and as yet only partially explored, scientific resource.
Criterion
(viii)
The site contains a large number of geosites identified and characterized by an expert group that displayed the range of more specific values presented by the site. Notably, more than 40 percent of these geosites were not within the boundary of the World Heritage site, and there was no buffer zone established. The World Heritage Committee specifically noted the value of an outdoor educational facility for the geological attributes of the site (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Spherule beds of molten rock droplets from a period of intense meteorite bombardment, which provide evidence of one of the earliest large meteorite impact events.
Criterion
(viii)
One of the first direct evidence of meteorite impact on the early earth is preserved in the geosites (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Distinctive komatiite volcanic rocks and pillow lavas, the komatiites being the hottest lavas by far to have ever emerged on the Earth’s surface.
Criterion
(viii)
Barberton is the first and best preserved site for komatiite lavas. These were the hottest lavas erupted on the planet surface, chemically distinct, and our best probes of the state of the planet interior at this earliest stage of continent formation (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Volcanic lapilli embedded in chert, appearing as pea-sized ‘hailstones’ of accreted volcanic ash and vaporised rock, that have settled into chert sediments on the Archaean sea floor.
Criterion
(viii)
These values of the site show that volcanism included material that traveled in the air, not only below the water surface (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Oldest migmatites at the Greenstone Belt margins demonstrating the growth of continental crust.
Criterion
(viii)
Abundant exposures of the ancient migmatites occur in the contact zones between the dark basaltic Archaean lavas and the plutons of lighter silica-rich granite rising beneath them. Spectacular patterns show evidence of melting and recrystallization due to intense pressures and extreme temperatures generated around the contact area. These outstanding deposits demonstrate the early growth of continental crust (World Heritage Committee, 2018)
The Barberton Centre of Plant Endemism
Much of the Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage site falls within the Barberton Centre of Plant Endemism, which runs into Eswatini across the South African border. The centre of endemism is largely a result of the surface-outcrops of volcanic sedimentary rocks belonging to the Barberton Supergroup. Outcrops of serpentinite occur throughout the centre of endemism, and these rocks give rise to soils with unusually high magnesium: calcium ratios. These soils, together with those derived from ultramafic rocks, are also associated with high concentrations of heavy metals, which are potentially toxic to plants. At least 30 plant species of the centre of endemism are edaphic (influenced by soil) specialists, adapted to the serpentine soils. Two sub centres can be identified within the Barberton Centre of Plant Endemism, based on the distribution of endemic or near endemic plant species recorded for each of these areas. The fundamental bases on which the endemics have evolved is markedly different between the two subunits and warrant separation. Firstly, the Makhonjwa sub-centre occurs throughout the Barberton Centre of Plant Endemism wherever ultramafic (incorporating serpentine) derived soils are absent. Secondly, the Komati/De Kaap sub-centre occurs on the serpentine and ultramafic derived soils, extending over a range of altitudes. Approximately 30 species are strictly endemic to this sub-centre. Most of the Barberton Centre of Plant Endemism’s endemics are confined to the grassland areas with a few woody serpentine endemic plants in the lower lying areas. The endemics are largely herbaceous with endemism notably high in the Iridaceae, Lamiaceae, Liliaceae and Asteraceae. The Barberton mist belt forests are situated within the Barberton Centre of Plant Endemism and are characterised by the occurrence of the following plant species unique and endemic or near endemic to this area: Pavetta barbertonensis, Psoralea glabra, Ochna gamostigmata, Allophylus chaunostachys, Pavetta galpinii, Cola greenwayi, Garcinia gerrardii, Sapium integerrimum, Bersama lucens, Cassinopsis tinifolia, Encephalartos iniate tatus, Encephalartos henanii, Aphloia theiformis, Micrococca capensis, Chionanthus peglerae, Heterosamara galpinii (= Polygala galpinii), Aloe thorncroftii, and Clivia iniate. Cycad species, found in the Barberton Centre of Plant Endemism, include Encephalartos paucidentatus and E. heenanii, which is virtually confined to a small area in Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains site. The Barberton Sugarbush (Protea curvata) is only found on a few rocky slopes in the De Kaap Valley. The largest population of the Saddleback Sugar bush (Protea comptonii) is found in Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage site with only a small population occurring further south (e.g. Williamson, 2016).
Assessment information
The failure of the provincial conservation authority to protect the site and to actively damage the features that constitute the OUV in undertaking construction works on the Barberton-Mahonjwa Mountains WH site Geotrail raises concerns around the effective protection and management of the site. Threats due to almost half the key geosites demonstrating the values of the site being offsite with no buffer zone was cited as a threat during IUCNs review, and in the World Heritage Committee's summary and recommendations at the time of inscription in 2018. There are also threats due to ongoing timber harvest, grazing, farming and mining on and adjacent to the WH site. Finally, whilst the lack of geological expertise in the management, interpretation and education at the site was identified as a threat for a site listed solely for criterion (viii), it has still not been addressed and has taken on a new threat level with incidents such as the works on the Geotrail and the presence of unscrupulous illegal collectors.
Other Human Disturbances
(Damage to geological outcrops)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
The provincial conservation authority undertook certain works to repair and upgrade the Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains WH site Geotrail in 2025. This included construction works to upgrade some of the interpretative facilities on the Geotrail. In undertaking these works, the contractors damaged various geological outcrops to obtain building gravel and sand. The geological features damaged were the focus of the interpretation on the Geotrail and are central to the OUV of the WH site. These features are also amongst the 51 geosites within the Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains WH site that are declared as National Heritage sites in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (No. 25 of 1999). Because of this, the works being undertaken and the damage caused as a result were only halted after the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) issued an order for immediate cessation of all works in July 2025, in terms of sections 27 and 50(10) of the National Heritage Resources Act to the provincial conservation authority, to protect the geological outcrops. The works being undertaken were not permitted in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act and SAHRA is empowered to issue orders to cease any work or actions concerning an affected site where there is a contravention in terms of the provisions of the Act. This incident, in addition to causing damage to the geological features that constitute the OUV of the site, highlighted the urgent need for appropriate geological expertise and oversight in the management of the site (IUCN Consultation 2025).
Other Human Disturbances
(More than 45% of the geosites that support OUV are located outside the site boundaries)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Although the site contains 75% (71 of 95) of the Grade 1 geosites in the area, and the IUCN field mission verified that "all of the key features of early Earth crustal evolution listed in the dossier" are represented in the site "by world-class geosites that are reasonably undeformed and only very slightly metamorphosed" (IUCN, 2018), a number of important geosites, which would enhance the OUV of the site are not included within the boundaries of the site. The IUCN review of the nomination dossier and the World Heritage decision (IUCN, 2018; World Heritage Committee, 2018), make clear recommendations to the State Party that all the geosites should have adequate protection, and that progress should be made towards an effective buffer zone to encompass the greater than 45% of the key geosites that are not within the WH site boundary. Since inscription, a map has been produced, a description of buffer arrangements has been detailed and the State Party has published notices locally regarding protection of the geosites. The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) have completed an inventory all of these geosites and are in the process of applying for protection for them under the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999 (NHRA) (State Party of South Africa, 2021). The African World Heritage Fund recently also approved a grant to fund the development of a buffer mechanism guiding manual to assist land users adjacent to the World Heritage site in following the correct processes when developing land. The SANParks Mega Living Landscape Programme envisages considerable protected area expansion in the region which is likely to further extend protection of geosites that are outside the WH site boundary.
Other Human Disturbances
(Lack of geological expertise in management)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
The IUCN review and the opinion of the World Heritage Committee, 2018 was that the State Party should have at least one geologist on-site to protect and communicate the outstanding universal value of a site listed only for the geological criterion (viii). Globally there are few sites listed solely for criterion (viii), and it can be considered a threat to the OUV (albeit indirect) to not have geological expertise within staff capacity, responsible for management, interpretation, or education of the site's geological values. To address this, an application has been submitted on behalf of Mpumalanga province to appoint a Management Authority with the intent to appoint a geologist, once the Management Authority has been officially approved and appointed by the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment, including 'ring-fenced' budget designated to fund the position (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The urgency of addressing this need is highlighted by the threat described above in which contractors appointed by the provincial conservation authority damaged geological outcrops in undertaking building works on the Geotrail thus damaging areas that are central to the site's OUV.
Mining & Quarrying
(Mining operations)
Outside site
The nomination dossier (State Party of South Africa, 2017) notes “two companies adjacent to the property have objected, both of which have been in operation for several decades before the nature reserves were proclaimed. Although their existing mining rights areas have been specifically excluded from the WH site, their objections are based on WH status restricting their ability to prospect and expand in the future. Current legislation provides for the conditional continuation of mining rights obtained before the prohibition on mining in protected areas, was imposed by NEMPAA and MPRDA in 2003.” No new prospecting or mining activities would be allowed within the WH site. Although these threats were noted, the World Heritage Committee 2018 meeting requested that Buffer Zone arrangements be made, including related to this threat. Buffer mechanism arrangements have now been addressed as above (*see More than 45% of the geosites that support OUV are located outside the WH site boundaries). Additionally, the MTPA won a legal case in July 2017 in which the Constitutional Court judged in favour of the MTPA that no new mining may happen within the Barberton Nature Reserve (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Recreational Activities
(Illegal collection of komatite lava and other geological features)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
World-renowned rock types from Barberton-Makhanojwa Mountains are targets for illegal collecting, and samples of komatiite lava have already been subject to illegal sample collection (IUCN, 2018). The absence of a geological manager and geological interpreters to monitor key sites increases the risk of illegal collecting (IUCN Consultation, 2020; 2025). The collection and illegal mining activities have expanded to various other geological formations and a large export market has developed for illegally collected rocks from the region (IUCN Consultation 2025). This threat is exacerbated by the lack of management of the WH site and the lack of appointed geological expertise within the WH site. However, the current extent and impact of this threat on the OUV is data deficient.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Support for the World Heritage listing was widespread among all types of landowners throughout the WH site at the time of inscription, with the nomination secured through a participative process (IUCN, 2018). All land owners signed agreements to have their land included into the WH site (State Party of South Africa, 2021). Subsequently agreed management arrangements that were a precondition of the landowners including their land in the site do not appear to have been adhered to by the state authorities. This appears also to have applied in the development of an integrated management plan (IMP) for the WH site, which has not been supported by the landowners. A lack of engagement and involvement of the landowners in these processes and a contravention of the original agreements have undermined stakeholder relationships and raised uncertainty about the future of the site in the face of the exclusion of rightsholders in decision-making processes. This issue has culminated in legal action between the landowners and the state and is also encapsulated in a letter sent from the landowners to UNESCO in July 2023 (IUCN Consultation 2025).
Legal framework
The legal framework for the conservation of the site is provided through national and provincial legislation including the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA) and the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (No. 49 of 1999) (WHCA). The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains WH site was formally proclaimed in terms of the WHCA in March 2021. Nevertheless, uncertainty exists about the future of the site due to the appointment of a management authority, which was not agreed with landowners.
Governance arrangements
The landowners within the Barberton-Makhonjwa WH site feel that the original agreement, upon which they included their land in the site, has not been adhered to, as regards to the management arrangements. There is dissatisfaction amongst stakeholders engaged in this process and a complaint that the management arrangements that were originally agreed to have not been met (IUCN Consultation, 2025). This undermines stakeholder and rightsholder involvement and trust in the process. It is important that a management authority that is supported by all key stakeholders and rightsholders be assigned so that an integrated management plan (IMP) may be developed and implemented to ensure the proper protection and management of the site. It is worth noting that an Advisory Council has recently (towards the end of 2024) been approved by the MTPA (Office of the CEO), to assist the management authority in an advisory role with regards to the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains WH site. The Advisory Council member appointments stipulate a term of 5 years. Induction of members are imminent pending the legal resolution of a current stakeholder matter.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
As the site has been formally proclaimed (March 2021) in terms of the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (No. 49 of 1999) (WHCA) and there are several other recognised protected areas within the WH site (predominantly nature reserves), the area is effectively subject to and protected in terms of several laws and regulations (State Party of South Africa, 2021). New mining and mineral exploration rights in these areas are specifically prohibited. However, concerns were noted by IUCN and the Committee prior to and at inscription related to managing the site within a framework that includes substantial private land, including prior and continuing use that allows grazing, farming, and timber harvest, and existing mining rights (IUCN, 2018; World Heritage Committee, 2018). The inclusion of the region in SANParks Mega Living Landscape Programme will further strengthen local, regional and national planning systems. The programme envisages the development of a bottom-up stakeholder-driven strategic framework plan that will guide the protection, development and management of the region and will consider the OUV of the WH site.
Boundaries
The contiguous boundary of the site encompasses most of the key geosites representative of the Barberton Greenstone Belt and indeed the boundaries were delineated to include the most significant of these (IUCN, 2018; World Heritage Committee, 2018). However, there are still large numbers of important geosites, which lie outside the boundaries. As such, it was requested at the time of inscription to extend a buffer zone to the site which included these areas (World Heritage Committee, 2018). Although a mapping exercise has been carried out in support of the establishment of a buffer zone, no formal process linked to this has been undertaken. It is anticipated that the SANParks Mega Living Landscape Programme will significantly improve buffer zone management around the WH site, as it is focussed on protecting key features in the landscape and promoting compatible land use to protect as much of the landscape that is not formally protected, as possible.
Overlapping international designations
There is no overlapping international designation although the site forms part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) and there may be the potential to extend the WH site into Eswatini, as some of the OUVs exist there.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
At the time of inscription, several key geosites in the region were not included within the site's boundaries. This has been addressed through subsequent protection afforded by the South African National Heritage Resources Act, no 25 of 1999 and the declaration of the 51 Grade 1 sites which are now officially 'listed in the Schedule as part of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain as National Heritage Sites.' (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Progress in other areas has been hampered however. An agreed to management authority for the WH site has not been appointed, an IMP, developed with the participation of key stakeholders and rightsholders has not been prepared and specific geological expertise has not been appointed to support the site management. A key recommendation by the WH Committee in its Decision: 42 COM 8B.5 was not adhered to. It read: “Commends the State Party, and the local stakeholders, for the participative process that has led to the creation of this nomination, and also requests the State Party to ensure that this strong community collaboration remains at the heart of management of the nominated property in the future.” Failure to adhere to this recommendation which is mirrored in the agreement reached with the landowners of the site for the contribution of their land to the site, now threatens the existence of the site (IUCN Consultation 2025).
Climate action
As a formally approved IMP for the WH site has not been developed and adopted, it is unclear if specific provisions have been made to protect the OUVs from the negative impacts of climate change. It must be noted however that climate change is unlikely to have significant impacts on the geological OUV of the site. According to the State Party, climate change risks have been incorporated into the draft Integrated Disaster Risk Management Plan and staff attended the African World Heritage Fund workshop on Integrated Disaster Risk Management Plan (State Party of South Africa, 2021).
Management plan and overall management system
The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains WH site does not have a formally approved integrated management plan (IMP). As such it is unclear how values have been identified, what management objectives and desired outcomes have been set, and what the key threats are. There is thus no plan to guide management and to determine whether objectives are being achieved. The 2024 announcement of appointing the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) as the management authority of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage site has sparked mixed reactions, especially regarding the lack of consideration of community’s and private landowners’ concerns (Mpande, 2024).
Law enforcement
The absence of geological management and interpreters means that there has been little monitoring of the outcrops by trained geologists capable of recognising degradation other than independent research groups. The appointment of a geologist will address this issue, although geosites have already been damaged due to incorrectly planned and supervised works on the Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains WH site Geotrail, as described in the threats section.
Sustainable finance
The World Heritage Committee expressed concern related to sustainable finance (World Heritage Committee, 2018) upon inscription, specifically that the proposed additional financial commitments to the site are expedited, and that funds are made available for adequate staffing, including specific geological expertise, in the management bodies for the site. Until dedicated funding is provided to the site, an agreed upon management authority is assigned and staffing capacity is addressed, sustainable finance will remain a serious concern. According to the State Party, operational costs are covered by government funds at the national and regional level and supplemented by income related to tourism activities (State Party of South Africa, 2021).
Staff capacity, training and development
Concerns were noted by the Committee relating to staff funding at the time of inscription, and indeed recommendations specific to this topic were made (World Heritage Committee, 2018). Until the lack of geological expertise on the park staff for a WH site inscribed solely for criterion (viii) is addressed through the recruitment of a geologist, staff capacity will remain a serious concern. According to the State Party, a senior geologist position will be filled following the approval of the new organogram, however the status of this is unclear (State Party of South Africa, 2021).
Education and interpretation programmes
The Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail, a 37 km-long paved public road through a geological cross-section of the Barberton Greenstone Belt from Barberton to the Esawtini border, provides interpretation and education through high-quality interpretive displays that illustrate the geological evolution of the early earth. However, there is a clear need for more signage at key boundary access points and additional training of staff in geology and geological stewardship (IUCN, 2018). Additionally, the nomination dossier notes continuing the same programmes as existed when the site was protected as a series of Nature Reserves (State Party of South Africa, 2017). Without geological expertise in park management, there is some concern on this topic. Additionally, given the destruction of key attributes related to the OUV, caused by the recent attempts by the provincial conservation authority to develop the interpretation without having the necessary expertise and protections in place, there is serious concern about inadequate protection.
Tourism and visitation management
The nomination dossier spoke of a good existing level of services and access, which was supported during the field mission (IUCN, 2018; State Party of South Africa, 2017). According to the State Party, a visitor information centre at Barberton is to be constructed (State Party of South Africa, 2021). It is anticipated that tourism and visitation management will grow substantially as the SANParks Mega Living Landscape Programme is developed and implemented. Given the impasse in the appointment of a capable Management Authority, there is no short-term prospect for improvement. However, given the increased threat from illegal collections increased visitor numbers could be a cause for concern.
Sustainable use
Livestock grazing, wildlife ranching, crop farming, timber harvest, and mining were acknowledged as land uses on and adjacent to the WH site (IUCN, 2018) at the time of inscription, although further mining will not be permitted. Some of the key geosites that demonstrate OUV are offsite, but there is no buffer zone to extend the WH site protections to these sites as the State Party felt that such a buffer zone is unnecessary (IUCN, 2018). The implementation of the SANParks Mega Living Landscape Programme is intended to encourage protected area expansion, the establishment of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and compatible land uses in the region. Many of these will incorporate sustainable and responsible use of natural resources. These initiatives should further promote the protection of the WH site OUV both within the site and in its buffer areas.
Monitoring
There are concerns related to staff capacity and expertise to perform the relevant monitoring (no geological expertise in park management) (IUCN, 2018, 2020, 2025), and lack of concomitant activities to address threats to the geological values at the site. Until a dedicated geologist of the appropriate level is appointed by the management authority, the ability to develop and implement systematic monitoring programs will be compromised. The levels of research being conducted with the WH site do however mean that some of the key attributes are being monitored.
Research
The Barberton Greenstone Belt is subject to extensive academic research. There is ongoing scientific research on the early history of the earth preserved in this outstanding site (e.g. Lowe and Byerly, 2024; Lowe, 2024; Van Kranendonk, 2022; Hofmann et al. 2021). The lack of appropriate and proactive geological expertise raises concerns about the monitoring of the activities of researchers. This presents a unique threat to geological outcrops and has been amply demonstrated in the past due to damage caused by researchers to outcrops.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
At inscription, several recommendations were made by the World Heritage Committee regarding threats outside the site, including the need to legally protect the geosites located outside of protected areas, including an appropriate wider zone of protection around each of these geosites, the need to strengthen the buffer zone arrangements, and to give consideration to the specific creation of a World Heritage buffer zone, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders (2018). This has been partially addressed through protection afforded by the South African National Heritage Resources Act, no 25 of 1999 and the declaration of the 51 Grade 1 sites which are now officially 'listed in the Schedule as part of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain as National Heritage Sites.' (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The development and implementation of the SANParks Mega Living Landscape Programme should also address key issues related to the protection of buffer areas, particularly if it explicitly addresses the WH site OUV.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
At inscription, several recommendations were made by the World Heritage Committee regarding threats within the site including the need to appoint specific geological expertise, prepare and formally adopt an IMP for the site, secure dedicated funding and effectively protect the geosites within the property (2018). It does not appear that any of these recommendations have been adequately addressed, nor have the recommendations to keep stakeholders of the site involved in its management and decision-making processes.
Overall, the Barberton Makhonjwa WH site is protected through a sound legal framework, which includes its formal proclamation in terms of the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (No. 49 of 1999) in March 2021. The inclusion of the site in the SANParks Mega Living Landscape Programme is likely to significantly address buffer zone management issues as it will drive protected area expansion, the establishment of OECMs and compatible land use in the landscape. The greatest concern is the lack of progress in appointing an agreed-upon management authority for the WH site that is supported by key stakeholders and rightsholders. The recent announcement of appointing the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) as the management authority of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage site has sparked mixed reactions, especially from local communities and private landowners. This impedes the development and formal adoption of an Integrated Management Plan, the ability to apportion dedicated funding to the WH site and to appoint staff and implement appropriate management programmes. Until these key issues are addressed the protection and management of the Barberton Makhonjwa WH site will be of serious concern. It is worth noting that an Advisory Council has recently (towards the end of 2024) been approved by the MTPA (Office of the CEO), to assist the management authority in an advisory role.
The best, most diverse and outstanding examples of rock outcrops from the Archaean stage of Earth's history.
Good
Trend
Data Deficient
The best, most diverse, and outstanding example of an Archean greenstone belt represented in the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains site is in good condition, especially in relation to comparable sites elsewhere in the world. This type of geological formation is one of our only pictures of the early earth, and are recognised as critical from a scientific and educational perspective (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Highly accessible ancient exposures present a continuous sequence of rocks.
Good
Trend
Data Deficient
The World Heritage Site and environs are relatively accessible with nearby facilities for visitors. This value was considered very important in establishing the OUV of the property and has been well presented along the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail with effective interpretation signs and information (IUCN, 2018; World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Large number of remarkably well-preserved sites and features that, when combined, provide a unique, and as yet only partially explored, scientific resource.
Low Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
The site contains many geosites that display the range of specific values presented by the site, which cumulatively represent an outstanding, and hitherto understudied scientific resource. Notably, more than 40 percent of these geosites were not within the boundary of the World Heritage Site, and there was no buffer zone established for the property. Whilst the justifications for the boundaries under which the site is inscribed met the requirements for inscription on the World Heritage list, the State Party of South Africa could improve the integrity of the site through better integration of key geosites which would add significant value to the current OUV of the site, including those in bordering Eswatini (World Heritage Committee, 2018). Progress is currently being made on this (State Party of South Africa, 2021).
Spherule beds of molten rock droplets from a period of intense meteorite bombardment, which provide evidence of one of the earliest large meteorite impact events.
Good
Trend
Data Deficient
The first direct evidence of meteorite impact on the early earth are generally well-preserved in the geosites included within the boundaries of the site (World Heritage Committee, 2018). There is no evidence to suggest that these are under imminent threat, and indeed the inscription of the site on the World Heritage list will likely enhance their conservation, interpretation and scientific value.
Distinctive komatiite volcanic rocks and pillow lavas, the komatiites being the hottest lavas by far to have ever emerged on the Earth’s surface.
Good
Trend
Data Deficient
The komatiite lava deposits contained within the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains site remain amongst the best preserved of their type in the world. These were the hottest lavas erupted on the planet surface, chemically distinct, and remain of high scientific interest as some of the best probes of the state of the planet interior at this earliest stage of continent formation.
Volcanic lapilli embedded in chert, appearing as pea-sized ‘hailstones’ of accreted volcanic ash and vaporised rock, that have settled into chert sediments on the Archaean sea floor.
Good
Trend
Data Deficient
The volcanic lapilli of the site show that volcanism included material that traveled in the air, not only below the water surface (World Heritage Committee, 2018). This value is likely to be well preserved, with little current threats and can therefore be considered Good.
Oldest migmatites at the Greenstone Belt margins demonstrating the growth of continental crust.
Good
Trend
Data Deficient
Abundant exposures of the ancient migmatites occur in the contact zones between the dark basaltic Archaean lavas and the plutons of lighter silica-rich granite rising beneath them. Spectacular patterns show evidence of melting and recrystallization due to intense pressures and extreme temperatures generated around the contact area. These outstanding deposits demonstrate the early growth of continental crust (World Heritage Committee Meeting 2018)
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Data Deficient
The values for which the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains are inscribed on the World Heritage List are in good condition. The site covers around 40% of the entire Barberton Greenstone Belt and encloses a fully representative sample of 154 registered rock outcrops, which cumulatively define a landscape of the highest scientific value in terms of Earth’s earliest discernible history. The variety of geological processes, evident both as chemical signatures and as more visible physical structures within the rocks are also unmatched in any comparable area. The values are relatively well interpreted through a strong legacy of academic study and presentation for the general public along the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail. As the site was inscribed in 2018, there is no change relative to baseline and this is likely to remain so, given the geological values of the site are generally resilient to most threats. Some steps have been taken to address the concerns noted by the World Heritage Committee upon inscription, they should however be fully implemented to secure the values of the site in the long term.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
Good
Improving
The development of an updated management plan for Barberton Nature Reserve and a co-management agreement between Care for Wild and the MTPA and the initiation of a similar process for Songimvelo Nature Reserve together with the anticipated protected area expansion that will be undertaken through the SANParks Mega Living Landscape Programme suggest that protected area management effectiveness is improving, and the overall trend is a positive one.
Additional information
Importance for research
Many research projects have been and are being undertaken that have resulted in numerous publications that add to one of our only pictures of the early earth and are recognised as critical from a scientific and educational perspective.
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
The WHS has tourism and visitor facilities, including interpretation facilities provided by the Geotrail. There is considerable scope to further develop the tourism and recreation potential of the WHS.
The implementation of the SANParks Mega Living Landscape project which will drive protected area expansion, the establishment of OECMs and encourage compatible land use (including developing the restoration economy around the removal of invasive species), should reduce threats of habitat change, and increase ecological integrity and resilience.
The Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains WHS plays an important role in research and our understanding of the early earth and it is likely to continue to provide opportunities for such research. As part of SANParks Mega Living Landscape programme protection and management of the WHS and the landscape around it, is likely to improve. This programme will enable the further development of South Africa's Biodiversity Economy, which will create more opportunities for initiatives linked to outdoor recreation and tourism and will also provide protections for the natural scenery and beauty of the landscape.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
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| 1 | Barberton Nature Reserve, Care for Wild, MTPA | Addressing the long-term sustainability of the Barberton-Makhonjwa region, related to biodiversity conservation, environmental management, socio-economic beneficiation, and the financial viability of its protected areas. |
https://careforwild.co.za/
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| 2 | South African National Parks (SANParks), MTPA | The creation of large, interconnected areas which can be formally protected or not, and include state, private, and communal land which will each pursue activities to achieve land management compatible with conservation objectives. |
https://www.sanparks.org/
|
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Hofmann, A., Anhaeusser, C. R., & Li, X. H. (2021). Layered ultramafic complexes of the Barberton Greenstone Belt–age constraints and tectonic implications. South African Journal of Geology 2021, 124(1), 7-16.
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| 2 |
IUCN (2018). World Heritage Nomination – IUCN Technical Evaluation, barberton Makhonjwa Mountains (South Africa). In: IUCN World Heritage Evaluations 2018, IUCN Evaluations of nominations of natural and mixed properties to the World Heritage List. WHC/18/42.COM/INF.8B2. [online] Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, pp.5-13. Available at: file:///C:/Users/emsliesmithm/Desktop/1575-IUCN-2240-en.pdf [Accessed 12 March 2020].
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| 3 |
IUCN Consultation (2020). IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation: Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, South Africa.
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| 4 |
IUCN Consultation (2025). IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation: Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, South Africa.
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| 5 |
Lowe, D. R. (2024). Onverwacht Group, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa: 300 my development of a Paleoarchean stagnant lid. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 137(1-2), 259-278.
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| 6 |
Lowe, D. R., & Byerly, G. R. (2024). Geology of the Eastern Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa: Early Deformation and the Role of Large Meteor Impacts. American Journal of Science, 324, 12.
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| 7 |
Mpande, B. (2024). MTPA’s appointment as manager of Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site a cause for concern. Lowvelder. Published online 4 September 2021. Available at: https://www.citizen.co.za/lowvelder/news-headlines/local-ne…
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| 8 |
South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) (2024) Order for immediate cessation of all works in terms of sections 27 and 50(1) of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999, South Africa
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| 9 |
State Party of South Africa (2021). Periodic Report Cycle 3, Section II: Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, pp.1-66. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1575/documents/
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| 10 |
State Party of South Africa. (2017). Nomination of Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains as a World Heritage Site. [online] Pretoria, South Africa: Department of Environmental Affairs, pp.1-66. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1575/documents/(Accessed 12 March 2020).
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| 11 |
Van Kranendonk, M. J. (2021). Gliding and overthrust nappe tectonics of the Barberton Greenstone Belt revisited: A review of deformation styles and processes. South African Journal of Geology 2021, 124(1), 181-210.
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| 12 |
Williamson, S. D. (2016). Endemism, diversity and priorities for the conservation of serpentine areas in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, Mpumalanga, South Africa. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa). Available at: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/188773323.pdf
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| 13 |
World Heritage Committee (2018). Decision 42 COM 8B.5. Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains). In: Report of decisions of the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee (Manama, 2018). [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1575/documents/ [Accessed 12 March 2020].
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