Cape Floral Kingdom to apply for World Heritage Status

THE Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Tourism and Gambling, Johan Gelderblom said at Heritage Day celebrations in Hout Bay yesterday that South Africa was preparing the Cape Floral Kingdom for World Heritage Site status. "The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of six in the world, and the smallest. With 9 000 recorded plant species, the area is recognised as one of the richest floral regions in the world of which 90% are found nowhere else on the planet. This is indeed a priceless possession and not only belongs to us, but mankind as a whole." The minister also joined the ranks of the 'Honourable Order of Hout Bay Artillerymen' and fired the West Fort cannon. "Hout Bay, like many other places in South Africa, has a wealth of cultural history to preserve for future generations. If it is cared for, nourished and developed, this community will have many sustainable heritage tourism assets which will continue to attract visitors from across the globe," concluded Gelderblom. (Miguel de Sousa)