Photo: justinandcrystal.com
The biodiversity of the fynbos region contributes hugely to our economy every year . The wild flower industry is worth R150 million – mostly as foreign exchange. The Cape deciduous fruit industry contributes R1 billion and provides 80 000 jobs; and the bees that pollinate the fruit rely on fynbos for food during the winter. Eco-tourism in the Western Cape employs 180 000 people and provides 13% of the region’s gross income. Mountain catchments provide R3.6 billion worth of water per annum. All together the benefits we get from Mountain Fynbos is estimated to be worth about R75 million per square kilometre. Isn’t that worth caring for?