QPI Honors Bergplaas Nature Reserve with
‘Quiet Conservation Area Award’
Decemeber 2024: Quiet Parks International (QPI) is proud to announce that Bergplaas Nature Reserve has been officially designated as a Quiet Conservation Area, recognizing its exceptional efforts in preserving natural soundscapes and providing a sanctuary for peace and quiet.
Situated in the heart of the South African Karoo, in the Sneeuberg mountain range of the Eastern Cape, Bergplaas Nature Reserve is celebrated for its pristine environment, where visitors can immerse themselves in the undisturbed sounds of nature.
“As global noise pollution continues to rise, the need to protect places like Bergplaas Nature Reserve becomes more critical,” said Matt Mikkelsen, Executive Director of Wilderness Quiet Parks at Quiet Parks International. “Bergplaas has demonstrated remarkable commitment to preserving its natural soundscapes, ensuring that future generations can experience the restorative power of quiet.”
HRH Princess Irene van Lippe-Biesterfeld, The Netherlands, added: “One of the most powerful healing elements that Bergplaas offers is its expansive silence. Here, we practice the art of quiet within our programs, inviting participants to shift from the noise of the world—and their own minds—into the profound stillness of nature. It is in this deep silence that true connection, reflection, and personal transformation can unfold.
Bergplaas serves as a starting point for many to truly understand the importance of quiet, not just as an absence of noise, but as a pathway to inner peace. Our commitment is to preserve this invaluable resource, enabling participants to carry that sense of inner silence back into the ‘real world.’ By doing so, we hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for the healing power of quiet—both within ourselves and in the natural world around us.”
The Landspace
The 5000-hectare Bergplaas Nature Reserve neighbours the iconic Compassberg in the Sneeuberg Mountains of the Great Karoo. Its altitude ranges from 1400m to 1800m and it serves as a key water catchment for the Karoo and the Eastern Cape.
Originally comprising three livestock farms, the internal fences and livestock were removed, and the wildlife that historically roamed this area was reintroduced. Bergplaas has been gazetted as a Private Protected Area, Nature Reserve status, through the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency’s Biodiversity Stewardship Program.
The Wildlife
Bergplaas has a population of approximately 900 large mammals, including Eland, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Plains Zebra, Springbuck, and Black Wildebeest. Approximately 25 small mammals have been recorded in the region. Small carnivores include Caracal, Black-backed Jackal, Small-spotted Genet, Bat-eared Fox, African Clawless Otter, and the Cape-, Grey- and Marsh Mongoose.
There are 133 bird species in the region, including the Secretary Bird, Black Harrier, Lanner Falcon, and Blue Crane.
Photos by Ian Pletzer
Press Contact
Gordon Hempton, Executive Director of Media Affairs, gordon@quietparks.org, cell +1-360-477-9588, Skype ID quiet.planet1
Matt Mikkelsen, Executive Director of Wilderness Quiet Park: matt@quietparks.org
Edward Alant, Field Recordist, SA Representative: edward.alant@gmail.com
Wayne Maspero, Manager, Bergplaas Nature Reserve: wayne@bergplaas.com