HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
The acid sands of marine origins and the Malmesbury shales of the Swartland meet at Hopefield. Here, the interplay of soil types and water permeability of these substrates as well as the climatic influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean leads to unique habitats and many seasonal wetlands. Thus, the area has many interesting endemic and threatened plant taxa and it is no surprise that Hopefield is now renowned for its annual flower show which is run by a passionate and knowledgeable group of local volunteers (Maree and Vromans 2010).
AUGUST 2019
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 1
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Compiled by Charl du Plessis & Sean Ranger FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Porterville
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 2
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
AUTHORISATION
The management authority assigned in terms of Section 38 (1) or (2) of the Act must, within 12 months of assignment submit a management plan of the Protected Area to the MEC for approval.
Recommended and approved by the Municipal Manager, Saldanha Bay Municipality.
Name Resolution Number Date
Municipal Manager Saldanha Municipality
……………………….
MEC Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Name Signature Date
Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Mr Anton Bredell PROVINCIAL MINISTER
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 3
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
i) Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright in this information vests with FOOTPRINT Environmental Services (FES) and the unauthorised copying thereof or making of extracts thereof is illegal.
Any representation, statement opinion, or advice expressed or implied in this document is made in good faith on the basis that FES, its agents and employees are not liable (whether by reason of negliglence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to above.
Although the greatest care has been taken to ensure that all mapping data is up to date and spatially accurate, FES give no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, utility or completeness of this data. Users of the data in this report assume all responsibility and risk for use of the data.
The User expressly acknowledges and agrees that use of the data and information contained in these pages is at the User's sole risk. The data and information contained in these pages are provided "as is" and no warranties are made that the data and information contained in these pages will meet your requirements, is complete or free from error. In no event shall FES be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of business profits, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of, or inability to use, the data and information contained in this report.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 4
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
ii) Acknowledgements
The Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) expresses its thanks to all who participated in and who provided comment and input in the drafting and development of this management plan.
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve (HPNR) Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP) was prepared by Cedarberg Conservation Services (t/a FOOTPRINT Environmental Services). Our thanks in particular to Nazeema Duarte from the SBM for her support.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 5
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
iii) Table of contents
i) Copyright and disclaimer 4
ii) Acknowledgements 5
iii) Table of contents 6
iv) List of tables 12
v) List of figures 12
vi) List of attachments 12
vii) Abbreviations 12
SECTION 1 : INTRODUCTION 15
1.1 The purpose of the plan 15
1.2 Structure of the plan 15
1.3 Adaptive management 18 SECTION 2 : OVERVIEW OF THE HOPEFIELD PRIVATE 19 NATURE RESERVE
2.1 Cultural heritage resources and landscape grading 20
2.2 Biophysical description 20
2.2.1 Climate 22
2.2.2 Geology, topography and soils 22
2.3 Biodiversity 23
2.3.1 Mammal fauna 23
2.3.2 Vegetation 24
2.3.3 Avifauna 26
2.3.4 Herpetofauna 27
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 6
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
2.3.5 Invertebrates 27
2.3.6 Fire regime 27
2.3.7 Alien Invasive Species 29
2.4 Socio-political Context 29
2.5 Local and Regional Planning Context 31
2.5.1 Regional Planning 31
2.5.2 Local Planning 32
SECTION 3 : LEGAL STATUS 36
3.1 Legal status 36
3.1.1 Name and legal designations 36
3.1.2 Contractual agreements 36
3.1.3 Location, extent and highest point 36
3.1.4 Municipal jurisdiction 37
SECTION 4 : POLICY FRAMEWORK 39
4.1 Financial 39
4.2 Biodiversity management 39
4.3 Safety and security 39
4.4 Resource use and community involvement 40
4.5 Cultural resource management 40
4.6 Neighbouring relationships 41
4.7 Baseline data, monitoring and research 41
4.8 Access 41
4.9 Administration support 42
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 7
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
4.10 METT Assessments 42
4.11 Internal Rules 43
4.12 Environmental Education and Awareness 43
4.13 Infrastructure management and maintenance 43
SECTION 5: CONSULTATION 44
5.1 Stakeholder Engagement Process 44
5.2 Establishment of a Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) 45
Effective participation in the Protected Area Advisory Committee 5.3 45 (PAAC)
SECTION 6: PURPOSE and VISION 46
6.1 Key determining factors 46
6.1.1 Local connectivity 47
6.1.2 Vegetation 47
6.1.3 Other values 47
6.2 Management Intent 48
6.3 Purpose 48
6.4 Threats 49
6.5 Summary of management challenges 50
6.6 Vision 53
6.7 Goals and objectives 53
SECTION 7 – ZONING PLAN 62
Protected Area in the Context of Municipal Integrated 7.1 62 Development Planning
7.2 Protected Area Zonation 63
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 8
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
7.3 Protected Area Zone of Influence 64
SECTION 8 – ACCESS AND FACILITIES 66
8.1 Public Access and Management 66
8.2 Flight corridors 66
8.3 Administrative and other facilities 66
8.3.1 Roads 67
8.3.2. Buildings 67
8.3.3 Fences 67
8.3.4 Signage 67
8.4 Commercial Activities 67
8.5 Servitudes 68
SECTION 9 – EXPANSION STRATEGY 69
SECTION 10 – CONCEPT DEVELOPENT PLAN 70
SECTION 11 – STRATEGIC PLAN 71
11.1 Programme: Indigenous vegetation management 71
11.1.1 Project: Plant species list 71
11.1.2 Research and other scientific papers 72
11.2 Programme: Rare, Endangered and Endemic Plant species 72
11.2.1 Project: Map the distribution 72
11.3 Programme: Alien invasive species management 73
10.3.1 Project: Implement available management plan 73
11.4 Programme: Fire Management 74
11.4.1 Membership to the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection 74 Association
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 9
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
11.4.2 Project : Firebreaks 75
11.4.3 Project: Fire prevention 75
11.5 Programme: Terrestrial Fauna Species 76
11.5.1 Project: Species list 76
11.5.2 Project: Re-introduction of game species 76
11.5.3 Project: Research and other scientific papers 76
11.5.4 Project: Prevent impacts on terrestrial and marine species 77
11. 6 Programme: Restoration Ecology 77
11.6.1 Project: Map all disturbed areas 77
11.6.2 Project: Rehabilitation 78
11.7 Program: Cultural historical, archaeological and palaeontological 79 heritage
11.7.1 Project: Map and evaluate assets 79
11.8 Program: Baseline data collection 79
11.8.1 Project: Develop and implement a baseline data collection plan 80
11.9 Program: Monitoring 80
11.9.1 Project: Develop and implement a monitoring plan 80
11.10 Program: Research 80
11.10.1. Project: Promote research opportunities 80
11.11. Program: Roads 81
11.11.1. Project: Road Maintenance 81
11.12 Program: Fences and law enforcement 81
11.12.1 Project: Improve current state of fence 81
11.12.2 Project: Law Enforcement 82
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 10
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
11.13 Program: Development 83
11.13.1 Project: Development of facilities 83
11.13.2 Project: Development of the optimal staff organogram 83
11.13.3 Project: Staff development 83
SECTION 12 - COSTING PLAN 85
SECTION 13 - REFERENCES 87
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 11
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
List of Tables
Land and Resource use guidelines for Critical Biodiversity 34 1 Areas
2 Key deliverables, objectives and strategies 55
3 Zonation guidelines for HPNR 63
List of Figures
1 The Adaptive Management Cycle (CSIRO 2012) 18
2 Locality of Hopefield Private Nature Reserve 20
3 Geology and Topography 23
4 Vegetation Types 26
5 Hopefield Private Nature Reserve Critical Biodiversity Area. 33
6 Infrastructure 68
7 Fire break plan 74
iv) List of Attachments
1 PN 337 of the 7th May o1982
2 Proposed Terms of Reference for the PAAC
3 Stakeholder Engagement Process
4 Environmental Authorisation by DEA&DP
5 Forms to complete for Baseline data and Monitoring
6 Costing Plan
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 12
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
v) Abbreviations
APO Annual Plan of Operation
BSP Biodiversity Sector Plan
CBA Critical Biodiversity Area
CESA Critically Ecological Support Area
CESP Critical Ecological Support Areas
CREW Custodians for Rare and Endangered Wildflowers
CN CapeNature
ESA Ecological Support Areas
FES FOOTPRINT Environmental Services
GIS Geographic Information System
GCFR Greater Cape Floristic Region
CFR Cape Floristic Region
GCFPA Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association
HIA Heritage Impact Assessment
HPNR Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
IDP Integrated Development Plan
MSA Municipal System Act (Act No.32 of 2000)
METT Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool
NEMBA National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act
NID Notice of Intent to Develop
PA Protected Area
PAAC Protected Area Advisory Committee
PAMP Protected Area Management Plan
PN Provincial Notice
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 13
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SAHRA South African Heritage Resource Agency
SAPS South Africa Police Services
SBM Saldanha Bay Municipality
SPCA Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals
TOR Terms of Reference
Vu Vulnerable
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 14
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 The purpose of the plan
The submission of a management plan (Hopefield Private Nature Reserve) by the Management Authority (Saldanha Bay Municipality), is a requirement in terms of Section 39 (2) of the National Management Environmental Protected Areas Act, 2003. The purpose of a management plan, in terms of this section of the Act, is to guide the development and management of the PA in such a way that it meets the purpose for which it was declared (Gowan & Mpongoma 2011).
1.2 Structure of the Plan
This PAMP is structured to adhere to the guidelines set for the development of a Management Plan for a Protected Area in terms of the National Environmental Protected Areas Act, Act 2003 (Gowan & Mpongoma 2011).
The plan itself is structured in the following way;
Section 1 – Introduction
This section deals with the purpose, structure of this PAMP and adaptive management principles of the HPNR PAMP.
Section 2 – Overview of the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
This section provides a brief overview of the HPNR, the cultural heritage resources and landscape grading, biophysical description, biodiversity socio-political, local and regional planning.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 15
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Section 3 - Legal status
Section 3 provides a record of the legal status of the protected area, its description and location. This section deals with property and title deed information, it provides information on contractual agreements, locality, extent, topography, municipal jurisdiction and international, national and provincial listings.
Section 4 – Policy framework
This section describes the policy framework of the Saldanha Bay Municipality that is relevant to the management and implementation of the HPNR PAMP. These policies will support the effective implementation of this PAMP by the SBM.
Section 5 – Consultation
This section deals with the public participation process as well as the establishment of the Protected Areas Advisory Committee (PAAC) and the management of this committee. These to comply to Sections 39(3) and 41 (2)(e) of the Act.
Section 6 - Purpose and the vision
This section describes the purpose and vision for HPNR and sets out the baseline on which the management plan is developed. It includes the key determining factors, management intent, purpose, threats, management challenges, vision, goals and objectives of HPNR. These to comply with Sections 17 and 23(2) of the Act.
Section 7 – Zoning plan
This section describes various zonation’s for the PA and the activities which are allowed in the different zones. It notes the conservation objectives for each of these zones as well as the identification of the Protected Area Zone of Influence.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 16
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Section 8 – Access and facilities
The section provides information on the current access to HPNR, controls required for access and includes aspects related to access, administration and support to the PA, flight corridors, community use and servitudes, to ensure compliance to Section 41(2)(f), 46, 50 and 53(b) of the Act.
Section 9 – Expansion strategy
This section deals with a potential expansion strategy. However, and with due consideration, the key recommendation is that for the duration of this plan the SBM should focus on building good relationships with surrounding landowners.
Section 10 - Concept development plan
The concept development plan identified the immediate development needs for the PA. Importantly any further development may not affect the declaration purpose or any key determining factors of the PA. This to ensure compliance to Section 41(2)(c) of the Act.
Section 11 – Strategic Plan
This section adheres to Section 41, 76, 43 of the Act and provides operational information for implementation over the next five (5) year planning period. This section deals with various programmes, projects, actions and assigns responsibilities to the SBM and additionally provides timelines for implementation.
Section 12 - Costing plan
This section contains information on preparing budgets, the submission of budgets and securing additional funds.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 17
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
1.3 Adaptive Management for the HPNR
In the process of preparing and implementing this PAMP the guiding principles of adaptive management should be considered at all times. This is a structured, iterative process in which decisions are made using the best available information, with the aim of obtaining better information through monitoring of performance (See Figure 1 – Adaptive Management). In this way, decision making is aimed at achieving the best outcome based on current understanding, whilst accruing the information needed to improve future management. Adaptive management can lead to revision of a part or if necessary, the whole PAMP.
Figure 1. The adaptive management cycle (CSIRO 2012)
Adaptive management enables managers to: i) Learn through experience. ii) Take account of, and respond to, changing factors that affect the Protected Area. iii) Develop or refine management processes. iv) Adopt best practices and new innovations in biodiversity conservation management. v) Demonstrate that management is appropriate and effective.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 18
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 2 – OVERVIEW OF THE HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve (HPNR) was proclaimed under Section 12 (4) of the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance, (Ordinance 19 of 1974) on the 7th May 1982. The HPNR is therefore recognised as a nature reserve under the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA) (Act No. 57 of 2003). See Attachment 1 – PN 337 of 1982.
Hopefield PNR is 1887,79 ha’s in size and is located on Farm 304, Hopefield. The reserve falls within the 3318AB quarter degree grid square, the centre of the reserve is located at 33.056275 S and 18.277203 E (Decimal Degrees).
(See Figure 2 -Locality of the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve).
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 19
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Figure 2 -Locality of the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
2.1 Cultural heritage resources and landscape grading context
On a regional scale the Saldanha Bay Municipality falls within the West Coast Region which is one of the main regional cultural landscapes of the Western Cape, some of the others being the Swartland, Boland and Overberg. On a sub-regional scale, the West Coast Region consists of seven sub-regions that comprise of the Lagoon, Swartland, Wilderness, Berg River floodplain, Sandveld, Coastal edge and the Koppiesveld (O’Donoghue et al 2016).
Extremely rich Pliocene and Pleistocene fossil beds have been found at Langebaanweg some 15km west to the PA, while important fossil remains from the middle to late Pleistocene occur at the adjacent property, Elandsfontein (SANParks 2013) The area, especially around Elandsfontein, is extremely rich in fossils, and
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 20
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019 abundant Late Cenozoic deposits of up to five million years in age in the Varswater formation have been found (SANParks 2013).
The earliest archaeological evidence along the West Coast comes from the Middle Stone Age (approximately 200 000 years ago to approximately 40 000 years ago).
Although palaeontological remains are not normally associated with very ancient rocks like the Cape Granite suite bedrock, such rocks (and some older Langebaan Formation calcretes) may, nevertheless, provide features, such as holes and overhangs; used by sheltering animals. Bones of their prey were sometimes discarded and preserved in these contexts.
Fossils finds in the Langebaan Formation are normally mineralised bones that are moderately common and have local to high significance. Where this fossil layer extends under the sea it too has a local to high significance. The age of these fossil layers has been dated to three (3) million years ago (O’Donoghue et al 2016).
According to (O’Donoghue et al 2016) the HPNR has a high heritage significance in terms of scientific, social and aesthetic values, with a IIIA grading. Grade III can be defined as heritage resources that is conservation worthy and which needs heritage resource assessments. The specific grading of IIIA can be further defined as buildings and sites that have sufficient intrinsic significance to be regarded as local heritage resources; and are significant enough to warrant that any alteration is regulated. Such buildings and sites may be representative, being excellent examples of their kind, or may be rare. In either case, they should receive maximum protection at local level.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 21
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
2.2 Biophysical Description
2.2.1 Climate
The HPNR falls within the Mediterranean climate, receiving most rain during the cold and wet winter months. The annual rainfall is about 296 mm with the highest rainfall in June and the lowest during February. The average midday temperature for the area ranges from 12.9°C in July to 21.3°C in February. The region is the coldest during July when the mercury drops to an average of 12°C during the night.
Winds tend to be strong north-westerly in the winter and southerly in the summer. The average wind speed is 6.96 m/second.
2.2.2 Geology, topography and soil
The geology of the HPNR comprises of Quanternary quartz sand of the Springfontein Formation and Limestone and Calcrete of the Langebaan Formation.
Soils consist of Grey Regic sands that is dominant with limited pedological development. The soils are greyish, sandy and well drained. The depth of the soils is between >=750mm with <15%clay. Erodibility is high with an erodibility factor of 0.62. The highest point at the HPNR is 100m above sea level. See Figure 3 – Geology of HPNR
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 22
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Figure 3 – Geology and topography of the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
2.3 Biodiversity
2.3.1 Mammalian fauna
Large mammals have been largely absent from fynbos for almost two centuries and we can only speculate about their impacts and effects on the vegetation. Fynbos however has evolved with animals and is reliant on them for fundamental processes such as pollination and dispersal.
Smaller mammals requiring smaller ranges are still found, including antelope species such as Grey Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmiaI), Steenbuck (Rhaphicerus campestris) and Cape Grysbuck (R. melanotis).
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 23
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Smaller predators include African Wild Cat (Felis lybica), Caracal (Felis caracal), Cape Fox (Vulpes chama) and Small grey Mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta). The omnivorous Bat-eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis) is common throughout the area, particularly in agricultural lands.
2.3.2 Vegetation
The vegetation type present on the HPNR is Hopefield Sand Fynbos which is listed as a threatened ecosystem. The habitat on this property is also of very high conservation importance as it is one of few such large intact areas of Hopefield Sand Fynbos areas remaining that have not been heavily impacted and fragmented by development such as mining and linear infrastructure.
Position and Features of the Landscape: Occurs on flat plains with deep acid sands and no outcropping bedrock. Underlain by shale, that is visible in places, notably along river banks. The very few rivers cutting through this landscape thus tend to support a thin band of Renosterveld type vegetation where shale has been exposed as a result of erosion. It reaches its northern most extent around Aurora, where composition of Proteaceae, Geraniaceae, and certain Asteraceae changes to reflect transition to more arid Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos.
Climate: Climate is not a major driver of this vegetation type. Typical winter rainfall area, with hot, dry, windy summers, and a high incidence of fog in autumn and winter.
Vegetation structure: Medium to tall fire-prone shrubland. Restios and ericoid shrubs of various families dominate, but Proteaceae may be co-dominant in places. Scattered Thicket (Strandveld) elements, notably Gymnosporia buxifolia and Euclea tomentosa. Annuals abundant, especially after fire. Geophytes may be common, but most species shared with other Sand Fynbos systems.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 24
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Special species: Red Data listed Proteaceae in this area (north of the Berg River) includes Leucospermum rodolentum (widespread in west coast area), L. hypophyllocarpodendron ssp. canaliculatum (Aurora to Milnerton), Leucadendron foedum (mainly Hopefield area), Serruria decipiens (Graafwater to Melkbos), and Serruria fucifolia (Gifberg to Hopefield). Other rare/threatened or endemic species include Aspalathus albens, A. ternata, Lachnaea capitata, Lachnaea grandiflora, Phylica harveyi, Phylica thunbergiana, Metalasia adunca, Nemesia strumosa, Lampranthus explanatus, Relhania rotundifolia (often in clay lenses), Oxalis suavis (common but very local endemic around Hopefield), and Lepidium flexuosum (poorly known). Metalasia capitata shared with neighbouring Sand Fynbos types.
Key areas requiring conservation: This vegetation type is very poorly conserved, with large areas transformed by agriculture and invaded by aliens. However, large intact areas still remain and these should be the focus of conservation efforts, especially where these include ecotonal elements (such as clay lenses and Renosterveld contact zones, and upland elements such as those found near Aurora), and where they border existing public or private conservation areas.
Management Guidelines: Major pressures sources are agriculture (potatoes, rooibos, wheat) and alien invasive plants (mainly Acacia saligna and A. cyclops). The removal of alien invaders should be regarded as a priority for this vegetation type. The carrying capacity of this vegetation type is low and the stocking of game reserves should be well controlled and closely monitored to prevent the degradation of this habitat. No further transformation of good quality examples of this vegetation type should be authorised, unless offset by significant conservation gains, in accordance with the latest regional guidelines for biodiversity offsets (Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2007). These guidelines suggest that for every 1ha of intact habitat lost at least 15ha of the same quality should be conserved.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 25
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
This PAMP provides the guidelines, actions and activities to be implemented to ensure long term conservation of the biological assets of the HPNR. The plan will further ensure management continuity by assigning management responsibilities and providing for scheduling and costing of actions and activities. The monitoring and auditing of all actions undertaken will be tracked by implementing the METT Assessment Process.
See figure 4 – Vegetation type at The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve.
Figure 4 – Vegetation types at the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve.
2.3.3 Avifauna
Fynbos areas do not have a particularly high diversity of birds (Cowling & Richardson, 1995); however the six species that are endemic to fynbos are in the area namely the Cape Rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus), Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer), Cape
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 26
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Siskin (Serinus tottus), Orange-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia violacea), Protea Canary (Serinus leucopterus) and Victorin’s Warbler (Bradypterus victorini). Large striking birds include the White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis), Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus) and the African Harrier (Circus maurus).
No formal baseline information has been generated to date for the PA and this will be a key activity to guide future management of the PA.
2.3.4 Herpetofauna
No detailed information on the herpetofauna species is available at the present time. However the following species would be expected to occur at the HPNR. Angulate Tortoise (Cherisina angulata), Striped Legless Skink (Microacontias lineatus grayi), Cape Cobra (Naja nivea), Puff Adder (Bitis arietans), Cross-marked Grass Snake (Psammophis crucifer), Karoo Whip Snake (Psammophis natastictus), Mole Snake (Pseudoaspis cana) and the Cuvier’s Blind Legless Skink (Typhlosaurus caecus).
2.3.5 Invertebrates
The focus on the CFR’s exceptionally high floristic diversity has somewhat overshadowed its faunal diversity and, as a consequence, there is a lack of information on insect species diversity within the CFR, although their functional significance is appreciated.
2.3.6 Fire regime
Fynbos is a fire driven ecosystem and requires fire to maintain its diversity, ecosystem processes and healthy plant and animal communities. Fynbos diversity is driven by fire frequency, - intensity, - season and the size of the fire (Cowling and Richardson 1995).
The influence of these factors may be described in the following way:
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 27
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Fire frequency, this is the interval between subsequent fires. Fynbos, which is frequently burnt, shows a marked reduction in structure from tall scrubland to a low herbaceous scrubland. Frequent fires will lead to the irreversible loss of species, annuals dominate and there is a loss of diversity. On the other hand, long periods between fires also leads to a reduction in diversity and loss of species, as woody vegetation dominates and there is a significant build-up of dead plant material, referred to as senescence (no regeneration take place in this phase).
Fire Season, this refers to the season when a fire occurs. The effect of season varies vastly amongst different species and plant communities. Fires that normally occur in the dry summer or autumn (November to April) are considered to be "natural" in the fynbos environment.
Fire intensity, this is how hot the fire is burning. Fire intensity plays a large role in the plant community composition, e.g. high fire intensity could decrease the survival rate of sprouting species and could favour more fleshy larger seed species while lower intensity fires favouring graminoid and restoid herbs over woody elements. Above ground biomass varies from 10 tons/ha to 64 tons/ha in mature stands. Fires therefore generally have a high intensity.
Fire size. Regeneration of many fynbos species is dependent on the extent to which seeds are consumed by rodents, insects and other seed-eaters (granivores). Small burnt patches attract granivores, grazers and browsers from the surrounding unburnt veld, it is therefore important to ensure that burnt patches are of a reasonable size. The minimum size should be at least 25 ha to minimise the impacts of herbivores and granivores.
The effects of the fire regime on the vegetation types at Hopefield Private Nature Reserve and their respective structures and dynamics have to be fully understood before any crucial management decisions are taken. In a situation such as this where so little baseline information is available seeking specialist advice is a pre-requisite for any management related use of fire.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 28
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
2.3.6 Alien Invasive species
The only invasive species found on the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve were Scattered Rooikrans / Red Eye (Acacia cyclops) and Eucalyptus windrows are present on the northern boundary of the PA (Ranger and Du Plessis 2018).
Importantly the HPNR may, in future, be subjected to increased invasion by Invasive Alien Plants and / other ornamental plants resulting from illegal dumping of garden waste within the PA.
No faunal prohibited or listed species were noted or any sign of their presence at any of the sites during the field assessment. However, though not listed, stray dogs and domestic cats may impact on the indigenous wildlife populations if not managed pro- actively.
House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) are widespread in the entire area and provincially. Although they are both prohibited species, control measures need a National and Provincial Strategy as control at a Municipal or PA level is not feasible. These species are highly mobile and able to cover large distances and would therefore easily disperse back to the PA from surrounding areas (Ranger and Du Plessis 2018).
2.4 Socio-Political context
The Saldanha Bay Municipality covers an area of 2 015 km² (approximately 166 565,48 hectares) and has a coastline of 238km. In total 6.5% of the geographical land is urban and 93.5% rural land.
Overall the Saldanha Bay Municipality constitutes 6.4% of the entire West Coast geographical area, making it the smallest Local Municipal Area in the West Coast District. The domain of the SBM includes the towns of Hopefield, Langebaan, Saldanha, Jacobsbaai, Vredenburg, Paternoster and St Helenabaai. The administrative centre is the town of Vredenburg which is located approximately 25 km to the south east of the HPNR.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 29
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SBM has the second largest population of 111 173 (2011 Stats: 99 193) in the West Coast District according to the 2016 Community Survey conducted by Statistics South Africa. The forecasts of the Western Cape Department of Social Development are that the total population will gradually increase across the 5-year IDP planning cycle and is expected to reach 122 265 by 2023. This equates to an approximate 9.8 % growth in the 2017 base estimate (Saldanha Bay Municipality 2019).
The 2016 community results revealed a strong concentration of persons within the age category of 15-34 years at 40 696 in comparison to the 2011 statistics which reflected a total of 36 264.
The annual income for households living within the SBM, are divided into three categories (the proportion of people that fall within the low, middle and high income brackets). Poor households fall under the low income bracket, which ranges from no income to just under R50 000.00 annually (R4166.00 per month). An increase in living standards can be evidenced by a rising number of households entering the middle and high income brackets.
Most people are employed by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Sector and employment is further supported by secondary sectors such as the manufacturing, construction, commercial services, government and community, social and the personal services sectors (Saldanha Bay Municipality 2017).
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 30
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
2.5 Regional and Local planning Context
2.5.1 Regional context
According to Maree and Vromans (2010), the five local municipalities within the West Coast District (Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Cederberg, Swartland and Matzikama) lie within two of South Africa’s internationally acclaimed biodiversity hotspots, namely, the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) and the Succulent Karoo.
The GCFR is one of only six Floristic Regions in the world, and is the only one largely confined to a single country (the Succulent Karoo component extends into southern Namibia). It is also by far the smallest floristic region, occupying only 0.2% of the world’s land surface, and supporting about 11500 plant species, over half of all the plant species in South Africa (on 12% of the land area). At least 70% of all the species in the Cape Region do not occur elsewhere, and many have very small home ranges (these are known as narrow endemics).
Less known is the fact that the CFR has high animal diversity including both vertebrates and invertebrates. This is particularly the case with reptile, amphibian and insect species which have a very rich diversity. Furthermore, the CFR is a priority area for freshwater fish endemic to the region and finally avian fauna endemic to South Africa.
Many of the lowland habitats are under pressure from agriculture, urbanisation and alien plants, and thus many of the range restricted species are also under severe threat of extinction, as habitat is reduced to extremely small fragments.
The HPNR is considered to be part of the West Strandveld Bioregion (Mucina & Rutherford 2006), which is part of the Fynbos Biome, located within what is now known as the Core Region of the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) (Manning & Goldblatt 2012).
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 31
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
2.5.2 Local planning (Biodiversity plans)
Biodiversity Sector Plans (BSP) provide a way forward in reconciling the conflict between exploitative resource use activities and the maintenance of natural systems. They provide the biodiversity information needed for landuse planning and decision- making and other multi-sectorial planning processes in the form of;
• Critical Biodiversity Areas Maps; • A Biodiversity Sector Plan Handbook, which includes a Biodiversity Profile for these municipalities, and land and resource-use guidelines; • GIS (Geographical Information Systems) shapefiles; and • Technical reports.
The BSP includes important spatial information in the following GIS shapefiles, Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) (terrestrial); Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) (aquatic) and their buffers, Ecological Support Areas (ESA) and Critical Ecological Support Areas (CESA) amongst others.
According to the Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Swartland, Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities, the HPNR falls outside a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) (Maree & Vromans, 2010), however it must be noted here that for formally proclaimed protected areas the same principles apply. Thus the requirement is full adherence to the CBA guidelines within a PA of high conservation value. Figure 5: Hopefield Private Nature Reserve Critical Biodiversity Areas
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 32
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Figure 5 : Hopefield Private Nature Reserve a Critical Biodiversity Area.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 33
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA’s) are those terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) areas which must be safeguarded in their natural state as they are critical for conserving biodiversity pattern and maintaining ecosystem functioning. These areas include:
Areas requiring safeguarding in order to meet National biodiversity thresholds; Areas required to ensure the continued existence and functioning of species and ecosystems, including the delivery of ecosystem services; and/or Special Habitats or locations where Species of Special Concern occur (Maree and Vromans 2010)
Desired management for a CBA, and in this case applicable to the HPNR is to maintain the natural land, rehabilitate degraded areas to natural or near natural and to manage the area in such a way as to prevent any further degradation.
Table 1, describes the land and resource use guidelines applicable for terrestrial CBA’s.
Table 1: Land and Resource use guidelines for terrestrial CBA’s. Land and resource Spatial Planning Category use guidelines matrix Conservation Yes
Agriculture: Intensive agriculture or high impact (includes No nuisance and space extensive agricultural enterprises) Agriculture: Extensive agriculture with low impact Restricted
Holiday accommodation Restricted
Rural housing (RH) – (Low Density RH: Consolidation of Restricted rural erven for conservation) Rural housing (On-Farm workers Settlement) No Tourist and recreational facilities – low impact: Lecture rooms, restrooms, restaurants, gift shops and outdoor Restricted recreation) Tourist and recreational facilities – high impact (golf , polo, No and housing eco-estates)
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 34
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Rural business (Place Bound) Restricted
Rural business (Non Place Bound) No
Rural industry NO No
Small holdings No
Community facilities and institutions No
Infrastructure installations Restricted
Existing settlements (Urban expansion) No
New settlements No
# Yes = encouraged; No = Discouraged and Restricted = Land-use possible under strict controls only in order to avoid impacts on biodiversity.
Table 1 : Land and Resource use guidelines for terrestrial CBA’s (Adapted from Maree & Vromans, 2010).
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 35
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 3 : LEGAL STATUS
3.1 Legal status
3.1.1 Name and legal designations
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve (HPNR) was proclaimed under Section 12 (4) of the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance, (Ordinance 19 of 1974) on the 7th May 1982. The HPNR is therefore recognised as a Nature Reserve under the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA) (Act No. 57 of 2003). See Attachment 1 – PN 337 of 1982.
3.1.2 Contractual agreements
No formal contractual agreements exist within the PA.
3.1.3 Location, extent and highest point
Hopefield PNR is 1887,79 ha’s in size and is located on Farm 304, Hopefield. The reserve falls within the 3318AB quarter degree grid square and the centre of the reserve is located at 33.056275S and 18.277203”E. (See Figure 2 - Locality of the HPNR)
The highest point of the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve is 100 m.a.s.l.
See Figure 3 – Geology and topography of the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 36
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
3.1.4 Municipal jurisdiction
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve is situated within the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) and within the Saldanha Bay Local Municipal area (SBM), which is the Local Authority. The municipal area extends over ±2015 km² and extends along 238 km of coastline.
In terms of the Municipal Systems Act (Act No.32 of 2000), local municipalities in South Africa are required to use integrated development planning to plan future development in their area. An Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a 5-year strategic plan within which the municipal strategic and budget priorities are set.
An IDP is intended to be the principal strategic instrument that informs planning and development within a municipality with the aim of integrating and coordinating the work of local and other spheres of government, including how the environment will be managed and protected. Among the key components of an IDP are disaster management plans and a Spatial Development Framework (SDF). SDFs are essentially the spatial reflection of a municipal IDP. Local municipalities are responsible for producing and coordinating IDPs and SDFs, in consultation with stakeholders who can influence or be influenced by development and other changes in the area. All government departments working in an area are encouraged to refer to the IDP to ensure integration and alignment of work. As such IDPs and SDFs are tools for integrating social, economic and environmental issues and development within a municipality.
Since biodiversity is a fundamental component of sustainable development, SDFs and IDPs offer an opportunity to ensure that biodiversity priorities are incorporated into planning processes. In turn, the identification of biodiversity-related projects for the IDP can support local economic development and poverty alleviation.
The SBM SDF has incorporated statutory conservation areas (along with critical biodiversity areas, conservation priority zones, critical, irreplaceable and restorable biodiversity sites, public conservation areas and private conservation areas) in its Core 1 category, i.e. conservation worthy / dependent areas.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 37
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
The SBM IDPs and SDFs are updated every five years and must indicate the desired patterns of landuse for the municipality and provide strategic guidance regarding the location and form of development, as well as conservation, within the municipality. An improved integration of the PA into municipal planning frameworks presents an opportunity for protected area mainstreaming and incorporation of appropriate buffering mechanisms around protected areas. The current IDP is in effect from 2017 – 2022.
Land use management in the SB municipal area is guided by the:
SDF which provides spatial directives for the type of development and where it can occur, and land use schemes (also known as zoning schemes) which provides use rights and development parameters thereof and the The National Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, no 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA), the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act, No 3 of 2014 (LUPA), and; The Saldanha Bay Municipality Land Use Planning By-law provides the legislative framework for the utilisation of the two instruments.
The SDF was approved in 2019 in terms of the Municipal System Act (Act No.32 of 2000). Since then significant legislative changes have occurred in the planning regime with the promulgation of the National Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, no 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA), the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act, No 3 of 2014 (LUPA) and the Saldanha Bay Municipality Land Use Planning By-law. This new legislation now gives the legal directive for the compilation of a SDF and has made provision for very specific measures according to which SDF’s should be drafted and greater clarity on the aspects they should address. As a core component of an IDP the SDF is linked to the cycle of the IDP and thus the compilation of a new SDF is required every five (5) years.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 38
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 4 : POLICY FRAMEWORK
All conservation management authorities are subjected to the Constitution for South Africa, National Legislation and various conservation strategies and action plans, while government priorities will take precedence. This section deals with the policy framework of the SBM, as the management authority to implement this PAMP.
4.1 Financial
Policy Statement - The PA Management will adhere to, and responsively manage the allocation of budget, revenue raising activities and expenditure; ensure good financial management supporting the achievement of the objectives of this plan; comply with the Public Finance Management Act (No.1 of 1999) and comply with the SBM financial policies and procedures.
In the management and control of the HPNR, the Saldanha Bay Municipality will plan, budget and audit the implementation of this plan and the expenditure of the allocated budget on an annual basis.
4.2 Biodiversity management
Policy Statement – The Saldanha Bay Municipality undertakes to manage and conserve the indigenous and endemic biodiversity in such a way that the character, ecological pattern and processes of the HPNR are maintained and protected in perpetuity.
4.3 Safety and Security
Policy Statement – The Saldanha Bay Municipality will at all times maintain access controls and where required apply law enforcement measures to prevent degradation to the important terrestrial values present on the PA.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 39
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
The SBM have a by-law in place for the management and enforcement of safety and security that applies to all open spaces under their jurisdiction.
4.4 Resource use and community involvement
Policy Statement – The SBM will promote the sustainable use of environmental resources and engage and include the community in the use and management of these resources.
In South Africa, it is entrenched practice to involve communities in the management of protected areas. This practice provides opportunity to engage and agree on a shared vision for the PA, making communities equal partners in the engagement process and providing for the alignment of conservation action objectives and achievable deliverables.
In terms of resource use the local community at Hopefield must engage with the PAAC to determine their natural resource requirements.
The Hopefield community, specifically the youth and the surrounding landowners and SANParks must be a key focus for engagement during the implementation of this PAMP. The Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) must develop and maintain guidelines for the management of resource use and community engagement and involvement.
4.5 Cultural resource management
Policy Statement - The Saldanha Bay Municipality undertakes to manage and conserve the cultural historical, archaeological and paleontological heritage assets for the future generations in a manner that is fully aligned to National Legislation.
For monitoring, the condition of focal heritage values are indicators of management effectiveness through the METT-SA Assessment process.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 40
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
4.6 Neighbouring relationships
Policy Statement – The SBM undertakes to establish a formal inclusive community structure to advise and support the management of the PA.
The HPNR Protected Advisory (PAAC) will be the institutionalised structure to engage with in instances where conflict resolution is required and to resolve issues, provide support, guide and monitor implementation of this PAMP. See Attachment 2 – Terms of Reference for a PAAC.
4.7 Baseline data, monitoring and research
Policy Statement - The Saldanha Bay Municipality commits to the continuous support of key role-players, partners and institutions in the collection of baseline data, facilitation of monitoring activities and the identification of research opportunities that could be used to improve the knowledge base and improve management effectiveness.
4.8 Access
Policy Statement – The SBM will at all times control access to the PA to ensure the conservation of Biodiversity and Heritage Values in perpetuity.
Access control is important to prevent environmental impacts that are associated with the over utilisation of resources and illegal activities that may fundamentally undermine the conservation values of the Protected Area.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 41
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
4.9 Administrative support
Policy Statement – The SBM undertakes to undertake integrated development planning to plan future development in their area in accordance with the Municipal Systems Act (Act No.32 of 2000).
An Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a five-year strategic plan in which the municipal strategic and budget priorities are set. The SBM further supports the PA by providing management funding as part of their service delivery mandate. It is very important that the programmes and projects identified in the PAMP are incorporated and included in the IDP process.
4.10 Protected Area Management Effectiveness
Policy Statement – The SBM undertakes to track management effectiveness through the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) adopted by the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and adapted to South African conditions (METT-SA) and report to the DEA in accordance with this assessment tool.
The IUCN defines management effectiveness evaluation as the assessment of how well a protected area is being managed – primarily the extent to which management is protecting values and achieving goals and objectives (Hockings et al. 2015)
The METT does not replace fine scale monitoring and evaluation of specifics; rather it is a strategic tool for the assessment of overall management effectiveness. NB this must not been seen as a performance audit of the PA Manager.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 42
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
4.11 Internal Rules
Policy Statement – The SBM undertakes to develop and implement PA rules in accordance with the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (57/2003), as Amended in Act 31/2004, Section 52 and the Nature Conservation Ordinance and Provincial Notice (955/1975).
In terms of the above-mentioned Act, the management authority of a nature reserve may, in accordance with prescribed Norms and Standards, make rules for the proper administration of the area.
Rules made must be (1) consistent with the Act and the management plan for the area; (2) binding on all persons in the area, including visitors; and (3) may, as a condition for entry, provide for the imposition of fines for breaching of rules.
The internal rules for the proper administration of the PA are drafted in terms of Section 52 of the Act and Regulations for the Proper Administration of Special Nature Reserves, National Parks and World Heritage Sites (GNR 1061, GG28181).
4.12 Environmental Education and awareness
Policy Statement - The Saldanha Bay Municipality acknowledges the importance of environmental interpretation and awareness and its contribution to the long-term protection of the HPNR and the biodiversity values and assets it contains. The SBM undertakes to improve environmental interpretation and undertake awareness raising on a continual basis.
4.13 Infrastructure maintenance and management
Policy Statement - The Saldanha Bay Municipality will develop, provide and maintain infrastructure that is needed for the effective management and protection of all assets.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 43
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 5 : CONSULTATION
5.1 Stakeholder Engagement Process
Participatory planning and management are needed to mainstream protected areas as natural solutions to emerging challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, disaster risk reduction, food and water security, providing benefits to human health, livelihoods and well-being. Therefor the integration of protected areas into the wider landscape is necessary and management must promote participation by relevant stakeholders. (CapeNature 2018).
Stakeholder engagement essentially takes place throughout the adaptive management cycle, however, at the outset of the planning process for the HPNR, the stakeholder analysis process identified key stakeholders.
Section 39(3) of the Act states that all persons who may be interested in, or affected by, the management plan are to be given the opportunity to comment on the management plan. Section 41(2)(e) requires that the management plan contains procedures for stakeholder participation including participation by the owner, and/or any local community or interested party.
A process of extensive public participation of the draft management plan was initiated by invitation to the public via the media, e-mail, post, telephone and personal invitation to register their interest. A stakeholder register, maintained by the FES lists registered interested and affected parties. The draft management plan was also placed at relevant libraries and on the SBM website, inviting written comment on the draft management plan for a period of 30 days.
Registered interested and affected parties were invited to a public meeting if needed and provided the opportunity to raise concerns and provide comment. Based on a summary report of the outcomes of the public meeting, as well as written comments and responses received, the management plan was amended where relevant, and feedback provided to registered interested and affected parties. See Appendix 3 - Stakeholder Engagement Process.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 44
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
5.2 Establishment of Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC)
A Protected Area Advisory committee (PAAC) must be establish to provide support and advice to the SBM in order to strengthen capacity, improve the knowledge base and ensure political support and buy in at strategic levels within the Saldanha Bay Municipality.
The PAAC could be comprised of representatives from the Saldanha Bay Municipality, West Coast District Municipality, West Coast Biosphere Reserve, CapeNature, SANParks, Dept. of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Elandsfontein, representatives from the Hopefield community as well as other Interested and Affected Parties that registered during the stakeholder engagement process. See Attachment 2– Proposed Terms of Reference for the PAAC.
5.3 Effective participation within the Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC)
Once the PAAC has been established the committee must actively engage and participate in addressing the management challenges of HPNR. The SBM must ensure that the following recommendations are implemented:
Develop an annual action list for the PAAC Monitor the success of implementation of these planned activities and the APO. Adapt and change activities when needed.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 45
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 6 : PURPOSE and VISION
The purpose and vision for the HPNR stems from an understanding of the policy framework, values and key attributes, threats and contributing factors that have bearing on the ultimate condition of the environment that protected area management is working to achieve.
Here a deviation from the stakeholder engagement process followed by CapeNature “the Open Source methodology” has been followed. This was done as the PA in question is more akin to a Stewardship site than a complex of provincial PA’s for which the Open Source approach is more suited.
Consultation with CapeNature’s Stewardship Programme provided the reasons for the approach followed in this instance:
The approach is lengthy (taking up to 18 months) and would be very expensive to run. The HPNR, is too small to use this methodology – it works well in complexes of statutory protected areas managed as Provincial or National Parks i.e. areas that have extensive biodiversity and cultural historical data available and consist of multiple conservation estates over large landscapes; The HPNR is isolated and cannot expand to include other areas under the management authority of the SBM; The SBM has no capacity to engage in stewardship arrangements with neighbouring properties; That the approach to this PAMP must rather focus on the identification of Management Programmes that are supported with the identification of projects and the implementation of actions. A high level strategic management approach is therefore impractical in this instance;
Please note however that some of the principles of this approach are discussed in the next section of the PAMP.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 46
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
6.1 Key determining factors
6.1.1 Local connectivity
Corridors link habitats, ecosystems or undeveloped areas and physically connect habitat patches. Small patches of surviving habitat can also serve as “stepping stones” that link fragmented ecosystems by ensuring that certain ecological processes are maintained within and between groups of habitat fragments.
According to SANParks (2013) the HPNR is situated within the West Coast National Park (WCNP) buffer area and therefore provides a critical contribution in the creation of a buffer around the WCNP. This buffer area will guide the assessment of future development that may have an influence or impact on the WCNP.
The HPNR is an important stepping stone to create a coastal inland corridor to the east. This falls within the SANParks expansion strategy which aims to expand the WCNP in an easterly direction to include more Endangered vegetation types. This corridor is important to buffer the ecosystem types from the impacts of climate change (both sea level rise, freshwater flooding and to allow for the movement of species) and to provide valuable ecosystem services. As a consequence, the long-term integrity and functioning of the HPNR is important as this is one of few remaining areas of Hopefield Sand Fynbos that has not been developed. It must be noted that the HPNR is already link with the WCNP to the southwest of Hopefield.
6.1.2 Vegetation Hopefield Sand Fynbos is listed as an Endangered vegetation type with a conservation target of 30%. Very small portions are currently protected within the WCNP while the HPNR and the Jakkalsfontein Private Nature Reserve are contributing (2%) to the conservation target. Some (40%) of this vegetation type is already transformed by cultivation and grazing. Endemic taxa include the following; low shrubs Leucospermun tomentosum and Relhania rotundifolia, Herbs – Heliophila patens and Lepidium flexuosum as well as the Geophytic Herb, Oxalis suavis.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 47
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
See figure 4 – Vegetation type at the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
6.1.3 Other key determining factors
The following factor are additional and very important key determining factors at HPNR.
The PA is within the identified Buffer Area of the West Coast National Park;
6.2 Management intent and desire state
The HPNR will be managed primarily for the protection of the Endangered Hopefield Sand Fynbos vegetation type which is the only ecosystem type present within the boundaries of the PA. The desired state is to achieve the in-perpetuity protection of this vegetation / ecosystem type in a pristine condition.
6.3 Purpose
The purpose of the HPNR is the foundation on which all future actions are based in keeping with the Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives of the SBM and objectives of the Act.
According to Section 17 of the Act, the primary purpose of declaring protected areas is: to protect ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes in a system of protected areas.
The HPNR can be declared for one or more of the following purposes:
to protect ecologically viable areas, representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes in a system of protected areas; to preserve the ecological integrity of those areas; to conserve biodiversity in those areas;
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 48
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
to protect areas representative of all ecosystems, habitats and species naturally occurring in South Africa; to protect South Africa’s threatened or rare species; to protect an area which is vulnerable or ecologically sensitive; to assist in ensuring the sustained supply of environmental goods and services; to provide for the sustainable use of natural and biological resources; to create or augment destinations for nature-based tourism; generally, to contribute to human, social, cultural, spiritual and economic development; or to rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of endangered and vulnerable species.
The purpose of the HPNR is therefore to contribute to the protection of a viable area of Hopefield Sand Fynbos.
6.4 Threats
A number of threats have been identified that may impact on the ability of the HPNR to achieve its purpose, these include:
Inappropriate fire regime (Medium): Too frequent or fires exceeding the ecological threshold may have far reaching ecological impacts and may cause impacts on the natural ecosystem;
Illegal hunting and poaching (Medium): This impact has its origin in the neighbouring communities when people hunt within the PA and / or stray dogs gain access to the PA.
Alien and invasive flora (Medium): Although infestation is currently at a very low level it may worsen if active management interventions to prevent new invasion, as noted above, are not sustained (Ranger and Du Plessis 2018).
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 49
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Unregulated utilisation of natural resources (Low): Harvesting and utilisation of natural resources without authorisation undermines appropriate resource management. Additionally, there is opportunity for improved environmental awareness and a management authority understanding of sustainable resource utilisation trends.
6.5 Summary of management challenges and opportunities
The following management challenges and opportunities are applicable to the HPNR;
Aspect of management Challenges and Opportunities
Management of indigenous plant Little is known of special, rare and endemic and animal species. species that occur on the HPNR and activities should be focused on baseline data collection to inform decision making and management.
Fire management. The vegetation type occurring on the site is prone to fire. The primary management activity would therefore be to prevent wildfires and to prevent damage to the surrounding smallholdings and infrastructure at the urban interface of Hopefield. The SBM is a member of the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association (GCFPA) an institution that promotes integrated fire management.
Invasive species management. The plan has been completed and requires funding for implementation.
Wildlife management. In this instance naturally occurring wildlife should not require management – it is important though that care is taken to manage
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 50
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
stray domestic animals and illegal hunting / poaching by visitors to the PA. Rehabilitation. There are various roads and sites that need rehabilitation after the completion of the well drilling project.
Erosion prevention and control. Soils are highly sensitive to erosion by wind and management should focus on prevention of impacts. Monitoring and Baseline data Little or no Baseline data exists for the PA and collection. this should be a high priority management activity for implementation.
Biodiversity security. The local authority PA was proclaimed in 1982. The staff organogram needs attention, staff need to be trained and partnerships established with other institutions or civil society organisations to enforce the laws. Sufficient funding should be secured to ensure that the entrance gate is operational at all times to control access.
Environmental awareness and Environmental awareness and education education. levels need to increase to ensure buy-in from politicians and the surrounding community. Legal compliance. The responsibility for legal compliance rests with the Management Authority (SBM) and the management challenge are to ensure available capacity within the organisation to comply with the legislative requirements.
Maintenance and development of Effective maintenance and development Infrastructure. programs are needed to keep the Protected Area safe, secured and operational to prevent the degradation of a sensitive environment.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 51
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Administration. Effective and efficient administration systems are needed. Fill any vacant positions, train staff members, appoint service providers and ensure stakeholder involvement.
Costing of the PAMP. The SBM must use the APO provided as part of this PAMP to cost all management activities, ensure that management costs associated with the HPNR are incorporated in the IDP Process and with the assistance of the PAAC secure external funding.
Management effectiveness. Management effectiveness using the METT will be audited annually. The audit should feed back into the Management Plan and its associated activities. The Management Plan must be adapted based on the outcome of the audit process as needed.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 52
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
6.6 Vision
The HPNR provides an opportunity to strategically, and adaptively, manage a PA to;
Provide for the protection of an under-represented vegetation type that is endangered. Provide a building block in the landscape supporting the creation of a natural climate change corridor, Manage possible impacts caused by alien invasive species and uncontrolled fires.
The vision for the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve therefor is … “to manage, conserve the natural assets and aesthetic values in a sustainable way for the benefit of current and future generations”.
6.7 Goals and objectives
Goals are underpinned by strategies, objectives and indicators and are fundamental for the assessment of protected area management effectiveness and the process of management.
These goals and objectives aim to maintain the healthy ecological infrastructure which supports life on earth and which provide climate change resilience. To reach these goals management needs to achieve the following objectives:
The following objectives have been identified for the PA;
Objective 1: To protect representative areas, ecosystems, habitats and species that are occur naturally in the PA; Objective 2: Maintain habitat integrity to secure ecological processes and linkages via the West Coast National Park inland corridor. Objective 3: Rehabilitate and restore degraded areas; Objective 4: Ensure the implementation of effective conservation management interventions to enhance biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation;
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 53
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Objective 5: Ensure that a functional administrative system exists that can contribute to the management effectiveness and stakeholder involvement; Objective 6: Ensure the protection of historical, archaeological and paleontological resources and Objective 7: Ensure that funding is available to implement the PAMP.
6.8 Key performance areas
These management objectives were derived from the vision and aims and are grouped into Key Performance Areas (KPA’s), the achievement of which must be obtained to support the management purpose for the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve.
Objectives are prioritised through the development of action plans which are set out in the Operational Management Framework.
Table 2 sets out the key performance areas, the objective for each key performance area and the key deliverables, required to realise the objectives.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 54
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Table 2 Key Deliverables, Objectives and Strategies for the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve Key Performance Areas Objective Strategies
BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
FIRE MANAGEMENT
Reduction/Prevention Adhere to the National of the spread of Veld and Forest Fire uncontrolled / wild Act. fires.
Maintain partnerships to improve fire management i.e. Fire management - The Facilitate and forge Maintain membership vegetation type on the PA is partnerships to improve of the Greater Hopefield Sand Fynbos fire management. (Endangered) which is fire prone CederbergnFire and will burn at frequencies Protection between 12 and 15 years. Association. Reduce wildfires resulting from human negligence and Improve fire awareness. accidental fires that may be ignited by visitors to the PA.
ALIEN INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Enhance biodiversity All alien and invasive protection and species are already Invasive species management conservation. mapped. - Very scattered alien invasive Ensure conservation of plant species occur on the PA. species and ecological Implement the While domestic pets (cats and processes by approved alien dogs) from the Hopefield may maintaining and invasive species impact on the PA. improving ecosystem control programme. function.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 55
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Implement effective integrated alien invasive control program.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT To enhance biodiversity Prevent the protection and introduction of Alien conservation. Invasive Species.
Implement a program to remove all domestic animals from the PA.
Wildlife management - In this Adhere to instance naturally occurring Ensure conservation of CapeNature policies wildlife should not require species and processes relating to the management. by maintaining and introduction and improving ecosystem translocation of function. species. Identify species that are poached on a regular basis.
Prevent poaching of wildlife.
EROSION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Prevent erosion Rehabilitate damaged impacts. and impacted areas.
Erosion management – Ensure the conservation Prevent access to Erosion, especially wind erosion of biodiversity. those areas to halt can accelerate on recently further degradation. denuded areas after the Prevent and mitigate establishment of the Hopefield soil erosion. borehole system. Monitor the success of erosion control Institute a monitoring strategies. system to assess the success of
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 56
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
management interventions.
REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation - Successful Ensure the conservation Prevent any impacts of biodiversity. rehabilitation of denuded areas that negatively after the construction of the influence the borehole system. rehabilitation process e.g. wind erosion.
Identify methods to be implemented that are Identify methods to fast able to fast track the track rehabilitation as rehabilitation and when needed. interventions.
Institute a monitoring system and process e.g. fixed point photos may be used to Monitor the success of monitor rehabilitation rehabilitation. success over time.
MONITORING AND BASELINE DATA COLLECTION Collect and collate baseline and research data from adjacent areas if available. Baseline data collection and monitoring – Baseline Priority specimens information is needed to build an should be submitted Improve the biodiversity inventory of biodiversity on the to CapeNature baseline knowledge of PA and to determine further Scientific Services. management interventions and Hopefield Private activities. Projects should focus Nature Reserve Establish the HPNR on aspects such as species as a research site at inventories and rehabilitation tertiary academic success. institutions. Ensure that Priority Specimens are included in the
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 57
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
CapeNature Conservation Services Ecological Matrix.
BIODIVERSITY SECURITY
Enhance long term Implement biodiversity protection recommendations of Biodiversity security - The and conservation. this plan to ensure HPNR is recognised as a PA the long-term under the National Ensure conservation of protection of Environmental Management species and ecological biodiversity for the Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA) processes by site. (Act No. 57 of 2003). preventing negative Implement law impacts and illegal enforcement activities. activities.
Biodiversity Connectivity – Prevent any activities that may impact Maintain linkages to support the Maintain the corridor. movement of species along the connectivity within coastal inland corridor. the identified corridor.
Implement access control and prevent
Enhance long term illegal activities.
biodiversity protection Ensure funding is Access control and law and conservation. available for law enforcement – prevent illegal enforcement activities in the PA. activities.
Ensure conservation of Engage in species and ecological partnerships with other institutions such processes by as SAPS and preventing negative SANParks to ensure
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 58
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
impacts and illegal their participation in activities. law enforcement within the PA as relevant.
PREVENT NEGATIVE IMPACTS CAUSED BY UNCONTROLLED ACCESS
ACCESS CONTROL, EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Various education and awareness Design and produce materials are signboards that inform the available – Establish Control mechanisms - public that they are formalised Effective access control entering a PA and this partnerships with mechanisms are needed to sign must also showcase partners to obtain prevent degradation of the what is permitted in the and distribute environment. It must be noted PA. available materials. here that no access gates are Design and erect site- present, no fences exist and no specific awareness Develop and erect recreational opportunities are signage at strategic awareness and allowed within the PA. Control points. education signs. should rather focus on a much softer approach to access Ensure that all law control. enforcement staff are Train, equip and trained, equipped and build capacity of law capacitated to enforce the enforcement rules and regulations of officers. the PA.
Ensure that law enforcement officers Enforce National Acts, are capacitated to Municipal By-Laws and enforce National Law enforcement – Effective the general rules and Acts, By-laws and law enforcement capacity is regulations of the PA. general rules and required to prevent any negative regulations of the impacts on the PA caused by PA. illegal activities. Ensure that law Enforce National Acts, enforcement officers Municipal By-Laws and are capacitated to enforce National
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 59
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
the general rules and Acts, By-laws and regulations of the PA. general rules and regulations of the PA.
Complete the To implement effective annual METT management systems. assessment.
The auditing system To implement effective has informed management systems. management decision making.
INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT
Infrastructure management and maintenance - is required for effective biodiversity management and to prevent Ensure that budgets Maintain roads to prevent degradation of the PA and the are available for erosion. surrounding environment. maintenance. Maintenance of existing infrastructure (roads and well points is needed).
MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS
Ensure report back of the outcomes of management
Management effectiveness - effectiveness audits will be audited annually and this Undertake METT to PAAC and DEA. Management Plan and its Assessments. associated activities must be Ensure that audit adapted as required recommendations feed into the adaptive management cycle
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 60
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
ADMINISTRATION
Filling of all vacant positions, training of staff, effective and efficient Ensure legal financial procurement, compliance with all partnerships and Administrative management - relevant legislation stakeholder engagement is required to support the and policies. implementation of the PAMP. are needed to support the implementation of the PAMP.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 61
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 7 – ZONING PLAN
7.1 Protected Area in the Context of Municipal Integrated Development planning
The HPNR is described in the SBM IDP (2019 – 2022), but no evidence of potential conflict development is noted in the IDP and SDF which may influence the PA. See regional and local planning in Section 2.5 and 6.1.1. It is very important that projects identified in this PAMP are included in the IDP.
7.2 Protected Area Zonation
Protected area zonation provides a standard framework of formal guidelines for conservation, access and use for particular areas and is underpinned by the sensitivity analysis.
Zonation goes beyond natural resource protection and must also provide for:
Appropriate visitor experience; Access and appropriate access management; Environmental education and commercial activities that remain aligned with the protected area objectives and purpose.
The HPNR does not provide any visitor facilities and therefore the entire PA will be zoned as a “Species and Habitat Protection Zone”.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 62
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Table 3 – Zonation guidelines for the HPNR (Adapted from CapeNature 2018)
Zonation Description Activities allowed Applicable Category areas at HPNR Species and Areas for the None - only the The entire PA habitat protection protection of maintenance of the will fall within zone species or habitats boreholes, alien this zonation of special invasive plant category due to conservation clearing and the the PA concern. establishment of contribution to fire breaks. the national conservation targets of protecting the Endangered Hopefield Sand Fynbos – the PA is one of the largest areas that still are intact.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 63
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
7.3 Protected Area Zone of Influence
According to the Norms and Standards attached to the Act require that a Zone of Influence (ZOI) must be identified for each protected area and that such programmes must focus on the following;
Encouraging the development and maintenance of good relations with neighbours, Facilitate regular interaction between protected area management and neighbours, that protected area staff regularly collaborate with partners, local communities and other organisations and that neighbouring communities have relevant input into decisions relating to the protected area management (GG 382 of 31 March 2016).
The ZOI should thus facilitate integration and mainstreaming of conservation and sustainability in the surrounding land (Cape Nature 2018).
Thus, the ZOI provides a spatial scope of proactive engagement for any activities, developments, tourism and economic activity in the area that may require collaboration between SBM and its neighbours and stakeholders for management input and / or action.
The ZOI must include all proposed new developments that may have an impact on the HPNR, however as a commenting authority the Saldanha Bay Municipality must ensure that no developments that may affect or impact on the PA should be allowed.
Important to notice here as the HPNR falls within the West Coast National Park buffer zone – these are areas where land use changes could affect a National Park. The buffer zone, in combination with guidelines, will serve as a
basis for identifying the focus areas in which park management and scientists should respond to EIA’s, helping to identify the sort of impacts that would be important at a particular site, and most importantly,
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 64
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
serving as the basis for integrating long term protection of a national park into the spatial development plans of municipalities (SDF/IDP) and other local authorities .
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 65
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 8 – ACCESS AND FACILITIES
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve has no infrastructure except the recently approved Langebaan Road Aquifer Groundwater Infrastructure development project and the Elandsfontein access road (this is a registered servitude). This project was a disaster management project (drought relief) and entailed the construction and the development of roads, boreholes (X10), pipelines and powerlines. See Attachment 4 : Environmental Authorisation (DEAP&DP REFERENCE: 3/5/R (2018/40).
8.1 Public Access and Management
Travelling from Malmesbury, the PA may be reached by turning off the R45 at the second turnoff into Hopefield. Follow Oak street, turning right at the Old Vredenburg Rd, turn left at the Skilpadbessie Rd, follow this dirt road to the edge of town. The PA will be on your right-hand side. No formal access gate is in place as this PA is not open for recreation purposes or access by the public.
8.2 Flight corridors
No registered flight corridors exist in the PA, however the military aircraft fly over the PA during training flights. These flight paths cannot be made public. South African Civil Aviation Authority provides rules regarding flights over PA, this includes a restriction of 2500 ft. above the highest point of the protected area.
8.3 Administrative and other facilities
No infrastructure exists on the PA (except as mentioned above relating to the development of the well field and associated infrastructure and the Elandsfontein access road a registered servitude. The SBM however have an administrative office in Hopefield. The operational support to the PA is delivered from the Vredenburg offices.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 66
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
8.3.1 Roads
Roads provide access to the boreholes for maintenance. The Elandsfontein access road is a registered servitude on the PA. Wind erosion may become a management problem in the future along these access routes. See Section 11 – Strategic Plan.
8.3.2 Buildings
No buildings are present in the PA. No buildings are planned, this is due to the sensitivity of the PA in terms of vegetation.
8.3.3 Fences
Fences are in place in some sections of the PA. This aspect of management requires attention. See Section 11 – Strategic Plan.
8.3.4 Signage
Signage is not present and needs to be designed and erected. Additional recommendations are contained in Section 11 – Strategic Plan. NB the signage should also focus on prohibited activities.
8.5 Servitudes
The access road to Elandsfontein is a registered servitude.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 67
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Figure 6 – Infrastructure at Hopefield Private Nature Reserve (Element Consulting Engineers)
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 68
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 9 – EXPANSION STRATEGY
As noted in this PAMP the HPNR is an important stepping stone in the SANParks inland corridor. Additionally the PA is included in the West Coast National Park Buffer Area.
Expansion is possible through the following properties:
Farm 304/1 (317.71 ha) (the Hopefield Bombaan) - The property is owned by the Department of Public Works; Consolidation of SBM properties around the HPNR – however this process needs community engagement and potentially the in-house capacity to manage stewardship agreements.
For the duration of this management plan it is recommended that the focus should be on building good relationships with neighbours through the PAAC. A solid collaborative base is essential before any negotiation for expansion is initiated. This is an important initiative but should be included for implementation after 2025.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 69
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 10 – CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The concept development plan sets out the long-term plan for the development of the PA. Development should not negatively impact on the purpose of any of the determining factors of the PA and should take the conditions of the WCNP Buffer Areas into consideration (SANParks 2013).
No further development of the HPNR is envisaged by the SBM, the recent development of the boreholes was necessary for water security. This is sufficient and associated infrastructure must be maintained.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 70
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 11 : STRATEGIC PLAN
This section and the next section (costing) essentially provide a business plan for the following five years. This section deals with the operational management of the PA and all necessary operations are to be included here and should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound (SMART) (Gowan and Mpongoma 2011).
The following guidelines were used to compile the strategic plan for the HPNR.
The SBM policy statement supporting the implementation of each programme; Identification of various projects; Explanation for the need and desirability of each project; Management recommendations and activities that should be implemented, and; Provision of monitoring and baseline data collection measures in some instances.
Biodiversity management
11.1. PROGRAMME: INDIGENOUS VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 11.1.1.Project: Plant species list A comprehensive plant species list is necessary to make informative Explanation management decisions at the HPNR. Management Activities A baseline plant species assessment needs to be SBM Ongoing undertaken for the PA SBM and Use students, interested groups and volunteers to build other role- Ongoing on the initial study and information. players Submit new information to SANBI’s Threatened Species SBM Ongoing Programme. Develop and maintain a GIS based plant species SBM Ongoing database.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 71
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Continuous updating of plant species Baseline data lists as more and more species are SBM Ongoing documented
11.1.2 Project: Research and other scientific papers As more relevant scientific papers are published for the PA, or areas adjacent to the HPNR, the SBM should source these papers to increase management capacity, the knowledge base and to Explanation implement new scientifically based management strategies. Similarly, botanical and other specialist studies / assessments undertaken during the EIA process in and around the PA can serve to increase baseline information. Management Activities Obtain relevant applicable scientific papers / reports for the PA, this should be co-ordinated with other SBM Ongoing stakeholders and interested parties wherever possible. Link the PA to research institutions and tertiary academic institutions to obtain new research papers. Ensure links SBM Ongoing with EIA review processes and information generation for the PA. Keep record of these papers/ reports at the office of the SBM Ongoing management authority.
11.2 PROGRAMME: RARE, ENDANGERED AND ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES 11.2.1 Project: Map distribution Information on the locality of Rare, Endangered and Endemic Plant Explanation species is necessary to ensure effective management and monitoring of these populations. Management Activities Generate baseline information on any Rare, Endangered SBM Initially and Endemic plant species exist for the PA.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 72
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Use students, interested groups and volunteers (CREW) SBM Ongoing to build on this initial identification and mapping. Expand to include other species of Conservation SBM Ongoing Concern. Maintain survey information on a GIS database for spatial SBM Ongoing reference. Print distribution maps to prevent impacts on plants, to SBM guide management interventions such as possible Ongoing impacts caused by visitors.
11.3 PROGRAMME: ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT 11.3.1 Project: Fund and implement the available plan The presence of alien invasive species in the Western Cape is an ever- increasing threat and is posing one of the largest management challenges for Protected Areas. These species have a negative impact on indigenous species composition, changes in vegetation structure Explanation and changes the local fire regime. A comprehensive alien invasive plan, according to the Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 was compiled and approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs 2018 (Ranger and Du Plessis 2018).
Management Activities
Implement recommendations of the plan (Ranger and Du SBM Once off Plessis 2018). Undertake follow up operations of cleared areas annually. SBM Annually
Ensure that no alien invasive plants are given the chance SBM Ongoing to establish. The existing alien invasive management plan will be the baseline for alien Baseline data invasive species management (Ranger SBM Ongoing and Du Plessis 2018).
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 73
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
11.4. PROGRAMME: FIRE MANAGEMENT 11.4.1 Project: Membership of the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association (GCFPA) The vegetation at the HPNR is fire prone. The fire frequency for this vegetation type is 12-15 years. Fires could start on adjacent municipal and privately-owned properties and will spread rapidly due to the vegetation age (>17 years).
Explanation To adhere to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, Act 101,of 1998. Municipalities and or any state-owned land must join the local Fire Protection Association and adhere to their rules. The SBM is already a member of the GCFPA. The Act also prescribes that all landowners should have firebreaks, have trained staff with PPC & PPE and have adequate equipment. The SBM have a fire brigade services. Management Activities
Ensure that annual GCFPA membership fees are paid. SBM Once off
Adhere to the GCFPA rules and regulations SBM Ongoing Engage with the GCFPA and seek assistance from them for the use of their teams and to assist in integrated fire SBM Ongoing management activities. Ensure that the proposed firebreaks are established and SBM Ongoing maintained.
11.4.2 Project: Firebreaks Establish and maintain a firebreak system in adherence of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, Act 101 of 1998, and to avoid the PA being burned by fires that start outside the PA or that can pose a threat to the Hopefield community. Additionally, effective awareness and a well capacitated Fire Brigade Service from the SBM will prevent disastrous fires. Management Activities
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 74
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Adopt the fire break plan as suggested in this SBM management plan. See figure 7 – Fire break plan for Once off the HPNR.
Figure 7 - Fire break plan for the HPNR.
11.4.3 Project: Fire prevention As the PA is remote in terms of distance to the management authority, special care should be taken to prevent wildfires from Explanation starting within the PA and spreading to adjacent properties. Fires should be prevented through the implementation of various activities that focus on early detection and reporting. Management Activities Design, develop and erect fire awareness signs to inform SBM Once off the visitors of the danger and consequences of fires as
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 75
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
well as the emergency number for the Fire Brigade Services. Undertake active law enforcement to enforce the rules SBM Ongoing and regulations to prevent fires from starting in the PA.
11.5 PROGRAM: TERRESTRIAL FAUNA SPECIES 11.5.1 Project: Species list A comprehensive terrestrial fauna species list is necessary to take Explanation informative management decisions at the HPNR – however no species-specific management interventions are currently foreseen. Management Activities
A baseline study is needed to confirm the appended SBM
species list. See Attachment 5 - Forms to complete for Completed Baseline data and Monitoring. Use students, interested groups and volunteers to build SBM Ongoing on this initial information. Develop and maintain a GIS based fauna species SBM Ongoing database.
11.5.2 Project : Re-introduction of game species Due to the size of the HPNR no re-introduction of game that Explanation historically occurred in the area will be done. Management Activities None
11.5.3 Project: Research and other scientific papers As more relevant scientific papers/reports are published for the PA, the SB Municipality should source these papers/ reports to increase Explanation management capacity, the knowledge base and to implement new scientifically based management strategies.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 76
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Management Activities
Obtain relevant papers/ reports. SBM Ongoing
Link to research institutions and tertiary academics SBM Ongoing institutions to obtain relevant research papers. Keep research papers in electronic and hard copies at SBM Ongoing the Municipal offices at Vredenburg.
11.5.4 Project: Prevent impacts on terrestrial species The HPNR is in close proximity of the urban area of Hopefield and Explanation the edge effect may impact on terrestrial species. Management Activities
Erect signage to inform the public of the boundary of the SBM Ongoing PA. Don’t allow any domestic animals in the PA. SBM Ongoing
Ensure that law enforcement activities are undertaken. SBM Ongoing Engage with other stakeholders (e.g. the SPCA) to SBM Ongoing control stray domestic animals found in the PA. Monitor and report the presence of any domestic and SBM Ongoing stray animals (dogs and cats) on the PA. Map all illegal activities on a GIS system to build a spatial SBM picture of high-risk zones and to allocate available law Ongoing enforcement resources to those areas.
11.6 PROGRAM: RESTORATION ECOLOGY 11.6.1 Project: Map all disturbed areas
Explanation The existing denuded areas are evident after the construction of the borehole system. These must be rehabilitated. Management Activities
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 77
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Determine, identify, map and evaluate all impacted SBM areas. See Attachment 5 - Forms to complete for Annually Baseline data and Monitoring.
Establish fixed point monitoring sites at each site. SBM Once off
Ensure that all degraded areas are rehabilitated. SBM Ongoing
11.6.2 Project : Rehabilitation Disturbed areas can be rehabilitated once the maintenance needs Explanation for the boreholes have been determined. Management Activities Once the maintenance needs for the boreholes have SBM been determined – map and demarcate all the areas Once off that can be excluded as no-go areas. Initiate active rehabilitation of these sites – this to SBM Once off include demarcation and closure of these sites. Monitor the rehabilitation success. SBM Ongoing
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 78
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Cultural Historical, Archaeological and Paleontological Heritage Management
11.7. PROGRAM: CULTURAL HISTORICAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALAEONTOLOGICAL
HERITAGE 11.7.1 Project: Map and evaluate assets During the Heritage Impact Assessment study undertaken for the proposed boreholes and associated pipelines development - No
Explanation archaeological or palaeontological resources were identified during the foot survey, however, it is known that significant archaeological and palaeontological resources may be evident below the ground surface (CTS 2018). Management Activities
Results from the CTS report (2018) must be provided SBM Once off to the SBM.
Make the PA available for research and baseline SBM Ongoing studies for students in this field of expertise.
Maintain the GIS database with the assistance from SBM Ongoing institutions e.g. Heritage Western Cape (HWC).
Baseline Data Management, Monitoring and Research
11.8 PROGRAM: BASELINE DATA COLLECTION 11.8.1 Project : Develop and implement a baseline data collection plan Baseline data is important to inform management decisions. Guidelines on what information should be collected, the techniques Explanation to be used, and the frequency of such activities. This will inform management on the type of data to be collected. Management Activities Compile baseline data collection plan for the HPNR See Attachment 5 - Forms to complete for Baseline data SBM Once off and Monitoring.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 79
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Implement the plan according to the timeframes and SBM Ongoing techniques recommended.
11.9 PROGRAM: MONITORING 11.9.1 Project : Develop and implement a monitoring plan A monitoring plan is important to provide guidelines on what information should be collected, the techniques to be used, and the frequency of such activities. This will inform management on the type Explanation of data to be collected, to determine success of management activities and to identify change as soon as possible. See Attachment 5 - Forms to complete for Baseline data and Monitoring. Management Activities
Compile a monitoring plan for the HPNR. SBM Once off
11.10 PROGRAM: RESEARCH 11.10.1Project: Promote research opportunities The SBM should promote the availability of the HPNR as a research Explanation area; this will ensure that scientific knowledge base will continually improve over time. Management Activities
Identify possible research projects. SBM Ongoing
Communicate and market the availability of the HPNR as SBM Ongoing a research area to tertiary education institutions.
Compile research protocol. SBM Ongoing
Ensure that SBM receives all the published scientific SBM Ongoing papers and / or research findings.
File these publications for audit purposes and SBM Ongoing incorporate findings into management plan as applicable.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 80
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Infrastructure Maintenance and Development
11.11 PROGRAM: ROADS
11.11.1. Project: Road Maintenance One access road provides access to boreholes while another runs Explanation on the southern boundary of the PA. Various roads provide access to the different boreholes and these must be maintained. Management activities
Maintain all access roads to prevent erosion caused by SBM Ongoing wind or driving within natural areas.
Roads that are not needed for maintenance of the SBM Ongoing boreholes should be closed for any vehicles.
11.12 PROGRAM: FENCING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
11.12.1 Project: Improve current state of fence
The current fence is in need of urgent attention. The fence will not
Explanation prevent poaching and therefore an integrated approach to law enforcement must be implemented.
Management Activities
Determine and map the current state of all the external SBM Once off fences. Replace fences where needed with fences that will still SBM allow the movement of smaller species like Grysbok and Once off tortoises.
Conduct regular monitoring of the condition of fence and SBM Ongoing repair fence when needed.
Integrate the fencing with other security measures and law SBM Ongoing enforcement activities
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 81
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
11.12. 2 Project: Law enforcement Law enforcement is an important component of effective PA management especially when a small, sensitive terrestrial protected Explanation area is being managed. Without any effective and efficient law enforcement activities environmental impacts and degradation will accelerate over time. Management Activity Ensure that sufficient funds in the SBM budget are SBM approved to implement an integrated law enforcement Annually approach. Ensure that the Municipal organogram makes SBM provision for the appointment of law enforcement Annually officers.
Engage with other institutions that are responsible for SBM Annually law enforcement activities in the area e.g. SAPS. Develop a localised voluntary field ranger component SBM to assist with baseline data collection and a civil society Ongoing grouping can additionally assist with law enforcement. Schedule and implement regular law enforcement SBM activities by SBM officials and other law enforcement Ongoing partners. Develop a database where instances of Municipal SBM System Act (Act No.32 of 2003) illegal activities and transgressions can be recorded. Determine risk areas Ongoing and a means of prioritisation to ensure that available law enforcement can be aligned to these priority areas.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 82
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
11.13 PROGRAM: DEVELOPMENT
11.13.1 Project: Development of facilities Due to the status of the vegetation on the PA no development is Explanation intended. If development occurs within the timeframe of this PAMP then ensure adherence to the NEMA EIA Regulations. Management Activities Adhere to NEMA EIA Regulations. SBM Once off
11.13.2 Project : Development of the optimal staff organogram
Explanation Due to the sensitivity of the HPNR – it is important to ensure that adequate numbers of staff are appointed to implement this PAMP. Management
Engage in a formal process of determining if current staff SBM Once off capacity is adequate to implement this PAMP.
Evaluate outcomes of the capacity study. SBM Once off
Motivate if additional staff members are needed. SBM Once off
Develop Key Performance Areas for staff to be appointed. SBM Once off
Secure adequate funding to fill these vacancies. SBM Annually
Advertise and appoint staff that comply with the SBM Annually requirements for specific positions / jobs.
Employ and implement job performance appraisal SBM Annually processes.
11.13.3 Project : Staff development
Due to the sensitivity of the PA – it is important to ensure that staff involved in management are well trained and capacitated. Management
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 83
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Identify all training and development needs, this to include SBM Annually basic PA management and law enforcement skills.
Implement training and capacity building programmes so SBM Annually that staff are effective in their respective positions.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 84
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 12 : COSTING PLAN
According to Section 41(2)(d) of the Act, a management plan must at least contain – a programme that deals with the costing of the implementation of the plan. Costing is directly linked to management of the PA and must therefore reflect:
Capital cost (conservation cost should be separated from tourism cost) and Operational cost (again conservation and tourism cost must be separated)
As the HPNR is managed by the SBM and thus depends on government funding and income from rates and taxes it is extremely difficult to provide a precise costing plan. Furthermore, it should be noted here that other municipal service delivery programmes are often regarded as more important than the conservation of protected areas and natural systems and therefore innovative actions are needed to secure budgets to manage these areas.
To guide the SBM in securing the budgets for the effective conservation management of the HPNR the following guidelines are recommended for implementation;
Develop an APO, a draft APO based on this plan is attached, (See Attachment 7 – Draft APO). Incorporate projects and potential budgets identified in this PAMP in the IDP Process; Link the HPNR to the creation of job opportunities – The PAMP identifies various projects that need urgent implementation (security, law enforcement, education, maintenance and rehabilitation services); Link the HPNR to socio-economic development opportunities for the Hopefield community – a community already in desperate need of employment (contracting out certain services such as fence and road maintenance and alien invasive species management programmes); SB Municipality and the HPNR PAAC must specifically link with donors, Government Departments, conservation agencies and sponsors to secure additional funding and resources for the management of the protected area,.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 85
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
However the SBM must ensure:
A financial procurement process is in place to allow for the above mentioned guidelines; That they secure a budget for these services.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 86
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
SECTION 13 : REFERENCES
CapeNature. 2019. Dassen Coastal Complex Protected Area Management Plan: 2019- 2029. Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Cape Town.
Cowan G.I. & Mpongoma N. 2011. Guidelines for the development of a management plan for a protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003. Department of Environment Affairs, Pretoria.
CSIRO 2012. Management Strategy Evaluation. Marine and Atmospheric Research.
Cowling, RM, and Richardson, DM, 1995. Fynbos South Africa unique Floral Kingdom. Fernwood Press, Vlaeberg.
CTS (2018) Proposed development of boreholes and associated pipelines for the Langebaan Aquifer within the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
Hockings M., Leverington F. & Cook C. 2015. Protected area management effectiveness. In: Worboys G.L., Lockwood M., Kothari A., Feary S. & Pulsford I. (Eds). Protected Area Governance and Management. ANU Press, Canberra
Maree, K.S. and Vromans, D.C., 2010. The Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities: Supporting land-use planning and decision-making in Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas. Produced by CapeNature as part of the C.A.P.E. Fine-scale Biodiversity Planning Project. Kirstenbosch.
Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (eds.) 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
PN 337 of 7th May of 1982.
O’Donoghue, B., Kaplan J. & Wiltshire N., 2016. Saldanha Bay Municipality: Heritage Resource Survey.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 87
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
Ranger, S.K and Du Plessis C.P, 2018. Invasive species monitoring, control and eradication plan for the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve for the Saldanha Bay Municipality.
Saldanha Bay Municipality, 2019. A 4th Generation Integrated Development Plan 2019 – 2024.
South African National Parks (2013) Approved Management Plan for the West Coast National Park 2013- 2023.
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 88