Ugu District Municipality:
Biodiversity Sector Plan
Version: Version 2.0 Date: February 2014 Ugu Biodiversity Sector Plan 2014
RECOMMENDED Title Name Signature Date Chairperson: EKZNW, SOCC Chief Executive Officer EKZNW
APPROVED Chairperson: KZN Nature Conservation Board
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The Project Team
Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting cc 26 Mallory Road, Hilton 3245 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Douglas Macfarlane Mobile: 084 5014665 Email: [email protected]
Adam Teixeira-Leite Mobile: 074 4960432 Email: [email protected]
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Dr Boyd Escott Tel: 033 845 1257 Email: [email protected]
Felicity Elliott Tel: 033 845 1434 Email: [email protected]
Thorn-Ex cc (Environmental Services) PO Box 800, Hilton 3245 Pietermaritzburg. South Africa
Marita Thornhill Tel: (033) 3431814 THORN-EX Fax: (033) 3431819 Mobile: 084 5014665 Email: [email protected]
Afzelia Environmental Consultants cc PO Box 95, Hilton 3245 Pietermaritzburg. South Africa
John Richardson Tel: 033 3432931/32 Fax: 033 3432033 or 086 5170900 Mobile: 082 9256 450 Email: [email protected]
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Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (2014). Ugu District Municipality: Biodiversity Sector Plan, Version 1.1. Unpublished Report by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg.
The project deliverables, including the reported results, comments, recommendations and conclusions, are based on the project teams’ knowledge as well information available at the time of compilation and are not guaranteed to be free from error or omission. The study is based on assessment techniques and investigations that are limited by time and budgetary constraints applicable to the type and level of project undertaken. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserves the right to modify aspects of the project deliverables if and when new/additional information may become available from research, identifications or further work in the applicable field of practice, or pertaining to this study.
Version 1 of the Biodiversity Sector Plan report for the Ugu District Municipality was approved by the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Board in June 2013. Subsequent to this approval significant changes have been made, by SANBI in conjunction with the provinces, in the terminology used in Sector Plans and the manner in which priority biodiversity areas are identified and mapped. Version 2 has been updated to incorporate these changes in terminology and mapping.
Additional information in the form of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) shapefiles used to prepare the Critical Biodiversity Areas Maps referred to in this information document, as well as the digital version of this document, have been provided to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and can be obtained by contacting [email protected].
This Biodiversity Sector Plan covers the Ugu District Municipality in southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW) is the developer and primary implementing agent of the plan, with technical support being provided by SANBI: the South African National Biodiversity Institute. In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, a conscious decision was taken that a Bioregional Sector Plan (BSP) must be developed as a precursor to a Bioregional Plan (BRP). The reason behind this was the clearly identified need for KZN to clearly set out the baseline for the conservation priorities in each of the Districts, before interacting with the various other sector plans, IDPs and SDFs as required by S48 of National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 and the Bioregional Guidelines (DEAT, 2009). As such, the BSP for the Ugu District Municipality complies with SANBI’s Bioregional Planning terminology and requirements as well as the guidelines for the development of Bioregional Plans (DEAT, 2009). As an intermediate product the BSP does not however reflect the interaction with other sector planning tools and the gazetting of the document. The spatial component of the bioregional plan is based on the systematic conservation planning undertaken by EKZNW and supplemented by a range of additional data sources compiled with assistance from the independent service provider, Eco-Pulse-Afzelia-Thorn-Ex JV.
The primary purpose of the Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Ugu District is to inform land-use planning, environmental assessment and authorisations, and natural resource management, by the range of sectors whose policies and decisions impact on biodiversity. This is done by providing a map of biodiversity priority areas, with accompanying land- use planning and decision-making guidelines. There are a wide range of mandatory and recommended users of the Biodiversity Sector Plan, including local, provincial and national government departments and authorities whose decisions and actions impact on biodiversity and the natural environment; national and provincial conservation agencies; environmental and planning consultants; conservation NGOs; and private landowners.
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The project team II Citation . III Disclaimer III Document version III Further information III Executive summary III Table of contents 4 List of Appendices 5 List of Figures 6 List of Tables 6 1 Introduction 8 1.1 Aims & Objectives ...... 8 1.2 Map and Text Description ...... 9 1.3 Legal Background ...... 11 1.4 Application and Intended Users ...... 12 1.5 Details of the Biodiversity Sector Plan ...... 14 1.6 Definition of terms ...... 15 1.7 Abbreviations Used ...... 20 2 Biophysical overview of the District 22 2.1 General description of the study area ...... 22 2.2 Climate ...... 23 2.3 Landscape and Topography ...... 23 2.4 Geology and Geomorphology ...... 25 2.5 Landuse and modification ...... 26 2.6 Regional Conservation Context ...... 28 2.6.1 Hydrology and important aquatic ecosystems 28 2.6.2 Vegetation types 33 2.6.3 Species of special concern – flora & fauna 36 2.6.4 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) 38 2.6.5 Important ecological processes and services 39 2.6.6 Protected areas and other conservation areas 41 3 Biodiversity profile of the region 43 3.1 Methodology ...... 44 3.2 Assumptions and limitations ...... 44 3.3 Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) ...... 47 3.3.1 Terrestrial CBAs 47 3.3.2 Aquatic CBAs 47 3.4 Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) ...... 49 3.4.1 Terrestrial ESAs 49 3.4.2 Aquatic ESAs 49 3.5 Ecological Infrastructure (EI) ...... 50 3.6 District Biodiversity Sector Plan Map ...... 50 3.7 Cross links with adjacent Municipalities ...... 53 4 Land Use PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Guidelines 54 4.1 Guidelines for terrestrial and aquatic envrionments ...... 58 4.2 Guidelines for marine and inshore environments ...... 61 4.3 NFEPA Management Guidelines ...... 63 5 Review & Updating of the Biodiversity Sector Plan 64
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5.1 Timeframes ...... 64 5.2 Gaps in knowledge ...... 64 6 Conclusions and Recommendations 65 6.1 Conclusion ...... 65 6.2 Key actions in the District ...... 65 6.2.1 Sustainable land-use planning that is compatible with regional conservation objectives 65 6.2.2 Protected Area Expansion 66 6.2.3 Biodiversity offsets 66 6.2.4 Development of Metropolitan Open Space Systems (MOSS) 66 6.2.5 Protection and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems 67 6.2.6 Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded natural areas 67 6.2.7 Invasive alien species control and management 67 6.2.8 Development of Ecosystem or Environmental Management Plans 67 6.2.9 Monitoring and evaluation of ecosystem condition and functioning 68 7 References 69 7.1 Key sources of information ...... 69 7.2 Sources referred to in the text ...... 69 8 Appendices 72
Appendix 1: List of spatial (GIS) information used to inform the mapping procedures and biophysical description for the Ugu District Municipality Biodiversity Sector Plan ...... 73 Appendix 2: Criteria used in the identification and mapping different CBA map categories ...... 74 Appendix 3: List of Red data plant species that are known/likely to occur within the Ugu District Municipality (EKZNW, 2011e)...... 81 Appendix 4: List of Red Data fauna, and including other species of significance, that are known/likely to occur within the Ugu District Municipality (EKZNW, 2011f)...... 84 Appendix 5: List of stakeholders who attended the stakeholder workshop on 10th May, 2012...... 86 Appendix 6: Flow diagram of CBA Categories in the SCA, BSP and KZN BP Mapping Process ...... 87
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Figure 1 Diagrammatic representation of the relationship between Bioregional Plans and other planning tools...... 12 Figure 2 Regional map of the Ugu District Municipality showing local municipalities within the UDM and the surrounding Districts...... 22 Figure 3 Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) for the Ugu District (South African Atlas of Agrohydrology and Climatology, 2001) ...... 24 Figure 4 Digital elevation model of the Ugu District (derived from a 20m DEM of KZN) ...... 24 Figure 5 Geological Map of the Ugu District...... 26 Figure 6 Map indicating the extent of primary land-uses across the Ugu District (EKZNW, 2008a)...... 27 Figure 7 Map showing major perennial rivers, NFEPA rivers (CSIR, 2010) and primary catchments within the Ugu District...... 30 Figure 8 Map showing the distribution of freshwater wetlands and estuaries within the Ugu District...... 31 Figure 9 Map showing vegetation types (Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2012) after modification ...... 34 Figure 10 Map showing the status of unmodified threatened ecosystems in the Ugu District (SANBI, 2011) 35 Figure 11 Map showing the location of formally Protected Areas and other conservation areas in the Ugu District...... 42 Figure 12 Map showing CBAS and ESAs for the Ugu District Municipality ...... 46 Figure 13 Aquatic Map showing CBA and ESAs for the Ugu District Municipality ...... 48 Figure 14 Composite EI Map showing Ecological Infrastructure (EI) for the Ugu District Municipality ...... 51 Figure 15 Biodiversity Sector Plan Map of the Ugu District Municipality ...... 52
Table 1 Intended users of bioregional plans with both mandatory and recommended uses...... 13 Table 2 Primary land-uses contributing towards modification of natural habitat in the Ugu District...... 27 Table 3 Details of major rivers in the Ugu District...... 29 Table 4 Details of wetland vegetation types occurring within the UDM (Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2012). .. 31 Table 5 Details of estuaries in the Ugu District...... 32 Table 6 Details of terrestrial vegetation types occurring within the UDM (Scott-Shaw and Escott; 2011 & 2012)...... 33 Table 7 Threatened ecosystem types and extent of cover occurring within the district (SANBI, 2011) ..... 35 Table 8 Summary of the threat status of animal species in UDM (EKZNW, 2011f)...... 37 Table 9 List of IBA sites in the Ugu District (BirdLife SA, 2012)...... 39 Table 10 Formal Protected Areas within the Ugu District...... 42 Table 11 Descriptions of the various CBA map categories for the Ugu BSP...... 43 Table 12 Land-use compatibility status rating ...... 55 Table 13 Land-use Management Practices and Controls ...... 55 Table 14 Land-use Objectives for Terrestrial and Aquatic Conservation Categories ...... 58 Table 15 Land-use Compatibility Guideline Matrix for Terrestrial & Aquatic Conservation Categories (adapted from Escott et. al., 2013) ...... 60 Table 16 Land-use objectives for marine & inshore conservation categories ...... 61 Table 17 Land-use Compatibility Guideline Matrix for Marine & Inshore Conservation Categories (adapted from Escott et. al., 2013) ...... 62
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Box 1 : What Is ‘Biodiversity’ ...... 9 Box 2 Biodiversity ‘Hotspots’ ...... 28 Box 3 Threatened Ecosystems In Ugu ...... 34 Box 4 Species Of Special Concern - Oribi ...... 37 Box 5 Species Of Special Concern - Blue Swallow ...... 38 Box 6 What Are Ecosystem Services And Why Are They Important? ...... 40 Box 8 Biodiversity Stewardship ...... 41 Box 7 Ugu Protected Areas ...... 41 Box 9 How To Use The Cba Maps ...... 54
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1
Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW), the provincial nature conservation agency in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), appointed Eco-Pulse-Afzelia-Thorn-Ex JV to develop a Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) for the Ugu District Municipality. EKZNW’s core disciplines include biodiversity conservation, wise and sustainable use of natural resources, the creation and management of partnerships with stakeholders and communities as well as the provision of affordable eco-tourism destinations within the Province through their network of Nature Reserves and Parks.
The Ugu District in KZN is hosts to a diverse array of natural landscapes, from the coastal zone along the Indian Ocean, to the numerous river gorges and valleys, indigenous coastal forests, wetlands and grasslands. A variety of plants and animals utilise the natural habitats of the area, with numerous species considered threatened. The District is also home to a variety of land uses and activities from commercial sugarcane farming along the coastal belt, to expansive timber forestry operations further inland. The coastal zone has become extensively developed for the growing urban population, whilst areas inland are characterised by smaller satellite towns and rural/ development. The combination of the various land uses continues to place increasing pressure on the environment and the remaining natural ecosystems, with loss of natural habitat and ecological process being at the forefront of concerns regarding the regions biodiversity heritage. Consequently, a biodiversity sector plan for the District is seen to be an effective tool for addressing the threats to biodiversity.
1.1 Aims & Objectives
The aim of the project is to produce a draft Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) for the Ugu District Municipality through engagement with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Ugu District Municipality staff and the review of readily available literature, databases and any other relevant information sources. The role of the BSP for Ugu will be to ensure that biodiversity information is accessible for easy utilisation by Local Municipalities within the Ugu District Municipality to better inform land-use planning and decision-making by a range of sectors whose policies and decisions impact on biodiversity. The final product will act as the source of biodiversity information that will give strategic focus to the work programmes and plans of EKZNW staff, Local Municipalities, District Conservation Officers (DCO’s), conservation NGOs and funding agencies, providing a mechanism for managing and conserving biodiversity and maintaining key ecological processes in the Ugu District Municipality through the maintenance of a network of priority conservation areas.
The Biodiversity Sector Plan has the following objectives: To identify and map the critical biodiversity assets in the Ugu District; To provide a platform for further biodiversity investigation and understanding within the District; To act as the source of biodiversity information that will give strategic focus to the work programmes and plans of EKZNW staff at a regional level, specifically District Conservation Officers and Community Conservation Officers; To act as the source of biodiversity information that will be utilised in the development of other spatial planning tools being developed within the District municipality, such as Strategic Development Frameworks (SDFs), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), Integrated Development Programmes (IDPs), and Environmental Development Frameworks (EMFs); To assist EKZNW staff in meeting aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity conservation targets at the District level; To provide land use and management guidelines for relevant stakeholders to best maintain and protect critical biodiversity areas;
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To inform the protection of Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) which serve to maintain Critical Biodiversity Areas Box 1 : WHAT IS ‘BIODIVERSITY’ (CBAs) and the ecological goods and services upon which the environment and socio-economic well-being is The term ‘Biodiversity’ is used to describe the wide variety of plant and animal species sustained; occurring in their natural environment or To provide a reference tool guiding stakeholders and ‘habitat’. The term encompasses different areas for biodiversity management programmes, plans ecosystems, landscapes, communities, and projects within the District, including conservation populations and genes as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that efforts in terms of Stewardship Programmes and allow these elements of biodiversity to persist conservation NGOs and funding agencies; over time. “Biodiversity pattern” refers to the To spatially illustrate key biodiversity corridors and way in which components of biodiversity are linkages within the District and extending into adjacent arranged, while “biodiversity process” relates municipal areas; to the series of actions and interactions occurring between biodiversity components To improve awareness around the unique biodiversity in (which serve to maintain biodiversity) and are the area, the value this biodiversity represents to people commonly termed ‘ecological processes’. as well as the management mechanisms that should ensure its protection and sustainable utilisation; and …AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? South Africa’s biodiversity provides an To inform the development of a Bioregional Plan for the important basis for economic growth and District. development. Keeping our biodiversity intact is vital for ensuring the on-going provision of These objectives are met largely through the core elements of ecosystem services, such as the production of the plan which include: clean water through good catchment management. Loss of biodiversity puts aspects of our economy and quality of life at A map of biodiversity priorities that identifies those risk and reduces socioeconomic options for sites critical for meeting biodiversity targets (CBAs future generations as well. In essence, and ESAs) by maintaining biodiversity pattern and sustainable development is not possible without it. ecological processes; Accompanying land-use planning and decision-making guidelines which aim to incorporate biodiversity considerations into land-use planning and decision- making with the aim being to maintain the integrity of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) by avoiding loss and degradation of natural habitat, whilst managing sustainable development in other remaining natural areas. Critically endangered Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatu) An additional supplementary report entitled “Prioritizing areas for conservation action in the Ugu District” (Thornhill, et. al., 2013) identifies existing threats to biodiversity in the study area and integrates this with biodiversity information in order to help to direct future conservation efforts by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. This report can be obtained from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife on request.
1.2 Map and Text Description
The Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) map for the Ugu District indicates areas of terrestrial land, aquatic features as well as marine areas which must be safeguarded in their natural state if biodiversity is to persist and ecosystems are to continue functioning. The CBA map aims to guide sustainable development in the District by providing a synthesis of biodiversity information to decision makers and serves as the common reference for all multi-sectoral planning procedures, advising which areas can be developed in a sustainable
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The two main layers, CBAs and ESAs, are divided into further subcategories as set out below:
Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) - Crucial for supporting biodiversity features and ecosystem functioning and are required to meet conservation targets Areas considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and Critical Biodiversity which are required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species Areas: Irreplaceable and the functionality of ecosystems. Areas that represent an optimised solution to meet the required biodiversity Critical Biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding areas where the risk of biodiversity loss is Areas: Optimal high Category driven primarily by process but is also informed by expert input. Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) - Functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the critical biodiversity areas Functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure Ecological Support the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes Areas (ESAs) within the critical biodiversity areas. The area also contributes significantly to the maintenance of ecological infrastructure. Ecological Support Terrestrial modified areas that provide a support function to a threatened or Areas: Species Specific protected species, for example agricultural land.
An additional category, termed “Ecological Infrastructure” or EI (also referred to as “Ecosystem Goods and Services Areas” or EGSAs) identifies areas of natural or near-natural features, habitats or landscapes that have been highlighted as being particularly important in providing high levels of ecosystem service delivery, e.g. water production areas, key flood mitigation areas, etc. EIs form a subset of the larger matrix identified on the map as “Other Natural Areas”, EIs are however expressed as a stand-alone map highlighting these areas of ecosystem service priority.
The category “Other Natural Areas” are natural, near-natural vegetation and functional habitats or landscapes not yet classified as one of the above categories (i.e. CBAs, ESAs, or EI), but that should be recognised as being important in maintaining ecological processes and ecosystem service delivery, and should also be safe-guarded where possible. Whilst these Other Natural Areas are sufficiently extensive at this stage that they may withstand some loss through conversion of their natural state and undergo development, it is possible however that these areas could eventually be reclassified as Critical Biodiversity Areas in the future as development pressures increase.
Protected Areas (PAs) are restricted to formally proclaimed areas under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (2003) that forms the backbone of the conservation network. These areas are critical in their contribution to the achievement of conservation objectives in the Province.
The CBA map also identifies “Modified Areas” that have been irreversibly modified by land uses such as agriculture, forestry and urban infrastructural development, with no significant natural vegetation remaining and therefore are attributed to having a low biodiversity value.
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1.3 Legal Background
Key to the development of the BSP for the Ugu District is the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (NEMBA, Act No. 10 of 2004) which provides for: The management and conservation of biodiversity in South Africa; The introduction of several planning tools to assist conservation bodies; The protection of species and ecosystems that warrant national protection; The sustainable use of indigenous biological resources; The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from bio-prospecting involving indigenous biological resources; and The establishment and functions of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
In terms of the National Environment Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA), all organs of state are obligated to take biodiversity considerations into account and to ensure decisions are informed by the most up to date information. NEMA also states that, although the environment is a functional area of concurrent national and provincial legislative competence, all spheres of government and all organs of state must co- operate with, consult and support one another. Key to achieving this is the publication of Bioregional Plans, chief amongst the tools which form a legislated requirement of the Biodiversity Act. Bioregional Plans aim to provide for: Integrated and coordinated biodiversity planning; Monitoring of the conservation status of various components of biodiversity; and The promotion of biodiversity research (DEAT, 2009).
The BSP, land use guidelines and map products must therefore feed into the development of the Ugu District Bioregional Plan, to be used within the District and its Local municipal constituencies as a common point of reference and resource for land use planning, decision making, land use authorisations and multi-sector planning processes (DEAT, 2009). The Bioregional Plan will enable Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to comply with the legal prescripts of the Biodiversity Act and in so doing achieve their core mandate.
Development and land use activities which require Environmental Authorisation in terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2010, are in Listing Notice 3 (GG No. R.546, LN3) identified via geographic areas with the intention being that activities only require Environmental Authorisation when located within designated sensitive areas. These sensitive/geographic areas were identified and published for each of the nine (9) Provinces. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) the Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) is one of the sensitive layers against which several activities are listed, and which would require environmental authorisation if the project falls within the CBA identified areas. This KZN CBA layer, is at this time, not being utilised in the LN3, however it is intended that the KZN Critical Biodiversity Areas be presented to the MEC of the Department of Agriculture, Environment Affairs and Rural Development for future adoption and utilisation as a geographic area.
South Africa’s’ water resources are protected under the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). The Act not only provides for the protection of water quality, but also for the management and protection of freshwater ecosystems, the biological and physical habitat which comprises the water resource, and associated and freshwater biodiversity. Freshwater ecosystems extend beyond rivers, also encompassing in-stream aquatic habitat, riparian habitat, wetland habitat, and associated biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The National Water Act also provides the legal tool for the controlled use of land associated with water resources.
The conservation, use, management and control of land situated in mountain catchment areas is provided for under the Mountain Catchment Areas Act (Act 63 of 1970). Under this act, land users and land owners
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The protection, sustainable management and use of forests and trees within South Africa is provided for under the National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998). Government Gazette No 26731 of August 2004, and any later revisions as released, provides a list of tree species protected under the National Forests Act.
1.4 Application and Intended Users
The Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) and accompanying Critical Biodiversity Area map has been created as part of a strategic planning strategy to ensure biodiversity conservation and the persistence of biodiversity in the Ugu District Municipality (UDM). As a means of identifying both key biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and key ecosystem service areas within the District, the BSP aims to further the awareness of the unique biodiversity in the UDM, the value this biodiversity represents to people as well as the management mechanisms that can ensure its protection and sustainable utilisation. This is achieved by providing a range of useful background information and by presenting biodiversity information in a format that can be easily accessed and utilized by local municipalities and other key organisations within the UDM to help guide land-use planning, environmental assessments and authorisations as well as natural resource management in order to promote development which occurs in a sustainable manner. The BSP is intended to feed into a range of multi-sectoral planning and assessment processes such as Environmental Management Frameworks (EMFs), Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Figure 1 explains the relationship between systematic biodiversity plans, bioregional plans and multi-sectoral planning and assessment tools (SANBI, 2012).
Biodiversity Bioregional Sector Plan Plan
State of Coastal environment IDPs SDFs EMFs SEAs EIAs Management reports Programmes
Figure 1 Diagrammatic representation of the relationship between Bioregional Plans and other planning tools
The intended users include all sectors involved in land-use planning and decision-making, as well as other multi-sectoral planning processes and are summarised in Table 1.
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Table 1 Intended users of bioregional plans with both mandatory and recommended uses. INTENDED USERS INTENDED/RECOMMENDED USE [Note: Mandatory Use in Bold Italics] Local and district municipal Must align critical biodiversity areas and the contents of the plan generally into their officials IDPs (Integrated Development Plans) and SDFs (Spatial Development Frameworks).
Should integrate CBAs and other relevant guidelines from the BSP into EMFs (Environmental Management Frameworks) and zoning schemes. National and Provincial Must consider the plan before issuing environmental authorisations. Environmental Departments National and Provincial Must consider the plan before issuing environmental authorisations on applications Agricultural Departments dealt with at a national level.
Should take the plan into account in their authorisations and in their planning processes and programmes. Department of Water Affairs Should take the plan into account in their authorisations and in water resources planning and protection processes as well as inputs into CMA strategies. Department of Minerals Should take the plan into account in their authorisations for prospecting and mining applications. Department of Energy Should take the plan into account in their authorisations for prospecting and mining applications. Department of Land Affairs Should take the plan into account in the planning and implementation of land reform, developing policy, legislation or guidelines. Department of Local Should take the plan into account in the planning and implementation to avoid Government & Housing locating housing developments in CBAs and ESAs. Department of Public Works Should take the plan into account in the planning of roads and other transport infrastructure to avoid locating infrastructure within CBAs and ESAs. Catchment Management Should incorporate the plan into their planning processes and programmes. Associations/Agencies All other organs of state Must consider the plan in developing Environmental Implementation Plans or preparing guidelines relevant Environmental management Plans. to environmental management in terms of section 74 of the Environmental Impact Assessment regulations
The scope of users may also be extended to include:
ADDITIONAL USERS INTENDED/RECOMMENDED USE Private landowners Should use the plan to obtain more information about the biodiversity value of their landholdings. Real estate developers and Should facilitate their process of obtaining development rights by using the plan to businesses identify appropriate areas for different types of development (i.e.: land use guidelines) in order to avoid unnecessary delays and costs associated with submitting inappropriate development proposals that are unlikely to be approved. Specialists, including Should use the plan to guide their assessments for development applications (e.g.: environmental and planning EIAs, SEAs) as well as in the development of environmental management plans, IDPs, consultants EMFs or SDFs for municipalities and any other land-use applications. Private land owners May use the plan to find out more about the biodiversity value of their land. Conservation agencies and Should use the plan to guide their comments on development applications and inputs NGOs into planning tools and to direct conservation initiatives.
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ADDITIONAL USERS INTENDED/RECOMMENDED USE Programmes such as Working Should take the plan into consideration in planning and scheduling their activities. for Water, Working for Wetlands, LandCare, CoastCare, etc.
1.5 Details of the Biodiversity Sector Plan
As the nature conservation agency in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) appointed Eco-Pulse-Afzelia-Thorn-Ex JV to develop a Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) for the Ugu District Municipality (UDM), as informed by the South African Biodiversity institute (SANBI), the Bioregional Guidelines (DEAT, 2009), current best practice, and the Terms of Reference for the project as defined by EKZNW. The Ugu District BSP forms the precursor to a Bioregional Plan for the District which can be gazetted in terms of NEMBA. The BSP will be used to inform the development of a Bioregional Plan which must feed into all land use planning and management decisions and tools within the municipal area (DEAT, 2009).
The Ugu District Municipality Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) is a spatial plan that identifies and displays the various priority terrestrial and aquatic features that are critical for conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functioning. The plan provides input into a range of multi-sectoral planning and assessment processes to inform land-use planning and decision-making. At their very core, BSPs must be based on systematic biodiversity planning using the following key principles:
The principle of representation; The principle of persistence; The setting of quantitative biodiversity targets; and Efficiency and conflict avoidance in the spatial configuration of priority areas identified.
The BSP consists of a CBA map showing areas considered to be of critical biodiversity and conservation importance within the District, together with land and resource-use guidelines in order to avoid loss or degradation of natural habitat in Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs). The final product has three primary components including:
an information document (this report) containing the land-use guidelines; the CBA map(s); GIS spatial data (GIS shapefiles).
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1.6 Definition of terms
Term Description Biodiversity The wide variety of plant and animal species occurring in their natural environment (habitats). The term encompasses different ecosystems, landscapes, communities, populations and genes as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that allow these elements of biodiversity to persist over time. Biodiversity offsets The measurable conservation outcomes resulting from actions designed to compensate for significant residual adverse biodiversity impacts arising from project development after appropriate prevention and mitigation measures have been taken. The goal of biodiversity offsets is to achieve no net loss and preferably a net gain of biodiversity on the ground with respect to species composition, habitat structure, ecosystem function and people’s use and cultural values associated with biodiversity.
In terms of the draft KZN Biodiversity Conservation Management Bill (2009), a biodiversity offset in relation to development or land modification, means the compensation given by a developer for the loss of or harm to biodiversity where other mitigation options have been exhausted and such offset should be commensurate with the residual negative impact on biodiversity. Biodiversity pattern Term used to define the way in which components of biodiversity are arranged spatially. Bioregional Plan (BRP) A district based plan which identifies priority biodiversity areas (CBAs and ESAs) and provides associated planning and decision-making guidelines for a range of sectors whose actions, policies and decisions impact on biodiversity. Once adopted, the BRP has to be considered in all the planning and assessment tools used within a bioregion. Bioregions have been identified as a District Municipality. Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) A precursor to the BRP which includes a biodiversity priorities area map and associated management guidelines. BSPs incorporate provincial biodiversity conservation priorities and other available information to determine the Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) and Ecological Support Areas (ESA) within a bioregion which is then used for the development of a Bioregional Plan. Buffers There are three main forms of buffer which are considered in the creation of the KZN Biodiversity Planning process; namely those that reflect land-use management guideline principals associated with agreements and/or conventions, those that must be considered in order to better reflect a mapped feature (e.g., buffer a river line to more accurately reflect the width aspect associated with the feature in question), and those that are associated with geographical feature and/or a specific species that are required to ensure the persistence of that feature or specific species. Catchment The area where water from atmospheric precipitation becomes concentrated and drains down-slope into a river, lake or wetland. The term includes all land surface, streams, rivers and lakes between the source and a key drainage point.
Catchment Management Associations or Agencies established to delegate the water resource Association/Agency management and protection from central government to catchment level. Community A collection of interacting species that occur in the same geographic area. Connectivity Connectivity refers to the ability of connective corridors to sustain ecosystem processes common to linked patches (opposite of fragmentation). 15 March 2014 - Version 2.0
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Conservation The safeguarding of biodiversity and its processes (often referred to as Biodiversity Conservation). (Biodiversity) Conservation A systematic conservation plan relies on the definition of conservation targets Targets (quantitative expressions of a region’s conservation goals), which define how much of each biodiversity feature (e.g. habitat types, species), and biodiversity processes, should be included within the planning domain boundaries (EKZNW, 2014). Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Natural or near-natural features, habitats or landscapes that include terrestrial, aquatic and marine areas that are considered critical for (i) meeting national and provincial biodiversity targets and thresholds (ii) safeguarding areas required to ensure the persistence and functioning of species and ecosystems, including the delivery of ecosystem services; and/or (iii) conserving important locations for biodiversity features or rare species. Conservation of these areas is crucial, in that if these areas are not maintained in a natural or near-natural state, biodiversity conservation targets cannot be met. CBA: Expert Input Areas of natural or near natural state which are identified by local experts as being of high biodiversity importance based on the feature’s uniqueness, rarity and/ or critical endangered threat status, and where the suitability and condition has been verified or there is high confidence in the data. CBA Irreplaceable Areas considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which are required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality of ecosystems. This category is a combination of three subcategories, namely CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA), CBA: Irreplaceable linkage and CBA: Expert Input (refer to Appendix 6). CBA Irreplaceable (SCA) Areas which are required to meet biodiversity conservation targets, and where there are no alternative sites available. (Category driven by species and feature presence). Derived from the Systematic Conservation Assessment and is a combination of the SCA subcategories, CBA Irreplaceable and CBA High Irreplacabillty (refer to Appendix 6). CBA Irreplaceable: SCA- Areas identified as having an Irreplaceability value of 1, these planning units Subcategory Irreplaceable represent the only localities for which the conservation targets for one or more of the biodiversity features contained within can be achieved i.e. there are no alternative sites available (refer to Appendix 6) CBA Irreplaceable: SCA Areas of significantly high biodiversity value. In C-Plan analyses, these areas are Subcategory High Irreplaceable identifiable as having an Irreplaceability scores of >= 0.8 and <1.0 whilst the MARXAN equivalent is reflected in PU’s displaying a selection frequency value of between 80 – 100% (refer to Appendix 6) CBA: Irreplaceable Linkage Areas within Terrestrial Landscape Corridors that, due to the modification of the (Terrestrial) natural landscape within and surrounding the corridor, represent the only remaining and highly constrained link (i.e. pinch point on corridor) which, if lost, would result in the breakage of the corridor and corridor network. These areas are vital in maintaining the linkage of the corridor and its associated biodiversity related processes. CBA: Irreplaceable Linkage National flagship rivers as identified through the Freshwater Ecosystem Priority (Aquatic) Areas project. CBA Optimal Areas that represent an optimised solution to meet the required biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding areas where the risk of biodiversity loss is high Category driven primarily by process but is also informed by expert input. This category is a combination of two subcategories, namely CBA: Optimal (SCA) and CBA: Optimal Expert Input (see Appendix 6).
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CBA Optimal Expert Input Areas of natural or near natural state which are identified by local experts as being of biodiversity importance based on (i) the feature’s endangered or vulnerable threat status and a high confidence in the data. (ii) the feature qualifying for CBA Irreplaceable but having a medium confidence in the data and requiring site verification to increase data confidence level to High CBA Optimal (SCA) Areas which represent the best localities out of a potentially larger selection of available planning units that are optimally located to meet both the conservation target but also the criteria defined by the Decision Support Layers or the Cost Layers, which weigh the risk of loss of biodiversity in areas. Using C-Plan, these areas are identified through the MINSET analysis process and reflect the negotiable sites with an Irreplaceability score of less than 0.8. Within the C-Plan MINSET analysis this does not mean they are of a lower biodiversity value however, only that there are more alternate options available within which the features located within can be met. Delineation Refers to the technique of establishing the boundary of a resource such as a wetland or riparian area. Dynamic ecosystems Ecosystems that are highly mobile (e.g. Aeolian features such as mobile sand dunes) or prone to change (e.g. estuary mouths, floodplains, areas undergoing soil erosion). Ecological Infrastructure Functional landscapes that provide ecological goods and services to society. These areas are not necessarily required to meet conservation targets but are important to promote water security, assist disaster relief (e.g. flooding), prevent soil loss and in maintaining or improving key services such as clean water for domestic and recreational use. Ecological Support Area Functional, but not necessarily entirely natural, areas that are required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the Critical Biodiversity Areas. This category is made up of four subcategories: namely Ecological Support Areas (SCA), ESA: Expert input, ESA: Species Specific and ESA: Corridors Ecological Support Area: Corridors made up of Landscape and Local Corridors Corridors Ecological Support Area: Expert Areas identified by local experts as areas of functional but not necessarily Input entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the Critical Biodiversity Areas. Ecological Support Area: Species Areas required for the persistence of specific species. Although these areas are Specific frequently modified, a change in current land use, to anything other than rehabilitated land, would most likely result in a loss of that feature from the area. Ecosystem An ecosystem is essentially a working natural system, maintained by internal ecological processes, relationships and interactions between the biotic (plants & animals) and the non-living or abiotic environment (e.g. soil, atmosphere). Ecosystems can operate at different scales, from very small (e.g. a small wetland pan) to large landscapes (e.g. an entire water catchment area). Ecosystem goods and services Ecosystem services are direct and indirect benefits derived from the natural environment (ecological infrastructure), and include production services such as food and oxygen, regulatory services such as flood attenuation and pollination, spiritual & knowledge services and space services, such as settlement areas and farm land. Endemism The ecological state of being unique to, or only found within a defined geographic location, such as a habitat, island, country, etc. Features and processes The spatial delineation of features such as species and habitats, and processes such a macro ecological corridors, fronts and eddies, mapped for use within a systematic conservation plan (Ezemvelo KZN wildlife, 2014).
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Flagship Rivers Flagship rivers are rivers that have been identified as (i) been representative of Free Flowing Rivers and (ii) having high importance based on ecosystem processes and biodiversity values. Flagship species A species that is selected as an icon/symbol within the environment. Such species are chosen because of their vulnerability, attractiveness and/or distinctiveness in order to attract support and acknowledgment from society. The conservation of specific habitats and ecosystems to support such species provides for the protection of the other less charismatic species within the area. Fragmentation [of habitat] The fragmenting or breaking-up of a continuous habitat, ecosystem, or land-use type into smaller pieces or fragments. Free Flowing Rivers Free flowing rivers are rivers that flow undisturbed (not dammed/impounded) from its source to the confluence with another large river or to the sea. Where such a river must be permanent or seasonal flowing and have an ‘A or B’ ecological category (good condition), with inland rivers have a minimum length of 50km (Driver, A et al, 2011) Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPAs) are strategic spatial priorities for Areas conserving freshwater ecosystems and supporting sustainable use of water resources. The National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Project determined the FEPAs through a process of systematic biodiversity planning and expert input, using a range of criteria dealing with maintenance of key ecological processes and the conservation of ecosystem types and species associated with rivers, wetlands and estuaries. Function/functioning/functional Used here to describe natural systems working or operating in a healthy way, opposed to dysfunctional, which means working poorly or in an unhealthy way. Habitat The general features of an area inhabited by animal or plant which are essential to its survival (i.e. the natural “home” of a plant or animal species). High Potential Agricultural land Land having the soil and terrain quality, growing season and available moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields of crops (cash crops or planted pastures) economically when treated and managed according to best possible farming practices (Collett & Mitchell, 2012). Indigenous Naturally occurring or “native” to a broad area, such as South Africa in this context. Intact Used here to describe a natural environment that is not badly damaged, and is ecosystems/environments still operating healthily. Invasive alien species Invasive alien species means any non-indigenous plant or animal species whose establishment and spread outside of its natural range threatens natural ecosystems, habitats or other species or has the potential to threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species. Landscape Corridors A series of bio-geographic corridors created in KZN to facilitate ecological and climate change processes to create a linked landscape for the conservation of species in a fragmented landscape. Landscape Corridors: Aquatic Aquatic landscape corridors are to facilitate movement of aquatic species and are the KZN Flagship Rivers. Landscape Corridors: Terrestrial A series of altitudinal and biogeographic corridors to facilitate, ecological and climate change processes and to create a linked landscape for the conservation of species in a fragmented landscape. Local Corridors Terrestrial and Aquatic corridors developed at a District scale to create fine scale links within the landscape that facilitates ecological processes and ensure persistence of critical biodiversity features. MinSet Produced using C-Plan software, this product represents the optimised solution (or minimal reserve configuration) required to meet the conservation targets of the features included within the plan. Mitigate To take actions to reduce the impact of a particular development or threat.
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National Threatened National Threatened Ecosystems are provided for in the National Environmental Ecosystems Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), these areas represent threatened and protected ecosystems categorised according to one of four categories (Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Protected Ecosystems). Within this Act, it is stated that both Critically Endangered and Endangered Ecosystems must be considered as part of Critical Biodiversity Areas. Precautionary principle As incomplete or inadequate data is generally the norm in conservation and resource management actions, in the face of uncertainty about the workings of ecosystems and the effects of our actions on such systems, we should always take a risk-averse and cautious approach (in the context of development and human activities that could potentially impact on the natural environment), especially when long-term or irreversible consequences are more likely to occur. Pristine Unspoiled, used here to describe the natural environment in its undisturbed state. Protected Area Formally Protected Areas declared under NEMPAA. Such areas form the backbone of the conservation network and are critical in their contribution to the achievement of conservation objectives in the Province. Red List Identifies the status of threatened species in terms of threat categories, namely: Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened and Data Deficient. Riparian area/riparian Includes the physical structure and associated vegetation within a zone or area habitat/riparian zone adjacent to and affected by surface and subsurface hydrologic features such as rivers, streams, lakes or drainage ways and are commonly associated with alluvial soils. Vegetation species commonly have a composition and structure that is distinct from those of adjacent lands (NWA, 1998). SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute, established in terms of the NEM Biodiversity Act. Systematic Conservation An approach to conservation that prioritises actions by setting quantitative Assessment targets for biodiversity features such as broad habitat units or vegetation types. It is premised on conserving a representative sample of biodiversity pattern, including species and habitats (the principle of representation), as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that maintain biodiversity over time (the principle of persistence). Water course Means a river or spring; a natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermittently: a wetland, lake or dam into which, or from which, water flows: und any collection of water which the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare to be a watercourse, and a reference to a watercourse includes, where relevant, its bed and banks (National Water Act, 1998). Water Management Area A WMA or Water Management Areas is an area established as a management unit in the National Water Resource Strategy within which a catchment management agency will conduct the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of the country's water resources. The National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) requires that water will be managed at regional or catchment level within defined WMAs. Water Production Area Areas of net water production. Keeping these areas in a natural/near natural condition will ensure the continued regular and regulated supply of water to the downstream system (EKZNW, 2014). Wetland Refers to land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically covered with shallow water, and which land in normal circumstances supports or would support vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil (NWA, 1998).
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1.7 Abbreviations Used
BSP Biodiversity Sector Plan CBA Critical Biodiversity Area CMA Catchment Management Agency CR Critically Endangered (IUCN threat Status) DEA Department of Environmental Affairs (formerly DEAT) DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism (now DEA) DWA Department of Water Affairs (formerly DWAF) EI Ecological Infrastructure EIA Environmental Impact Assessment: EIA regulations promulgated under section 24(5) of NEMA and published in Government Notice R.543 in Government Gazette 33306 of 18 June 2010 EGSA Ecosystem Goods and Services Area EI Ecological Infrastructure EKZNW Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife: as defined in Act 9 of 1997 to be the KZN Nature Conservation Service EMF Environmental Management Framework: EMF regulations promulgated under NEMA and published in Government Notice R.547 in Government Gazette 33306 of 18 June 2010 EMP Environmental Management Plan En Endangered (IUCN Threat Status) ESA Ecological Support Area ESCA Estuarine Systematic Conservation Assessment FEPA Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area FSCA Freshwater Systematic Conservation Assessment GIS Geographical Information Systems IDP Integrated Development Plan (developed in terms of the Municipal Systems Act) IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature KZN Province of KwaZulu-Natal LM Local Municipality
MinSet Specific areas prioritised for biodiversity management by EKZNW in order to achieve the minimum biodiversity conservation targets within the KwaZulu-Natal province MPA Marine Protected Area MSCA Marine Systematic Conservation Area (colloquially referred to as SEAPlan). NBA Natural Biodiversity Area NEMA National Environmental Management Act No.107 of 1998 NEMBA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act No.10 of 2004 NEMPAA National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas NGO Non-governmental organisation PA Protected Area: as defined in the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of 2003, NEMPAA). PES Present Ecological State SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SDF Spatial Development Framework (as required by the Municipal Systems Act for each Municipality) SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SeaPlan Colloquial term for Marine Systematic Conservation Assessment SoER State of Environment Report TSCA Terrestrial systematic conservation assessment UDM Ugu District Municipality Vu Vulnerable (IUCN Threat Status)
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WMA Water Management Area WWTW Waste Water Treatment Works (Sewage Works)
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2 2.1 General description of the study area
The word “Ugu” in isiZulu means “Coast”, which describes perfectly the location of the Ugu District Municipality (UDM) on the southern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coastline between Scottburgh in the north-east and Port Edward in the south. The UDM (DC 21) is one of the ten districts of KZN and shares borders with the Eastern Cape Province in the south along with the following three KZN District municipalities: Sisonke to the west, uMgungundlovu to the north and eThekwini Metro to the north-East (Figure 2). The UDM is approximately 5, 000 km2 in extent and is comprised of six Local Municipalities as summarised in the table below:
Local Municipality Area (km2) % of District Main Towns uMzumbe 1259.0 25 St. Faiths, Umzumbe Vulamehlo 959.9 19 Dududu, Braemar uMdoni 251.5 5 Umzinto, Scottburgh, Mtwalume uMuziwabantu 1089.8 22 Harding, Weza Hibiscus Coast 839.1 16 Hibberdene, Port Shepstone, Port Edward eZingoleni 648.2 13 Paddock, Izingolweni Totals 5, 047.5 100
Figure 2 Regional map of the Ugu District Municipality showing local municipalities within the UDM and the surrounding Districts.
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The town of Port Shepstone, which is located in the Hibiscus Coast LM, is the administrative centre of the District, with other main nodes of activity located within the primary coastal corridor and including towns such as Scottburgh, Hibberdene, Shelly Beach, Margate and Port Edward (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11). The main inland centres are predominantly administrative (service satellites) and include towns such as Dududu, Umzinto, St Faiths, and Harding.
2.2 Climate
The Ugu District experiences a warm sub-tropical climate, with most rainfall being experienced during the spring and summer months (October to March). The highest rainfall is typically experienced over December and January of any year. Climatic conditions vary greatly between the coast and inland, with conditions and temperatures associated with the coastal areas being moderated by the effects of the warm Indian Ocean. The mean annual precipitation along the coast ranges from 776mm/annum to 899mm/annum for the coastal towns of Port Shepstone and Port Edward respectively. For inland areas, precipitation is generally lower, with rainfall at Harding being about 712mm/annum. Figure 3 indicates the Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) for the District, showing clearly the precipitation range, with notably higher MAP experienced along the coast compared with areas inland.
High temperatures experienced during the summer season in particular, cause the potential for evaporation to be high across South Africa in general, which plays a significant role in reducing the volume of rainfall available for use by the environment. Average daily temperatures range from 90C to 220C during winter (July) and between 210C and 270C in summer (February) for the coastal areas. Inland areas experience a lower temperature range which varies from 50C to 190C during winter (July) and between 210C to 250C during summer (February). Source of information: http://www.saexplorer.co.za/south-africa/climate.
2.3 Landscape and Topography
The coastline of the Ugu District extends for roughly 112 kilometres between the towns of Scottburgh in the north and Port Edward in the south. Elevations across the District range from 0m (sea level) along the coastline to heights of nearly 1500m a.m.s.l further inland near Harding/Weza in the west. The general topography along the coastline is relatively gentle, changing dramatically as one proceeds inland towards the plateau, with undulating river valleys, deep gorges and steep hillslopes generally encountered. North facing slopes are characteristically warmer and drier than South facing slopes, which tend to be cooler and wetter, commonly providing favourable conditions for supporting indigenous forest vegetation in higher rainfall areas. Valley sides often exceed gradients of 40 %, and cliff faces are common within many of the river valleys. The general slope of the land is between 1:5 and 1:6 and is susceptible to soil erosion where it is not carefully managed (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11).
A digital elevation model (20m resolution DEM) of the District (shown inFigure 4) highlights the variation in topography within the District. The lowest variation in topography is associated with Local Municipalities (LM’s) situated along the coastal belt, and include the Hibiscus Coast LM and Umdoni LM. The remaining four LM’s are associated with a relatively moderate variation in topography, with the uMuziwabantu LM in the western section of the District containing areas with the highest regional elevations.
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Figure 3 Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) for the Ugu District (South African Atlas of Agrohydrology and Climatology, 2001)
Figure 4 Digital elevation model of the Ugu District (derived from a 20m DEM of KZN) 24 March 2014 - Version 2.0
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2.4 Geology and Geomorphology
The underlying geology of the Ugu District Municipality comprises a range of geological forms (Figure 5). These include the following geological groups:
Group Description and Location1 Natal Metamorphic Comprising Granite and Gneiss which occur along the coastline just south of Port Shepstone Province (1000 Ma) to Scottburgh in the north-east and inland towards Pietermaritzburg. Cambrian to Ordovician Natal Group Sandstones exhibiting structures that indicate sediments were transported and Natal Group (490 Ma) deposited by rivers. Fine-grained sandstones form resistant sandstone cliffs, giving rise to the table top topography seen at Oribi Gorge near Port Shepstone. Dwyka Group (300 Ma) The rocks overlying the Natal Group comprise a thick unit of Tillite that was deposited in a glacial environment by retreating ice sheets. Dwyka tillite occurs south of the Mkomazi River, inland from the Mtwalume River to the Ifafa River, south of the Mzimkulu River and north of the Mtentweni River. Tillite is mostly a very fine-grained, blue-grey rock comprised of clay matrix with inclusions (or clasts) of many other rock fragments. Tillite has a slight to moderate erosion rating. Ecca Group (250 Ma) Minor outcrops of Middle Ecca Shales and other Shales occur across the coastline. They have soils that are moderately productive with slight to moderate erosion levels. Drakensberg Group (180 Dolorite outcrops occur along the Mzumbe coast and in the vicinity of the Damba River. The Ma) soils are usually non-structured clay formations with loam. Unconsolidated Unconsolidated sediments of recent age occurring as a series of large coast-parallel dune sediments (recent age) complexes developed from Aeolian (wind-blown) deposits occurring along most of the coastline. Includes alluvial deposits found within estuaries and along river flood plains, providing soils that are organic-rich and therefore highly productive, ranging from sandy through loamy to clay deposits. As a result, many river floodplains characterised by alluvial soils are largely subject to extensive agricultural development pressure.
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Figure 5 Geological Map of the Ugu District.
2.5 Landuse and modification
Land use in the district comprises a mosaic of agricultural land under sugarcane, commercial forestry (mainly Pinus sp.), small holdings, urban centres, natural areas and degraded natural landscapes criss-crossed by transportation and telecommunication infrastructure. This has led to extensive modification of the natural landscape particularly along the coastal zone which is well developed with hard and bulk infrastructure as well as numerous tourism destinations (Figure 6). A summary of primary land-uses and their contribution to habitat modification is provided in Table 2.
The spatial pattern of development is constituted of three main development corridors: the primary corridor is the coastal spine of transport infrastructure and there are two secondary inland corridors - one following the national road from Port Shepstone through Harding and the other one starting from Scottburgh through Jolivet to the southern Drakensberg. Tertiary corridors include the St Faiths route, which transcends Umzumbe Local Municipality, and the route linking Scottburgh, Dududu, Mkhunya and the Sisonke District (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11). Light industry is focused around Port Shepstone, the Marburg area and Margate airport (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11). In terms of local mining operations, limestone is mined on a large scale within the marble delta at the confluence of the uMzimkhulu and uMzimkhulwana rivers (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11), with illegal sand mining activities occurring along many of the coastal rivers.
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Another striking features in the UDM is the extent to which sugar cane and smallholdings penetrate inland of the coastal zone (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11). Infestation with the alien invasive plant species is also a major threat to the natural environment and to various other aspects of the local economy including food security as they also invade agricultural and grazing lands.
Table 2 Primary land-uses contributing towards modification of natural habitat in the Ugu District. Land use type Extent (Ha) Extent (%) Agriculture 74 469 14.8% Mining 273 0.1% Grazing 78 964 15.6% Urban infrastructure 27 753 5.5% Forestry 46 945 9.3% Other 1 527 0.3% Total 229930 45.5%
Figure 6 Map indicating the extent of primary land-uses across the Ugu District (EKZNW, 2008a).
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2.6 Regional Conservation Context
The Ugu District is situated within the Maputaland-Pondoland Albany biodiversity ‘hotspot’, which includes much of the east coast of South Africa from the Eastern Cape Province up towards Mozambique in the north-east. The biodiversity “hotspot” comprises six of South Africa’s eight vegetation types and has unusually high levels of endemism: sand forest, three types of thicket, six types of bushveld, and five types of grassland are all restricted to the Maputaland-Pondoland Albany biodiversity hotspot. The area is also known for its remarkable succulent flora.
Today, only one quarter of this hotspot’s vegetation Box 2 BIODIVERSITY ‘HOTSPOTS’ remains pristine, largely due to the impacts of local urbanisation, resort and golf course development, agriculture, forestry, illegal wildlife harvesting for A Biodiversity ‘Hotpspot’ is a region that has at least 1,500 species of endemic plants (species that only medicines and trade, firewood harvesting, soil erosion, occur in that region) and that has lost at least 70% of overgrazing, bush encroachment and invasive alien its original vegetation. Interestingly, an estimated plant species. 25% of vertebrate species are found in hotspots and nowhere else on the earth. Globally, there are 34 Source of information: biodiversity hotspots, home to more than 1.9 billion people, many of whom depend directly on healthy http://cap.org.za/oid/downloads/south_african_hotspo lands for their livelihoods and well-being. South ts.pdf Africa has three of these hotspots: The Cape Floral Kingdom; Succulent Karoo and Maputaland- Pondoland Albany hotspots. (Source of information: http://cap.org.za/oid/downloads/south_african_hots 2.6.1 Hydrology and important aquatic pots.pdf). ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems comprise the living organisms and the non-living components of the water system, and include rivers, wetlands, lakes, ground water, estuaries and the marine environment. These systems are usually inter-related, meaning that activities impacting on one part of an ecosystem (such as the headwaters of a river catchment) can have consequences elsewhere (e.g. wetlands downstream). As South Africa is considered a water-scarce country, our limited aquatic resources are Map showing the extent of the Maputaland- falling under increasing pressure as a result of Pondoland Albany biodiversity ‘hotspot’ competing water uses and ever-increasing demand. This clearly signifies how critical it is to ensure the efficient use of water and protection of the aquatic environment in general.
2.6.1.1 Rivers
The major perennial rivers such as the Mtamvuna and Mzimkhulu have formed prominent steep-sided river valleys that extend a considerable distance inland to drain the western inland regions of the District. These two rivers are also free flowing (lacking significant impoundments) which is significant given the levels of impoundment in most South African rivers. Apart from these large rivers, a network of smaller perennial rivers drain the eastern portions of the district while a number of relatively short rivers and concentrated along the coastline (Figure 7). The sub-quaternary catchments for the Mzimkhulu, Mtamvuna and portions of the Mtwalume catchment have been identified as National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) which are a priority for meeting national aquatic conservation targets (CSIR, 2010). Despite the current levels
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Table 3 Details of major rivers in the Ugu District. Major River Name Type River Length (km) River Condition Free Flowing River (NFEPA) (NFEPA) aMahlongwa Perennial 33.6 B Yes iFafa Perennial 64.1 C Goxe Perennial 1.5 B Yes iLovu Perennial 37.5 C Mbizana Perennial 32.1 C Mkomazi Perennial 69.2 A/B Yes Mpambanyoni Perennial 73.2 B Yes Mtamvuna Perennial 144.1 B Yes (Flagship FFR) Mtwalume Perennial 59.1 A/B Mzimkhulu Perennial 130.5 B Yes (Flagship FFR) Mzimkhulwana Perennial 141.9 A/B Mzinto Perennial 35.8 D Mzumbe Perennial 75.4 B Yes uMgababa Perennial 6.4 B Vungu Perennial 32.6 C Weza Perennial 43.0 A/B Yes (Flagship FFR)
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Figure 7 Map showing major perennial rivers, NFEPA rivers (CSIR, 2010) and primary catchments within the Ugu District.
2.6.1.2 Wetlands (freshwater)
The distribution of freshwater wetlands in the Ugu district is strongly linked with climate, with most wetlands occurring in higher rainfall areas. High densities of wetlands therefore occur along the coast (especially along the stretch between Umzumbe and Scottburgh) with fewer wetlands located inland, the exception being those within the forestry areas around Weza/Harding in the western parts of the District as well as north of Braemar in the north-east (Figure 8). Wetlands are generally heavily degraded as a result of intensive urban/housing developments along the coastal zone, formal agricultural practices including sugarcane farming and forestry as well as informal housing and associated subsistence cultivation. Details of the different wetland vegetation types and associated threat status is summarised in Table 4 and highlights the significant level of modification of wetland habitat (an estimated 62% of mapped wetland habitat in the District has been lost – realistically, this is likely to be even greater!). While none of these wetlands have been identified as provincial priority wetlands, a large portion of wetlands have been highlighted as Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (CSIR, 2010). A further point of interest is the general lack of major man-made dams at present.
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Table 4 Details of wetland vegetation types occurring within the UDM (Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2011). Historical Extent Extent % lost Threat Wetland vegetation type Area (Ha) (%) of Remainin within Status DM g (Ha) DM Alluvial Wetlands : Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation 1187.2 0.01 64.7 94.5% EN Alluvial Wetlands : Temperate Alluvial Vegetation 991.2 0.08 390.6 60.6% VU Alluvial Wetlands : Temperate Alluvial Vegetation : 0.00 9.4% 4.8 4.3 LT Midland Floodplain Grasslands Freshwater Wetlands : Eastern Temperate 0.00 52.0% 4.1 1.9 VU Wetlands Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater 0.01 81.2% 137.1 25.8 VU Wetlands Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater 0.01 18.4% 70.1 57.2 LT Wetlands : Short Grass/ Sedge Wetlands Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater 0.00 85.1% 17.1 2.5 LT Wetlands : Tall Grassland/ Sedge/ Reed Wetlands Subtropical Coastal Lagoons : Estuary 282.6 0.05 253.9 10.2% Marine Saline Wetlands 631.8 0.09 459.5 27.3% EN Total 3326.1 ha 0.25% 1260.8 ha 62%
Figure 8 Map showing the distribution of freshwater wetlands and estuaries within the Ugu District.
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2.6.1.3 Estuaries and the Marine environment
A total of forty estuaries are located within the Ugu District along the ca. 112km stretch of coastline between Scottburgh and Port Edward (Figure 8). The estuaries range in size from 0.01 ha to 72 ha and are all of the ‘Temporarily closed estuary’ type with the exception of the Mzimkhulu estuary which is classed as a ‘Permanently open’ estuary (Table 5). According to the South African National Biodiversity Assessment for 2011 (Turpie & Van Niekerk, 2012), the estuaries range in ecological condition from ‘Good’ to ‘Poor’, with the majority being in the ‘Fair’ to ‘Poor’ class. The Kaba, Ku-Boboyi and Zolwane have been flagged as FEPAs (Fresh Water Priority Areas) as part of the recent National Biodiversity Assessment.
Table 5 Details of estuaries in the Ugu District.
Estuary Name Type Condition (Turpie & EKZNW Priority Van Niekerk, 2012). Estuary Bilanhlolo Temporarily closed Fair Yes Boboyi Temporarily closed Fair Yes Damba Temporarily closed Good Yes Fafa Temporarily closed Good Yes Intshambili Temporarily closed Good - Kaba Temporarily closed Poor Yes (also NFEPA) Kandandhlovu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Kongweni Temporarily closed Poor Yes Koshwana Temporarily closed Poor Yes Ku-Boboyi Temporarily closed Poor Yes (also NFEPA) Kwa-Makosi Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mbango Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mbizana Temporarily closed Poor Yes Mdesingane Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mfazazana Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mhlabatshane Temporarily closed Fair - Mhlangamkulu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mhlangeni Temporarily closed Poor - Mhlungwa Temporarily closed Poor - Mkumbane Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mnamfu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mpambanyoni Temporarily closed Poor Yes Mpenjati Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mtamvuna Temporarily closed excellent Yes Mtentweni Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mtwalume Temporarily closed Poor Yes Mvutshini Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mvuzi Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mzimayi Temporarily closed Poor Yes Mzimkulu Permanently open Poor Yes Mzinto Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mzumbe Temporarily closed Poor Yes Sandlundlu Temporarily closed Good Yes Sezela Temporarily closed Fair Yes Tongazi Temporarily closed Good Yes Umhlangankulu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Uvuzana Temporarily closed Fair Yes 32 March 2014 - Version 2.0
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Estuary Name Type Condition (Turpie & EKZNW Priority Van Niekerk, 2012). Estuary Vungu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Zolwane Temporarily closed Good Yes (also NFEPA) Zotsha Temporarily closed Good Yes
2.6.2 Vegetation types
A range of vegetation types extend across the UDM and are grouped within three biomes, namely the Indian Ocean Coastal belt, Savannah biome inland of the coastal belt, and a small section of the grassland biome west of Harding and extending north towards Kokstad. Details of the vegetation types occurring in the UDM and their threat status are tabulated in Table 6, below and spatial shown in Figure 9. This table illustrates the high levels of modification of natural vegetation cover within the District, estimated roughly at 45% modification/loss of natural habitat2. Of particular significance, are the range of vegetation types currently classified as critically endangered due to excessively high levels of modification. Conservation of remaining viable3 remnants of these vegetation types is particularly important to secure biodiversity attributes characteristic of these areas.
Table 6 Details of terrestrial vegetation types occurring within the UDM (Scott-Shaw and Escott; 2011 & 2012).
Extent Provincial Historical Extent (%) % lost KZN Vegetation Name Remaining Threat Area (Ha) of DM within DM (Ha) Status Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland 4869 0.79 4003 17.8% VU Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland 63896 7.71 38935 39.1% VU Eastern Mistbelt Forests 3005 0.47 2353 21.7% EN Eastern Scarp Forests : Southern Coastal Scarp Forest 3110 0.58 2952 5.1% LT Eastern Valley Bushveld 65870 11.81 59629 958% LT KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland 124673 8.97 45294 63.7% CR KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Thornveld 53245 7.94 40081 24.2% VU KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Southern Mesic 4467 0.76 3830 143% CR Coastal Lowlands Forest KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Southern Moist 1882 0.33 1646 12.5% CR Coastal Lowlands Forest KwaZulu-Natal Dune Forests : East Coast Dune Forest 286 0.04 192 32.8% CR KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld 11152 1.93 9764 12.4% LT KwaZulu-Natal Hinterland Thornveld 474 0.09 466 1.8% LT KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld 9202 0.47 2375 74.2% CR Midlands Mistbelt Grassland 32948 1.09 5494 83.3% EN Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland 79506 7.38 37234 53.2% EN Pondoland Scarp Forests 4888 0.93 4712 3.6% LT Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld 37245 2.77 13973 62.5% CR Subtropical Seashore Vegetation 334 0.06 324 2.8% LT Swamp Forests : Voacanga thouarsii Swamp Forest 0 0.00 0 0.0% CR Total 501064 54.1% 273266 45%
2 This is based on the 2008 transformation layer (EKZNW, 2008). 3 It must be noted that EKZNW doesn't consider grassland fragments <4h as representing viable patches for vegetation conservation. Such areas were therefore excluded from the systematic conservation planning process used to prioritize areas for conservation action. 33 March 2014 - Version 2.0
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Figure 9 Map showing vegetation types (Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2012) after modification
Box 3 THREATENED ECOSYSTEMS IN UGU A national process has also been undertaken to identify and list threatened ecosystems. Threatened Ecosystems Interior South Coast Grasslands are those ecosystems (in this case defined as a vegetation Ugu has numerous grassland areas, many of which type) that are currently under threat of being modified by are threatened ecosystems such as the interior other land uses. The first national list of threatened south coast grasslands (considered to be Critically Endangered) situated inland off the coast. These terrestrial ecosystems for South Africa was gazetted on 9 are considered to be priority areas for meeting December 2011 (National Environmental Management: explicit biodiversity targets, with high Biodiversity Act: National list of ecosystems that are irreplaceability and high threat levels. Twenty four threatened and in need of protection, G 34809, GN 1002, threatened or endemic plant and animal species have been documented for this specific threatened 9 December 2011). The Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) ecosystem type. provides for listing of threatened or protected ecosystems, in one of four categories: critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), vulnerable (VU) or Threatened protected. grassland area outside of Harding According to the draft list of threatened ecosystems (SANBI, 2011), a total of 16 threatened ecosystems occur within the Ugu District, covering almost half of the district area (Table 7 and Figure 10). Of these ecosystems, three
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are considered critically endangered (12% of cover), six are endangered (6% of cover) and the remaining seven are considered to be vulnerable (30% of cover).
Table 7 Threatened ecosystem types and extent of cover occurring within the district (SANBI, 2011) ECOSYSTEM STATUS EXTENT Ha % Critically Endangered 59, 491 12 Interior South Coast Grasslands 51, 513 10.2 Margate-Pondoland-Ugu Sourveld 2, 903 0.6 Southern Coastal Grasslands 5, 075 1.0 Endangered 29, 887 6 Bazini Forest Complex 963 0.2 KZN Sandstone Sourveld 2, 038 0.4 Ntimbankulu Forest 714 0.1 Oribi-Port Edward-Ugu Sourveld 20, 201 4.0 Sihleza 743 0.1 Southern Weza State Forest 5, 228 1.0 Vulnerable 150, 842 30 Eastern Scarp Forest 922 0.2 Harding East 1, 371 0.3 Harding West 834 0.2 KZN Coastal Belt 60, 816 12 Midlands Mistbelt Grassland 3, 652 0.7 Ngongoni Veld 82, 322 16.3 Pondoland Scarp Forest 925 0.2 Total Extent Threatened 240, 220 48%
Figure 10 Map showing the status of unmodified threatened ecosystems in the Ugu District (SANBI, 2011) 35 March 2014 - Version 2.0
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The purpose of listing threatened ecosystems is primarily to reduce the rate of ecosystem and species extinction by preventing further degradation and loss of structure, function and composition of threatened ecosystems (SANBI, 2011). There are four main types of implications of listing ecosystems: Planning related implications which are linked to the requirement in the Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) for listed ecosystems to be taken into account in municipal IDPs and SDFs; Environmental authorisation implications in terms of NEMA and the EIA regulations; Proactive management implications in terms of the National Biodiversity Act; Monitoring and reporting implications in terms of the Biodiversity Act.
With the most highly threatened ecosystems (Critically endangered ecosystems shown in “Red” in Figure 7) being located along the Ugu coastal strip (by far the most intensively developed area within the UDM), this has significant implications for future development and planned expansion of land use activities within the coastal zone. Environmental Authorisation for example is required for certain development/land use activities in terms of NEMA, with the current EIA Regulations comprising three lists of activities that require environmental authorisation: Listing Notice 1: activities that require a basic assessment (R544 of 2010); Listing Notice 2: activities that require scoping and environmental impact report (EIR); and Listing Notice 3: activities that require a basic assessment in specific identified geographical areas only.
According to Activity 12 in Listing Notice 3, the clearance of 300m2 or more of vegetation within any listed critically endangered or endangered ecosystem4 will trigger at least a basic assessment in terms of the EIA regulations. Note that a basic assessment report in terms of the EIA regulations is triggered only in remaining natural habitat within each ecosystem and not in portions of the ecosystem where natural habitat has already been irreversibly lost.
2.6.3 Species of special concern – flora & fauna
This section is not intended to represent a comprehensive review of the species of fauna and flora found within the district. Rather, it presents a summary of existing available information on threatened species and species of special conservation concern and significance based primarily on records as provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (See Appendix 3 & 4 for species lists). The conservation status of species for all taxa groups is indicated using categories5 determined by the IUCN or International Union for Conservation of Nature (SANBI, 2009 & IUCN, 2011). This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, with the main purpose of the IUCN Red List to catalogue and highlight those taxa that are facing a higher risk of global extinction.
4 Note that the Listing Notice currently only applies to the threatened ecosystems identified nationally (SANBI, 2011). As such, such activities planned within areas classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered in the provincial vegetation map EKZNW (2008b).that fall outside of those areas identified in the national coverage therefore do not necessarily trigger the same environmental authorization process. This said, the provincial vegetation map is both more detailed than the national product, and the classification stated is based on more recent data. 5 IUCN Categories (2011): CR – Critically Endangered: extremely high risk of extinction in the wild EN – Endangered: very high risk of extinction in the wild VU – Vulnerable: high risk of extinction in the wild NT – Near Threatened: does not currently qualify for a Threatened category but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify in one of those categories in the near future 36 March 2014 - Version 2.0
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PLANTS Box 4 SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN - The District is home to a variety of plant species, many ORIBI of which are considered to be either endangered or rare. One Critically Endangered species exists: Turraea Oribi (Ourebia oribi) are the largest of the streyi (Dainty leaved Honey-suckle Bush) is known to “small” antelope, typically inhabiting open occur in the UDM, together with an additional 15 grasslands, preferring habitats with short Endangered plant species (SANBI, 2009). In addition, 22 grasses on which to graze, interspersed with species are considered Near-Threatened with additional taller grass patches which provides cover 22 species classified as Rare (EKZNW, 2011e). from predators and the elements. They also make use of cultivated areas such as sugarcane and pastures where such areas are MAMMALS associated with suitable natural habitat. Of the mammals occurring in the UDM, only the Rough- Priority areas for Oribi in the UDM are located around Oribi George protected area. haired golden mole (Chrysospalax villosus dobsoni) is considered Critically Endangered. Oribi (Ourebia ourebi) Oribi are endangered in South Africa, with the is Endangered species and an additional four species are largest populations occurring in the considered vulnerable. Drakensberg fringes and KZN Midlands. Oribi populations in many areas are threatened by FISH habitat destruction or change through human activities such expanding settlements, A range of threatened fish species occur in the UDM. commercial forestry, intensive commercial Three goby species, together with the freshwater mullet farming, poor veld burning practices, and (Myxus capensis) are regarded as Rare while the erosion. Added to this are illegal hunting and Duckbill sleeper (Butis butis) is classified as Vulnerable. inappropriate land management.
INVERTEBRATES Three rare butterfly species including the bicoloured skipper, Pondo Charaxes and Whitish Amakosa Rocksitter have been recorded in the UDM. The Trumpet-mouthed hunter snail (Gulella salpinx) also occurs here and is considered Critically Endangered. Other important invertebrate species include the Oribi (Ourebia oribi) – Oribi Gorge Nature Keyhole hunter snail (Gulella claustralis) and Strong Reserve black millipede (Doratogonus infragilis), both classified Endangered species.
Table 8 Summary of the threat status of animal species in UDM (EKZNW, 2011f). SUMMARY OF STATUS CLASS Critically Endangered Near Vulnerable Rare Total Endangered threatened Mammals 1 1 3 4 Nil 9 Birds 2 2 23 17 Nil 44 Amphibians 1 2 1 1 Nil 5 Reptiles Nil Nil Nil 1 Nil 1 Invertebrates 1 2 Nil 2 3 8 Fish Nil Nil Nil 1 5 6 Total 5 7 27 26 8 73
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BIRDS Bird species using the area include the Critically Box 5 SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN - BLUE Endangered Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) and SWALLOW Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus). Two additional species, the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus The Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) is a robustus) and Spotted Ground-thrush (Zoothera rare and localised intra-African migrant, guttata) are considered endangered, while an regarded as Critically Endangered in South additional 17 species considered Vulnerable also occur Africa. Residing in areas of high rainfall with in the study area. short montane grassland, the population is facing extinction if their breeding and non- breeding habitats cannot be urgently secured REPTILES according to the Endangered Wildlife Trust's While a wide range of reptile species occur within the (EWT) Threatened Grassland Species UDM, the Southern African Rock Python (Python sebae Programme, which has taken on the task of natalensis) is the only known threatened species reversing the rapid decline of this threatened (classified as Vulnerable). species. According to the EWT, four known regional populations of Blue Swallow have already become extinct in South Africa in the AMPHIBIANS past decade, with the South African population There are at least 3 noteworthy species of frogs currently consisting of fewer than 38 known occurring in UDM. The Mistbelt Moss Frog breeding pairs, with 35 of these situated in (Anhydrophryne ngongoniensis) is classified as Critically KwaZulu-Natal. The total global population is Endangered in South Africa. Two additional species, the estimated to be 1 000 breeding pairs, although Kloof frog (Natalobatrachus bonebergi) and Long-toed this data is currently being reviewed. frog (Leptopelis xenodactylus) are Endangered.
The EWT consider a focus on the conservation of their habitat and long-term monitoring to determine population trends is essential, and 2.6.4 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) that if such If radical intervention is not initiated, the Blue Swallow is likely to be The Important Bird Areas (IBA) Programme is one of completely extinct in South Africa within the BirdLife International's most important conservation next decade. initiatives. The IBA Programme identifies and works to conserve a network of sites critical for the long-term survival of bird species that are globally threatened, have a restricted range, are restricted to specific biomes/vegetation types and sites that have significant populations of birds. The South African IBA Programme is coordinated by BirdLife South Africa, with the purpose being the identification and protection of a network of conservation sites, at a bio geographical scale, critical for the long-term viability of naturally- Blue Swallow chicks (source: occurring bird populations6. http://www.graphicmail.co.za/new/viewnewsl etter2.aspx?SiteID=27316&SID=14&Newsletter BirdLife South Africa intends to verify and refine the ID=378647) boundaries of IBAs over time with data such as that
being captured through the South African Bird Atlas
(SABAP) project. Details of the IBAs occurring within the study area are summarized in Table 9.
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Table 9 List of IBA sites in the Ugu District (BirdLife SA, 2012). IBA/Code Protection Status IBA trigger species Kwazulu-natal Mistbelt Forests Partially protected Bush Blackcap - Lioptilus nigricapillus (NT) (SA071) Kwazulu-natal Mistbelt Unprotected Southern Bald Ibis - Geronticus calvus (VU) Grasslands (SA078) Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres (VU) Blue Crane - Grus paradise (VU) Wattled Crane - Grus carunculatus (CEN) Blue Swallow - Hirundo atrocaerulea (CEN) Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve Fully protected Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres (VU) (SA085) Spotted Ground-thrush -Zoothera guttata (EN) Umtamvuna Nature Reserve Fully protected Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres (VU) (SA086) Black Harrier - Circus maurus (VU) Knysna Woodpecker -Campethera notate (NT) Spotted Ground-thrush - Zoothera guttata (EN)
2.6.5 Important ecological processes and services
Biodiversity encompasses not only all living things, but also the series of interactions that sustain them, which are termed ‘ecological processes’. The Ugu District is important for supporting a range of ecological processes that are considered crucial in ensuring the long-term persistence of biodiversity in the region.
Human welfare and economic development is also heavily reliant on our natural ecosystems. The associated ecosystem services contribute significantly to the local and regional economy, as well as health and well- being of human populations, especially in the context of climate change. Key ecological services include:
Erosion control; Carbon sequestration; Stream flow regulation; Flood protection; and Water quality enhancement.
While all natural areas provide some benefits to society, protection and rehabilitation of wetlands, river floodplains and riparian habitats is considered vitally important for reducing the magnitude of flood events and regulating hydrological processes such as storm water runoff. Preventing degradation of important catchment areas and ensuring sustainable use of erosion prone areas is also required.
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SPECIES MOVEMENT, CORRIDORS AND CONNECTIVITY Box 6 WHAT ARE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT? Maintaining connectivity between natural areas is considered critical for the long term persistence of both ecosystems and species, in the face of human development and global ‘Ecosystem Services’ refer to the goods and climatic change. High levels of infrastructural and agricultural benefits people obtain from natural development within the District restrict the connectivity of ecosystems. Various different types of ecosystems provide a range of ecosystem ecosystems within the region. Not only does this restrict the services. In essence, human survival is entirely movement of plant/animal species along west-east gradients dependent on the delivery of ecosystems along the coast, but also along altitudinal gradients. services, yet the reality is that many of these services are often taken for granted. In order to allow for shifts in species ranges in response to Terrestrial ecosystems such as natural forests for instance, provide for carbon sequestration climate change, the CBA Map has identified coast-to-interior and the air we breathe. Likewise, aquatic corridors linking inland mountains and coastal areas designed ecosystems such as rivers and wetlands to allow for species to migrate towards cooler, higher altitude provide water supply, flood attenuation and areas as well as coastal corridors that both buffer the land habitat for a range of aquatic biota. Globally, wetlands cover an estimated 6% of the earth’s from the impacts of climate change (e.g. sea level rise) and terrestrial surface and contain around 12-14% allow species to migrate along the coastline. The focus of the of the global terrestrial biosphere carbon pool, terrestrial corridors on ridgelines is to ensure that local thus making them important players in the altitudinal gradients are also present, thus allowing for global carbon cycle and in combating the potential refuge sites for habitats and non-mobile species impacts of climate change (Erwin, 2009). alike.
CLIMATE CHANGE Global climate change is recognized as being a threat to the continued existence of species and natural ecosystems and is considered one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Some of the predictions of possible consequences Intact wetland associate with future climate change include: Local sea-level rise; Many of these services have been undermined Increased temperatures that may result in increased by modification and historic use, with very few fire frequencies; intact wetlands still remaining. Securing intact wetland ecosystems and rehabilitating key Increased land degradation and spread of invasive areas is required to mitigate and compensate alien plants; for current and future impacts to these Increased flood risk (and associated waterborne ecosystems. diseases); and
Increased water shortage risk.
Forests, woodlands, wetlands and even grassland ecosystems play a role in carbon sequestration and thereby combating climate change as a result of increasing carbon emissions worldwide. One of the most effective ways to mitigate against the impacts of climate change at the local level, is ensure the protection of intact key natural habitats in an ecologically viable configuration, as would be achieved by safeguarding Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas as defined in this report. Decision makers and planners in the Ugu District can effectively assist in this regard by integrating the CBA Map and associated land-use guidelines into local land-use planning. Although the role of the District is small in the global context, it is important to consider the cumulative contribution that all areas can have towards climate change mitigation.
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2.6.6 Protected areas and other conservation Box 7 BIODIVERSITY STEWARDSHIP areas In KZN, at least 80% of the important A total of eight terrestrial formally Protected and one biodiversity lies outside formally protected marine Protected Area (Aliwal Shoal) occur within the areas, on privately or communally owned land. The Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, UDM (Table 10 and Figure 11). These range in extent initiated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and now from 17 ha (Skyline Nature Reserve) to over 12, 000 ha managed by Wildlands Conservation Trust, (Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area). helps to secure some of these areas for long- term biodiversity conservation while maintaining the productivity of the landscape Box 8 UGU PROTECTED AREAS for landowners as well.
Protected areas are areas of land that are Stewardship processes identify land of critical protected by law under the National importance for biodiversity conservation and/or Environmental Management: Protected Areas the provision of ecosystem services and Act (Act 57 of 2003), and as a result are encourage private and communal landowners managed for the conservation of biodiversity. to engage in biodiversity conservation and other sustainable land use practices. They maintain ownership of their land, receive guidance and management assistance, and are supported to diversify their land-based activities to create sustainable livelihoods.
One of the target stewardship sites is the Red Desert Nature Reserve outside of Port Edward, reputed to be the smallest desert in the world, being a mere 11ha in size. The surrounding grasslands, forests and wetlands are home to a number of rare endemic plants. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve – the sandstone cliffs here are thought to be over 365 million years old
The protected area network in South Africa is deemed to be currently inadequate for sustaining biodiversity and ecological processes. In response to this concern, protected area expansion strategies have been developed at both national and provincial level, with KZN ‘Red Desert’ Nature Conservation Area, Port needing to secure an additional 9% in order to Edward (Source: fulfil its national mandate. It is hoped that http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/port- funding will be forthcoming to allow new areas edward/waterfall/red-desert-nature- to be secured in line with international conservation-area.aspx) guidelines and best-practice.
A number of informal conservation areas also exist, which are areas of land not formally protected by law but informally protected by the current land owners. These areas include community conservation areas, privately-owned reserves, game ranches and areas previously designated as Natural History Sites and Sites of Conservation Significance.
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Table 10 Formal Protected Areas within the Ugu District. Site Date Proclaimed Extent (Ha) Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1950) 1745.7 Skyline Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1986) 17.1 Mbumbazi Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1986) 2022.9 Mehlomnyama Nature Reserve (Managed by DWA) Formally Proclaimed (1908) 160.6 Umtamvuna Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1971) 2653.0 Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1973) 2188.9 Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area Formally Proclaimed (2004) 12461.5 Mpenjati Nature Reserve Established by EXCO 94.9 Resolution (1985) Trafalgar Marine Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1979*) ~552 * Based on Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act number 18 of 1998)
Figure 11 Map showing the location of formally Protected Areas and other conservation areas in the Ugu District.
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3
The primary purpose of characterizing the Ugu District’s biodiversity profile is to spatially identify and delineate key areas of regional biodiversity significance and importance for the conservation of biodiversity in order to guide sustainable development within the District. This process incorporated biodiversity planning criteria and mapping principles from other examples where biodiversity sector plans have already been developed (e.g. uThukela and Zululand Districts in KZN; Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities in Western Cape; Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng and the Namakwa District in Northern Cape). Table 11 below summarizes the key biodiversity land management categories/classes which have most significance for biodiversity planning and management at the municipal level. The land use/management categories used in the biodiversity mapping are consistent with those being developed and applied regionally by EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, 2014).
Table 11 Descriptions of the various CBA map categories for the Ugu BSP. Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) - Crucial for supporting biodiversity features and ecosystem functioning and are required to meet conservation targets
Areas considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which are Critical Biodiversity required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality Areas: Irreplaceable of ecosystems.
Areas that represent an optimised solution to meet the required biodiversity Critical Biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding areas where the risk of biodiversity loss is high Areas: Optimal Category driven primarily by process but is also informed by expert input.
Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) - Functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the critical biodiversity areas
Functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the Ecological Support persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the Areas (ESAs) critical biodiversity areas. The area also contributes significantly to the maintenance of ecological infrastructure. Ecological Support Terrestrial modified areas that provide a support function to a threatened or protected Areas: Species Specific species, for example agricultural land.
Base categories
Protected Areas are limited to formally Protected Areas declared under NEMPA. Such areas form the backbone of the conservation network and are critical in their contribution Protected Areas to the achievement of conservation objectives in the Province.
All other natural areas not already included in the above categories. Other Natural Areas
Areas with no significant natural vegetation remaining and therefore are attributed to having a low biodiversity value. Includes modified lands such as areas under cultivation Modified (intense agriculture), forestry plantations, mining, urban landscapes, infrastructure and dams.
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3.1 Methodology
The biodiversity profile of the Ugu District was developed through a detailed GIS spatial mapping procedure aimed at defining areas that support terrestrial, aquatic, estuarine and marine biodiversity (i.e. CBAs and ESAs). Biodiversity areas were identified and mapped based on a hierarchy of conservation importance as defined for each of the CBA map categories.
A Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to integrate the available spatial biological datasets into a composite profile for the Ugu District. In developing the biodiversity profile, the existing protected area network, together with results of the systematic conservation assessments undertaken by EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) were used as a starting point for identifying areas of conservation importance. A range of additional datasets were then integrated and used to supplement these datasets (See Appendix 1). This included readily available data sources together with additional focused mapping which included (i) a refinement of the available wetland mapping and (ii) capture of local-level priorities7 through stakeholder engagement. The latter was developed through a stakeholder workshop held on 10th May at Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve and subsequent bilateral discussions with biodiversity sector representatives8 from details of the spatial datasets produced in the compilation of the CBA map (included in Appendix 1) while the criteria used to define various CBA map categories is included in Appendix 2.
3.2 Assumptions and limitations
The Biodiversity Sector Plan for UDM serves as the primary biodiversity informant to a range of planning processes. However, it is important to recognize that the plan does not replace these planning and decision- making processes and does not in itself grant or limit land-use rights. Furthermore, the biodiversity sector plan has limitations, which although they do not restrict the application of the plan, need to be recognized and appropriately accommodated when using the plan: The Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) does not replace the need for site assessments, particularly for EIAs and land-use applications. The plan does not remove the need for on-site verification of the identified Critical Biodiversity Areas. A suitably qualified specialist should be consulted to interpret areas in relation to the CBA Maps. Confirmation through a site visit (i.e. ground-truthing) is essential in all cases. The spatial accuracy of the information presented is inherently limited by the accuracy of the biodiversity databases used to develop the map. Mapping accuracy varies from approximately 1:2000 through to approximately 1:10 000 scale (for species records and vegetation types respectively). The plan was developed using appropriate methods and the best available data at the time of its development. Cognisance must be taken of the fact that the information content of the CBA map is limited by the depth of knowledge on the distribution of biodiversity in the district captured in electronic databases. Key aspects such as the distribution of threatened species remain relatively poorly understood and incomplete and thus influence the accuracy of the final product. “Other Natural Areas”: Under the Other Natural Areas category, it is still important to check for special biodiversity features (e.g. wetlands or species of special concern). Since knowledge of wetlands and species of special concern is incomplete, it is critical to verify that these do not occur on the site.
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The BSP provides information on biodiversity, and must be used in conjunction with other land-use or town and regional planning application procedures. CBA maps do not grant or take away land-use rights; they are simply intended to inform appropriate proposed land-use changes. The BSP is designed to be a forerunner for a Bioregional Plan in terms of Chapter 3 of NEMBA. It must undergo further legal, administrative and public consultation procedures in order to qualify as a formally published Bioregional Plan. This said, in lieu of a Bioregional Plan yet being developed, it is considered best practice to consult a BSP when developing other spatial planning tools. On-going changes in land-use as well as changes in biodiversity, may impact on the identified CBA network and it is likely that additional CBAs will be designated when the plan is revised due to these changes. Should the BSP be used as the basis for a bioregional plan, it is envisaged that the plan will be revised every 5 years in accordance with national guidelines (DEAT, 2009). The development of this plan was based on the best available data. It should be noted that in most cases, no/limited ground-truthing of data was performed. Whilst specialist input from scientists, ecologists and local conservancies in the District has been integrated into the plan, this was based primarily on a single focused stakeholder workshop and limited engagement with local conservancies. This input was therefore limited by time and budget constraints. Heritage information was not formally required for inclusion into the biodiversity assessment and planning.
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Figure 12 Map showing Terrestrial CBAS and ESAs for the Ugu District Municipality
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3.3 Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs)
Critical Biodiversity Areas are natural or near natural landscapes that are considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which safeguard areas required for the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality of ecosystems.
The CBA areas are described below in terms of terrestrial and aquatic (which includes freshwater and marine) environs of the District. Detailed information of features found within the identified CBA areas (terrestrial and aquatic) can be obtained from EKZNW via the email address [email protected].
3.3.1 Terrestrial CBAs
Terrestrial CBAs within the District were mapped and defined according to the following data (see also Appendix 2): Critical Biodiversity Area Irreplaceable (TSCA). Critical Biodiversity Area Optimal (TSCA). Critical Biodiversity Area Irreplaceable Linkages. Critically Endangered category from the National threatened Ecosystems. Critically Endangered and Endangered category from KZN Threatened Ecosystems. CBA Irreplaceable and CBA Optimal derived from local and specialist knowledge.
The spatial distribution and extent of the terrestrial CBAs are shown in Figure 12, and the details of the spatial data used to derive the terrestrial CBAs are listed in Appendix 1.
3.3.2 Aquatic CBAs
Aquatic CBAs (which include both freshwater and marine areas) within the District were mapped and defined according to the following data (see also Appendix 2): Critical Biodiversity Area Irreplaceable (FSCA, ESCA & SEAPlan). Critical Biodiversity Area Optimal (FSCA, ESCA & SEAPlan). CBA Irreplaceable and CBA Optimal derived from local and specialist knowledge. Critical Biodiversity Area Irreplaceable Linkages (National Flagship Rivers & 30m buffer). All wetlands within FSCA and the 24 KZN priority wetlands. Perennial rivers in FSCA and all priority FEPA rivers. All perennial rivers associated with FEPA fish sanctuary areas. 30m buffer on identified CBA Irreplaceable & Optimal perennial rivers, perennial rivers associated with FEPA fish sanctuary areas, and priority FEPA Rivers. Nationally identified Priority Estuaries. KZN Priority Estuaries. Marine National Endangered and Critically Endangered habitat.
The spatial distribution and extent of the Aquatic CBA areas are shown in Figure 13. Details of the spatial data used to derive the aquatic CBA areas are listed in Appendix 1.
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Figure 13 Aquatic Map showing CBA and ESAs for the Ugu District Municipality
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3.4 Ecological Support Areas (ESAs)
Ecological Support Areas (or ESAs) are supporting zones that play an important role supporting the ecological functioning of critical biodiversity areas and/or in delivering ecosystem services and buffering protected areas and other CBAs from land use impacts. ESAs include Landscape and Local ecological corridors that allow for connectivity along altitudinal gradients between the coast and inland, west-east corridors along the coastal belt and linkages between CBAs. They also include key areas within largely modified landscape features that nevertheless contribute to the persistence of key threatened species.
The ESAs are described below in terms of the terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine) environs of the District. Detailed information of features found within the identified CBA areas (terrestrial and aquatic) can be obtained from EKZNW via the email address [email protected].
3.4.1 Terrestrial ESAs
The terrestrial ESAs within the District were mapped and defined according to the following data: (see also Appendix 2): Landscape and local corridors Ecosystem via expert input Species specific habitat requirements
The spatial distribution and extent of terrestrial ESAs are shown in Figure 12. Details of spatial data used to derive the terrestrial ESAs are listed in Appendix 1.
3.4.2 Aquatic ESAs The aquatic ESAs (which include freshwater and marine areas) within the u District were mapped and defined according to the following data (see also Appendix 2): Non perennial rivers in FSCA FEPA rivers, wetlands & wetland clusters Aquatic corridors – KZN priority/ flagship rivers. All remaining estuaries Specialist or expert input data Species specific habitat requirements 100m buffer on FSCA wetlands. 70m buffer on CBA perennial rivers , KZN Flagship Rivers & national Flagship Rivers 70m buffer on non perennial rivers. 500m buffer on FEPA priority wetland clusters & KZN priority wetlands. Marine Species migratory corridors Marine Key foraging areas (e.g. for turtles)
The spatial distribution and extent of aquatic ESAs areas are shown in Figure 13. Details of spatial data used to derive the terrestrial CBA area are listed in Appendix 1
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3.5 Ecological Infrastructure (EI)
Ecological Infrastructure (EI) is the functioning ecosystems, within landscapes, that provide environmental services which contribute positively to the economy and human welfare. Services provided include the promotion of water security through for example the provision of clean water and increased lifespan of dams; reduction in disaster risk through for example the control of flood intensities & coastal erosion; the prevention of soil loss, and climate regulation. The ecological infrastructure that provides such services includes healthy and well maintained wetlands, rivers, catchments, coastal dunes, grasslands and forests.
Ecological infrastructure is further described as the nature–based equivalent of hard infrastructure, which has an comparable importance for the underpinning of socio-economic development and which must be considered as a public good to be conserved for the benefit of future generations (SANBI's Grassland Programme, 2012).
The identification and mapping of ecological infrastructure within the KZN province is currently in its infancy and requires input from a number of sectors and levels of government. There are a range of ecological infrastructure categories that need to be considered, but initial focus has been placed on water production areas due to its importance within the biodiversity social and economic sectors, and the fact that South Africa is a water scarce country.
The water production EI areas determined within the biodiversity sector plans is based on work produced for KZN as a whole. The areas mapped represent (i) areas of high water production which are defined as areas receiving a net runoff,9 National Strategic Water Production Areas, and all wetlands not identified as a CBA or ESA (refer to Figure 14). It is proposed that further ecological infrastructure would be identified and mapped during the development of District Bioregional Plans, which are planned to commence within the next five year strategy plan period
Ecological Infrastructure (EI) includes functional features, habitats or landscapes that provide important ecological goods and services to society (i.e. water security, disaster relief, preventing soil loss and in maintaining or improving key services such as clean water for domestic and recreational use). Whilst Ecosystem Goods and Services can be derived from non-natural land-use practices, only naturally-derived EI is reflected in this context. Terrestrial and aquatic Ecological Infrastructure (EI) indicated in Figure 14 and discussed separately in more detail below.
3.6 District Biodiversity Sector Plan Map
The overall combined Critical Biodiversity Areas map for the Ugu District is shown in Figure 15 This indicates the location and extent of CBAs (Critical Biodiversity Areas) and ESAs (Ecological Support Areas).The associated land use guidelines of the categories reflected in this map are detailed within Section 4.
9 Net runoff was calculated for the summer rainfall period wherein crop evaporation was subtracted from the monthly median rainfall. All areas with runoff greater than 0mm were classified as high water production areas. All calculations were based on data obtained from Schutlze’s 2006 South African Atlas of Climatology and Agrohydrology. 50 March 2014 - Version 2.0
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Figure 14 Composite EI Map showing Ecological Infrastructure (EI) for the Ugu District Municipality
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Figure 15 Biodiversity Sector Plan Map of the Ugu District Municipality
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3.7 Cross links with adjacent Municipalities
It is an essential and legislated requirement (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998) that collaborative management between adjacent district municipalities ensures the sustainable protection and on-going consideration and management of CBAs, ESAs and biodiversity corridors that traverse municipal boundaries. When making land use planning decisions covering land in proximity to municipal boundaries, the adjacent municipality must be engaged, and their relevant biodiversity plan consulted, to ensure that biodiversity planning priorities within adjacent municipal areas are not compromised.
At the time of drafting the BSP for Ugu, BSPs covering adjacent districts were still in the process of being drafted (e.g. eThekwini Municipality) and thus were not available at the time of development of the Ugu BSP. These plans were therefore not consulted for use in the determination of CBAs, ESAs and biodiversity corridors that traverse municipal boundaries. Note that most of the datasets used in the compilation of CBA maps for the Ugu BSP were originally developed at a Provincial level and therefore address cross linkages with adjacent municipalities thus accounting for provincial scale process and pattern.
Any subsequent BSPs developed for districts adjacent to Ugu must take account of the CBA maps produced as an outcome of the Ugu BSP. Available biodiversity data was consulted however, pertaining to cross- municipal linkages in terms of biodiversity corridors, protected areas and features highlighted in the terrestrial systematic conservation plan for the Province (EKZNW, 2011h).
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4
The Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) for Ugu identifies areas in the District, within the terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments, which are critical for the conservation of Box 9 HOW TO USE THE CBA MAPS biodiversity (CBAs) as well as the support areas (ESAs) that maintain the processes and functions of these critical Below are the steps to follow when using areas. Activities within these areas, depending on the type the CBA Map to inform decisions regarding of activity and the level of biodiversity importance, may land-use applications: have significant detrimental impacts or could be considered as enhancing biodiversity conservation. In light STEP 1: Determine Biodiversity of the potential detrimental impact of various types of Category land use on biodiversity, it is proposed that the guidelines Determine the biodiversity category (aquatic/terrestrial, CBA, ESA, EI, Modified contained here be utilised by planners, consultants and Area, etc.) of the specific site/property developers to make informed land planning decisions under interrogation by consulting the CBA which actively take areas of high biodiversity importance Map and relevant GIS data. into account when considering land use management, planning and sustainable activities and/or resource usage within these biodiversity sensitive areas. Note that the STEP 2: Conduct Desktop Assessment guidelines cannot grant or take away existing land-use Conduct desktop biodiversity investigations rights or the statutory requirement for permits and to identify what biodiversity elements have environmental authorisations. It is, however, been used to define the biodiversity recommended that any planned activity within the category. Once identified, this will help to flag aspects that need to be verified at a identified sensitive conservation areas, even those not site-level. requiring specified permits or authorisations, comply with the Duty of Care obligations of Section 28 of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998). At a STEP 3: Site Assessment minimum, such activities should undergo an It is essential to conduct a site assessment environmental impact scoping process and the to ground truth and verify that the CBA development of an Environmental Management Map/GIS data used to develop the Programme (EMPr) to ensure mitigation and management Biodiversity Sector Plan is correctly of identified impacts. depicted (ie. spatially accurate representation of what occurs on the ground). Specialist assessments of the site Land Use Planning and Management Guidelines have been should be conducted according to the compiled separately for (i) the terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity features present which aquatic environments and (ii) the marine and inshore resulted in the site being classed as a CBA, environments. The land use guidelines presented have ESA, etc. been adapted from the Document describing the Conservation Planning Terms for the EKZNW Spatial Planning Products (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, 2014) STEP 4: Consult Land-Use Guidelines developed by EKZNW. The guidelines are qualitative Consult the Land Use guidelines within this statements concerning the desired level of biodiversity document to ascertain land use loss one is willing to accept within the various CBA map compatibility. categories and the types of land uses/activities that would be considered compatible or incompatible with the specific biodiversity conservation priorities for each of these categories. These guidelines are designed to be used in conjunction with the CBA maps for the Ugu District to better inform land use planning, decision making and environmental authorisations.
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In order to facilitate the integration of the identified biodiversity criteria/information into the more general town planning processes, a guideline matrix (Table 15 for terrestrial/aquatic environs & Table 17 for marine/inshore environs) has been developed by EKZNW to enable the cross-walking of the terminology from the different spatial planning sectors. Within the matrix table, the various columns contain possible land uses, with the scores assigned to each land use indicating whether the proposed land use is recommended, restricted or unsuitable for the site from the perspective of biodiversity conservation priorities in the District. The compatibility status for various different land use categories (Table 12, below) has been determined based on the desired management objectives of the conservation categories, the likely impact on the biodiversity, and the assumption that best practice land management practices and controls are implemented, as set out below in Table 13.
Table 12 Land-use compatibility status rating RATING COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION 1 Compatible activity Recommended 2 Potential activity Potential may exist depending on the existing land-use and potential, the current ecological state, and the sustainable nature of the development type in question. 3 Incompatible activity Not Recommended
Table 13 Land-use Management Practices and Controls LAND USE CATEGORY LAND USE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES/CONTROLS IN PLACE AGRICULTURE IRRIGATED CROP PRODUCTION Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Intensive and extensive crop Limit usage of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers production under irrigation Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Activities are managed by an Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Soil conservation and run-off control measures are in place EXTENSIVE CROP PRODUCTION Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Extensive areas of monoculture, such Limit usage of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers as sugar cane, maize, soya, wheat and Control of alien invasive species vegetables Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Activities are managed by an EMPr Soil conservation and run-off control measures are in place INTENSIVE CROP PRODUCTION Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Examples: Vegetables, avocado Limited modification levels and preferably located on existing modified pears/fruit orchards, nurseries, etc areas Low to no usage of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers Activities are managed by an EMPr Control of alien invasive species Soil conservation and run-off control measures are in place AGRI-INDUSTRY Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Beneficiation processes, examples Management of solid and liquid waste include saw mills, sugar mills, Limited modification levels and preferably located on existing modified abattoirs, factories for the processing area of dairy products, tanneries, charcoal Control of alien invasive species making, composting Activities are managed by an EMPr
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LAND USE CATEGORY LAND USE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES/CONTROLS IN PLACE EXTENSIVE ANIMAL PRODUCTION Game production adheres to stocking rates and species as per the Livestock and game production on conservation permits. If no such permit is required a faunal/floral natural veld specialist must undertake a carrying capacity assessment, and provide a management plan for off-takes and species composition Strict adherence to livestock stocking rates Sustainable management of the land, which should include alien clearing and a burn programme which enhance the ecological functioning of the grassland, and protection of wetlands and riparian areas Activities are managed by an EMPr INTENSIVE ANIMAL PRODUCTION Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Intensive commercial production e.g. Management of solid and liquid waste feedlots, poultry houses, piggeries, Control of alien invasive species crocodile farms, rabbits and dairies Activities are managed by an EMPr FORESTRY Activities have the legislated environmental permissions, include water Commercial plantation: use license in terms of National Water Act 36 of 1998 Pine, Wattle and Eucalypts Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Adhere to Sustainable Forestry certification requirements ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES & CONSERVATION AREAS ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCUTRE Control of alien invasive species Functioning ecosystems that deliver Manage for the improvement and maintenance of ecosystem services services to people and the environment. Also referred to as ecosystem goods and services CONSERVATION & STEWARDSHIP The main aim would be to manage for the improvement and Base activities: maintenance of biodiversity conservation values, environmental Wildlife production, alien clearing, land integrity and ecosystem services management The property is management in terms of a conservation agreement or Additional activities: mechanism, such as a Protected Area in terms of the Protected Areas Environmental education and low Act 15 of 2009, a stewardship type agreement, an appropriate land impact ecotourism such as hiking,, bird use zoning, or conservation servitude and game watching, as well as the Activities limited to very low modification levels and preferably sustainable harvesting of natural located on existing modified areas resources including fish, thatching grass, Activities have the legislated environmental and conservation reeds and wildflowers permissions Activities are managed by an EMPr MODIFIED OPEN SPACE Control of alien invasive species Modified passive and active open space Maintenance of ecological infrastructure which is managed as a public amenity, e.g. parks, sports fields and golf courses, country clubs, equestrian centers/race courses and polo fields
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LAND USE CATEGORY LAND USE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES/CONTROLS IN PLACE TOURISM LOW IMPACT/ECOTOURISM Activities limited to very low modification levels and preferably located Includes low intensity tourism on existing modified areas infrastructure such as those related to Activities have the legislated environmental permissions hiking trails, bird and game watching An environmental impact scoping process is undertaken to assess the and limit tourism accommodation sustainability of the project and determine if the project will not result in the loss of biodiversity Activities are managed by an EMPr Control of alien invasive species Green Building design utilised Management of solid and liquid waste
MEDIUM IMPACT TOURISM Activities to be located outside of sensitive ecosystems, such as river Includes medium intensity tourism beds, riparian zones and wetland buffers and preferably on existing related facilities such as backpackers modified areas accommodation, guesthouses, B&Bs, Activity is in keeping with rural and natural landscape lodges, small hotels and camping sites The remainder of the property is preferably managed in terms of a conservation agreement or mechanism, such as a Protected Area in terms of the Protected Areas Act 15 of 2009, a stewardship type agreement, an appropriate land use zoning, or conservation servitude Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Activities are managed by an EMPr An environmental impact scoping process is undertaken to assess the sustainability of the project and determine if the project will not result in the loss of biodiversity Green Building design utilised Control of alien invasive species Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Management of solid and liquid waste HIGH IMPACT TOURISM Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Includes high intensity tourism related Control of alien invasive species facilities such as resorts, hotels, golf Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas courses and eco-estates Green Building design utilised Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Management of solid and liquid waste INFRASTRUCTURE Includes airstrips, roads and railways, Activities have the legislated environmental permissions utilities and services, sewage works, Control of alien invasive species water works projects and catchments Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas transfer systems Activities are managed by an EMPr RURAL/TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT Includes a gradation of settlement Control of alien invasive species densities with the addition of a variety Activities located outside of sensitive ecosystems, such as river beds, of agricultural activities such as riparian zones and wetland buffers and preferably on existing modified cropping and grazing of livestock areas Maintenance of ecological infrastructure RESIDENTIAL Includes single and multiple Activities have the legislated environmental permissions residential units and small holdings, Control of alien invasive species but excludes traditional settlement Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Management of solid and liquid waste
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LAND USE CATEGORY LAND USE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES/CONTROLS IN PLACE MIXED USE This category includes conventional Activities have the legislated environmental permissions urban activities such as, retail, offices, Control of alien invasive species commercial workshops, places of Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas public amusement, restaurants, and Maintenance of ecological infrastructure warehouses. It further includes fuel Activities are managed by an EMPr filling stations, logistics hubs, and Management of solid and liquid waste transport focus points that cater for bus and taxi ranks, truck stops, etc CIVIC AND SOCIAL Category includes education, health, Activities have the legislated environmental permissions welfare, social services, places of Control of alien invasive species worship, cemeteries and memorial Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas parks Maintenance of ecological infrastructure INDUSTRY Category includes manufacturing and Activities have the legislated environmental permissions warehousing Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Management of solid and liquid waste Activities are managed by an EMPr INDUSTRIAL - EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY / Activities have the legislated environmental permissions QUARRYING AND MINING Control of alien invasive species Mineral extraction by underground Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas strip, opencast and quarrying, with Maintenance of ecological infrastructure related footprint of waste dumps, Activities are managed by an EMPr storage dumps, settlement ponds, processing and beneficiation
4.1 Guidelines for terrestrial and aquatic envrionments
Planning and management guidelines for terrestrial and aquatic environments (including watercourses, wetlands & estuaries) are presented below. The guideline provides land use management objectives for the range of conservation categories in Table 14, below. The land-use compatibility matrix for terrestrial and aquatic conservation categories is presented in Table 15.
Table 14 Land-use Objectives for Terrestrial and Aquatic Conservation Categories Map Category Guiding description of categories Land-Use Management Objective Protected Areas (PAs) Protected areas as declaration under NEMPA Maintain in a natural state with limited to no biodiversity loss Critical Biodiversity Areas Natural or near-natural landscapes that include terrestrial Maintain in a natural state with (CBAs) and aquatic areas that are considered critical for meeting limited to no biodiversity loss biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which safeguard areas required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species, and the functionality of ecosystems and Ecological Infrastructure (EI)* Critical Biodiversity Areas which are required to meet biodiversity Maintain in a natural state with Areas: Irreplaceable conservation targets, and where there are no alternative limited to no biodiversity loss sites available. (Category driven by species and feature presence)
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Map Category Guiding description of categories Land-Use Management Objective Critical Biodiversity Areas that are the most optimal solution to meet the Maintain in a natural state with Areas: Optimal required biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding limited to no biodiversity loss high cost areas as much as possible (Category driven primarily by process) ESA: Buffers Areas identified as influencing land-use management that Maintain or improve ecological are not derived based on biodiversity priorities alone, but and tourism functionality of a PA also address other legislation / agreements which the or WHS biodiversity sector is mandated to address, e.g. WHS Convention, triggers for EIA Regulations, etc. ESA: Protected Area Unless otherwise stated, this represents an area extending Maintain or improve ecological Buffer 5km from the PAs or where applicable PA specific and tourism functionality of a PA delineated buffers ESA: World Heritage Unless otherwise stated, this represents an area extending Maintain or improve ecological Site Buffer 10km from the WHS or where applicable area specifically and tourism functionality of WHS defined for WHS Terrestrial Ecological Functional but not necessarily entirely natural terrestrial Maintain ecosystem functionality Support Areas (ESAs) that are largely required to ensure the persistence and and connectivity allowing for maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological some loss of biodiversity processes within the Critical Biodiversity Areas. The area also contributes significantly to the maintenance of Ecological Infrastructure (EI)* Terrestrial Ecological Modified but area is providing a support function to a Maintain current land use or Support Areas: Species threatened or protected species rehabilitate back to functional specific ** natural area Aquatic Ecological Functional but not necessarily entirely natural aquatic Maintain ecosystem functionality Support Areas landscapes that are largely required to ensure the allowing for some loss of persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and biodiversity but without ecological processes within the Critical Biodiversity Areas. degrading Present Ecological The area also contributes significantly to the maintenance State (PES) category of Ecological Infrastructure (EI)* Natural Biodiversity Areas All natural areas not already included in the above Maintain basic ecosystem categories functionality Modified Areas with no significant natural vegetation remaining and Sustainable management therefore regarded as having a low biodiversity value (e.g. areas under cultivation)
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Key Ugu Biodiversity Sector Plan 1.Compatible activity Recommended 2.Potential activity Potential may exist depending on the existing land-use and potential, the current ecological state, and the sustainable nature of the development type in question. Table 15 Land-use Compatibility Guideline Matrix for Terrestrial & Aquatic 3.Incompatible activity Not Recommended
MIXED TRADITIONAL URBAN TRADITIONAL URBAN NON-URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND NON-URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT LAND-USE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTR
AGRICULTURE TOURISM CONSERVATION SERVICES Y
AREAS
OF OF
TOURISM
Conservation Category -
INDUSTRY
-
IRRIGATEDPRODUCTION CROP EXTENSIVEPRODUCTION CROP INTENSIVECROP PRODUCTION AGRI INTENSIVE PRODUCTION ANIMALSAND/OR ANIMAL PRODUCTS ***EXTENSIVEANIMAL PRODUCTION FORESTRY CONSERVATIONMANAGEMENT ANDSTEWARDSHIP ECOLOGICALINFRASTRUCTURE MODIFIEDSPACE OPEN IMPACT/ LOW ECO MEDIUMIMPACT TOURISM HIGHIMPACT TOURISM AIRSTRIP ROADSAND RAILWAYS UTILITIESAND SERVICES SEWERAGEWORKS WATERWORKS PROJECTS AND CATCHMENT TRANSFERS EXTRACTIVEINDUSTRY / QUARRYINGAND MINING INDUSTRY RURAL/TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE CIVIC AND SOCIAL
Terrestrial Protected Area 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Critical Biodiversity Area: Irreplaceable 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Critical Biodiversity Area: Optimal 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Ecological Support Areas 3 3 2 3 3 1 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 Ecological Support Areas: World Heritage
TERRESTRIAL 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 Site Buffers** Ecological Support Areas : Protected Area 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3
Buffers
* Critical Biodiversity Areas: Irreplaceable 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Critical Biodiversity Areas: Optimal 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
AQUATIC Aquatic Ecological Support Area 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Other Natural Areas 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Modified: Degraded natural 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Modified: Old cultivated lands 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Modified: Agriculture 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3
Modified/ Degraded Built-up / Settlement 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 * Aquatic refers to both the freshwater and estuarine environments; ** Areas identified as ESA: WHS Buffer Areas also tend to have an additional set of land-use guidelines which are intended to address World heritage Site Buffer requirements specifically; *** Assumption that all best land use practices are followed. Within PA, assumption that this is a land use management tool and only an option that is investigated where it is not possible to utilise indigenous game to achieve the desired outcome.
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4.2 Guidelines for marine and inshore environments
Planning and management guidelines for marine and inshore environments are presented below (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, 2014). The guideline provides land use management objectives for the range of conservation categories in Table 16, below. The land-use compatibility matrix for terrestrial and aquatic conservation categories is presented in Table 17.
Table 16 Land-use objectives for marine & inshore conservation categories Map Category Guiding description of categories Marine/shoreline Management Objective Marine Protected Areas: Statutory protected and conservation areas Maintain in a natural state with Sanctuary Zones (proclaimed marine reserves) limited or no biodiversity loss This zone aims to maintain biodiversity and ecological processes and to provide visitors with natural/spiritual/educational experiences in the marine environment. There is no extractive resource use except limited traditional subsistence harvesting in specified areas Marine Protected Areas: Statutory protected and conservation areas Maintain near-natural seascapes with Restricted Zones (proclaimed marine reserves) some loss of biodiversity pattern and This zone aims to conserve biodiversity and limited loss of ecosystem processes ecological processes and to provide visitors with a very exclusive high quality nature based outdoor experience in a marine environment. Certain activities such as catch and release pelagic fishing are permitted Marine Protected Areas: Statutory protected and conservation areas Maintain near-natural seascapes with Controlled Zones (proclaimed marine reserves) some loss of biodiversity pattern and This zone aims to restore and maintain the natural limited loss of ecosystem processes environment and ecological processes by providing an affordable, comfortable, informative, safe, enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreational experience in a relatively un-spoilt marine environment. This zone allows for a small amount of extractive resource use. Critical Biodiversity Areas that are considered critical for meeting Maintain in a natural state with Areas (CBAs) biodiversity targets and thresholds limited to no biodiversity loss Critical Biodiversity Area: Marine areas which are required to meet Maintain in a natural state with no Irreplaceable biodiversity conservation targets, and where there further biodiversity loss are no alternative sites available Critical Biodiversity Area: Areas that are the most optimal solution to meet Maintain in a near natural state with Optimal the required biodiversity conservation targets no further biodiversity loss while avoiding high cost areas as much as possible Marine Ecological Marine areas which are required for the Functional seascapes: manage marine Support Areas persistence and maintenance of marine environment to maintain basic biodiversity, examples of which are up welling ecosystem processes and functionality areas, fronts, eddies, and migration routes Other Natural Seascapes Remaining marine areas not located within any of Sustainable management the preceding categories
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Ugu Biodiversity Sector Plan - draft 1 January 2013 Key 1.Compatible activity Recommended Table 17 Land-use Compatibility Guideline Matrix for Marine & 2.Potential activity Potential may exist depending on the existing land-use and potential, the current ecological state, and the sustainable nature of the development type in question.
Inshore Conservation Categories (EKZNW, 2014) 3.Incompatible activity Not Recommended
Conservation Category
ll scale commercial seine seine commercial scale ll
harvesting
ational Tours (turtle tours, tours, (turtle Tours ational
active Recreational Pelagic Fishing (spear (spear Fishing Pelagic Recreational active
Conservation management and Stewardship and management Conservation Research Educ Shoreline trails) wilderness etc.) diving, shark watching, (whale tourism Eco beaches on Walking rocks on Walking Fossicking harvesting intertidal Subsistence fishing line Subsistence diving Scuba Snorkelling Boating Extr Non fishing) line fishing, line fishing, (spear Fishing Pelagic Recreational fishing) line fishing, (spear Fishing Bottom Recreational fishing) spear lining, (long Fishing Pelagic Commercial sma fishing, line fishing, netting) line fishing, (spear Fishing Bottom Commercial fishing) angling surf and Rock harvesting Intertidal trawling Crustacean fish of feeding or Chumming aquarium for products marine biota, of Collection trade oyster Commercial driving beach Controlled nets shark of Presence ski Jet areas diving Coelacanth drilling Offshore Marine Protected Areas Sanctuary Zone 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Marine Protected Areas Restricted B1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 Marine Protected Areas 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 Key1 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 Restricted B2 1.Compatible activity Recommended Marine Protected Areas 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2.Potential1 2 activity3 3 Potential3 may2 exist 3 depending3 2 on the3 existing 3 land -use2 and2 potential,3 2 the current3 Controlled ecological state, and the sustainable nature of the development type in question. Critical Biodiversity Area 3.Incompatible activity Not Recommended (Marine): Irreplaceable 1 1 1 2 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 Critical Biodiversity Area: Optimal 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 3
Marine Ecological Support Areas 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 Natural Biodiversity Seascapes 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1
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4.3 NFEPA Management Guidelines
Freshwater ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to human activities within river/wetland catchments and these activities can often lead to irreversible damage or longer term, gradual/cumulative changes to these ecosystems. Management of freshwater ecosystems should aim to prevent the occurrence of large-scale damaging events as well as repeated, chronic, persistent, subtle events which can in the long-term be far more damaging (e.g. as a result of sedimentation and pollution). Chapter 6 (pp 66-90) of the Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (Driver et al., 2011)10 includes freshwater ecosystem management guidelines, designed to be used in guiding decision making and specifically in addressing the management of FEPAs (Fresh Water Priority Areas) and their associated sub-quaternary catchments (note that guidelines for the management of estuaries are not presently included). The ecosystem management guidelines in Chapter 6 are likely to be especially useful for: Environmental Assessment Practitioners and officials reviewing EIAs; Officials and consultants involved in forward planning (e.g. stormwater management/placement of wastewater treatment works); Officials involved in setting conditions attached to licenses; and Anyone else involved in proactive conservation and rehabilitation programmes.
The guidelines link specific land-use practices and activities to three categories of stresses on rivers and wetlands and are aligned with the approach used in the Department of Water Affairs guidelines for setting and monitoring resource quality objectives. The recommendations given are general (i.e. they apply throughout the country) and can be used as the foundation for more detailed and regionally specific site assessments or management plans for particular river reaches, wetlands or sub-quaternary catchments.
10 Driver, A., Nel, J.L., Snaddon, K., Murray, K., Roux, D.J., Hill, L., Swartz, E.R., Manuel, J. and Funke, N. 2011. Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas. Report to the Water Research Commission. WRC Report No. 1801/1/11. June 2011.
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5 5.1 Timeframes
As land-use is dynamic, the CBA maps produced will need to be reviewed and updated according to inconsistencies and changes in land cover information, unavoidable loss of CBAs and ESAs and improved biodiversity knowledge becoming available. As the Biodiversity Sector Plan is to be used as a basis for Ugu District Bioregional Plan, it will need to be reviewed and updated (where necessary) every 5 years as a minimum requirement. EKZNW has under taken to review the KZN Land cover product every three years, along with the SCP products. A natural extension of this revision cycle will be a revision of the BSP as well. Responsibility for the update lies with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
5.2 Gaps in knowledge
The development of the Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Ugu District has been constrained by a number of factors including timeframes, available budget for development of the plan as well as available information resources and limited stakeholder representation and engagement. The authors are aware of gaps in knowledge that will influence the accuracy and level of detail of the final product. Such knowledge gaps include:
Local IDPs/SDFs which were largely unavailable; Level of modification of natural areas which is likely to be inconsistent with reality; Locations of species of conservation significance for which only limited data was available; Limited use of local knowledge which is considered critical for adding credibility and accuracy to the product; and Lack of verification and ground-truthing of data due to budgetary and time constraints.
Future updates of this plan will build on the baseline data presented in this plan. The accuracy of spatial data is therefore likely to improve with further revision and updating of this plan.
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6 6.1 Conclusion
The draft Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Ugu District Municipality has identified priorities for biodiversity conservation within the Ugu District. Land use guidelines have also been compiled in order to guide the effective and sustainable use and management of the District’s key biodiversity assets. Measures for effective management, review, monitoring and updating of the plan have also been recommended.
6.2 Key actions in the District
Modification of land has resulted in considerable loss of natural ecosystems, impacting on the ability of these areas to sustain species populations and their ability to deliver ecosystem services critical for human and societal well-being. The remaining biodiversity assets are under further threat due to a host of anthropogenic related activities associated with competing land uses, planned developments and expansion of agriculture as well as the continued threat of climate change which has been identified as one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide. In light of this, the following tasks and management recommendations are considered to be essential for conserving biodiversity and meeting targets for the District in the long term:
6.2.1 Sustainable land-use planning that is compatible with regional conservation objectives
Land use and town planners from District and Local Municipalities need to consult the Ugu BSP CBA map and land-use management guidelines in order to identify the biodiversity conservation status of land and in doing so, be proactive when it comes to town planning and handling development applications. The BSP should be used to inform the development of SDFs and IDPs, both at the District and Municipal levels. The biodiversity information should be used to guide the desired patterns of land- use and provide guidance as to the locations and nature of both development and conservation in SDFS. The plan should also be used to form the spatial focus of biodiversity conservation and protection projects identified in the IDP project phase. Novel approaches are required to integrate this information into areas under communal ownership to prevent ongoing degradation of these areas. Environmental authorizations (EIAs) to consult the Ugu BSP CBA map and land-use management guidelines in order to identify the biodiversity conservation status of land and determine land-use compatibility for development applications and activities. Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) need to be conserved and appropriately buffered from development and land use impacts, in consultation with EKZNW, DEA and DWA. Critical ecological corridors and linkages need to be preserved for the long-term and accounted for at all levels of planning. Collaboration between District Municipalities and Local Municipalities should be encouraged in situations where decision-making involves land within close proximity to District and Municipal borders.
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6.2.2 Protected Area Expansion
Only a very small area of the District enjoys some form of statutory protection. Measures should be taken to increase the number and/or size of protected areas within the formal Protected Areas network. Biodiversity stewardship programmes between EKZNW and private organizations/institutions should be encouraged for those biodiversity priority areas identified that do not currently fall within the protected areas network. Priority should be given to sites with high biodiversity values but which are also threatened by anthropogenic activities (see Thornhill, et al., 2013). This strategy was initially adopted by EKZNW in the development of the provincial Protected Areas Expansion Plan (2010a), though locally identified CBAs were not incorporated at that point. It is intended that the findings of this (and the other BSPs being developed around KZN) will be taken into account in the next revision of this coverage.
6.2.3 Biodiversity offsets
Where development proposals will result in irreversible biodiversity loss even after on-site mitigation, biodiversity offsets should be considered to compensate for the residual impacts of development. Best- practice guidelines for biodiversity offsets have been developed by EKZNW for the Province of KZN (EKZNW, 2010e). Importantly, for biodiversity offsets to contribute effectively towards the conservation of biodiversity in the Ugu District, sites should be strategically selected and located within ‘biodiversity offset receiving areas’ which in the context of the Ugu BSP refers to CBAs. Given the anticipated conflict between biodiversity conservation and development along the coastal zone, opportunities for proactively securing areas through a biodiversity banking approach should also be investigated. This would allow offset areas to be identified, rehabilitated and secured proactively which would have benefits for both conservation and developers.
6.2.4 Development of Metropolitan Open Space Systems (MOSS)
The development of a MOSS system provides a further opportunity to formalize the importance of remaining priority natural habitats and to provide additional incentives for sound management and disincentives for modification. Such an initiative would be most appropriate in areas along the coastal zone, subject to high development pressure. This would provide a stepping stone to rezoning of all Municipal and State land that falls within the MOSS as Public Open Space. Where land is allocated outside of town planning schemes, areas included in the MOSS could be classified as Environmental Management Areas. By requiring additional authorizations for development within such areas (as is the case in eThekwini Municipality), a greater level of control on development activities can be achieved. Areas included in the MOSS could potentially be formally secured in time through stewardship agreements and / or biodiversity offset initiatives (See 5.2.3). Financial incentives or rates rebates for sound management of priority open space resources could also be considered to promote sound management of these areas.
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6.2.5 Protection and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems
The protection of aquatic ecosystem condition and functioning is critical for ensuring the sustainable supply of water for human/animal use and the continued supply of irreplaceable ecosystem goods and services provided by rivers, wetlands, estuaries and the marine environment. Such management should be guided by landscape-level information including catchment management plans, coastal management plans, estuary management plans, reserve determinations and the setting and monitoring of resource quality objectives for key resources. Given the importance of aquatic resources, those in a degraded state should be enhanced wherever possible through appropriate buffers and rehabilitation strategies to secure these areas and improve aquatic health condition and ecosystem functioning. Illegal sand-mining activities along rivers should be dealt with through appropriate monitoring and enforcement activities. WWTWs need to be maintained and upgraded where necessary to meet the basic required DWA discharge limits. Contingency measures should also be built into the design of systems in order to deal with extreme events such as storm flows and system failure.
6.2.6 Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded natural areas
The rehabilitation of degraded natural areas should be seen as a priority for the District. Securing these areas and improving their ecological status will be a step in the right directions towards the conservation of key biodiversity assets in the region. Priority areas for rehabilitation and restoration should focus on terrestrial and aquatic CBAs and ESAs, e.g. degraded wetlands and rivers, coastal areas at risk of erosion as well as environments at risk of alien plant invasion. Opportunities to secure greater input through EPWP programs (e.g. Working for Water, Working for Wetlands, Working on Fire) and other initiatives should be actively pursued in order to compliment local funding for such activities.
6.2.7 Invasive alien species control and management
Infestations of invasive alien plants pose a serious threat not only to biodiversity but also to water supply and land productivity and associated livelihoods. Municipalities need to be responsible for preparing an invasive species control plan for municipal- owned land as part of their IDP and for controlling listed invasive species on municipal land (in terms of NEMBA Sections 76(2) and 73(2) respectively). Local Municipalities are encouraged to form partnerships with agencies involved in clearing invasive species such as Working on Water.
6.2.8 Development of Ecosystem or Environmental Management Plans
The Ugu Biodiversity Sector Plan should be used to inform the development of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for development sites. The relevant management guidelines for the different CBA map categories can be used to inform the specific management actions required to address biodiversity threats, impacts and concerns attributed to a particular development.
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6.2.9 Monitoring and evaluation of ecosystem condition and functioning
The monitoring of ecosystem health or condition is critical for managing the biodiversity assets within the District in such a manner that is deemed sustainable, specifically for CBAs and ESAs. Without monitoring, there can be no understanding of the current state of biodiversity and trends in ecosystem degradation over time. A range of suitable monitoring and evaluation methods and techniques are available for rivers (e.g. River Health Programme tools such as SASS sampling and VEGRAI), wetlands (WET-Health, WET- Ecoservices) and terrestrial areas (vegetation and habitat surveys, species counts, alien plant surveys, etc.) and these should be explored when looking at the monitoring of the District’s biodiversity assets. The areas of CBAs and ESAs mapped as an outcome of this project should be assessed on a regular basis in order to track the percentage of: o Areas under formal protection (including new stewardship agreements); o Areas that have been modified/lost, wholly or in part due to development; o Areas where increased development rights have been granted.
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7 7.1 Key sources of information
Key sources of information used to inform the development of the Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Ugu District Municipality included:
DEAT (2009) guideline document on preparing BSPs, used to prepare the report; SANBI & DEA Summary of the Guideline Regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the Preparation of Bioregional Plans (SANBI & DEA, 2010), used as a guide for preparing the report; Previous Biodiversity Sector Plans for the Zululand District Municipality (Kanz et al., 2010); uMgungundlovu District Municipality (Ground-Truth, 2011); Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities (Maree and Vromans, 2010) and the Draft Bioregional Plan for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (Holness and Skowno, 2011), which were used to inform the compilation of the Ugu BSP; National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas (NFEPA) Guidelines (Driver et al., 2011); The latest revision of the EKZNW document describing the Conservation Planning Terms for the EKZNW Spatial Planning Products (EKZNW, 2014); Local knowledge from experts and specialists in the District as an outcome of the stakeholder workshops held; and A wide range of spatial datasets which were used to generate the various maps presented in this plan (a list of these is provided in Appendix 1 and are available from EKZNW on request).
7.2 Sources referred to in the text
Begg, G. W., 1978. The Estuaries of Natal, Natal Town and Regional Planning Report, Pietermaritzburg. Begg, G.W., 1989. The wetlands of Natal (Part 3): The location, status and function of the priority wetlands of Natal. Natal Town and Regional Planning Report 73. CSIR. 2010. National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) Project. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa. DEA (Department of Environmental Affairs), 2010. Government Notice: Listing Notice 1: List of Activities and Competent Authorities Identified in Terms of Section 24 (2) and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998). DEAT (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism), 2009. Guideline regarding the determination of bioregions and the preparation of and publication of bioregional plans. Government Notice no 291, 16 March 2009. Driver, A.L., Nel, J.L., Snaddon, K., Murray, K., Roux, D.J., Hill, L., Swartz, E.R., Manuel, J. and Funke, N. 2011. Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas. Report to the Water Research Commission. WRC Report No.1801/1/11. Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services (Eco-Pulse) and Afzelia Environmental Consultants cc (Afzelia). 2012. Fine scale ecological corridors at a local process and connectivity level through expert input. Unpublished GIS coverage, Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services, 1 Mallory Road, Hilton, 3245. Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services (Eco-Pulse). 2012a. Local stakeholder priorities layer: Ugu District Municipality. Unpublished GIS coverage, Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services, 1 Mallory Road, Hilton, 3245.
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Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services (Eco-Pulse). 2012b. Desktop derived wetlands layer: Ugu District Municipality. Unpublished GIS coverage, Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services, 1 Mallory Road, Hilton, 3245. EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), 2010e. Norms and standards for offsets: KwaZulu-Natal Province. Final draft report. July 2010. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202. EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), 2011c. KwaZulu-Natal Living cultural heritage sites. Unpublished GIS Coverage, Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202. EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), 2011e. Known Plant Species Locations in KwaZulu-Natal. Unpublished GIS Coverage, Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202. EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), 2011f. Known Animal Species Locations in KwaZulu-Natal. Unpublished GIS Coverage, Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife 2014. Document describing the Conservation Planning Terms for the EKZNW Spatial Planning Products. Version 3 February 2014. Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg. Erwin, K.L. 2009. Wetlands and global climate change: the role of wetland restoration in a changing world. Wetlands Ecological Management, 17:71–84. Government of South Africa. 2010. National Protected Area Expansion Strategy for South Africa 2008: Priorities for expanding the protected area network for ecological sustainability and climate change adaptation. Published by the Government of South Africa, Pretoria. Ground-Truth, 2011. uMgungundlovu District Municipality: Draft Biodiversity Sector Plan. Report prepared for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg. Reference: GT0285-050911-1. Hibiscus Coast Municipality, 2007. Hibiscus Coast LM IDP: Integrated Development Plan for 2007-2012. March 2007. Holness, S. and Skowno, A. 2011. Draft Bioregional Plan for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Report prepared for Grasslands Programme, South African Biodiversity institute (SANBI), Pretoria. Integrated Coastal Management Act No. 24 of 2008. IUCN. 2011. IUCN Redlist of Threatened Species. [Internet] International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Available from: www.iucnredlist.org [Accessed December 2011]. Kanz W.A., Thornhill. M., O’Connor T.G., Richardson J., 2010. The Zululand District Municipality Biodiversity Sector Plan. Unpublished report, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg. Le Roux, J.J., Morgenthal, T.L., Malherbe, J., Pretorius, D.J. and Summer, P.D., 2008. Water erosion prediction at a national scale for South Africa. Water SA Vol. 34 No. 3, pp. 305-314. July 2008. GIS Coverage indicating potential water erosion-risk in South Africa. Macfarlane, D.M., Walters, D. and Cowden, C., 2011. A wetland health assessment of KZNs priority wetlands. Report prepared for Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202. 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. Mountain Catchment Areas Act No. 63 of 1970. Mucina, L and Rutherford, M.C., 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act No.10 of 2004. National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003. National Environment Management Act No. 107 of 1998. National Forests Act No. 84 of 1998. National Water Act No. 36 of 1998. 70 March 2014 - Version 2.0
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Nel, J.L., Murray, K.M., Maherry, A.M., Petersen, C.P., Roux, D.J., Driver, A., Hill, L., Van Deventer, H., Funke, N., Swartz, E.R., Smith-Adao, L.B., Mbona, N., Downsborough, L. and Nienaber, S. 2011. Technical Report for the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas project. Report to the Water Research Commission. WRC Report No. K5/1801. July 2011. Provincial Planning and Development Commission (2008). Update of the Admiralty Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal - July 2008. Published GIS Coverage [Admiralty reserve], Provincial Planning and Development Commission, Private Bag X9038, Pietermaritzburg, 3200. SANBI, 2006. Vegetation types of South Africa. South African Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. SANBI, 2009. Red List of South African Plants 2009. Strelitzia 25. Pretoria. SANBI, 2011. Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa. [As gazetted on 9 December 2011: National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act: National list of ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection, G 34809, GoN 1002.] SANBI and DEA, 2012. Summary of the Guideline Regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the Preparation of Bioregional Plans. July 2010. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs. SANBI and SANParks, 2010. National protected areas expansion strategy (NPAES). South African National Parks and South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa. SANSA Earth Observation Directorate, 2010. SPOT 5 2010 Mosaic. Building 23, CSIR, Meiring Naudẻ Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa. Scott-Shaw, C.R. and Escott, B.J. (Eds), 2011. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Pre-Modification Wetland Type Map – 2011. Unpublished GIS Coverage [kznveg05v2_1_11_public_az_forveg_wll.zip], Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202. Scott-Shaw, C.R. and Escott, B.J. (Eds), 2012. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Pre-Modification Vegetation Type Map – 2012. Unpublished GIS Coverage [kznveg05v2_1_11_wll.zip], Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202. South African Atlas of Agrohydrology and Climatology, 2001. GIS Coverage of Mean Annual Precipitation. Thornhill, M., Macfarlane, D.M., Richardson, J and Teixeira-Leite, A., 2013. Prioritizing areas for conservation action in the Ugu District. Version 0.1. Unpublished report for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. January, 2013. Turpie, J., & Van Niekerk, L., 2012. South African National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: Technical Report. Volume 3: Estuary Component. Stellenbosch: CSIR Report Number CSIR/NRE/ECOS/ER/2011/0045/B. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Ugu District Municipality. 2010/11. Ugu District Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDP) Review 2010/2011. Prepared by Ugu District Municipality, Port Shepstone. Umzumbe Municipality, 2011. Final Integrated Development Plan 2011/2012
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Appendix 1: List of spatial (GIS) information used to inform the mapping procedures and biophysical description for the Ugu District Municipality Biodiversity Sector Plan
To be inserted (data name table)
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Appendix 2: Criteria used in the identification and mapping different CBA map categories
Criteria set out under the following categories: Identification of priority Terrestrial areas Identification of priority Aquatic areas Identification of priority estuarine areas Identification of priority marine areas Summary of priority areas Buffers and river delineations
IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY TERRESTRIAL AREAS TERRESTRIAL PAs: Terrestrial PAs within the UDM were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION Formally protected By virtue of their formally protected status, these areas form the backbone of the CBA network. Includes areas areas that have been proclaimed in terms of the Protected Areas Act and are included in the national protected areas register (these include privately owned contract nature reserves) and special protected forest areas declared in terms of the National Forest Act. TERRESTRIAL CBAs: Terrestrial CBAs within the UDM were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION CBA Irreplaceable Critical Biodiversity Irreplaceable Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA Irreplaceable and CBA High Irreplaceability) are included as Areas (TSCA) CBAs.
CBA Irreplaceable areas are irreplaceable representing the only localities for which the conservation targets for one or more of the biodiversity features contained within can be achieved, i.e. there are no alternative sites available.
CBA High Irreplaceability which represent areas of significantly high biodiversity value and although not regarded as totally irreplaceable, there are not many of these areas remaining. Although alternate sites exist within which the targets can be met for the biodiversity features contained within, CBA High Irreplaceability areas represent those that can most efficiently meet conservation targets. Whilst the targets could be met elsewhere, the revised reserve design would more often than not require more area in order to meet its conservation objectives. Threatened Critically Endangered ecosystems identified in the National Threatened Ecosystems coverage. Ecosystems Critically Endangered and Endangered ecosystems identified by KZN
Critical Biodiversity Terrestrial features/areas identified as critically important for terrestrial conservation efforts via expert local Areas: Expert input input. This includes features such as critical roost sites, priority habitats for threatened species and large intact portions of threatened vegetation types.
CBA Optimal Critical Biodiversity Optimal Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA Optimal) are included as CBAs. Areas CBA Optimal areas represent the best localities out of a potentially larger selection of available areas that are optimally located to meet conservation targets whilst avoiding competing land uses as far as possible. Although CBA Optimal areas have moderately low Irreplaceability values (Irreplaceability score <0.8) this does not mean they are of a lower biodiversity value but that there are more alternate options available within which the features located within can be met. Even though these areas may display a lower Irreplaceability value or selection frequency score than the previous categories, it must be noted that these areas, together with CBA1 and CBA2 areas collectively reflect the minimal reserve design required to meet the Systematic Conservation Plans targets, and as such, are also regarded as CBAs. CBA Irreplaceable Linkage CBA Irreplaceable Where a section of a landscape corridor is in the process of being broken or is under threat of being broken Linkage and if lost would result in the effectiveness of the entire corridor being compromised, then this section of the corridor is defined as a CBA. Such corridors are defined as being between 100m to 1km with not opportunity to widened due to modification in the surrounding landscape.
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TERRESTRIAL ESAs: Terrestrial ESAs within the UDM were mapped and defined according to the following:
CRITERIA DESCRIPTION COVERAGE Landscape corridors Provincial level ecological corridors with a limited threat of breakage are mapped as ESAs. These corridors were based on the 2009 KZN landscape corridors that were developed as a series of altitudinal and bio- geographic corridors to facilitate evolutionary, ecological and climate change processes and to create a linked landscape for the conservation of species in a fragmented landscape (Jewitt, 2009)
The 2009 landscape corridors were amended and updated in terms of the 2008 landcover and the 2011 Spot 5 Satellite images, with Modified areas been removed from corridor. Corridor width of between 100m and 1km were designated as critical linkages. Corridor width less than 100m were considered to be non-viable for landscape corridors. Where modification of the landscape allowed, corridors widths of less than 1km were increased to a maximum of 1km. Alternative delineations for sections of corridors that have breaks or non-viable sections were investigated, and delineation width was based on the Freshwater SCA catchments. The sections of corridor that have no viable alternative delineations were removed from the landscape corridor.
Local Corridor Additional fine-scale terrestrial corridors linking important biodiversity conservation areas such as protected linkages areas, CBAs, and areas identified as important for specific species. Ecological Support Largely modified landscape features that are regarded as important for the persistence of key threatened Area: Species species (e.g. agricultural land utilised by Ourebia ourebi). Specific TERRESTRIAL EI: Additional key terrestrial EI within the UDM were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION COVERAGE Remaining All remaining natural/near natural terrestrial land that has not been classified as a CBA or ESA (Vegetation natural/near-natural layer clipped to the 2008 Transformation layer). land High Erosion Risk Areas with high to very high water erosion potential. If not appropriately managed, considerable soil loss can Areas be anticipated with resultant loss in productive land and impacts on downstream water resources. Le Roux et al (2008)
IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY AQUATIC AREAS AQUATIC CBAs: Aquatic CBAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION CBA Irreplaceable Perennial rivers Perennial rivers (1: 50 000 perennial river features buffered by 30m) within FSCA CBA Irreplaceable areas within FSCA CBA Irreplaceable areas Priority perennial FEPA river systems (1: 50 000 river features buffered by 30m) FEPA Rivers FEPA Fish Sanctuary Perennial rivers (1: 50 000 river features buffered by 30m) within the Critical Endangered and Areas Endangered identified FEPA fish sanctuaries KZN Priority Wetlands previously identified by Begg (1989) and recognised as priority wetlands in KZN. Wetlands All wetlands within All mapped wetlands within FSCA CBA Irreplaceable areas FSCA CBA Irreplaceable areas Unique / Important Aquatic features/areas identified as critically important for aquatic conservation efforts by stakeholders, aquatic features local organisations and specialists from the District. This includes features such as critical roost sites, and priority wetland areas.
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AQUATIC CBAs: Aquatic CBAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION CBA Optimal Perennial rivers Perennial rivers (1: 50 000 perennial river features buffered by 30m) within FSCA CBA Optimal areas within FSCA CBA Optimal areas FEPA Fish Sanctuary Perennial rivers (1: 50 000 river features buffered by 30m) within the Vulnerable and Not Threatened Areas identified FEPA fish sanctuaries Expert input Aquatic features/areas identified as important for aquatic conservation efforts by stakeholders, local organisations and specialists from the District. CBA Irreplaceable Linkage Flagship Free- Flagship free-flowing rivers (1: 50 000 river features buffered by Flowing Rivers 30m). AQUATIC ESAs: Aquatic ESAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined NFEPA (CSIR, 2010) according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION COVERAGE Non-perennial rivers Buffers around non-perennial rivers associated with CBA Irreplaceable and CBA Optimal Areas in FSCA and associated (buffered by 70m). buffers within FSCA FEPA Rivers & FEPA rivers and wetlands not identified as CBAs wetlands FEPA Wetland Wetlands forming part of FEPA wetland clusters, subject to improved local coverage and buffered by Clusters 500m. Top 10 free flowing Top 10 provincial free-flowing rivers (1: 50 000 river features buffered rivers (excluding CBA by 70m) excluding CBA flagship rivers flagship rivers) Buffer zones Buffers around all CBA wetlands (100m). adjacent CBA wetlands Buffer zones 70m Buffers around CBA identified perennial rivers (FEPA, FSCA Irreplaceable & optimal, National adjacent CBA Flagship) (80m outside 30m buffer). perennial rivers Buffers on KZN 500m buffer on the 24 priority KZN wetlands priority wetlands AQUATIC EI: Additional key aquatic EI within the Ugu District was mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION COVERAGE High Water Areas of high water production which are defined as areas receiving a net runoff. Where Net runoff was Production Areas calculated for the summer rainfall period wherein crop evaporation was subtracted from the monthly median rainfall. All areas with runoff greater than 0mm were classified as high water production areas. All calculations were based on data obtained from Schutlze’s 2006 South African Atlas of Climatology and Agrohydrology National Strategic National Strategic Water Production Area layer. Water Production Areas Other wetlands All remaining wetlands11 not classed as CBAs or ESAs
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IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY ESTUARINE AREAS ESTUARINE CBAs: Estuarine CBAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following:
CRITERIA DESCRIPTION CBA Irreplaceable ESCA CBA estuaries CBA Irreplaceable & CBA High Irreplaceability estuaries identified in the ESCA Nationally identified Nationally identified NFEPA Estuaries priority estuaries KZN Priority KZN Identified priority estuaries Wetlands Expert input Estuaries identified through the BSP process CBA Optimal ESCA CBA estuaries CBA Optimal estuaries identified in the ESCA Expert input Estuaries identified through the BSP process ESTUARINE ESAs: Estuarine ESAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following:
CRITERIA DESCRIPTION COVERAGE Other estuaries All other (non-priority) estuaries identified in the ESCP
IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY MARINE AREAS MARINE CBAs: Marine CBAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION CBA Irreplaceable Marine CBA areas CBA Irreplaceable & CBA High Irreplaceability areas identified in the MSCA(SEAPlan) National Threatened National endangered or critically endangered habitat Habitat CBA Optimal Marine CBA Areas CBA Optimal areas identified in the MSCA(SEAPlan)
MARINE ESAs: Marine ESAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION COVERAGE Marine processes All process layers and species pathways identified in the SEA-Plan. and species pathways identified
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SUMMARY OF PRIORITY AREAS Critical Biodiversity Area Ecological Support Area Ecological Infrastructure CBA: Irreplaceable CBA: Optimal CBA: Irreplaceable linkage o o o o TSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA) areas TSCA CBA: Optimal (SCA) areas Landscape Corridor pinch Landscape Corridors (Provincial scale) o National Threatened Ecosystems (only CR) o Expert input points (Provincial scale) o Local Corridors (District scale) o KZN Threatened Ecosystems (CR and EN) o Local Corridor pinch points
o Expert input (District scale) Terrestrial
o All perennial rivers associated with FSCA CBA: o All perennial rivers in FSCA o All perennial rivers associated o Non perennial rivers in FSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA) o All remaining wetlands Irreplaceable (SCA) areas CBA: Optimal (SCA) areas with the National Flagship free areas o High Water Production o 30m buffer on identified FSCA CBA: Irreplaceable o 30m buffer on identified FSCA flowing rivers o 70m buffer on non-perennial rivers in FSCA CBA: Areas (SCA) perennial rivers CBA: Optimal (SCA) perennial o 30m buffer on all perennial Irreplaceable (SCA) and CBA: Optimal (SCA) areas o National Strategic o All perennial rivers associated with priority FEPA rivers rivers associated with the o FEPA rivers, wetlands & wetland clusters (subject to Water Production Areas rivers o All perennial rivers associated National Flagship free flowing improved local coverage data) o 30m buffer on identified FEPA perennial rivers with FEPA fish sanctuary areas rivers o 70m buffer on 30m CBA buffers on perennial rivers
o All perennial rivers associated with FEPA fish (Vu and NT) (National Flagship, FEPA, FSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA)
sanctuary areas (CR and EN) o 30m buffer on identified FEPA and FSCA CBA: Optimal (SCA) rivers) o 30m buffer on all perennial rivers associated with fish sanctuary perennial rivers o 100m buffer on CBA wetlands
Freshwater FEPA fish sanctuary areas (CR and EN) (Vu and NT) o 500m buffer on FEPA priority wetland clusters* o All wetlands within FSCA areas o Expert input o 500m buffer on Beggs’ 24 Priority wetland (Begg, 1989) o All Beggs’ 24 Priority KZN wetlands (Begg, 1989) o Aquatic Corridor -Top 10 Free flowing rivers, excl. 4 CBA
o Expert Input Flagship rivers o 70m buffers on non-perennial rivers identified as Top 10 Free flowing rivers, excl. 4 CBA Flagship rivers Aquatic o Expert input o ESCA CBA Irreplaceability and CBA High o ESCA CBA: Optimal areas o All remaining estuaries
Irreplaceability estuaries o Expert input o Nationally identified Priority Estuaries (Turpie & Van Niekerk, 2012) o Provincially identified Priority Estuaries (EKZNW, Estuarine 2013) o Expert input o MSCA, or SEA-Plan CBA Irreplaceability and CBA o MSCA, or SEA-Plan CBA: o Expert Input
High Irreplaceability areas Optimal areas
o National EN and CR habitat (Driver, et al., 2012) o Expert input
o Expert input Marine
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BUFFERS AND RIVER DELINEATIONS There are three main forms of buffer which are considered in the creation of the KZN Biodiversity Planning process; namely those that reflect land-use management guideline principals associated with agreements and/or conventions, those that must be considered in order to better reflect a mapped feature (e.g., buffer a river line to more accurately reflect the width aspect associated with the feature in question), and those that are associated with geographical feature and/or a specific species that are required to ensure the persistence of that feature or specific species.
Policy buffers Buffers which have been created to reflect areas of interest based on National and/or International agreements and/or legislation.
Map category Buffer Buffer Reasoning Protected Areas 5km unless Based on EIA Regulations, 2010 identified area of geographic otherwise stated concern World Heritage Site 10km unless Based on EIA Regulations, 2010 identified area of geographic otherwise stated concern
Mapping buffers Unlike the terrestrial and estuarine features which are reflected as polygon features (i.e., display areas of importance); the riverine features are currently reflected as a series of mapped lines interspersed with polygons reflecting areas of obvious larger surface water extent. In order to better reflect these features areas of influence, three key principals were adopted when trying to more accurately reflect the extent of these features in the end mapped products: A standard dataset was used to reflect these features, in this case the river line and polygon features extracted from the 1:50000 topographic datasets. All perennial rivers were assumed to have a 15m width, with non-perennials reflecting a slightly smaller 10m width. All sections of the topographic rivers captured as polygons were NOT assigned these buffers.
CBA/ESA buffers These buffers were applied to the mapped features identified as either Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) or Ecological Support Areas (ESA). These were developed to better reflect the zones of influence associated with each of these respective zones, aiding to protect the ‘core’ areas of concern from edge effects, as well as providing ecological support at the same time, e.g. forage areas, movement corridors, etc.
Summary of Buffers utilised in the Critical Biodiversity Area and Ecological Support Area Categories
Map category Layer Buffer Buffer Reasoning CBA: FSCA and FEPA Fish 30m This is based on several papers and regulatory Irreplaceable Sanctuary (Cr and EN) guidelines (EIA Regulations, 2010) and Gauteng associated perennial rivers Guidelines (within urban edges), this minimum coverage extracted from the distance seems to best protect aquatic habitat 1:50000 topographic river functions (leaf and woody input), aquatic species network and buffered diversity and water temperature (Bentrup, 2008). CBA: Optimal FSCA and FEPA Fish 30m This is based on several papers and regulatory Sanctuary (Vu and NT) guidelines (EIA Regulations, 2010) and Gauteng associated perennial rivers Guidelines (within urban edges), this minimum coverage extracted from the distance seems to best protect aquatic habitat 1:50000 topographic river functions (leaf and woody input), aquatic species network and buffered diversity and water temperature (Bentrup, 2008).
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Map category Layer Buffer Buffer Reasoning CBA: FEPA flagship free flowing 30m This is based on several papers and regulatory Irreplaceable rivers, adapted to the guidelines (EIA Regulations, 2010) and Gauteng Linkage perennial rivers coverage Guidelines (within urban edges), this minimum extracted from the 1:50000 distance seems to best protect aquatic habitat topographic river network functions (leaf and woody input), aquatic species and buffered diversity and water temperature (Bentrup, 2008). Ecological FSCA identified wetlands 100m NFEPA generic buffer as per the NFEPA guideline for Support Areas FEPA priority wetland KZN 24 priority wetlands 500m The 24 priority wetlands as identified by Beggs (Begg, 1989).received a NFEPA generic buffer as per the NFEPA guideline for FEPA priority wetland clusters FEPA priority wetland 500m This was defined in the NFEPA generic buffer guideline clusters FEPA flagship free flowing 70m This ESA 70m buffer was added in addition to the CBA rivers, KZN free flowing 30m buffer already applied, bringing the combined rivers and FSCA associated buffer width to 100m. This is the commonly ascribed perennial rivers coverage buffer ascribed in the EIA Regulations (2010), the extracted from the 1:50000 Dept. Water Affairs Guidelines, the FEPA generic topographic river network buffer and the Gauteng Guideline document. and buffered FSCA identified non- 70m This ecotonal buffer provides supporting habitat for perennial rivers extracted the continued existence of key fauna and flora within from the 1:50000 the associated ESA river systems. The distance topographic river network supports avifaunal requirements (Malan, 2001), as coverage and buffered well as meets the requirements of a large number of aquatic species as well as aids in the mitigation of adverse impacts upon a number of abiotic factors such as hydrology and water temperature (Bentrup, 2008) Priority estuaries Still to The buffer distance defined applies primarily to be estuaries identified as being important for migrant defined birds. ESA: landscape KZN top 10 free flowing 70m This ESA 70m buffer was added in addition to the CBA corridors rivers adapted to 1:50000 30m buffer already applied, bringing the combined topographic coverage river buffer width to 100m. This is the commonly ascribed network (excluding the 4 buffer ascribed in the EIA Regulations (2010), the NFEPA identified Flag Ship Dept. Water Affairs Guidelines, the FEPA generic rivers located within KZN) buffer and the Gauteng Guideline document. Ecological EI wetlands (all wetlands 30m Based on baseline buffer commonly used within KZN Infrastructure not identified as a CBA or (to be delineated from the edge of the temporary ESA) wetland) Rivers (perennial and non- 20m Based on baseline buffer commonly used within KZN perennial) not identified as a (to be delineated from the edge of the riparian zone) CBAs or ESAs
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Appendix 3: List of Red data plant species that are known/likely to occur within the Ugu District Municipality (EKZNW, 2011e).
RED DATA LIST STATUS (SANBI, TAXON NAME COMMON NAME 2009 ) Alberta magna Natal Flamebush Near Threatened Aloe linearifolia Near Threatened
Aloe thraskii Dune Aloe Near Threatened Apodytes abbottii Near Threatened
Asclepias schlechteri Endangered
Aspalathus gerrardii Vulnerable
Aspidonepsis cognata Large Suncup Rare Begonia dregei Dwarf Wild Vbegonia Endangered Begonia homonyma Large-leaved Wild Begonia Endangered Bowiea volubilis Vulnerable
Brachystelma gerrardii Endangered
Brachystelma molaventi Vulnerable
Brachystelma tenellum Vulnerable
Bulbophyllum scaberulum Vulnerable
Cassipourea flanaganii Endangered
Catha abbottii Endangered
Ceropegia rudatisii Endangered
Clivia gardenii Major Garden's Clivia, Natal Drooping Vulnerable Clivia Clivia miniata var. miniata Clivia,Bush Lily,St John's Lily, Vulnerable Crassula obovata var. dregeana Stonecrop Vulnerable Crassula sarmentosa var. integrifolia Rare
Crassula streyi Rare
Craterostigma nanum var. nanum Vulnerable
Crinum moorei Moore's Crinum,Natal Lily,Ngome Lily Vulnerable Cryptocarya myrtifolia Myrtle Quince,Wild Camphor Vulnerable Cryptocarya wyliei Near Threatened
Curtisia dentata Near Threatened
Dahlgrenodendron natalense Endangered
Dierama pumilum Vulnerable
Dierama tysonii Rare
Dioscorea brownii Vulnerable
Disa montana Rare
Disa oreophila erecta Rare
Disa similis Rare
Disa tysonii Rare
Encephalartos caffer Eastern dwarf cycad Near Threatened
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RED DATA LIST STATUS (SANBI, TAXON NAME COMMON NAME 2009 ) Erica abbottii Vulnerable
Eriosema dregei Near Threatened
Eriosema populifolium populifolium Vulnerable
Eriosema umtamvunense Vulnerable
Eriosemopsis subanisophylla Vulnerable
Eucomis bicolor Forest Pineapple Flower Near Threatened Eugenia erythrophylla Near Threatened
Eugenia simii Vulnerable
Eugenia umtamvunensis Endangered
Eugenia verdoorniae Near Threatened
Eulophia streptopetala Vulnerable
Euphorbia woodii Wood's Euphorbia Vulnerable Ficus bizanae Vulnerable
Gasteria croucheri Variegated Aloe Vulnerable Geranium ornithopodioides Endangered
Gerrardanthus tomentosus Vulnerable
Habenaria woodii Vulnerable
Haemanthus deformis Dwarf Haemanthus Near Threatened Helichrysum tenax var. pallidum Rare
Hesperantha ingeliensis Rare
Huernia hystrix var. parvula Porcupine Huernia, Toad Plant Vulnerable Impatiens flanaganiae Mrs Flanigan's Impatiens Vulnerable Kniphofia coddiana Cod's Poker Near Threatened Kniphofia drepanophylla Vulnerable
Kniphofia littoralis Near Threatened
Kniphofia triangularis obtusiloba Mandarin Poker Rare Knowltonia bracteata Vulnerable
Leucadendron spissifolium natalense Natal Spear-leaved Conebush Near Threatened Leucadendron spissifolium oribinum Oribi Spear-leaved Conebush Vulnerable Lotononis bachmanniana Near Threatened
Manilkara nicholsonii Endangered
Maytenus abbottii Endangered
Maytenus oleosa Rare
Monsonia grandifolia Endangered
Phylica natalensis Vulnerable
Phymaspermum villosum Rare
Plectranthus ernstii Near Threatened
Plectranthus oribiensis Silver-leaved Spur Flower Rare Podalyria velutina Hairy Podalyria; Near Threatened Polystachya ottoniana Tree Orchid Vulnerable
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RED DATA LIST STATUS (SANBI, TAXON NAME COMMON NAME 2009 ) Polystachya pubescens Hairy-lipped Polystachya Vulnerable Protea subvestita Vulnerable
Pseudosalacia streyi Vulnerable
Pseudoscolopia polyantha Vulnerable
Psoralea abbottii Vulnerable
Putterlickia retrospinosa Near Threatened
Raspalia trigyna Rare
Rhus acocksii Rock Red Currant Near Threatened Rhus rudatisii Endangered
Rhynchocalyx lawsonioides Near Threatened
Schizoglossum montanum Rare
Schizoglossum rubiginosum Vulnerable
Schizoglossum singulare Vulnerable
Scilla natalensis Large blue scilla, blue hyacinth,Blue Squill Vulnerable Senecio dregeanus Vulnerable
Siphonochilus aethiopicus Natal Ginger,Wild Ginger Rare Struthiola anomala Berg Struthiola Vulnerable Syncolostemon bolusii Rare
Syncolostemon ramulosus Round-leaved Pink Plume Vulnerable Syzygium pondoense Rare
Tephrosia bachmannii Vulnerable
Tephrosia pondoensis Vulnerable
Thunbergia venosa Rare
Tridactyle bicaudata bicaudata Tree Orchid Vulnerable Tridactyle bicaudata rupestris Tree Orchid Vulnerable Turraea streyi Dainty-leaved Honeysuckle Bush Critically Endangered Wahlenbergia pinnata Near Threatened
Watsonia bachmannii Vulnerable
Watsonia inclinata Vulnerable
Watsonia mtamvunae Vulnerable
Watsonia pondoensis Endangered
Total Critically Endangered 1 Total Endangered 15 Total Near-Threatened 22 Total Rare 20 Overall Total Plants 107
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Appendix 4: List of Red Data fauna, and including other species of significance, that are known/likely to occur within the Ugu District Municipality (EKZNW, 2011f).
Scientific Name Common Name Red Data List Status (IUCN, 2011) BIRDS Alcedo semitorquata Half-collared Kingfisher Near Threatened Anthropoides paradiseus Blue Crane Vulnerable Anthus brachyurus Short-tailed Pipit Vulnerable Balearica regulorum Grey Crowned Crane Vulnerable Bradypterus sylvaticus Knysna Warbler Vulnerable Bucorvus leadbeateri Southern Ground-Hornbill Vulnerable Bugeranus carunculatus Wattled Crane Critically Endangered Campethera notata Knysna Woodpecker Near Threatened Caprimulgus natalensis Swamp Nightjar Vulnerable Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked stork Near Threatened Ciconia nigra Black Stork Near Threatened Circus maurus Black Harrier Near Threatened Circus ranivorus African Marsh-Harrier Vulnerable Falco biarmicus Lanner falcon Near Threatened Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Near Threatened Gyps coprotheres Cape vulture Vulnerable Halcyon senegaloides Mangrove Kingfisher Vulnerable Hirundo atrocaerulea Blue Swallow Critically Endangered Leptoptilos crumeniferus Marabou stork Near Threatened Lioptilus nigricapillus Bush Blackcap Near Threatened Microparra capensis Lesser Jacana Near Threatened Morus capensis Cape Gannet Vulnerable Neotis denhami Stanley's Bustard Vulnerable Nettapus auritus African Pygmy-Goose Near Threatened Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican Near Threatened Pelecanus rufescens Pink-backed Pelican Vulnerable Phalacrocorax capensis Cape Cormorant Near Threatened Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo Near Threatened Podica senegalensis African Finfoot Vulnerable Poicephalus robustus Cape Parrot Endangered Polemaetus bellicosus Martial eagle Vulnerable Procellaria aequinoctialis White-chinned Petrel Near Threatened Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird Near Threatened Sarothrura affinis Striped flufftail Vulnerable Schoenicola brevirostris Broad-tailed Warbler Near Threatened Smithornis capensis African Broadbill Near Threatened Spheniscus demersus African Penguin Vulnerable Stephanoaetus coronatus African Crowned Eagle Near Threatened Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Near Threatened
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Scientific Name Common Name Red Data List Status (IUCN, 2011) Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Near Threatened Tyto capensis African Grass-Owl, Grass Owl Vulnerable Vanellus melanopterus Black-winged Lapwing/Plover Near Threatened Zoothera gurneyi Orange Ground-Thrush Near Threatened Zoothera guttata Spotted Ground-Thrush Endangered MAMMALS Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus Sykes' monkey Vulnerable Chrysospalax villosus dobsoni Rough-haired golden mole Critically Endangered Dendrohyrax arboreus arboreus Tree Hyrax Vulnerable Leptailurus serval serval Serval Near Threatened Otomops martiensseni icarus Large-eared free-tailed bat Vulnerable Ourebia ourebi Oribi Endangered Philantomba monticola bicolor Blue duiker Vulnerable Rhinolophus clivosus Geoffroy's horseshoe bat Near Threatened Rhinolophus darlingi Darling's horseshoe bat Near Threatened REPTILES Python sebae natalensis Southern African Python Vulnerable AMPHIBIANS Afrixalus spinifrons Natal leaf-folding frog Vulnerable Anhydrophryne ngongoniensis Mistbelt moss frog Critically Endangered Leptopelis xenodactylus Long-toed tree frog Endangered Natalobatrachus bonebergi Kloof frog Endangered Strongylopus wageri Plain stream frog Near Threatened INVERTEBRATES Abantis bicolor Bicoloured Skipper Rare Charaxes pondoensis Pondo Charaxes Rare Chlamydephorus dimidius Snake-skin hunter slug Vulnerable Doratogonus infragilis Strong black millipede Endangered Durbania amakosa albescens Whitish Amakosa Rocksitter Rare Gulella claustralis Keyhole hunter snail Endangered Gulella salpinx Trumpet-mouthed hunter snail Critically Endangered Opisthopatus roseus Rose-red Velvet Worm Vulnerable FISH Butis butis Duckbill sleeper Vulnerable Croilia mossambica Burrowing goby Rare Glossogobius biocellatus Sleepy goby Rare Hypseleotris cyprinoides Golden Sleeper Rare Myxus capensis Freshwater mullet Rare Redigobius dewaali Checked goby Rare
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Appendix 5: List of stakeholders who attended the stakeholder workshop on 10th May, 2012.
Person Organization Person Organization Santosh Bachoo Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Senior Paddy Norman WESSA SKZN (Branch Ecologist (coastal/marine chairman) environment)) Piet Massyn Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (District Alex Skene Umtentweni Conservancy Conservation Officer) Roger Uys Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Geoff Nichols Private Consultant (Regional Ecologist, South Coast) Carolyn Schweggman WESSA/Coast Watch Elsa Pooley Private Consultant Adrienne Edgson AfE & Associates Gill Gough-Palmer Ugu Coastal Management Group Adam Teixeira-Leite Eco-Pulse Consulting (project Felicity Elliott Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife team) (Planning Department) Douglas Macfarlane Eco-Pulse Consulting (Team Rob Scott-Shaw Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Plant leader) Ecologist)
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Appendix 6: Flow diagram of CBA Categories in the SCA, BSP and KZN BP Mapping Process
SCA Process
Desktop review
and expert input KEY
Expert Input
with verification
BP
Critical Biodiversity Areas Ecological Support Areas
Map
KZN KZN Categories
CBA: Optimal CBA: Irreplaceable ESA:
Map Map Corridors
)
ESA: ExpertESA: Input CB Irreplaceable CBA: (SCA) Input Expert CBA: Irreplaceable CBA: Linkage (SCA) E SpeciesSpecific ESA:
ES ES
cological Support Area Support cological
A: A: A:
A: A:
BSP
Local Corridor Local LandscapeCorridor
Optimal Expert InputExpert Optimal
CBA Optimal
Low High
Categories
Degradation Degradation
(optional (optional
category) category)
Input Coverage’s Coverage’s Input
Biodiversity Plan Sector (
WORKSHOP / GROUND TRUTH / EXPERT INPUT
CBA: Optimal (SCA) CBA: Irreplaceable
ESA: Landscape ESA: Corridor (SCA)
(SCA) E cological Support Area Support cological
CBA: Irreplaceable for CBA: High
Map Map Categories pattern and species Irreplaceability for pattern and species CBA Optimal C-Plan (1.0 Irreplaceability) C-Plan (0.8 to < 1.0 MARXAN (100% Irreplaceability) rvation Assessments(SCA) rvation Low High Degradation Degradation Selection) MARXAN (75 – 80%
onse (optional (optional to <100% Selection) C
category) category)
Subcategory Subcategory Systematic
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