Environment Warming, As Its Effects Will Be Felt Particularly by the Developing Countries

Home , Mapungubwe National Park, Mokala National Park, Renosterveld

SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2013/14

The South African Government remains committed to fi nd solutions to the problem of global Environment warming, as its effects will be felt particularly by the developing countries. South Africa participated in the World-Wide Fund Living Plan Conference, which took place in Johannesburg in November 2013. Government’s focus on the green economy was the basis for a lot of policy positioning in the country’s economic cluster. Although it has a land surface area of only 1,2 million km2 representing just 2% of the Earth’s total land surface, South Africa contains almost 10% of the world’s total known bird, fi sh and plant species, and more than 6% of the world’s mammal and reptile species. Government is committed to protecting the country’s rich biodiversity heritage for the benefi t of all, and creating a prosperous and equitable society that lives in harmony with its natural resources. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is mandated to formulate, coordinate and monitor the implementation of national environmental policies, programmes and legislation. Strategies are, therefore, in place to: • protect, conserve and enhance the environment, and natural and heritage assets and resources • plan, manage and prevent pollution and environmental degradation to ensure a sustainable and healthy environment • provide leadership on climate-change adaptation and mitigation • contribute to sustainable development, liveli- hood, and green and inclusive economic growth by facilitating skills development and job creation • contribute to a better Africa and a better world by advancing national environmental interests through a global sustainable development agenda. Budget and funding For the 2013/14 to 2015/16 period, R75 million was allocated to South African National Parks (SANParks) for the purpose of combating rhino poaching. During 2013/14, the environmental protection and infrastructure programmes received R817 million. The department accessed R2,39 billion from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for its environmental programmes in 2013, which boosted government’s job-creation objective and secure vital environmental benefi ts from the work to be done. During 2013/14, the department spent over R1,13 billion on the Working for Water and

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2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 155 2014/10/29 5:22 PM associated programmes, while Working on Fire • The National Environmental Management: received R406 million, and the Environmental Air Quality Act (AQA), 2004 (Act 39 of 2004) Protection and Infrastructure Programmes reforms the law regulating air quality to protect received R817 million. the environment by providing reasonable The biggest budget allocations went towards measures for the prevention of pollution the Eastern Cape and SANParks projects and and ecological degradation and for securing the SANParks budget included funding for the ecologically sustainable development. Eco-Furniture Factories. • The National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 Legislation and policies (Act 24 of 2008) establishes a system of The framework within which the department integrated coastal and estuarine management fulfi ls its mandate is guided by a number of in the country, ensuring socially and environ- policies and legislation. mentally responsible development and use. • The National Environmental Management Act • The National Environmental Management: (Nema), 1998 (Act 107 of 1998); the National Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) reforms the Environmental Management Amendment Act, law regulating waste management to protect 2003 (Act 46 of 2003); the National Environ- health and the environment. mental Management Amendment Act, 2004 • The World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act 8 of 2004); the National Environment (Act 49 of 1999) provides for the cultural and Laws Amendment Act, 2008 (Act 44 of 2008); environmental protection and sustainable the National Environmental Management development of, and related activities in a Amendment Act, 2008 (Act 62 of 2008), and world heritage site. the National Environment Laws Amendment • South African Weather Service (SAWS) Act, 2009 (Act 14 of 2009) establish the Act, 2001 (Act 8 of 2001). concepts of participatory, cooperative and • Sea Shores Act, 1935 (Act 21 of 1935). developmental governance in environmental • Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act, 1973 management, as well as principles for (Act 46 of 1973). environmental management and provides for • Dumping at Sea Control Act, 1980 (Act 73 of structures to facilitate these. 1980). • The National Environmental Management: • Sea Fishery Act, 1988 (Act 12 of 1988). Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), 2004 (Act 10 of • Antarctic Treaties Act, 1996 (Act 60 of 1996). 2004), reformed South Africa’s laws regulating • Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act 18 of biodiversity. It sets out the mechanisms for 1998). managing and conserving South Africa’s • Prince Edward Islands Act, 1948 (Act 48 of biodiversity and its components; protecting 1948). species and ecosystems that warrant national Other policy frameworks include: protection; the sustainable use of indigenous • The White Paper on National Climate Change biological resources; the fair and equitable Response, 2011. sharing of benefi ts arising from bioprospecting, • The White Paper on Integrated Pollution and including indigenous biological resources; Waste Management, 2000. and the establishment of the South African • The White Paper on Environmental Manage- National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi). ment, 1998. • The National Environmental Management: • The White Paper on Conservation and Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of 2003) Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, 1997. provides for the protection and conservation of • The White Paper for Sustainable Coastal ecologically viable areas, the establishment of Development in South Africa, 2000. a national register of protected areas, as well During 2013, the following legislation was as the proclamation and management of these amended or pending promulgation: areas. • Draft regulations on the format of the • The National Environmental Management: atmospheric impact report. Protected Areas Amendment Act, 2009 (Act 15 • Draft notice on the amendment of the of 2009) provides for the assignment of national list of activities, which result in national parks, special parks and heritage atmospheric emissions which have or may sites to SANParks. have a signifi cant detrimental effect on • The National Environmental Management: the environment, including health, social, Protected Areas Amendment Act, 2004 economic and ecological conditions or cultural (Act 31 of 2004) provides for a national heritage published for public comment. system of protected areas in South Africa as • Draft notice on the declaration of small boilers part of a strategy to manage and conserve the as controlled emitters published for public country’s biodiversity. comment. 156

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• Draft national dust control regulations Rhino Issue Management Report (RIM) published for public comment. In July 2013, the DEA released the RIM Report, • Under section 62 of the NEMBA of 2004, the which emanated from the national consultation summary of the non-detriment fi ndings made process to facilitate a common understanding by the Scientifi c Authority published for public of the key issues related to the protection and comment. conservation of South Africa’s rhino population. • The Biodiversity Management Plan for The fi nal report submitted to the Minister and Pelargonium sidoides. DEA in January 2013 assisted the department • Under section 97 of the NEMBA of 2004, the in reviewing and updating its rhino response Regulations related to listed Threatened or strategy outlined in the National Strategy for the Protected Species were published for public Safety and Security of the Rhinoceros Population comment. of South Africa. • The National Environmental Management The RIM report incorporates opinions on Laws Amendment Act, 2013 (Act 14 of 2013). sustainable rhino conservation by acknowledged • The National Environmental Management: rhino specialists, ecologists and a range of Air Quality Amendment Act, 2014 (Act 20 of other experts. It encapsulates viewpoints from 2014). non-government organisations both specialised • The National Environmental Management: and community-based, civil society, traders, Waste Amendment Act, 2014 (Act 26 of 2014). professional hunters, resource economists and • The National Environmental Management: ordinary citizens with a deep concern for the Protected Areas Amendment Act, 2014 (Act ethical and humane treatment of animals. The 21 of 2014). report focuses on three areas: • In terms of section 97 of the NEMBA of 2004, • conservation of the rhino the Draft Regulations for the Registration of • safety and security of rhino Professional Hunters, Hunting Outfi tters and • commerce and trade. Trainers were published for public participation. Mining and Biodiversity Guideline • The Waste Classifi cation and Management The Mining and Biodiversity Guideline: Regulations and the Norms and Standards Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Mining for the Assessment of Waste for Landfi ll and Sector, launched in May 2013, is a product of the Norms and Standards for the Disposal of the collaboration between the South African Waste to Landfi ll were published. Mining and Biodiversity Forum, the DEA and the Department of Mineral Resources. The guideline National Framework for Sustainable seeks to fi nd a balance between economic Development (NFSD) growth and environmental sustainability and In 2008, Cabinet approved the NFSD, which is a key outcome of the Outcome 10 Delivery signalled a new line of thinking to promote the Agreement. effective stewardship of South Africa’s natural, The Life: State of Biodiversity Report is social and economic resources. Cabinet symbolic of the culmination of 100 years of approved the National Strategy for Sustainable science in assessing biological resources and Development and Action Plan (NSSD 1, 2011 highlighting the status of water resources in the – 2014) in November 2011, with an implemen- country. tation time frame of 2011 to 2014. The launch of the report in May 2013, in The NSSD 1 builds on the 2008 NFSD, as Kirstenbosch, Cape Town, coincided with the well as several initiatives that address issues United Nations’ (UN) International Day for of sustainability in South Africa, and marks Biological Diversity (IDB) aimed at creating the continuation of a national partnership for awareness of the importance of biodiversity. sustainable development. The 1992 Rio Earth The theme for the 2013 celebration of IDB was Summit, followed by the 2002 Johannesburg “Water and Biodiversity – Water is essential for World Summit on Sustainable Development life.” The key points in the report are: (WSSD), provided a platform to learn and begin • Dynamite in a small package: wetlands, which to implement sustainability practices. make up only a little over 2% of the country’s footprint, perform irreplaceable functions, The WeedBuster campaign is linked to the invasive plant such as purifying water and slowing down control initiatives and is part of the Department of Environ- mental Affairs’ Working for Water Programme, which is the fl ood waters. Many wetlands have already largest public-funded initiative aimed at managing invasive been lost; of those which remain, nearly half alien plants in the world. The programme seeks to control are endangered. the problem of invasive alien species, and create work • Protect water factories: areas with high opportunities for previously unemployed people. natural runoff, such as the Drakensberg, the 157

2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 157 2014/10/29 5:22 PM Soutpansberg and the Wolkberg in Limpopo medicinal purposes, about a third of which are gather and channel the water, which the traded commercially; some are threatened. semi-arid country depends on. Only about a • A bridgehead against invasion: invasive alien fi fth of these areas are formally protected. plants increased their footprint in South Africa • Treasure the small tributaries: all those in about a decade. The country loses about smaller rivers, which feed into the country’s R6,5 billion worth of ecosystem services to main, arteries such as the Orange and them each year. the Vaal rivers, are needed to keep water • Having the right tools for the job: scientists supplies in good health. have made great strides in mapping and • Paving over the coast: nearly a fi fth of the classifying South Africa’s ecosystems. This coastline has some form of development within has provided the foundation for meaningful 100 m of the shoreline, which means nature’s assessment, planning and monitoring of buffers against storm surges and rising seas ecosystems. For example, the fi rst maps by may have been stripped away and paved over which to identify marine and coastal habitat in parts. This puts people and property at risk types and wetland ecosystem types have in the face of climate change. Coastal and been completed. inshore ecosystems are more threatened than offshore marine ecosystems. Projects, programmes and • Lost at sea: further out to sea, offshore initiatives ecosystems are the most poorly protected South Africa’s Green Economy of all South Africa’s ecosystems. Yet, these Modelling Report are the lifeblood for healthy and productive Focusing on four of the nine focus areas of a fi sheries. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are green economy (natural resource management, essential for keeping both the ecosystems and agriculture, transport and energy), the report the fi sheries safe. explores the question of whether equal or higher • Hand-in-hand – State meets the private growth could be attained with a more sustainable, sector: biodiversity stewardship programmes, equitable and resilient economy. where private landowners enter into an As a developing country, South Africa is an agreement with State conservation bodies to emerging market with an abundant supply of protect a section of their land and biodiversity, natural resources, ranking as the third most are making headway, in terms of national mega-diverse country in the world. As such, protected area targets. This is more affordable there is a need to balance economic and other than when the State buys land for conser- development goals with those of environmental vation purposes. With modest increases in preservation. resources, this scheme could make an even This was the aim of the fi rst national green larger contribution. economy summit that was held in May 2010, • Warning signs: some parts of the country which necessitated the development of the have lost more natural habitat than others. Green Economy Modelling Report launched in If Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and North West 2013. In partnership with the UN Environment keep losing natural landscapes to cultivation, Programme (Unep) and with support from the mining and urban expansion at the current UN Development Programme (UNDP), the rate, these provinces will have almost no Department of Environmental Affairs embarked natural habitat left outside protected areas on developing a green economy model for South by 2050. Where natural vegetation is being Africa. The report process was initiated at the converted to other land uses at a high rate, it’s UN Framework Convention on Climate Change important to use maps of biodiversity-priority (UNFCCC) COP17 in December 2011, and areas to guide decisions about where best to is based on the same model underpinning the locate development. 2011 Unep Green Economy Report. • Planning for an uncertain climate: with an uncertain and extreme climate in the future South African Carbon Disclosure natural habitats should be kept healthy so Project (CDP) they can support functional, stable landscapes According to the CDP Report of November 2013, in the long term, which can then better support leading South African corporates performed well human activities. Scientists have drawn up a ahead of the global norm in reporting their carbon new national map, which identifi es areas that emissions, with 83 of the companies making up are important for climate change resilience the JSE 100 participating in the seventh edition and need to be kept intact. of the CDP – the second-highest response • Protecting natural medicines: South Africa rate after Europe, where 90% of companies has over 2 000 plant species that are used for responded. 158

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Bioregions of South Africa

Northwest Fynbos Bioregion Southern Namib Desert Bioregion

Southwest Fynbos Bioregion Gariep Desert Bioregion

Southern Fynbos Bioregion Bushmanland Bioregion

South Coast Fynbos Bioregion Upper Karoo Bioregion

Western Fynbos-Renosterveld Bioregion Lower Karoo Bioregion

Eastern Fynbos-Renosterveld Bioregion Drakensberg Grassland Bioregion

West Coast Renosterveld Bioregion Dry Highveld Grassland Bioregion

East Coast Renosterveld Bioregion Mesic Highveld Grassveld Bioregion

Karoo Renosterveld Bioregion Sub-Escarpment Grassland Bioregion

Namaqualand Cape Shrublands Bioregion Central Bushveld Bioregion

Dry Highveld Grassland Bioregion Mopane Bioregion

West Strandveld Bioregion Lowveld Bioregion

Richtersveld Bioregion Sub-Escarpment Savanna Bioregion

Namaqualand Hardeveld Bioregion Eastern Kalahari Bushveld Bioregion

Namaqualand Sandveld Bioregion Kalahari Dunneveld Bioregion

Knersvlakte Bioregion Albany Thicket

Trans-Escarpment Succulent Karoo Bioregion Indian Ocean Coastal Belt

Rainshadow Valley Karoo Bioregion

Source: Vision Endangered Wildlife Trust Seventeenth Annual

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2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 159 2014/10/29 5:22 PM Fears are increasing over future climate change In June 2013, South Africa launched a impacts with more extreme weather events. R300-million training, mentoring and workplace- There is also growing corporate awareness based learning project aimed at building a pool of the need to assess physical risks posed by of young, capable professionals for the country’s climate change and to build resilience. biodiversity and natural resource management For investors, the risk of stranded assets sector. has been brought to the fore by the work of The Groen Sebenza Project aims to develop Carbon Tracker. They calculate around 80% skills while bridging the gap between education of coal, oil and gas reserves are unburnable, if and job opportunities in South Africa’s green governments are to meet global commitments to economy. Spearheaded by Sanbi, the innovative keep the temperature rise below 2°C. This has project will see 800 unemployed graduates and serious implications for institutional investors’ matriculants being placed in skilled biodiversity portfolios and valuations of companies with jobs in both the public and private sector for a fossil fuel reserves. The performance is higher period of two-and-a-half years. than the 81% of the Global 500 sample and well The practical workplace experience and ahead of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South training will, it is hoped, kick-start their careers in Africa (BRICS)-bloc counterparts, with 56% of a fast-growing industry. The project is sponsored the Brazil 80, 19% of the China 100, 27% of the by the Government’s Jobs Fund, which is India 200 and 18% of the Russia 50 responding. administered by the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Sanbi is a respected authority in research Role players and has an unmatched research record in the South African National Biodiversity indigenous, naturalised and alien fl ora of southern Institute Africa and beyond. Its research management In support of the National Development Plan covers systematics and collections expansion, (NDP), government was working through Sanbi conservation and applied biodiversity science, to spearhead an innovative programme of and climate change. Sanbi is also responsible for work on analysing ecological infrastructure and ensuring that biodiversity knowledge infl uences costing natural capital. This body of knowledge policy, management and decision making. will empower the department to make informed Its biome programmes, which focus on South development-related decisions. Africa’s biodiversity hotspots, ensure that the country’s most important biodiversity regions, Important dates on the world’s such as the grasslands, wetlands and succulent environmental calendar Karoo, are protected in a sustainable and 2 February World Wetlands Day benefi cial way. 20 March Earth Day Sanbi is increasingly embracing biodiversity in its broadest sense through the inclusion of 22 March World Water Day the country’s fauna as part of its taxonomic 23 March World Meteorological Day research mandate. It is coordinating a catalogue 27 March Earth Hour of all South Africa’s species (at least 100 000), including animals, through the South African 22 April Earth Day Tree of Life Project. 22 May International Day for Marine The institute operates environmental edu- Biological Diversity cation programmes within its national botanical 5 June World Environment Day gardens, while outreach greening programmes focus on promoting indigenous gardening at 8 June World Oceans Day disadvantaged schools in surrounding areas. 17 June World Day to Combat Deserti- Sanbi is South Africa’s offi cial body for facili- fi cation tating access to the Adaptation Fund, set up 5 – 11 September World Water Week to help developing countries cope with climate 16 September International Day for the Protec- change. It was established by the parties to tion of the Ozone Layer the Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC to fi nance concrete adaptation projects and programmes 18 September International Coastal Clean-up in developing countries that are parties to the Day protocol. 22 September World Car-Free Day 5 October World Habitat Day iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority The Lake St Lucia System is the most important 11 December International Mountain Day estuary and a key nursery for fi sh on the 160

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southeast African coast. For six decades St Lucia In its continued efforts to carry out its legal received too little fresh water, due to human mandate, the work of SAWS is guided by four interventions and drought, leaving this fl agship key strategic goals: estuary in poor condition and closed to the sea • ensuring the continued relevance of the for much of the past 10 years. Work has begun organisation in delivering meteorological - on restoring St Lucia back to health, a top priority related products and services in compliance for the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, but with all applicable regulatory frameworks it is challenging and will take time. Signifi cantly, • ensuring effective management of stakeholder, in July 2012 the lake received enough fresh partner and key client relations water to open to the sea again. • addressing the short-term viability and As an area of exceptional and outstanding long-term sustainability of the entity’s revenue universal heritage signifi cance, the iSimangaliso and ensuring continued fi scal discipline Wetland Park was named South Africa’s fi rst • ensuring the availability of strategy-driven World Heritage site in December 1999. human capital capacity for the performance of The park has received recognition under the SAWS. three of four natural criteria recognised by the World Heritage Convention: it has outstanding Environmental resources examples of ecological processes, superlative National botanical gardens natural phenomena and scenic beauty, and Sanbi manages the nine national botanical exceptional biodiversity and threatened species. gardens, classifi ed as conservation gardens, in iSimangaliso is located in one of South fi ve of South Africa’s nine provinces. Together, Africa’s poorest rural areas and has been largely they conserve more than 7 500 ha of natural under claim. All but three of the land claims vegetation. The gardens, which collectively settlements have been concluded and a series of attract over a million visitors a year, are co-management agreements have been signed signatories to the International Agenda for with land claimants. The management of such Botanic Gardens in Conservation, which was a diverse asset in an area of extreme poverty launched in 2000, and are founding members of and high expectations requires an adaptive and the African Botanic Gardens Network. inclusive approach. The national botanical gardens are natural escapes close to some of the country’s urban South African Weather Service (SAWS) centres, offering visitors a taste of the country’s The SAWS provides useful and innovative uniquely rich and colourful biodiversity. They weather, climate and related products and feature facilities such as restaurants, function services by: rooms and conference venues and include • enhancing observational data and communi- activities such as hikes, picnics and shopping. cations networks The botanical gardens are: • developing and managing talent within the • Kirstenbosh, Cape Town sector • Pretoria • enhancing collaborative partnerships and • Harold Porter, Betty’s Bay disseminating weather services products to • Walter Sisulu, Roodepoort their users • Hantam, Nieuwoudtville • using cutting edge technology to convert data • Free State, Bloemfontein into meaningful products and services for risk • Karoo Desert, Worcester mitigation • KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg • advancing the science of meteorology, • Lowveld, Nelspruit research and relevant applications • enhancing fi scal discipline and resource National Herbarium mobilisation to ensure sustainability. The National Herbarium, situated within the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, houses Important dates on South Africa’s over one million scientifi c plant specimens in environmental calendar southern Africa. 19 – 25 March National Water Week The Crompton Herbarium in Cape Town focuses mainly on the fl ora of the winter rainfall 3 – 9 May National Bird Week region of southern Africa, while the KwaZulu- 1 – 7 September National Arbor Week Natal Herbarium in Durban primarily focuses 4 – 8 October WeedBuster Week on the fl ora of the subtropical eastern region 11 – 15 October National Marine Week of South Africa, in particular the fl ora of the province.

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2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 161 2014/10/29 5:22 PM Protected areas tional, national and local levels, in support of The Convention on Biological Diversity, to which the conservation of the natural and cultural South Africa is a signatory, required that 10% heritage of South Africa. It has to ensure that of terrestrial and 20% of marine biodiversity be South Africans participate and get involved in conserved by 2010. biodiversity initiatives, and that all its operations There are a number of management categories have a synergistic existence with neighbouring of protected areas in South Africa, which conform communities for their educational and socio- to the accepted categories of the International economic benefi t. Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In 2013, the Mokala National Park in the By mid-2013, South Africa had 528 protected Northern Cape extended its borders as part of areas, of which 20 were marine, totalling its expansion plan, which makes the park more 7,5 million ha or 6,2% of the country’s land area. economically and socially sustainable. According South Africa aims to expand the conservation to SANParks, the park is now 2 7571 ha in size areas under formal protection to the international after the fence-cutting ceremony incorporating standard of 10% of the total area of the country. the neighbouring Kameeldoorns property to The department works closely with landowners realise the expansion. to ensure their participation in the Stewardship The national parks are: Programme, which allows land owners to use • Addo Elephant National Park their land for biodiversity and conservation • Agulhas National Park purposes. This is aimed at expanding the • Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park country’s conservation estate. • Augrabies Falls National Park • Bontebok National Park Scientifi c reserves • Camdeboo National Park Scientifi c reserves are sensitive and undisturbed • Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna and Wil- areas managed for research, monitoring and the derness) National Park maintenance of genetic sources. • Golden Gate Highlands National Park Access is limited to researchers and staff. • Karoo National Park Examples of such areas are Marion Island and • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park the Prince Edward Islands near Antarctica. • Kruger National Park • Mapungubwe National Park Wilderness areas • Marakele National Park These areas are extensive, uninhabited • Mokala National Park and underdeveloped, and access is strictly • Mountain Zebra National Park controlled with no vehicles allowed. The highest • Namaqua National Park management priority is the main tenance of the • Table Mountain National Park (which intrinsic wilderness character. incorporates the Cape of Good Hope, Table Wilderness areas include the Cederberg Mountain and Silvermine nature reserves) Wilderness Area and Dassen Island in • Tankwa Karoo National Park the Western Cape, and the Baviaanskloof • West Coast National Park. Wilderness Area in the Eastern Cape. SANParks is the leading conservation authority in all national parks around South Africa and South African National Parks responsible for 3 751 113 ha of protected land in SANParks’ primary mandate is to oversee the 20 national parks. SANParks, supported by the conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity, Government through the departments of environ- landscapes and associated heritage assets mental affairs and of tourism, has increased the through a system of national parks. Its mandate area of land under its protection by 360 000 ha is based on the following core values: over the past 20 years. Since 2000, SANParks • conservation management through the has added 558 897 ha to its national parks. national parks system • constituency building and people-focused One week during September every year, all South Africans eco-tourism management with a valid identity document are able to spend a day at a • corporate governance and sound business national park of their choice throughout the country free of and operational management. charge. National Parks Week recognises the success of the country’s parks and the critical role they play as catalysts SANParks manages a system of parks, for local economic development and job creation. The week which represents the indigenous fauna, fl ora, was also aimed at cultivating a culture of pride in all South landscapes and associated cultural heritage Africans in their relationship with the country’s natural, cul- of the country. The work of SANParks focuses tural and historical heritage. on building strategic partnerships at interna-

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Transfrontier conservation areas Whether they are terrestrial, freshwater, (TFCAs) coastal or marine in nature, all are experimental A TFCA is a cross-border region. The conser- areas where different approaches to integrated vation status of the areas within a TFCA ranges environmental management (IEM) are tested. from national parks, private game reserves and This helps to deepen knowledge of what works communal natural-resource management areas in conservation and sustainable development. to hunting-concession areas. South Africa’s biosphere reserves include: Although fences, highways, railway lines • Vhembe, situated in the north-east of Limpopo, or other barriers separate the constituent which includes the northern part of the Kruger areas, they are managed jointly for long-term National Park; the Makuleke Wetland, which is sustainable use of natural resources. Unlike in protected under the Ramsar Convention; the transfrontier parks, free movement of animals Soutpansberg and Blouberg biodiversity hot between the components of a TFCA is not spots; and the Makgabeng Plateau. always possible. • The 100 000-ha Kogelberg Reserve on the TFCAs facilitate and promote regional peace, country’s southern coast is in the middle of cooperation and socio-economic development. the Cape Floral Region and home to 1 880 The success of TFCAs depends on community different plant species, 77 of which are found involvement. In turn, TFCAs provide local only in this region. communities with opportunities to generate • The Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve revenue. starts in Cape Town in the southern suburb of The seven TFCAs are the: Diep River and stretches up the west coast as • Ai-Ais/Richtersveld (Namibia, South Africa) far as the Berg River, encompassing parts of • Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (Botswana, the Cape Floral Region. The reserve includes South Africa, Zimbabwe) the Ramsar-protected Langebaan Lagoon as • Greater Mapungubwe well as Dassen Island, which is home to a • Kavango-Zambezi (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, penguin colony. Zambia, Zimbabwe) • The Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Botswana, South includes a part of the Cape Floral Region, as Africa) well as the wine-growing region. • Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Re- • In the north there is the Waterberg Biosphere source Area (Mozambique, South Africa, Reserve, an area of some 400 000 ha in Swaziland) Limpopo. It is an important catchment area • Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conser- for the Limpopo Basin, with four large rivers vation and Development Area (Lesotho, South originating within its borders – the Lephalale, Africa). Mokolo, Matlabas and Magalakwena rivers. • The Kruger-to-Canyons Biosphere Reserve Biosphere reserves stretches from the Kruger National Park to the A biosphere designation is given by the UN Blyde River Canyon. It is an important conser- Educational, Scientiﬁ c and Cultural Organi- vation area as it covers three biomes. sation (Unesco) to special landscapes where • The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve is people are collaborating to ensure their environ- recognised by Unesco in terms of the Man and mental integrity as the basis for their economic Biosphere Programme. development. Biosphere reserves are nominated By December 2013, more than 850 young by their governments for inclusion in the Man environmental monitors have been appointed to and the Biosphere Programme. work in protected areas across the country.

In September 2013, SANParks handed over a science World heritage sites laboratory to the learners and community in Galeshewe in the Northern Cape as part of SANParks’ corporate social A Unesco World Heritage Site such as a forest, investment programme initiated to support community mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, development educational infrastructure and enterprise complex or city is listed by Unesco as being development, among other things. of special cultural or physical signifi cance. It SANParks is committed to a fi ve-year partnership with catalogues, names and conserves sites of the Northern Cape Education Department to provide mobile outstanding cultural or natural importance to the library services to schools in the province. The fi rst mobile common heritage of humanity. While each World bus and learning materials were expected to be handed Heritage Site remains part of the legal territory over in February 2014. of the State wherein the site is located, Unesco SANParks has similar initiatives in Mbaula village in Lim- popo and in Mpumalanga and is planning initiatives in the considers it in the interest of the international Eastern Cape and in other parts of the country. community to preserve each site.

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2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 163 2014/10/29 5:22 PM South Africa has eight world heritage sites According to the MoA, the integrity of the proclaimed by Unesco: World Heritage Site will be maintained • Robben Island: situated 11 km offshore from through comprehensive biodiversity offset Cape Town, the island is most famous as the programmes, thereby optimising benefi ts to place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. local communities. It is now home to the world-renowned Robben • Cape Floral Region, the smallest of the six Island Museum and has become a popular recognised fl oral kingdoms of the world, is an tourist attraction. area of extraordinarily high diversity and home • The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed to more than 9 000 vascular plant species, as South Africa’s fi rst World Heritage Site of which 69% are endemic. Much of this in December 1999 in recognition of its diversity is associated with the fynbos biome. natural beauty and unique global values. The economical worth of fynbos biodiversity, The 332 000-ha park contains three major based on harvests of fynbos products (e.g. lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, wildfl owers) and ecotourism, is estimated to 700-year-old fi shing traditions, most of South be in the region of R77 million a year. Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s • Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Land- largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and scape: The site covers 160 000 ha of dramatic 25 000-year-old coastal dunes – among the mountainous desert in the north-west of South highest in the world. The name iSimangaliso Africa. It is the only area where the Nama means miracle and wonder. The park also has still construct portable rush-covered domed four Ramsar sites. houses, or Iharu oms. • The Cradle of Humankind consisting of the • Vredefort Dome, about 120 km south-west hominid fossil sites at Swartkrans, Sterkfontein of Johannesburg, is a representative part and Kromdraai. The world heritage status of a larger meteorite impact structure, or of Sterkfontein’s fossil hominid sites was astrobleme. Dating back 2,023 million extended in July 2005 to include the Taung years, it is the oldest astrobleme yet found skull fossil site in North West and the on Earth. With a radius of 190 km, it is also Mokopane Valley in Limpopo. The Cradle the largest and the most deeply eroded. of Humankind has one of the world’s richest Vredefort Dome bears witness to the world’s concentrations of hominid fossils that provide greatest known single energy release evidence of human evolution over the past event, which had devastating global effects 3,5 million years. Found in Gauteng and including, according to some scientists, major North West, the fossil sites cover an area of evolutionary changes. It provides evidence of 47 000 ha. The remains of ancient forms of the Earth’s geological history and is crucial to animals, plants and hominids are encased in understanding of the evolution of the planet. a bed of dolomite deposited around 2,5 billion Despite the importance of impact sites to an years ago. In April 2010, a new species of the planet’s history, geological activity on the hominid, Australopithecus sediba, estimated Earth’s surface has led to the disappearance to be two million years old, was discovered in of evidence from most of them, and Vredefort the Cradle of Humankind. is the only example to provide a full geological • The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (a mixed profi le of an astrobleme below the crater fl oor. natural and cultural site) is a world heritage site covering 242 813 ha (2 428 km²). The park Habitat and wildlife management areas spans parts of both South Africa, in KwaZulu- These areas are subject to human intervention, Natal, and Lesotho. The park includes the based on research into the requirements of Royal Natal National Park, a provincial park, specifi c species for survival. They include and the Drakensberg National Park, which conservancies; provincial, regional or private covers part of the Drakensberg, the highest mountain in southern Africa. Under the On 15 November 2011, Hong Kong customs offi cials seized Ramsar Convention, the park is in the List of a container of 33 rhino horns, 758 ivory chopsticks and Wetlands of International Importance. 127 ivory bracelets, which were shipped from Cape Town harbour. An investigation was launched by the Endangered • Mapungubwe Heritage Site: in September Species Section of the Hawks and the docket presented to 2011, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the National Prosecuting Authority. SANParks and Coal of Africa Limited signed Since South Africa and China are parties to the Conven- an historical Memorandum of Agreement tion on International Trade in Endangered Species, the (MoA) as part of the environmental authori- Director of Public Prosecutions applied to the Hong Kong sation issued in accordance with Nema, 1998, Special Administration Region of the People’s Republic of to ensure the integrity of the Mapungubwe China for mutual legal assistance. The entire consignment Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site. was returned to South Africa in November 2013. 164

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reserves created for the conservation of species Wetlands of International Importance, called the habitats or biotic communities; marshes; lakes; Ramsar Convention, when it came into force and nesting and feeding areas. in 1975. It is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and Protected land and seascapes international cooperation for the conservation These areas are products of the harmonious and wise use of wetlands and their resources. interaction of people and nature, and include The DEA is responsible for the South African natural environments protected in terms of the Wetlands Conservation Programme, which Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act 73 of ensures that South Africa’s obligations in terms 1989), scenic landscapes and historical urban of the Ramsar Convention are met. landscapes. South Africa’s Ramsar sites include: • Barberspan Sustainable-use areas • Blesbokspruit Nature Reserve These areas emphasise the sustainable use • De Hoop Vlei of protected areas such as the Kosi Bay Lake • De Mond (Heuningnes Estuary) System in KwaZulu-Natal. • Kosi Bay Nature areas in private ownership are • Langebaan proclaimed and managed to curtail undesirable • Makuleke Wetlands development in areas with high aesthetic or • Ndumo Game Reserve conservation potential. • Ntsikeni Nature Reserve Conservancies are formed to involve the • Nylsvley Nature Reserve ordinary landowner in conservation. Landowners • Orange River Mouth Wetland can establish a conservancy where conservation • Prince Edward Islands in Antarctica principles are integrated with normal farming • Seekoeivlei activities. • St Lucia • the turtle beaches and coral reefs of Tongaland Wetlands • Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park The IUCN identifi es wetlands as the third most • Verlorenvlei Nature Reserve important support system on Earth. • Wilderness Lakes. By 2013, about 115 000 wetlands, covering South Africa is seen as a leader in the rehabili- over four million hectares, comprising close to tation of wetlands. The damage done to wetlands 4% of the country’s total surface area, had been can be reversed, as is seen at Rietvlei Dam in mapped in South Africa. They are part of the Gauteng. natural infrastructure for gathering, managing Government has pledged more than R75 mil- and delivering water for human use. lion to rehabilitating wetlands. Rehabilitation is Wetlands support a range of specialised ongoing, with attention to poverty-stricken areas plant, insect and mammal life and also supply being of major concern. food, grazing, building and craft material. They are able to improve water quality, reduce fl ood Marine protected areas (MPAs) impacts, control erosion and sustain river fl ows. MPAs conserve natural environments and assist Of special importance is the role wetlands play in the management of fi sheries by protecting and in ensuring a steady supply of clean water for rebuilding economically important stocks. They communities and helping government save are also used to develop and regulate coastal hundreds of millions of rands that would be ecotourism opportunities. required to set up purifi cation plants/facilities. Government shares joint responsibility for South Africa was one of the fi rst six countries South Africa’s MPAs with SANParks and to become a signatory to the Convention on Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife. In August 2013, the South African Weather Service in col- South Africa’s MPAs include the: laboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and • Aliwal Shoal, KwaZulu-Natal the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) held a four- • Betty’s Bay, Western Cape day workshop on the national implementation of the WMO’s • Bird Island, Eastern Cape Global Framework for Climate Change Services (GFCS). • De Hoop, Western Cape The workshop explored the maturity of activities within the • Dwesa-Cwebe, Eastern Cape GFCS’ fi ve components, namely the user interface; the • False Bay, Western Cape climate services information system; observations and moni- • Goukamma, Western Cape toring; research, modelling and applications; and capacity development. More than 150 climate scientists, sectorial • Hluleka, Eastern Cape experts and decision makers in climate change-related fi elds • iSimangaliso, KwaZulu-Natal analysed the implications of the GFCS for South Africa. • Langebaan Lagoon, Sixteen Mile Beach,

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2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 165 2014/10/29 5:22 PM Malgas Island, Marcus Island, Jutten Island, The 85-ha zoo in Pretoria houses 3 117 Western Cape specimens of 209 mammal species, 1 358 • Pondoland, Eastern Cape. specimens of 202 bird species, 3 871 specimens • Robberg, Western Cape of 190 fi sh species, 388 specimens of four • Sardinia Bay, Eastern Cape invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 • Stilbaai, Western Cape reptile species, and 44 specimens of seven • Table Mountain, Western Cape amphibian species. • Trafalgar, KwaZulu-Natal The Johannesburg Zoological Gardens’ core • Tsitsikamma, Western Cape. business is the accommodation, enrich ment, In April 2013, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) South husbandry and medical care of wild animals. Africa presented the Minister of Water and It also plays an important role in conservation Environmental Affairs with a Gift to the Earth projects of both indigenous and internationally Award. The Minister received this accolade endangered animals. The zoo joins other conser- on behalf of the South African Government, vation organisations in programmes involving: following the recent formal gazetting of the • wattled crane recovery declaration of the Prince Edward Islands MPA – • amphibian conservation South Africa’s fi rst offshore MPA. • ground hornbill breeding and off-site surveys The Prince Edward Islands form an important • vulture conservation global biodiversity hotspot, which was subject • chimpanzee conservation with the Jane to rampant poaching during the late 1990s. Goodall Institute. Protection of this island group signifi cantly con- The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is a major tributes to the conservation of global biodiversity partner. and the fragile southern oceans, in particular. Mitchell Park in Durban is the country’s second The islands are home to albatrosses, penguins, oldest zoo after the Pretoria NZG. There are about killer whales and Patagonian toothfi sh stocks. 30 projects on the cards for the zoo, including Unfortunately, this wildlife has been threatened cheetah and chimpanzee enclosures. by illegal and unsustainable fi shing practices in the past, resulting in signifi cant economic and Breeding centres ecological losses. There are a number of game-breeding centres in South Africa. The NZG of South Africa Zoological gardens is responsible for the management of the Established in 1899 in Pretoria, and given Lichtenburg Biodiversity Conservation Centre, national status in 1916, the National Zoological which covers an area of some 6 000 ha, and the Gardens (NZG) of South Africa is the largest Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre, zoo in the country and the only one with national covering 1 333 ha. status. Over 600 000 people visit it every year. The two centres supplement the NZG’s It plays a major role in the conservation of breeding programme for various endangered wildlife, maintaining one of the largest animal animals, and its own animal collection. collections in Africa, and has over 8 000 The Lichtenburg Biodiversity Conservation individual animal specimens representing over Centre houses, among other animals, Père 500 species. David’s deer, which are extinct in the wild, pygmy The species are managed across two facilities hippopotamus, white rhino, the endangered stretching into the provinces of Gauteng addax, and scimitar-horned and Arabian oryx. (Pretoria) and Limpopo (Mokopane). About 70% Large herds of impala, springbok, zebra, blesbok of the species are of African origin and 30% of and red hartebeest also roam the area. global representation. World Oceans Day is observed internationally on 8 June. As a member of the World Association of The 2013 theme was Oceans and People. This special day Zoos and Aquariums and the African Association is an opportunity to celebrate the world’s shared oceans and of Zoos and Aquaria, the NZG participates to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in several endangered species management in people’s lives. The observance of World Oceans Day in programmes and successfully breeds several South Africa provides the department with an opportunity to endangered species of both continental and highlight the considerable challenges of dealing with marine global signifi cance. pollution, maintaining the oceans’ capacity to regulate the Among the endangered species the NZG global climate, supply essential ecosystem services and provide sustainable livelihoods and safe recreation. The contributes to conserving are the cheetah, rhino, annual SA Agulhas II Open Day offers the public a unique ground hornbill, red-billed oxpecker and several opportunity to learn more about the SA Agulhas II ship, its endangered antelope species. operations and the department’s research in the oceans and coastal environment.

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About 32 ha of the wetland area at the centre It is also the only aquarium in South Africa that have been developed into a system of dams exhibits a large variety of marine fi sh in artifi cial and pans, which serve as a natural haven for sea water and the only inland aquarium housing waterbirds such as spoonbills, kingfi shers, ibises ragged-tooth sharks. and herons. The Port Elizabeth Oceanarium is one of The Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation the city’s major attractions. Exhibits include an Centre is home to an abundance of exotic and underwater observation area, a dolphin research indigenous fauna such as the lemur, the rare centre, various smaller tanks containing 40 tsessebe, roan antelope and black rhino. different species of bony fi sh and two larger The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre tanks that display sharks and stingrays. East near Pretoria, is best known for its captive- London aquarium was 82 years old in 2013, breeding programme that contributed to the making it South Africa’s oldest aquarium. cheetah being removed from the endangered list At the Two Oceans Aquarium at the Victoria in the South African Red Data Book – Terrestrial and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, more than Mammals in 1986. 3 000 specimens represent some 300 species De Wildt also breeds a number of rare and of fi sh, invertebrates, mammals, birds and plants endangered African species. supported by the waters along the Cape coast. The most spectacular of these is the The aquarium at uShaka Marine World in magnifi cent king cheetah, which is a true Durban incorporates both fresh and sea water cheetah, but with a variation in coat pattern and species, and is the fi fth largest aquarium in the colouring. De Wildt also plays a major role in world by water volume. It comprises Sea World, breeding and releasing wild dogs. Dolphin World, Beach World, and Wet and Wild It has donated breeding nuclei of the highly World. endangered riverine rabbit and suni antelope to Sea World has a unique ship wreck-themed the Kruger National Park. aquarium, a penguin rookery and a 1 200-seater The De Wildt Vulture Unit is a rehabilitation dolphin stadium, the largest dolphinarium in and holding facility for injured, poisoned and Africa. disabled vultures. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre Snake and reptile parks in Limpopo was established as a breeding The Port Elizabeth Snake Park at Bayworld programme for the then endangered cheetah. has a wide variety of South African and foreign The centre caters for, among other animals, reptiles, including tortoises, boa constrictors, fi ve species of vulture: Cape griffi ns as well as pythons, crocodiles, lizards and deadly white-backed, hooded, whiteheaded and lappet- venomous snakes such as cobras, mambas and faced vultures. rattlers. Rare and threatened species, including The centre is also known for its wild-dog the Madagascar ground boa, are housed in breeding programme. realistically landscaped glass enclosures. The Hoedspruit Research and Breeding The Aquarium and Reptile Park at the NZG Programme includes the rare black-footed cat, houses 80 reptile species from all over the world. vulnerable African wild cat, ground hornbills (in The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal cooperation with the NZG), the bald ibis and the Park near Pretoria features one of the fi nest endangered blue crane. Elephant, white rhino, reptile collections in southern Africa. It offers buffalo, caracal, sable antelope, bushbuck and seal shows and snake-handling demonstrations. tsessebe have also been cared for and rehabil- The Pure Venom Reptile Farm is one of the itated there. largest of South Africa’s reptile parks. It is inland from Shelly Beach, on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Aquariums and oceanariums Coast. There are aquariums in Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, The CrocRiver Enviro Park in Nelspruit is Cape Town, Durban and East London. the largest facility of its type in Africa. The park The Aquarium and Reptile Park of the NZG in offers, among other things, turtle, crocodile Pretoria is the largest inland aquarium in Africa, and fi sh ponds; the water monitor lizard pond; with the largest collection of fresh water fi sh. and the Desert House, in which a desert-like atmosphere has been created, and which is In September 2013, South Africa celebrated World Maritime home to the reptile gallery where indigenous Day under the theme Sustainable Development: Interna- and exotic reptiles from all over the world are tional Maritime Organisation’s contribution beyond Rio+20. displayed. South Africa declared 2013 as Maritime Year. Khamai Reptile Centre’s primary aims are conservation, breeding of endangered reptiles and education. Located outside Hoedspruit in 167

2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 167 2014/10/29 5:22 PM Mpumalanga, it offers a close-up look at many safety and security, skills development and local as well as exotic snakes, crocodiles and research. lizards. Government increased its funding to the Save the Rhino Fund. In addition, the interim Managing environmental National Wildlife Reaction Unit was established resources as a permanent unit. The South African National Private sector involvement Defence Force is monitoring the 350-km national In South Africa, numerous private bodies are border in the Kruger National Park, as well as involved in conservation activities. More than other borders with neighbouring countries. 400 organisations concen trate on conservation, During 2013, an additional 150 rangers joined wildlife and the general environment, while more the 500 already deployed to the Kruger National than 30 botanical and horticultural organisations Park to address this crime. concentrate on the conservation of the country’s Over the past two years more than 60% of fauna and fl ora. These include the: the rhino killings have occurred in the Kruger • BirdLife South Africa National Park. • Botanical Society of South Africa The department also deployed conservation • Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife specialists at key designated ports of entry and • Conservation International exit through which the international trade in • Delta Environmental Centre endangered species is exported and imported. • Dolphin Action Protection Group The department embarked on an in-depth • EcoLink amended and further review of several pieces • EWT of legislation to incorporate various aspects to • Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife tighten issues of control and coordination, and to • Green Trust enhance enforcement efforts. • Keep South Africa Beautiful At the 16th COP of the Convention on the • KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board International Trade of Endangered Species • National Conservancy Association of South of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in Thailand in Africa March 2013, South Africa successfully offered to • Peace Parks Foundation host the 17th Cites COP in 2016. In the same • Southern African Foundation for the Conser- light, the department intensifi ed the collaborative vation of Coastal Birds law enforcement effort to combat the increasing • Trees and Food for Africa scourge of rhino poaching as well as interna- • Wildlife and Conservation Society of South tional cooperation with recipient and transit Africa countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and China. • World Wildlife Fund of South Africa. Government signed MoUs with Vietnam and China and aimed to sign similar agreements Rhino poaching other Asian countries and Mozambique. These South Africa protects about 93% of the remaining MoUs allow government to collaborate on joint white rhino population in Africa and nearly 83% policing/security measures, strengthening laws, of the continent’s combined population of black joint technology innovation and use, awareness and white rhinos. campaigns and prosecutions to justice pro- In an effort to fi ght the escalation in rhino grammes. poaching, the National Biodiversity Investigators’ Government elevated the rhino-poaching chal- Forum was established to improve multi- depart- lenge to the National Joint Security Committee mental cooperation and information sharing with where a National Joint Operational Instruction law enforcement institutions. Strategy has been forwarded to all security The department is also reviewing the National structures for immediate implementation. Strategy for the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros Furthermore, R75 million was allocated to Populations in South Africa - adopted in 2010, SANParks for the purpose of combating ongoing to ensure it meets the requirements of those poaching from 2013/14 to 2015/16. working in the fi eld to ensure their efforts to curb In March 2013, South Africa was part of 178 countries gath- the scourge of rhino poaching are coordinated, ering in Bangkok to decide how to improve the world’s wildlife effective and effi cient. trade regime, and ensure the survival of threatened species. The establishment of a National Rhino Fund More than 2 000 delegates attended the 16th Conference will result in the consolidation of all funding of Parties of the Convention on the International Trade in requirements and ensure that all monies Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in Thailand’s raised are distributed successfully to State and capital. The tabled proposals at the conference included privately-owned rhino anti-poaching initiatives. up-listing the rhino due to poaching, from which several These include those involved in conservation, countries have suffered, including South Africa. 168

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According to the Professional Hunters Convention for the Protection, Management Association of South Africa, the value of rhinos and Development of the Marine and Coastal lost to poaching in South Africa has now been Environment of the Western Indian Ocean. set at over a R1 billion over the past fi ve years. The department has also developed the Cape The association says that as a result of rhino Zone Oil Spill Plan. poaching, 400 ha of game ranching land have been lost to wildlife conservation. A total of 1 004 Protecting the coastline rhino were poached in South Africa in 2013. In To counter illegal activities along the coastline, 2012, a total 668 rhino were poached, while 448 as well as the country’s 1 155 000-km2 Ex- were killed in 2011. Since 2008, there have been clusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the former Depart- 2 778 rhino poached in South Africa. ment of Environmental Affairs and Tourism The Kruger National Park bore the brunt of boosted its compliance unit with the appointment rhino poaching in 2013 with the park losing a of more than 80 fi shery-control offi cers and total 606 of the iconic animals to poachers. 100 honorary fi shery-control offi cers, after the A total of 114 rhino were poached in Limpopo, imple mentation of the Honorary Fishery-Control 92 in Mpumalanga, 87 in North West and 85 in Offi cers Policy. KwaZulu-Natal. The department took delivery of four environ- The number of rhino poachers arrested mental-protec tion vessels as part of measures during 2013 increased considerably with 343 to protect marine and coastal resources, namely being arrested, 133 of them in the Kruger the Lillian Ngoyi, Ruth First, Victoria Mxenge National Park. In 2012, 267 alleged poachers and Sarah Baartman. They patrol up to the 200 were arrested. Since the beginning of 2014, six nautical-mile limit from the shore and the most alleged poachers have been arrested. remote reaches of the EEZ as well as around In November 2013, a Gazelle helicopter was the Prince Edward Islands. The vessels also donated to the Kruger National Park to boost conduct multilateral patrols in the Southern the battle against poaching. It would be based African Development Community (SADC) in Phalaborwa and be used in SANParks’ coastal states. anti-poaching operations in the north of the park. Nearly 1 500 rhinos have been killed for their Vessel monitoring horns in the Kruger National Park in the past fi ve The department is making it obligatory for fi shing years. vessels to have satellite technology on board so that their movements can be monitored. Marine pollution and sustainability Five coastal nations in the SADC have taken South Africa has one of the world’s busiest the innovative step of linking their vessel- shipping routes and has experienced many oil monitoring systems. Angola, Mozambique, spills over the years. It is estimated that 80% of Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania have signed the world’s tanker traffi c passes South Africa’s a MoU that will allow them to share information coast. about the movement of licensed boats along the The then Department of Environmental Affairs southern African coast. and Tourism developed the National Contin- gency Plan for the Prevention and Combating Chemicals and waste management of Pollution from Ships, in consultation with the South Africa has taken a number of steps to South African Maritime Safety Authority and promote environmentally sound management of the Department of Transport. This includes chemicals and waste throughout the life cycle, disposing of, recovering or stabilising spilt oil including being a party to a range of multilateral and rehabilitating the environment. environment agreements and an active member With 80% of marine pollution emanating from in instruments on chemicals and waste. These land-based activities, the Department of Environ- include the: mental Affairs will be implementing the national • Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Programme of Action for land-based sources of Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous pollution, while refi ning strategies for combating Chemicals and Pesticides in International marine pollution from oil spills. Trade The department has embarked on a process • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic to adopt a new protocol on land-based sources Pollutants of marine pollution under the amended Nairobi • Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer In 2013, a sanctuary to rehabilitate orphaned rhino calves • Basel Convention on the Control of Trans- was opened at the Thula Thula private game reserve in boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes KwaZulu-Natal.

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2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 169 2014/10/29 5:22 PM • Strategic Approach to International Chemicals in the North West and 140 each in the Eastern Management, which is governed by the Inter- Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. national Conference on Chemicals Manage- It is also expected that some of the young ment. people recruited into the programme will move South Africa had a signifi cant role in the ongoing on to further their environmental careers, either negotiations concerning the Intergovernmental in other employment sectors or by becoming Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Globally involved in business ventures. Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury, including In February 2013, the Deputy Minister of research into coal-dependent power/electric Water and Environmental Affairs, accompanied stations and the situational analysis of mercury by representatives from the SAWS, led a in the country. campaign to inform communities in the Vhembe To align fragmented legislation, the department district municipality about severe weather established a National Multi-Stakeholder Com- conditions. The climate records of the SAWS mittee for Chemicals Management to facilitate show a growing trend in extreme weather events. coordination. Since government has elevated and prioritised The National Waste Management Strategy warnings around weather-related hazards, the has eight key goals namely: SAWS has reviewed its early warning system in • promoting waste minimisation, reuse, recycling collaboration with the Department of Cooperative and recovery of waste Governance and Traditional Affairs. • ensuring effective and effi cient delivery of Several steps have been taken to put waste services infrastructure in place to ensure better disaster • growing the contribution of the waste sector to preparedness. the green economy • ensuring that people are aware of the impact Recycling of waste on their health, well-being and the The National Recycling Forum (NRF) is a environment non-profi t organisation created to promote the • achieving integrated waste management recovery and recycling of recyclable materials planning in South Africa. Members of the NRF include • ensuring sound budgeting and fi nancial representatives of: management for waste services • the formal recycling industry in South Africa • providing measures to rehabilitate contam- • government departments inated land • regional recycling forums • establishing effective compliance with and • local government-based organisations enforcement of the Waste Act. • local government utilities and co-opted advisory members Youth Jobs in Waste Programme To promote the interests of its members and In June 2013, the Minister of Water and Environ- the formal recycling industry in South Africa, the mental Affairs launched the Youth Jobs in Waste NRF: Programme. About 1 000 young people are • provides a national communication forum for expected to benefi t from the programme, which key players in the fi eld of recycling aims to address the backlog in solid waste service • interacts with central and provincial delivery in all municipalities in the country. government to encourage the recycling of The waste sector has been identifi ed as one glass, paper, plastics, tin-plate steel, used oil of the sectors with the potential to contribute and electrical and electronic waste substantially to the generation of jobs within the • facilitates the formation of regional forums green economy. that draw their memberships from enthusiastic An estimated 1 000 job opportunities will be and interested volunteers as well as small created by placing young people in municipalities recyclers, in the major centres of South Africa as Landfi ll Site Assistants, Waste Collection • encourages the establishment of buy-back Administrators and Environmental Awareness centres and drop-off points through the Educators. activities of its members in the various centres. Further work opportunities will be created by the construction activities associated with In September 2013, the 16th International Union of Air Pol- the building or erection of landfi ll site offi ces, lution Prevention and Environmental Protection Association ablution facilities, as well as weigh-pad platforms was hosted in association with the National Association for Clean Air in Cape Town. Held under the theme “Many at landfi ll sites across the country. Nations – One Atmosphere: Plotting the Path to Sustain- The Free State will see 330 young people ability,” the focus of the congress was to seek holistic recruited for the project, while there will be 326 sustainable solutions for air quality in the developing world.

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Collect-a-can, one of the oldest recycling • air quality model by-laws initiatives in South Africa, has been instrumental • Air-Quality Management Planning Manual in creating a culture of recycling in South Africa. • National Ambient Air-Quality Standards and It has obtained local and international acclaim Listed Activities and the Minimum Emission for its contribution towards protecting the Standards. environment, as well as its signifi cant contri- Several of these tools were under review bution to job creation and poverty alleviation. accelerate the ongoing implementation of the Collect-a-Can has introduced millions of AQA of 2004. school children to the idea of caring for the The South African Air-Quality Information environment through its schools competition. System (Saaqis) contains the latest updated data on locations and can give the status of air Climate change and air-quality quality or pollution for a specifi c day and time on management its website: www.saaqis.org.za. South Africa is making steady progress in A number of air-quality monitoring stations, implementing the National Climate Change mostly in Mpumalanga, eThekwini Munici- Response Policy, despite having to balance pality, the City of Johannesburg and the City of its economic aspirations and environmental Tshwane, report to Saaqis. protection. Government continues to engage actively and Environmental impact meaningfully in international climate change management negotiations, specifi cally with the UNFCCC. South Africa’s environmental impact assessment The UNFCCC’s COP 18 Conference was held (EIA) regulations are: in Doha, Qatar, in late 2012. This secured the • streamlining the EIA process Durban legacy with an outcome that concluded • introducing an approach where impact on the the necessary provisions to give effect to a environment gets more attention second commitment period under the Kyoto • introducing a listing notice dedicated to activities Protocol, including legal, operational, ambition planned for predefi ned sensitive areas. and environmental integrity considerations. The Environmental Assessment Practitioners’ The policy implementation actions and (EAP) Association of South Africa aims to: activities flowing from this include the analysis • achieve effective quality assurance in environ- of mitigation potential in key economic sectors mental assessment practice in South Africa as the basis for the establishment of Desired • promote the empowerment of black and Emission Reduction Outcomes or what is female professionals within the environmental called DEROs, and defining the optimal mix assessment fi eld of measures for achieving those DEROs, • encourage continued professional develop- with the greatest benefit and least cost to the ment for EAPs in South Africa economy. • promote awareness of the purpose and The Department of Energy processes all practice of environmental assessment in applications for renewable energy. By April 2013, South Africa. up to 25 000 MW of wind and solar projects had The Department of Environmental Affairs has been authorised for the various parts of the a new and improved EIA and management country. approach. In addition, the department is using Air quality remains an important and alternative approaches to environmental impact challenging environmental issue in South Africa. management. Technical and legislative tools have been The department is already fully integrating developed to roll-out and monitor the implemen- waste and EIA, permitting processes with some tation of national environmental management provinces having followed suit. including the: • National Framework for Air Quality Manage- Aquaculture ment In February 2013, the DWA and DEA published the EIA Guideline for Aquaculture in South Africa The benefi ts derived from biodiversity or ecosystem ser- for public comment. The guideline seeks to, vices are estimated at R73 billion, contributing to 7% of South Africa’s annual gross domestic product. The biodiver- among other things, align the EIA process and sity economy, which is part of the national Green Economy, environmental authorisations with the specifi c is therefore South Africa’s competitive edge in growing nature of aquaculture. the economy and addressing climate change adaptation. The guideline emphasises and provides Biodiversity is a basis for human and socio-economic particulars of the authorisation requirements development. in aquaculture underpinned by various

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2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 171 2014/10/29 5:22 PM environmental legal frameworks, including the and leatherback turtles hatching successfully Biodiversity Act of 2004, the Protected Areas Act on KwaZulu-Natal’s northern beaches has also of 2003 and the Waste Act of 2008. increased since the ban was enforced. Aquaculture has the potential to affect water, biodiversity, ecosystems and wild fi sh stocks. Coastal management As such, the need for integrated planning that is The ocean covers three quarters of the Earth, fl exible and detailed in the sustainable operation hence the importance of its protection. of an aquaculture venture is stressed. The department recognises the challenges The newfound support from government, the regarding the management of ocean spaces in growing need for the integrated use of resources South Africa’s adjacent ocean areas. and the socio-economic needs behind the Of the 200 estuaries found along the South diversifi cation of food production have led to African coast, 25% are in a degraded state. rapid growth of the aquaculture sector. This is due to inappropriate developments along the banks of estuaries and in their National Environmental Impact catchment areas. The department will focus Assessment and Management its attention proactively on these degraded Strategy (EIAMS) systems and prioritise developing management The EIAMS consists of voluntary and regulated plans to improve the functioning of estuaries in instruments where: associated hinterlands. • regulated EIAs are used only when it is the The Buoy Oceans Monitoring System, which most appropriate tool will provide information on the state of the oceans • EIAM occurs within the strategic context of at Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National environmentally informed spatial instruments, Park, is the fi rst in a series of observation and sector strategies and policies monitoring platforms, which will form the basis of • authorities have enough capacity with skilled the South African National Oceans and Coastal and experienced offi cials Monitoring System. • other stakeholders have the capacity and The Department of Environmental Affairs has skills to ensure maximum impact on the also reviewed the Recreational Water Quality effectiveness and effi ciency of the strategy Guidelines for Coastal Waters. The ultimate • government regulatory processes have been intention is to develop effective early warning integrated and aligned systems to pre-empt the catastrophic impacts of • government, EAPs, developers, and the possible hazards. community are equally committed to making it work. Erosion and desertifi cation According to the UN Environment Programme, 4x4 regulations desertifi cation affects 900 million people in 99 The Strategy Towards Co-Regulation of the countries with 24 million tons (Mt) of topsoil Off-Road Sector in South Africa is aimed at being lost to erosion annually. The resultant minimising the impact of off-road driving on the land degradation costs Africa about US$9 billion environment by giving direction to off-road users every year. and owners to develop and use inland routes Most South African soil is unstable. The in sensitive areas responsibly. The strategy country loses an estimated 500 Mt of topsoil applies to the inland recreational use of off-road annually through erosion caused by water and vehicles, including two-wheel, three-wheel and wind. four-wheel vehicles, which include 2x4 and 4x4 About 81% of South Africa’s total land area is motor vehicles, quad bikes and motorbikes. farmed. However, only 70% of this area is suitable A key outcome of the strategy was the for grazing. Overgrazing and erosion diminish the development, drafting and implementation carrying capacity of the veld and lead to land of national norms and/or standards, with a supportive enabling legislative framework, to The Greenest Municipality Competition is premised on facilitate environmental compliance, responsible reducing, recycling and reusing waste materials. Although tourism and the long‐term sustainability of the these principles are still relevant, other elements related to sustainable development and various greening interven- off‐road industry. tions have been added. In June 2013, the Ekurhuleni Metro- The banning of off-road vehicles in coastal politan Municipality was the overall winner in the Greenest zones has enabled several shore-breeding Municipalities competition; eThekwini was the fi rst runner- birds, especially the Damara tern and the African up; while the City of Cape Town was the second runner-up. black oystercatcher, to breed successfully on At local municipality level, Greater Tzaneen topped the beaches again. The number of loggerhead category, followed by Newcastle and Drakenstein.

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degradation. This process has already claimed Nedbank Limited, Hatch Goba, De Beers, more than 250 000 ha of land in South Africa. Transnet, Pam Golding Properties and Pick n South Africa is a signatory to the UN Pay, launched the National Biodiversity and Convention to Combat Desertifi cation (UNCCD). Business Network. Its main objectives include cooperation between The aim of the network is to assist governments, organisa tions and communities to businesses from various sectors to integrate accomplish sustainable development, especially and mainstream biodiversity issues into their where water resources are scarce. strategies and operations. It is designed to be The purpose of the convention is to support an open and inclusive association of like-minded member countries in Africa to prevent desertifi - organisations that have recognised the need to cation and its consequences. These countries raise awareness of, and stimulate conversation support one another at technical and scientifi c about biodiversity issues among members of the level, as they share similar climatic conditions. business community. South Africa also acts as the coordinator for Government and businesses are realising the Valdivia Group for Desertifi cation. that the economic and social development of The group is consists of Argentina, Australia, the country depends on healthy ecosystems Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and and biodiversity. The South African NDP: Vision Uruguay. The aim is, among other things, to 2030 confi rms that national economic growth foster scientifi c and technological cooperation. depends on the environmental sustainability of South Africa has introduced legislation such as the country’s proposed development path. the NEMBA of 2004 to promote the conservation South Africa is the third most biodiverse of biodiversity, and fi ght desertifi cation and land country in the world, after Indonesia and Brazil. degradation. These countries harbour most of the Earth’s As part of the UN international campaign species and collectively accommodate more to address global environmental deterioration than two thirds of global biodiversity. and in particular, combat dry land degradation, South Africa is home to some 24 000 species, which affects up to one-quarter of the world’s around 7% of the world’s vertebrate species, and land surface, the UN has designated 17 June as 5,5% of the world’s known insect species (only the World Day to Combat Desertifi cation. This about half of the latter have been described). date marks the anniversary of the adoption of In terms of the number of endemic species of the UNCCD. The theme for 2013 was “Drought mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians found and water scarcity” and the slogan “Don’t let our in South Africa the country ranks as the fi fth future dry up.” richest in Africa and the 24th richest in the world. Marine biodiversity is also high, with more Biodiversity than 11 000 species found in South African In January 2013, South Africa became the fi rst waters, which is about 15% of global species. country in 2013 and the 12th country overall to More than 25% of these species (or 3 496 ratify the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic species) are endemic to South Africa, many Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of which are threatened, especially in river of Benefi ts Arising from their Utilisation to the ecosystems (82%) and estuaries (77%). Convention on Biological Diversity, popularly South Africa is a signatory to several bio- referred to as the Nagoya Protocol on ABS. The diversity-related multila teral agreements such as Nagoya Protocol is a legally binding agreement the: outlining a set of terms prescribing how one • Convention on Biological Diversity Cartagena country will gain access to another country’s Protocol on Biosafety genetic resources and how the benefi ts derived • Ramsar Convention will be shared. • Cites The EWT, in collaboration with the DEA, • UNCCD • Convention on Migratory Species. Finding solutions to global warming and climate change The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action requires the reduction of carbon emissions. However, this Plan (NBSAP) is aimed at establishing a reduction should not undermine the prospects of industriali- framework and plan of action for the conser- sation and development in the developing world, as people vation and sustainable use of South Africa’s still need to seize opportunities that arise from the new technological developments and job-creation. The green biodiversity and the equitable sharing of benefi ts economy was identifi ed as one of the six job drivers in the derived from this use. New Growth Path. Many low-income houses have solar A scientifi c, systematic biodiversity assess- water heaters, which is something that has emerged from ment for the country was carried out in 2004 to green technologies. spatially support the NBSAP, titled the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA). 173

2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 173 2014/10/29 5:22 PM The NSBA was updated in 2012, forming the camel thorn (acacia erioloba) and the camphor National Biodiversity Assessment, 2011, with bush (tarchonanthus camphoratus). many signifi cant fi ndings requiring conservation In Limpopo, the portly baobab (adansonia action. digitata) and the candelabra tree (euphorbia The Deputy Minister of Water and Environ- ingens) dominate. The central bushveld is mental Affairs and the Deputy Minister of home to species such as the knob thorn Agriculture and Rural Development of the (acacia nigrescens), bushwillow (combretum Socialist Republic of Vietnam signed an action spp.), monkey thorn (acacia galpinii), mopani plan in May 2013 to implement the MoU on (colophospermum mopane) and wild fi g (fi cus Biodiversity Conservation and Protection. spp.). In the valley bushveld of the south, The implementation plan, effective until 2017, euphorbias and spekboom trees (portulacaria gives further impetus to the fi ght against wildlife afra) dominate. crimes, particularly rhino poaching. Abundant wild fruit trees provide food for many The objective of the MoU is to promote birds and animals in the Savanna Biome. Grey cooperation in the fi eld of biodiversity loeries, hornbills, shrikes, fl ycatchers and rollers management, conservation and protection. It is are birds typical of the northern regions. also expected to assist in curbing the scourge The subtropical and coastal areas are home to of rhino poaching because the MoU seeks Knysna loeries, purple-crested loeries and green to promote cooperation in law enforcement, pigeons. Raptors occur throughout the biome. compliance with the Cites and other relevant The larger mammals include lion, leopard, legislation and conventions on the basis of cheetah, elephant, buffalo, zebra, rhino, giraffe, equality and mutual benefi t kudu, oryx, waterbuck, hippopotamus and many The National Biodiversity Framework (NBF), others. published in 2009, provides a framework to About 8,5% of the biome is protected. The coordinate and align the efforts of the many Kruger National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier organisations and individuals involved in con- Park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, iSimangaliso serving and managing South Africa’s bio- Wetlands Park and other reserves lie in the diversity, in support of sustainable development. Savanna Biome. The NBF is a requirement of the NEMBA of 2004. Nama-Karoo Biome Three internationally recognised biodiversity The Nama-Karoo is the third largest biome hotspots are found in South Africa. They are the: in South Africa, covering about 20,5% of the • Cape Floral Kingdom (equivalent to the fynbos country or more than 260 000 km2. It stretches biome) across the vast central plateau of the western • Succulent Karoo (shared with Namibia) half of the country. This semi-desert receives • Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Centre of little rain in summer. Plant Endemism, which stretches from the Rainfall varies from about 200 mm a year in Albany Centre in the Eastern Cape, through the west to 400 mm a year in the north-east. the Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism Summer is very hot and winter is very cold with and KwaZulu-Natal, and the eastern side of frequent frost. Swaziland, into southern Mozambique and Most of the plants are low shrubs and grass. Mpumalanga. Many plants are deciduous. Trees such as the The Succulent Karoo Biome is one of only two sweet thorn (acacia karoo) are usually only arid biodiversity hotspots in the world, the other found along rivers or on rocky hillsides. being the Horn of Africa. Common animals include the bat-eared fox, There are eight major terrestrial biomes, or ostrich, spring hare, tortoises and brown locust. habitat types, in South Africa, which are divided The riverine rabbit is a threatened species found into 70 veld types. in the Nama-Karoo Biome. This biome includes the Namaland area of National biodiversity biomes Namibia, and the central Karoo area of South Savanna Biome Africa. The Savanna Biome is the largest biome in Because of low rainfall, rivers are non- southern Africa, occupying 46% of its area, perennial. Cold and frost in winter and high tem- and over a third of South Africa. It is an area of peratures in summer demand special adaptation mixed grassland and trees, generally known as by plants. bushveld. Only 1% of the Nama-Karoo Biome falls within In the Northern Cape and Kalahari sections offi cially protected areas, of which the Karoo and of this biome, the most distinctive trees are the Augrabies national parks are the largest.

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Overgrazing and easily eroded soil sur faces Grass is scarce. are causing this semi-desert to advance slowly on The animal life is similar to that of the the neighbouring savanna and grassland biomes. neigh bouring Fynbos and Nama-Karoo biomes. The biome includes 2 800 plant species at Grassland Biome increased risk of extinction. The Grassland Biome is the secondlargest biome in South Africa, covering an area of 339 237 km2 Fynbos Biome and occurring in eight of South Africa’s nine The Fynbos Biome is one of the six accepted provinces. It is one of the most threatened biomes fl oral kingdoms of the world. This region covers in South Africa, with 30% irreversibly transformed only 0,04% of the Earth’s land surface. and only 1,9% of the biodiversity target for the Fynbos, which is found mainly in the Western biome formally conserved. Cape, is the name given to a group of ever-green The Grassland Biome provides essential plants with small, hard leaves (such as those ecosystem services, such as water production in the Erica family). It is made up mainly of the and soil retention necessary for economic protea, heathers and restio, and incorporates development. It holds important biodiversity of diverse plant species (more than 8 500 kinds, of global and domestic signifi cance and value. which more than 6 000 are endemic). Trees are scarce and found mainly on hills The Fynbos Biome is famous for the protea, and along riverbeds. Karee (rhus lancea), wild which is South Africa’s national fl ower. The biome currant (rhus pyroides), white stinkwood (celtis also contains fl owering plants now regarded as africana) and several acacia species are the garden plants, such as freesia, tritonia, sparaxis commonest. and many others. The Grassland Biome has the third largest Protected areas cover 13,6% of the Fynbos number of indigenous plant species in the country. Biome and include the Table Mountain and Eight mammal species endemic to South Agulhas national parks. Africa occur in the wild in this biome. This biome is not very rich in bird and mammal The area is internationally recognised as an life, but does include the endemic Cape grysbok, area of high species endemicity for birds. The the geometric tortoise, the Cape sugarbird and black korhaan, blue crane and guinea-fowl are the protea seed-eater. Baboon, honey-badgers, among the birds found in the area. caracal, the buck and several types of eagle and dassies are found in the mountains. Succulent Karoo Biome The Succulent Karoo Biome covers a fl at to Forest Biome gently undulating plain, with some hilly and South Africa’s only signifi cant natural forests are “broken” veld, mostly situated to the west and those of Knysna and Tsitsikamma in the Western south of the escarpment, and north of the Cape and Eastern Cape respectively. Fold Belt. Other reasonably large forest patches that One of the natural wonders of South Africa is are offi cially protected are in the high-rainfall the annual blossoming of the Namaqualand wild areas of the eastern escarpment (Drakensberg fl owers (mainly of the family asteraceae), which mountains), and on the eastern seaboard. transforms the semi-desert of the Northern Cape Forest giants such as yellowwood (podocarpus into a fairyland. After rain, the drab landscape is spp.), ironwood (olea capensis) and lemonwood suddenly covered with a multicoloured carpet of (xymalos monospora) dominate. fl owers (from August to October, depending on The indigenous forests are a magical world of the rainfall). ferns, lichens and colourful forest birds such as This is a winterrainfall area with extremely dry the Knysna loerie, the endangered Cape parrot and hot summers. Succulents with thick, fl eshy and the rameron pigeon. Mammals include leaves are plentiful. Most trees have white trunks the endangered samango monkey, bushpig, to refl ect the heat. bushbuck and the delicate blue duiker. The quiver tree (aloe dichotoma) and the human-like elephant’s trunk (pachypodium Thicket Biome namaquanum) are prominent in the Richtersveld. The Thicket Biome is the second smallest biome in South Africa, and is known for its high In March 2014, the University of the Witwatersrand con- biodiversity. ferred an honorary doctorate on ecologist, environmen- Subtropical thicket ranges from closed talist, bird specialist and artist, Mr Duncan Butchart, for shrub land to low forest, dominated by evergreen sharing his specialist knowledge and skills with many local succulent trees, shrubs and vines. communities that have been enriched in their knowledge It is often impenetrable and has little herb- and understanding of the African environment. aceous cover. Roughly 20% of the species found 175

2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 175 2014/10/29 5:22 PM there are endemic to the Thicket Biome. The Benguela Current Commission is a The Thicket Biome, which is predominantly permanent intergovernmental organisation, with in the Eastern Cape, supports four species a mandate to promote the long-term conser- of tortoise: the leopard tortoise (geochelone vation, protection, rehabilitation, enhancement pardalis), angulate tortoise (chersina angulata), and sustainable use of the BCLME. tent tortoise (psammobates tentorius) and South Africa has signed several interna- parrot-beaked tortoise (homopus areolatus). tional conventions, treaties, protocols and other agreements supporting the principles of Desert Biome sustainable development including the: True desert is found under very harsh environ- • Convention on Biological Diversity (ratifi ed in mental conditions, which are even more extreme 1995) than those found in the Succulent Karoo and • Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (South Africa the Nama-Karoo biomes. The climate is charac- became a party in 2003) terised by summer rainfall, but also by high levels • Kyoto Protocol (signed in 2003) of summer aridity. Rainfall is highly variable from • UNCCD year to year. Desert is found mostly in Namibia, • World Heritage Convention (ratifi ed in 1997) although it does occur in South Africa in the • Convention on Wetlands of International lower Orange River Valley. Importance (Ramsar Convention) (ratifi ed in The vegetation of the Desert Biome is charac- 1975) terised by the dominance of annual plants (often • Convention on the Conservation of Migratory annual grasses). This means that after a rare Species (acceded in 1991). season of abundant rain, the desert plains can be covered with a sea of short annual grass, United Nations Framework Convention whereas in drier years, the plains appear bare on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with annual plants persisting in the form of seeds. South Africa ratifi ed the UNFCCC in 1997, which Perennial plants are usually encountered is aimed at: in specialised habitats associated with local • implementing urgent action, from 2013 to concentrations of water from broad drainage 2020, including the adoption of a second lines or washes. Nearer the coast, coastal fog commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol also governs the distribution of certain species and a number of institutional mechanisms commonly associated with the desert. such as the Green Climate Fund The Desert Biome incorporates abun dant • acknowledging the inadequate commitments insect fauna, which includes many tenebrionid to reduce emissions made thus far; a work beetles, some of which can use fog water. There programme was agreed upon to increase are also various vertebrates, including reptiles, pre-2020 levels of ambition springbok, ostrich, gems bok, snakes and geckos. • action for the future with the negotiation of a Some areas in this Biome are formally legal agreement for the period beyond 2020. protected in the Richtersveld National Park. The UNFCCC entered into force in 1994. The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the International cooperation UNFCCC meets annually to assess progress In March 2013, government ministers from in dealing with climate change. The COP is Angola, Namibia and South Africa signed the the supreme body of the convention and is its Benguela Current Convention, an environ- highest decision-making authority. mental treaty promoting a coordinated regional With 195 parties, the UNFCCC has near approach to the long-term conservation and universal membership and is the parent treaty protection of the Benguela Current Large Marine of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol Ecosystem (BCLME). has been ratifi ed by 193 of the UNFCCC parties. The BCLME is regarded as one of the richest Under the protocol, 37 states, consisting ecosystems on Earth, with ecosystem goods of highly industrialised countries and those and services estimated to be worth at least making the transition to a market economy, have US$54,3 billion per year. Offshore oil and gas legally binding emission limitation and reduction production, marine diamond mining, coastal commitments. tourism, commercial fi shing and shipping are The ultimate objective of both treaties is to some of the most important industrial activities stabilise GHG concentrations in the atmosphere that take place in the region. at a level that will prevent dangerous human The accord, signed in Angola, is a formal interference with the climate system. agreement that also seeks to provide economic, The launch of negotiations to shape the new environmental and social benefi ts for the three global climate change agreement and fi rst countries. discussions on how to raise ambition took place 176

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at the UNFCCC in Bonn in May 2012, which plant species, whether they are traded as live prepared decisions for adoption at the UNFCCC specimens, fur coats or dried herbs. in Qatar later in 2012. South Africa used the 16th Cites held in One of the central outcomes of the meeting February 2013, in Thailand, to shine the spotlight in South Africa was to pave the way for a legal on rhino conservation. agreement under the UNFCCC applicable to all South Africa hosted and participated in side parties, to be completed by 2015 and to come events during the 16th COP, and three of these into effect from 2020. events focused on rhino matters including The 19th session of the Conference of the conservation, safety and security and rhino Parties (COP 19), held during November 2013, economics or trade matters. This was refl ective in Warsaw, Poland, ensured that progress was of the key areas addressed during the Rhino made with the implementation of decisions Issue Manager (RIM) process in 2012. already taken under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto South Africa appointed a Rhino Issue Protocol. Manager in May 2012, with the responsibility of Under South Africa’s COP Presidency, conducting research and convening a series of COP 17 achieved a historic agreement, initiating stakeholder dialogues with all interested parties negotiations on a new global legal instrument, to facilitate wide-ranging and expert input into applicable to all countries, to be adopted by policy thinking. 2015 and to be fully operational in 2020. In the course of the work of the RIM, 12 stakeholder meetings were held in Gauteng, United Nations Commission on Durban and Cape Town, with presentations Sustainable Development (CSD) being conducted in Bloemfontein and Cape The UN CSD was established by the UN General Town. Assembly in December 1992 to ensure effective The Cites parties meet every three years to follow-up of the UN Conference on Environment consider amendments to the appendices of and Development, also known as the Earth the convention; to make recommendations to Summit. improve the effectiveness; and to assess the From its inception, the CSD was highly partici- implementation thereof. patory in structure and outlook, by engaging in its formal proceedings a wide range of offi cial Montreal Protocol on Substances stakeholders and partners through innovative that Deplete the Ozone Layer formulae. The theme for the 2013 celebration of World At the UN Conference on Sustainable Ozone Day was “A healthy atmosphere, the Development (Rio+20), member states agreed future we want” emphasised the collaboration to establish a high-level political forum that and environmental benefi ts achieved by the would subsequently replace the Commission on international community through the operation Sustainable Development. of the Montreal Protocol. The international treaty is designed to protect the ozone layer by Convention on International Trade in phasing out the production and consumption Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and of numerous substances responsible for ozone Flora (Cites) depletion. The protocol has been recognised as South Africa was a founding member of the Cites a global success, demonstrated by the massive Treaty, which was adopted on 3 March 1973, but elimination of production and consumption of only came into force on 1 July 1975. chlorofl uorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon Signed by 149 countries, Cites is an interna- tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, and chlorobro- tional agreement between governments to momethane worldwide since it came into force protect endangered species against over-exploi- in 1987. tation through regulations regarding imports and South Africa, which became a signatory to exports and in some cases prohibiting trade. the Montreal Protocol in 1990, has phased out Cites was drafted as a result of a resolution CFCs, halons, methyl chloroform and carbon adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of tetrachloride. the IUCN. Cites accords varying degrees of This makes it the only developing country protection to more than 30 000 animals and in the world that has achieved so much in line with the phase-out schedule for developed The Greenest Municipality Competition is hosted annually countries. Although South Africa is classifi ed as by the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs. In a developing country, its consumption of these August 2013, Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal won the com- substances is equal to that of some developed petition. countries.

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2013ENVIRONMENT_NEW2.indd 177 2014/10/29 5:22 PM World Summit on Sustainable announced in 2012. The Implementing Agent, Development the DBSA, allocated funds through the fi rst South Africa hosted the WSSD in September window to projects that proved to be sustainable, 2002 in Johannesburg. The agreements mainly in the alternative energy sector. reached then are a guide to action that will take The Minister of Water and Environmental forward the UN Millennium Summit Declaration’s Affairs launched a R22-million Green Fund goal of halving world poverty by 2015, and will project in the uPhongolo Local Municipality, incorporate decisions taken by world bodies KwaZulu-Natal, in August 2013. since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Known as “Farming the Wild,” the initiative is The most notable success was getting the a community-based project supported by the world to turn the UN Millennium Declaration into Green Fund. It aims to green the rural community a concrete set of programmes and to mobilise of Somkhanda through the establishment of the funds for these programmes. Somkhanda Community Game Reserve. Targets set at the summit will have an Early in 2013, the department launched the zero enormous impact such as: emission pure electric green cars as a national • the number of people without basic sanitation pilot programme to demonstrate government’s and access to safe drinking water has to be commitment to the reduction of carbon emissions halved by 2015 that are chiefl y responsible for climate change. • collapsed fi sh stocks must be restored by 2015 In the same vein, the bioprospecting and • chemicals with a detrimental health impact are hunting industries will remain integral to the to be phased out by 2020 department’s contribution to sustainable devel- • energy services have to be extended to 35% opment and green jobs in South Africa. of African households over the next 10 years. Job creation United Nations Conference on Demonstrating its commitment to improving Sustainable Development (Rio+20) socio-economic benefi ts within the environmental Rio+20 refers to the UN Conference on sector, the department has created 65 494 work Sustainable Development which took place in opportunities, yielding 34 019 full-time equival- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012. The meeting ent jobs. The targeted designated groups were took place 20 years after the landmark 1992 women, youth and people living with disabilities. Earth Summit in Rio, when more than 108 heads The department accessed R2,39 billion from of state agreed to work together to develop the EPWP for environmental programmes in national strategies to reduce carbon emissions, 2013/14, which boosted the job-creation object- stabilise GHG, protect forests from destruction, ive of government, and secured vital environ- and pay for their share of the damage caused to mental benefi ts from the work that was done. the Earth through pollution. The jobs created were coupled with skills At Rio+20 world leaders, along with thousands development with 184 263 accredited training of participants from the private sector, NGOs person days achieved. and other groups, came together to shape how Some 2 700 young people are expected to countries could work together to reduce poverty, benefi t from the Youth Environmental Services advance social equity and ensure environmental Programme over the next three years. Upon protection on an increasingly crowded planet. exiting the programme participants will be placed The offi cial discussions focused on two main in either permanent employment or further themes: how to build a green economy to training institutions. achieve sustainable development and lift people The department launched the Youth Jobs in out of poverty; and how to improve international Waste Programme. This project was expected coordination for sustainable development. to create 330 job opportunities in the Free At the Rio+20 talks 50 of the 193 member State and 326 in North West, and once rolled states of the UN launched new energy strategies, out nationally, it was expected to provide 3 577 and private investors pledged more than young people with job opportunities in waste US$50 billion to carry out the goal of doubling management and related entrepreneurship. the share of global renewable energy and the In addition to these youth employment initi- rate of energy effi ciency improvement by 2030. atives, environmental monitors were introduced to deal with environmental threats in protected Sustainable Development and the Green areas, including the scourge of rhino poaching Economy nationally. This programme employs 1 000 young The department began introducing the Green people to strengthen the fi ght against rhino Economy with the use of the Green Fund poaching and other environmental challenges.

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Urban environmental management The Urban Environmental Management Programme is a partnership between 11 government institutions from the national, provincial and municipal spheres of government. The programme alleviates poverty through improved service delivery within the environmental management of urban areas. Started in April 2006, the programme is a continuation of more than 10 years of environmental collaboration between South Africa and Denmark.

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