Ugu District Municipality: Biodiversity Sector...

Version: Version 2.0

Date: February 2014

Ugu District Municipality: Biodiversity Sector Plan

Ugu Biodiversity Sector Plan 2014

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March 2014 - Version 2.0

RECOMMENDED Title Name Signature Date

Chairperson: EKZNW, SOCC

Chief Executive Officer EKZNW

APPROVED Chairperson: KZN Nature Conservation Board


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The Project Team

Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting cc 26 Mallory Road, Hilton 3245 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Douglas Macfarlane Mobile: 084 5014665 Email: [email protected] Adam Teixeira-Leite Mobile: 074 4960432

Email: [email protected]

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Dr Boyd Escott Tel: 033 845 1257 Email: [email protected] Felicity Elliott Tel: 033 845 1434 Email: [email protected]

Thorn-Ex cc (Environmental Services) PO Box 800, Hilton 3245 Pietermaritzburg. South Africa Marita Thornhill Tel: (033) 3431814 Fax: (033) 3431819 Mobile: 084 5014665 Email: [email protected]

Afzelia Environmental Consultants cc PO Box 95, Hilton 3245 Pietermaritzburg. South Africa John Richardson Tel: 033 3432931/32 Fax: 033 3432033 or 086 5170900 Mobile: 082 9256 450 Email: [email protected]

THORN-EX

mailto:[email protected]



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Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (2014). Ugu District Municipality: Biodiversity Sector Plan, Version 1.1. Unpublished Report by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg.

The project deliverables, including the reported results, comments, recommendations and conclusions, are based on the project teams’ knowledge as well information available at the time of compilation and are not guaranteed to be free from error or omission. The study is based on assessment techniques and investigations that are limited by time and budgetary constraints applicable to the type and level of project undertaken. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserves the right to modify aspects of the project deliverables if and when new/additional information may become available from research, identifications or further work in the applicable field of practice, or pertaining to this study.

Version 1 of the Biodiversity Sector Plan report for the Ugu District Municipality was approved by the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Board in June 2013. Subsequent to this approval significant changes have been made, by SANBI in conjunction with the provinces, in the terminology used in Sector Plans and the manner in which priority biodiversity areas are identified and mapped. Version 2 has been updated to incorporate these changes in terminology and mapping.

Additional information in the form of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) shapefiles used to prepare the Critical Biodiversity Areas Maps referred to in this information document, as well as the digital version of this document, have been provided to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and can be obtained by contacting [email protected].

This Biodiversity Sector Plan covers the Ugu District Municipality in southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW) is the developer and primary implementing agent of the plan, with technical support being provided by SANBI: the South African National Biodiversity Institute. In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, a conscious decision was taken that a Bioregional Sector Plan (BSP) must be developed as a precursor to a Bioregional Plan (BRP). The reason behind this was the clearly identified need for KZN to clearly set out the baseline for the conservation priorities in each of the Districts, before interacting with the various other sector plans, IDPs and SDFs as required by S48 of National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 and the Bioregional Guidelines (DEAT, 2009). As such, the BSP for the Ugu District Municipality complies with SANBI’s Bioregional Planning terminology and requirements as well as the guidelines for the development of Bioregional Plans (DEAT, 2009). As an intermediate product the BSP does not however reflect the interaction with other sector planning tools and the gazetting of the document. The spatial component of the bioregional plan is based on the systematic conservation planning undertaken by EKZNW and supplemented by a range of additional data sources compiled with assistance from the independent service provider, Eco-Pulse-Afzelia-Thorn-Ex JV. The primary purpose of the Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Ugu District is to inform land-use planning, environmental assessment and authorisations, and natural resource management, by the range of sectors whose policies and decisions impact on biodiversity. This is done by providing a map of biodiversity priority areas, with accompanying land-use planning and decision-making guidelines. There are a wide range of mandatory and recommended users of the Biodiversity Sector Plan, including local, provincial and national government departments and authorities whose decisions and actions impact on biodiversity and the natural environment; national and provincial conservation agencies; environmental and planning consultants; conservation NGOs; and private landowners.


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The project team II Citation . III Disclaimer III Document version III Further information III Executive summary III Table of contents 4 List of Appendices 5 List of Figures 6 List of Tables 6 1 Introduction 8

1.1 Aims & Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 8 1.2 Map and Text Description ................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 Legal Background .............................................................................................................................. 11 1.4 Application and Intended Users ........................................................................................................ 12 1.5 Details of the Biodiversity Sector Plan .............................................................................................. 14 1.6 Definition of terms ............................................................................................................................ 15 1.7 Abbreviations Used ........................................................................................................................... 20

2 Biophysical overview of the District 22 2.1 General description of the study area .............................................................................................. 22 2.2 Climate .............................................................................................................................................. 23 2.3 Landscape and Topography .............................................................................................................. 23 2.4 Geology and Geomorphology ........................................................................................................... 25 2.5 Landuse and modification ................................................................................................................. 26 2.6 Regional Conservation Context ......................................................................................................... 28

2.6.1 Hydrology and important aquatic ecosystems 28 2.6.2 Vegetation types 33 2.6.3 Species of special concern – flora & fauna 36 2.6.4 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) 38 2.6.5 Important ecological processes and services 39 2.6.6 Protected areas and other conservation areas 41

3 Biodiversity profile of the region 43 3.1 Methodology ..................................................................................................................................... 44 3.2 Assumptions and limitations ............................................................................................................. 44 3.3 Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) ...................................................................................................... 47

3.3.1 Terrestrial CBAs 47 3.3.2 Aquatic CBAs 47

3.4 Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) ........................................................................................................ 49 3.4.1 Terrestrial ESAs 49 3.4.2 Aquatic ESAs 49

3.5 Ecological Infrastructure (EI) ............................................................................................................. 50 3.6 District Biodiversity Sector Plan Map ................................................................................................ 50 3.7 Cross links with adjacent Municipalities ........................................................................................... 53

4 Land Use PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Guidelines 54 4.1 Guidelines for terrestrial and aquatic envrionments ........................................................................ 58 4.2 Guidelines for marine and inshore environments ............................................................................ 61 4.3 NFEPA Management Guidelines ....................................................................................................... 63

5 Review & Updating of the Biodiversity Sector Plan 64


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5.1 Timeframes ....................................................................................................................................... 64 5.2 Gaps in knowledge ............................................................................................................................ 64

6 Conclusions and Recommendations 65 6.1 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 65 6.2 Key actions in the District ................................................................................................................. 65

6.2.1 Sustainable land-use planning that is compatible with regional conservation objectives 65 6.2.2 Protected Area Expansion 66 6.2.3 Biodiversity offsets 66 6.2.4 Development of Metropolitan Open Space Systems (MOSS) 66 6.2.5 Protection and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems 67 6.2.6 Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded natural areas 67 6.2.7 Invasive alien species control and management 67 6.2.8 Development of Ecosystem or Environmental Management Plans 67 6.2.9 Monitoring and evaluation of ecosystem condition and functioning 68

7 References 69 7.1 Key sources of information ............................................................................................................... 69 7.2 Sources referred to in the text .......................................................................................................... 69

8 Appendices 72

Appendix 1: List of spatial (GIS) information used to inform the mapping procedures and biophysical

description for the Ugu District Municipality Biodiversity Sector Plan ........................................... 73

Appendix 2: Criteria used in the identification and mapping different CBA map categories ........................... 74

Appendix 3: List of Red data plant species that are known/likely to occur within the Ugu District Municipality

(EKZNW, 2011e). .............................................................................................................................. 81

Appendix 4: List of Red Data fauna, and including other species of significance, that are known/likely to occur

within the Ugu District Municipality (EKZNW, 2011f). .................................................................... 84

Appendix 5: List of stakeholders who attended the stakeholder workshop on 10th May, 2012. ................... 86

Appendix 6: Flow diagram of CBA Categories in the SCA, BSP and KZN BP Mapping Process .......................... 87


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Figure 1 Diagrammatic representation of the relationship between Bioregional Plans and other planning tools.................................................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 2 Regional map of the Ugu District Municipality showing local municipalities within the UDM and the surrounding Districts. ......................................................................................................................... 22

Figure 3 Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) for the Ugu District (South African Atlas of Agrohydrology and Climatology, 2001) ............................................................................................................................. 24

Figure 4 Digital elevation model of the Ugu District (derived from a 20m DEM of KZN) ................................ 24 Figure 5 Geological Map of the Ugu District. ................................................................................................... 26 Figure 6 Map indicating the extent of primary land-uses across the Ugu District (EKZNW, 2008a). .............. 27 Figure 7 Map showing major perennial rivers, NFEPA rivers (CSIR, 2010) and primary catchments within the

Ugu District......................................................................................................................................... 30 Figure 8 Map showing the distribution of freshwater wetlands and estuaries within the Ugu District. ........ 31 Figure 9 Map showing vegetation types (Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2012) after modification .......................... 34 Figure 10 Map showing the status of unmodified threatened ecosystems in the Ugu District (SANBI, 2011) 35 Figure 11 Map showing the location of formally Protected Areas and other conservation areas in the Ugu

District. ............................................................................................................................................... 42 Figure 12 Map showing CBAS and ESAs for the Ugu District Municipality ........................................................ 46 Figure 13 Aquatic Map showing CBA and ESAs for the Ugu District Municipality ............................................. 48 Figure 14 Composite EI Map showing Ecological Infrastructure (EI) for the Ugu District Municipality ............ 51 Figure 15 Biodiversity Sector Plan Map of the Ugu District Municipality .......................................................... 52

Table 1 Intended users of bioregional plans with both mandatory and recommended uses. .................... 13 Table 2 Primary land-uses contributing towards modification of natural habitat in the Ugu District. ....... 27 Table 3 Details of major rivers in the Ugu District. ...................................................................................... 29 Table 4 Details of wetland vegetation types occurring within the UDM (Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2012). .. 31 Table 5 Details of estuaries in the Ugu District. ........................................................................................... 32 Table 6 Details of terrestrial vegetation types occurring within the UDM (Scott-Shaw and Escott; 2011 &

2012). ............................................................................................................................................... 33 Table 7 Threatened ecosystem types and extent of cover occurring within the district (SANBI, 2011) ..... 35 Table 8 Summary of the threat status of animal species in UDM (EKZNW, 2011f). .................................... 37 Table 9 List of IBA sites in the Ugu District (BirdLife SA, 2012). ................................................................... 39 Table 10 Formal Protected Areas within the Ugu District. ............................................................................ 42 Table 11 Descriptions of the various CBA map categories for the Ugu BSP. ................................................. 43 Table 12 Land-use compatibility status rating ............................................................................................... 55 Table 13 Land-use Management Practices and Controls ............................................................................... 55 Table 14 Land-use Objectives for Terrestrial and Aquatic Conservation Categories ..................................... 58 Table 15 Land-use Compatibility Guideline Matrix for Terrestrial & Aquatic Conservation Categories

(adapted from Escott et. al., 2013) ................................................................................................. 60 Table 16 Land-use objectives for marine & inshore conservation categories ............................................... 61 Table 17 Land-use Compatibility Guideline Matrix for Marine & Inshore Conservation Categories (adapted

from Escott et. al., 2013) ................................................................................................................. 62


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Box 1 : What Is ‘Biodiversity’ ............................................................................................................................... 9 Box 2 Biodiversity ‘Hotspots’ ............................................................................................................................. 28 Box 3 Threatened Ecosystems In Ugu ............................................................................................................... 34 Box 4 Species Of Special Concern - Oribi ........................................................................................................... 37 Box 5 Species Of Special Concern - Blue Swallow ............................................................................................. 38 Box 6 What Are Ecosystem Services And Why Are They Important? ............................................................... 40 Box 8 Biodiversity Stewardship ......................................................................................................................... 41 Box 7 Ugu Protected Areas ................................................................................................................................ 41 Box 9 How To Use The Cba Maps ...................................................................................................................... 54


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Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW), the provincial nature conservation agency in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), appointed Eco-Pulse-Afzelia-Thorn-Ex JV to develop a Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) for the Ugu District Municipality. EKZNW’s core disciplines include biodiversity conservation, wise and sustainable use of natural resources, the creation and management of partnerships with stakeholders and communities as well as the provision of affordable eco-tourism destinations within the Province through their network of Nature Reserves and Parks. The Ugu District in KZN is hosts to a diverse array of natural landscapes, from the coastal zone along the Indian Ocean, to the numerous river gorges and valleys, indigenous coastal forests, wetlands and grasslands. A variety of plants and animals utilise the natural habitats of the area, with numerous species considered threatened. The District is also home to a variety of land uses and activities from commercial sugarcane farming along the coastal belt, to expansive timber forestry operations further inland. The coastal zone has become extensively developed for the growing urban population, whilst areas inland are characterised by smaller satellite towns and rural/ development. The combination of the various land uses continues to place increasing pressure on the environment and the remaining natural ecosystems, with loss of natural habitat and ecological process being at the forefront of concerns regarding the regions biodiversity heritage. Consequently, a biodiversity sector plan for the District is seen to be an effective tool for addressing the threats to biodiversity.

1.1 Aims & Objectives

The aim of the project is to produce a draft Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) for the Ugu District Municipality through engagement with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Ugu District Municipality staff and the review of readily available literature, databases and any other relevant information sources. The role of the BSP for Ugu will be to ensure that biodiversity information is accessible for easy utilisation by Local Municipalities within the Ugu District Municipality to better inform land-use planning and decision-making by a range of sectors whose policies and decisions impact on biodiversity. The final product will act as the source of biodiversity information that will give strategic focus to the work programmes and plans of EKZNW staff, Local Municipalities, District Conservation Officers (DCO’s), conservation NGOs and funding agencies, providing a mechanism for managing and conserving biodiversity and maintaining key ecological processes in the Ugu District Municipality through the maintenance of a network of priority conservation areas. The Biodiversity Sector Plan has the following objectives:

To identify and map the critical biodiversity assets in the Ugu District;

To provide a platform for further biodiversity investigation and understanding within the District;

To act as the source of biodiversity information that will give strategic focus to the work programmes and plans of EKZNW staff at a regional level, specifically District Conservation Officers and Community Conservation Officers;

To act as the source of biodiversity information that will be utilised in the development of other spatial planning tools being developed within the District municipality, such as Strategic Development Frameworks (SDFs), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), Integrated Development Programmes (IDPs), and Environmental Development Frameworks (EMFs);

To assist EKZNW staff in meeting aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity conservation targets at the District level;

To provide land use and management guidelines for relevant stakeholders to best maintain and protect critical biodiversity areas;


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To inform the protection of Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) which serve to maintain Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and the ecological goods and services upon which the environment and socio-economic well-being is sustained;

To provide a reference tool guiding stakeholders and areas for biodiversity management programmes, plans and projects within the District, including conservation efforts in terms of Stewardship Programmes and conservation NGOs and funding agencies;

To spatially illustrate key biodiversity corridors and linkages within the District and extending into adjacent municipal areas;

To improve awareness around the unique biodiversity in the area, the value this biodiversity represents to people as well as the management mechanisms that should ensure its protection and sustainable utilisation; and

To inform the development of a Bioregional Plan for the District.

These objectives are met largely through the core elements of the plan which include:

A map of biodiversity priorities that identifies those sites critical for meeting biodiversity targets (CBAs and ESAs) by maintaining biodiversity pattern and ecological processes;

Accompanying land-use planning and decision-making guidelines which aim to incorporate biodiversity considerations into land-use planning and decision-making with the aim being to maintain the integrity of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) by avoiding loss and degradation of natural habitat, whilst managing sustainable development in other remaining natural areas.

An additional supplementary report entitled “Prioritizing areas for conservation action in the Ugu District” (Thornhill, et. al., 2013) identifies existing threats to biodiversity in the study area and integrates this with biodiversity information in order to help to direct future conservation efforts by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. This report can be obtained from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife on request.

1.2 Map and Text Description

The Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) map for the Ugu District indicates areas of terrestrial land, aquatic features as well as marine areas which must be safeguarded in their natural state if biodiversity is to persist and ecosystems are to continue functioning. The CBA map aims to guide sustainable development in the District by providing a synthesis of biodiversity information to decision makers and serves as the common reference for all multi-sectoral planning procedures, advising which areas can be developed in a sustainable

Box 1 : WHAT IS ‘BIODIVERSITY’

The term ‘Biodiversity’ is used to describe the wide variety of plant and animal species occurring in their natural environment or ‘habitat’. The term encompasses different ecosystems, landscapes, communities, populations and genes as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that allow these elements of biodiversity to persist over time. “Biodiversity pattern” refers to the way in which components of biodiversity are arranged, while “biodiversity process” relates to the series of actions and interactions occurring between biodiversity components (which serve to maintain biodiversity) and are commonly termed ‘ecological processes’.

…AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? South Africa’s biodiversity provides an important basis for economic growth and development. Keeping our biodiversity intact is vital for ensuring the on-going provision of ecosystem services, such as the production of clean water through good catchment management. Loss of biodiversity puts aspects of our economy and quality of life at risk and reduces socioeconomic options for future generations as well. In essence, sustainable development is not possible without it.

Critically endangered Wattled Crane

(Bugeranus carunculatu)


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manner, and which areas of critical biodiversity value (“Critical Biodiversity Areas” or CBAs) and their support zones (“Ecological Support Areas” or ESAs) should be protected against biodiversity threats and impacts. ESAs, whilst not necessarily required to meet conservation targets, are important in maintaining ecological processes and system functioning of their associated CBAs.

The two main layers, CBAs and ESAs, are divided into further subcategories as set out below:

Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) - Crucial for supporting biodiversity features and ecosystem functioning and are required to meet conservation targets

Critical Biodiversity Areas: Irreplaceable

Areas considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which are required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality of ecosystems.

Critical Biodiversity Areas: Optimal

Areas that represent an optimised solution to meet the required biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding areas where the risk of biodiversity loss is high Category driven primarily by process but is also informed by expert input.

Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) - Functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the critical biodiversity areas

Ecological Support Areas (ESAs)

Functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the critical biodiversity areas. The area also contributes significantly to the maintenance of ecological infrastructure.

Ecological Support Areas: Species Specific

Terrestrial modified areas that provide a support function to a threatened or protected species, for example agricultural land.

An additional category, termed “Ecological Infrastructure” or EI (also referred to as “Ecosystem Goods and Services Areas” or EGSAs) identifies areas of natural or near-natural features, habitats or landscapes that have been highlighted as being particularly important in providing high levels of ecosystem service delivery, e.g. water production areas, key flood mitigation areas, etc. EIs form a subset of the larger matrix identified on the map as “Other Natural Areas”, EIs are however expressed as a stand-alone map highlighting these areas of ecosystem service priority. The category “Other Natural Areas” are natural, near-natural vegetation and functional habitats or landscapes not yet classified as one of the above categories (i.e. CBAs, ESAs, or EI), but that should be recognised as being important in maintaining ecological processes and ecosystem service delivery, and should also be safe-guarded where possible. Whilst these Other Natural Areas are sufficiently extensive at this stage that they may withstand some loss through conversion of their natural state and undergo development, it is possible however that these areas could eventually be reclassified as Critical Biodiversity Areas in the future as development pressures increase. Protected Areas (PAs) are restricted to formally proclaimed areas under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (2003) that forms the backbone of the conservation network. These areas are critical in their contribution to the achievement of conservation objectives in the Province. The CBA map also identifies “Modified Areas” that have been irreversibly modified by land uses such as agriculture, forestry and urban infrastructural development, with no significant natural vegetation remaining and therefore are attributed to having a low biodiversity value.


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1.3 Legal Background

Key to the development of the BSP for the Ugu District is the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (NEMBA, Act No. 10 of 2004) which provides for:

The management and conservation of biodiversity in South Africa;

The introduction of several planning tools to assist conservation bodies;

The protection of species and ecosystems that warrant national protection;

The sustainable use of indigenous biological resources;

The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from bio-prospecting involving indigenous biological resources; and

The establishment and functions of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). In terms of the National Environment Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA), all organs of state are obligated to take biodiversity considerations into account and to ensure decisions are informed by the most up to date information. NEMA also states that, although the environment is a functional area of concurrent national and provincial legislative competence, all spheres of government and all organs of state must co-operate with, consult and support one another. Key to achieving this is the publication of Bioregional Plans, chief amongst the tools which form a legislated requirement of the Biodiversity Act. Bioregional Plans aim to provide for:

Integrated and coordinated biodiversity planning;

Monitoring of the conservation status of various components of biodiversity; and

The promotion of biodiversity research (DEAT, 2009). The BSP, land use guidelines and map products must therefore feed into the development of the Ugu District Bioregional Plan, to be used within the District and its Local municipal constituencies as a common point of reference and resource for land use planning, decision making, land use authorisations and multi-sector planning processes (DEAT, 2009). The Bioregional Plan will enable Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to comply with the legal prescripts of the Biodiversity Act and in so doing achieve their core mandate. Development and land use activities which require Environmental Authorisation in terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2010, are in Listing Notice 3 (GG No. R.546, LN3) identified via geographic areas with the intention being that activities only require Environmental Authorisation when located within designated sensitive areas. These sensitive/geographic areas were identified and published for each of the nine (9) Provinces. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) the Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) is one of the sensitive layers against which several activities are listed, and which would require environmental authorisation if the project falls within the CBA identified areas. This KZN CBA layer, is at this time, not being utilised in the LN3, however it is intended that the KZN Critical Biodiversity Areas be presented to the MEC of the Department of Agriculture, Environment Affairs and Rural Development for future adoption and utilisation as a geographic area. South Africa’s’ water resources are protected under the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). The Act not only provides for the protection of water quality, but also for the management and protection of freshwater ecosystems, the biological and physical habitat which comprises the water resource, and associated and freshwater biodiversity. Freshwater ecosystems extend beyond rivers, also encompassing in-stream aquatic habitat, riparian habitat, wetland habitat, and associated biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The National Water Act also provides the legal tool for the controlled use of land associated with water resources. The conservation, use, management and control of land situated in mountain catchment areas is provided for under the Mountain Catchment Areas Act (Act 63 of 1970). Under this act, land users and land owners


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within mountain catchment areas are directed to manage that land appropriately through prevention of soil erosion, removal of exotic and alien invasive vegetation, and fire protection. The protection, sustainable management and use of forests and trees within South Africa is provided for under the National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998). Government Gazette No 26731 of August 2004, and any later revisions as released, provides a list of tree species protected under the National Forests Act.

1.4 Application and Intended Users

The Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) and accompanying Critical Biodiversity Area map has been created as part of a strategic planning strategy to ensure biodiversity conservation and the persistence of biodiversity in the Ugu District Municipality (UDM). As a means of identifying both key biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and key ecosystem service areas within the District, the BSP aims to further the awareness of the unique biodiversity in the UDM, the value this biodiversity represents to people as well as the management mechanisms that can ensure its protection and sustainable utilisation. This is achieved by providing a range of useful background information and by presenting biodiversity information in a format that can be easily accessed and utilized by local municipalities and other key organisations within the UDM to help guide land-use planning, environmental assessments and authorisations as well as natural resource management in order to promote development which occurs in a sustainable manner. The BSP is intended to feed into a range of multi-sectoral planning and assessment processes such as Environmental Management Frameworks (EMFs), Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Figure 1 explains the relationship between systematic biodiversity plans, bioregional plans and multi-sectoral planning and assessment tools (SANBI, 2012).

Figure 1 Diagrammatic representation of the relationship between Bioregional Plans and other planning tools

The intended users include all sectors involved in land-use planning and decision-making, as well as other multi-sectoral planning processes and are summarised in Table 1.

Biodiversity Sector Plan

Bioregional Plan

State of environment

reports IDPs SDFs EMFs SEAs EIAs

Coastal Management Programmes


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Table 1 Intended users of bioregional plans with both mandatory and recommended uses.

INTENDED USERS INTENDED/RECOMMENDED USE [Note: Mandatory Use in Bold Italics]

Local and district municipal officials

Must align critical biodiversity areas and the contents of the plan generally into their IDPs (Integrated Development Plans) and SDFs (Spatial Development Frameworks). Should integrate CBAs and other relevant guidelines from the BSP into EMFs (Environmental Management Frameworks) and zoning schemes.

National and Provincial Environmental Departments

Must consider the plan before issuing environmental authorisations.

National and Provincial Agricultural Departments

Must consider the plan before issuing environmental authorisations on applications dealt with at a national level. Should take the plan into account in their authorisations and in their planning processes and programmes.

Department of Water Affairs Should take the plan into account in their authorisations and in water resources planning and protection processes as well as inputs into CMA strategies.

Department of Minerals Should take the plan into account in their authorisations for prospecting and mining applications.

Department of Energy Should take the plan into account in their authorisations for prospecting and mining applications.

Department of Land Affairs Should take the plan into account in the planning and implementation of land reform, developing policy, legislation or guidelines.

Department of Local Government & Housing

Should take the plan into account in the planning and implementation to avoid locating housing developments in CBAs and ESAs.

Department of Public Works Should take the plan into account in the planning of roads and other transport infrastructure to avoid locating infrastructure within CBAs and ESAs.

Catchment Management Associations/Agencies

Should incorporate the plan into their planning processes and programmes.

All other organs of state preparing guidelines relevant to environmental management in terms of section 74 of the Environmental Impact Assessment regulations

Must consider the plan in developing Environmental Implementation Plans or Environmental management Plans.

The scope of users may also be extended to include:

ADDITIONAL USERS INTENDED/RECOMMENDED USE

Private landowners Should use the plan to obtain more information about the biodiversity value of their landholdings.

Real estate developers and businesses

Should facilitate their process of obtaining development rights by using the plan to identify appropriate areas for different types of development (i.e.: land use guidelines) in order to avoid unnecessary delays and costs associated with submitting inappropriate development proposals that are unlikely to be approved.

Specialists, including environmental and planning consultants

Should use the plan to guide their assessments for development applications (e.g.: EIAs, SEAs) as well as in the development of environmental management plans, IDPs, EMFs or SDFs for municipalities and any other land-use applications.

Private land owners May use the plan to find out more about the biodiversity value of their land.

Conservation agencies and NGOs

Should use the plan to guide their comments on development applications and inputs into planning tools and to direct conservation initiatives.


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ADDITIONAL USERS INTENDED/RECOMMENDED USE Programmes such as Working for Water, Working for Wetlands, LandCare, CoastCare, etc.

Should take the plan into consideration in planning and scheduling their activities.

1.5 Details of the Biodiversity Sector Plan

As the nature conservation agency in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) appointed Eco-Pulse-Afzelia-Thorn-Ex JV to develop a Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) for the Ugu District Municipality (UDM), as informed by the South African Biodiversity institute (SANBI), the Bioregional Guidelines (DEAT, 2009), current best practice, and the Terms of Reference for the project as defined by EKZNW. The Ugu District BSP forms the precursor to a Bioregional Plan for the District which can be gazetted in terms of NEMBA. The BSP will be used to inform the development of a Bioregional Plan which must feed into all land use planning and management decisions and tools within the municipal area (DEAT, 2009). The Ugu District Municipality Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) is a spatial plan that identifies and displays the various priority terrestrial and aquatic features that are critical for conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functioning. The plan provides input into a range of multi-sectoral planning and assessment processes to inform land-use planning and decision-making. At their very core, BSPs must be based on systematic biodiversity planning using the following key principles:

The principle of representation;

The principle of persistence;

The setting of quantitative biodiversity targets; and

Efficiency and conflict avoidance in the spatial configuration of priority areas identified. The BSP consists of a CBA map showing areas considered to be of critical biodiversity and conservation importance within the District, together with land and resource-use guidelines in order to avoid loss or degradation of natural habitat in Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs). The final product has three primary components including:

an information document (this report) containing the land-use guidelines;

the CBA map(s);

GIS spatial data (GIS shapefiles).


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1.6 Definition of terms

Term Description

Biodiversity The wide variety of plant and animal species occurring in their natural environment (habitats). The term encompasses different ecosystems, landscapes, communities, populations and genes as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that allow these elements of biodiversity to persist over time.

Biodiversity offsets The measurable conservation outcomes resulting from actions designed to

compensate for significant residual adverse biodiversity impacts arising from

project development after appropriate prevention and mitigation measures have

been taken. The goal of biodiversity offsets is to achieve no net loss and

preferably a net gain of biodiversity on the ground with respect to species

composition, habitat structure, ecosystem function and people’s use and cultural

values associated with biodiversity.

In terms of the draft KZN Biodiversity Conservation Management Bill (2009), a biodiversity offset in relation to development or land modification, means the compensation given by a developer for the loss of or harm to biodiversity where other mitigation options have been exhausted and such offset should be commensurate with the residual negative impact on biodiversity.

Biodiversity pattern Term used to define the way in which components of biodiversity are arranged spatially.

Bioregional Plan (BRP) A district based plan which identifies priority biodiversity areas (CBAs and ESAs) and provides associated planning and decision-making guidelines for a range of sectors whose actions, policies and decisions impact on biodiversity. Once adopted, the BRP has to be considered in all the planning and assessment tools used within a bioregion. Bioregions have been identified as a District Municipality.

Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) A precursor to the BRP which includes a biodiversity priorities area map and associated management guidelines. BSPs incorporate provincial biodiversity conservation priorities and other available information to determine the Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) and Ecological Support Areas (ESA) within a bioregion which is then used for the development of a Bioregional Plan.

Buffers There are three main forms of buffer which are considered in the creation of the KZN Biodiversity Planning process; namely those that reflect land-use management guideline principals associated with agreements and/or conventions, those that must be considered in order to better reflect a mapped feature (e.g., buffer a river line to more accurately reflect the width aspect associated with the feature in question), and those that are associated with geographical feature and/or a specific species that are required to ensure the persistence of that feature or specific species.

Catchment The area where water from atmospheric precipitation becomes concentrated and drains down-slope into a river, lake or wetland. The term includes all land surface, streams, rivers and lakes between the source and a key drainage point.

Catchment Management Association/Agency

Associations or Agencies established to delegate the water resource management and protection from central government to catchment level.

Community A collection of interacting species that occur in the same geographic area.

Connectivity Connectivity refers to the ability of connective corridors to sustain ecosystem processes common to linked patches (opposite of fragmentation).


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Conservation The safeguarding of biodiversity and its processes (often referred to as Biodiversity Conservation).

(Biodiversity) Conservation Targets

A systematic conservation plan relies on the definition of conservation targets (quantitative expressions of a region’s conservation goals), which define how much of each biodiversity feature (e.g. habitat types, species), and biodiversity processes, should be included within the planning domain boundaries (EKZNW, 2014).

Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Natural or near-natural features, habitats or landscapes that include terrestrial, aquatic and marine areas that are considered critical for (i) meeting national and provincial biodiversity targets and thresholds (ii) safeguarding areas required to ensure the persistence and functioning of species and ecosystems, including the delivery of ecosystem services; and/or (iii) conserving important locations for biodiversity features or rare species. Conservation of these areas is crucial, in that if these areas are not maintained in a natural or near-natural state, biodiversity conservation targets cannot be met.

CBA: Expert Input Areas of natural or near natural state which are identified by local experts as being of high biodiversity importance based on the feature’s uniqueness, rarity and/ or critical endangered threat status, and where the suitability and condition has been verified or there is high confidence in the data.

CBA Irreplaceable Areas considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which are required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality of ecosystems. This category is a combination of three subcategories, namely CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA), CBA: Irreplaceable linkage and CBA: Expert Input (refer to Appendix 6).

CBA Irreplaceable (SCA) Areas which are required to meet biodiversity conservation targets, and where there are no alternative sites available. (Category driven by species and feature presence). Derived from the Systematic Conservation Assessment and is a combination of the SCA subcategories, CBA Irreplaceable and CBA High Irreplacabillty (refer to Appendix 6).

CBA Irreplaceable: SCA-Subcategory Irreplaceable

Areas identified as having an Irreplaceability value of 1, these planning units represent the only localities for which the conservation targets for one or more of the biodiversity features contained within can be achieved i.e. there are no alternative sites available (refer to Appendix 6)

CBA Irreplaceable: SCA Subcategory High Irreplaceable

Areas of significantly high biodiversity value. In C-Plan analyses, these areas are identifiable as having an Irreplaceability scores of >= 0.8 and <1.0 whilst the MARXAN equivalent is reflected in PU’s displaying a selection frequency value of between 80 – 100% (refer to Appendix 6)

CBA: Irreplaceable Linkage (Terrestrial)

Areas within Terrestrial Landscape Corridors that, due to the modification of the natural landscape within and surrounding the corridor, represent the only remaining and highly constrained link (i.e. pinch point on corridor) which, if lost, would result in the breakage of the corridor and corridor network. These areas are vital in maintaining the linkage of the corridor and its associated biodiversity related processes.

CBA: Irreplaceable Linkage (Aquatic)

National flagship rivers as identified through the Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas project.

CBA Optimal Areas that represent an optimised solution to meet the required biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding areas where the risk of biodiversity loss is high Category driven primarily by process but is also informed by expert input. This category is a combination of two subcategories, namely CBA: Optimal (SCA) and CBA: Optimal Expert Input (see Appendix 6).


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CBA Optimal Expert Input Areas of natural or near natural state which are identified by local experts as being of biodiversity importance based on (i) the feature’s endangered or vulnerable threat status and a high confidence in the data. (ii) the feature qualifying for CBA Irreplaceable but having a medium confidence in the data and requiring site verification to increase data confidence level to High

CBA Optimal (SCA) Areas which represent the best localities out of a potentially larger selection of available planning units that are optimally located to meet both the conservation target but also the criteria defined by the Decision Support Layers or the Cost Layers, which weigh the risk of loss of biodiversity in areas. Using C-Plan, these areas are identified through the MINSET analysis process and reflect the negotiable sites with an Irreplaceability score of less than 0.8. Within the C-Plan MINSET analysis this does not mean they are of a lower biodiversity value however, only that there are more alternate options available within which the features located within can be met.

Delineation Refers to the technique of establishing the boundary of a resource such as a wetland or riparian area.

Dynamic ecosystems Ecosystems that are highly mobile (e.g. Aeolian features such as mobile sand dunes) or prone to change (e.g. estuary mouths, floodplains, areas undergoing soil erosion).

Ecological Infrastructure Functional landscapes that provide ecological goods and services to society. These areas are not necessarily required to meet conservation targets but are important to promote water security, assist disaster relief (e.g. flooding), prevent soil loss and in maintaining or improving key services such as clean water for domestic and recreational use.

Ecological Support Area Functional, but not necessarily entirely natural, areas that are required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the Critical Biodiversity Areas. This category is made up of four subcategories: namely Ecological Support Areas (SCA), ESA: Expert input, ESA: Species Specific and ESA: Corridors

Ecological Support Area: Corridors

Corridors made up of Landscape and Local Corridors

Ecological Support Area: Expert Input

Areas identified by local experts as areas of functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the Critical Biodiversity Areas.

Ecological Support Area: Species Specific

Areas required for the persistence of specific species. Although these areas are frequently modified, a change in current land use, to anything other than rehabilitated land, would most likely result in a loss of that feature from the area.

Ecosystem An ecosystem is essentially a working natural system, maintained by internal ecological processes, relationships and interactions between the biotic (plants & animals) and the non-living or abiotic environment (e.g. soil, atmosphere). Ecosystems can operate at different scales, from very small (e.g. a small wetland pan) to large landscapes (e.g. an entire water catchment area).

Ecosystem goods and services Ecosystem services are direct and indirect benefits derived from the natural environment (ecological infrastructure), and include production services such as food and oxygen, regulatory services such as flood attenuation and pollination, spiritual & knowledge services and space services, such as settlement areas and farm land.

Endemism The ecological state of being unique to, or only found within a defined geographic location, such as a habitat, island, country, etc.

Features and processes The spatial delineation of features such as species and habitats, and processes such a macro ecological corridors, fronts and eddies, mapped for use within a systematic conservation plan (Ezemvelo KZN wildlife, 2014).


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Flagship Rivers Flagship rivers are rivers that have been identified as (i) been representative of Free Flowing Rivers and (ii) having high importance based on ecosystem processes and biodiversity values.

Flagship species A species that is selected as an icon/symbol within the environment. Such species are chosen because of their vulnerability, attractiveness and/or distinctiveness in order to attract support and acknowledgment from society. The conservation of specific habitats and ecosystems to support such species provides for the protection of the other less charismatic species within the area.

Fragmentation [of habitat] The fragmenting or breaking-up of a continuous habitat, ecosystem, or land-use type into smaller pieces or fragments.

Free Flowing Rivers Free flowing rivers are rivers that flow undisturbed (not dammed/impounded) from its source to the confluence with another large river or to the sea. Where such a river must be permanent or seasonal flowing and have an ‘A or B’ ecological category (good condition), with inland rivers have a minimum length of 50km (Driver, A et al, 2011)

Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas

Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPAs) are strategic spatial priorities for conserving freshwater ecosystems and supporting sustainable use of water resources. The National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Project determined the FEPAs through a process of systematic biodiversity planning and expert input, using a range of criteria dealing with maintenance of key ecological processes and the conservation of ecosystem types and species associated with rivers, wetlands and estuaries.

Function/functioning/functional Used here to describe natural systems working or operating in a healthy way, opposed to dysfunctional, which means working poorly or in an unhealthy way.

Habitat The general features of an area inhabited by animal or plant which are essential to its survival (i.e. the natural “home” of a plant or animal species).

High Potential Agricultural land Land having the soil and terrain quality, growing season and available moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields of crops (cash crops or planted pastures) economically when treated and managed according to best possible farming practices (Collett & Mitchell, 2012).

Indigenous Naturally occurring or “native” to a broad area, such as South Africa in this context.

Intact ecosystems/environments

Used here to describe a natural environment that is not badly damaged, and is still operating healthily.

Invasive alien species Invasive alien species means any non-indigenous plant or animal species whose establishment and spread outside of its natural range threatens natural ecosystems, habitats or other species or has the potential to threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species.

Landscape Corridors A series of bio-geographic corridors created in KZN to facilitate ecological and climate change processes to create a linked landscape for the conservation of species in a fragmented landscape.

Landscape Corridors: Aquatic Aquatic landscape corridors are to facilitate movement of aquatic species and are the KZN Flagship Rivers.

Landscape Corridors: Terrestrial A series of altitudinal and biogeographic corridors to facilitate, ecological and climate change processes and to create a linked landscape for the conservation of species in a fragmented landscape.

Local Corridors Terrestrial and Aquatic corridors developed at a District scale to create fine scale links within the landscape that facilitates ecological processes and ensure persistence of critical biodiversity features.

MinSet Produced using C-Plan software, this product represents the optimised solution (or minimal reserve configuration) required to meet the conservation targets of the features included within the plan.

Mitigate To take actions to reduce the impact of a particular development or threat.


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National Threatened Ecosystems

National Threatened Ecosystems are provided for in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), these areas represent threatened and protected ecosystems categorised according to one of four categories (Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Protected Ecosystems). Within this Act, it is stated that both Critically Endangered and Endangered Ecosystems must be considered as part of Critical Biodiversity Areas.

Precautionary principle As incomplete or inadequate data is generally the norm in conservation and resource management actions, in the face of uncertainty about the workings of ecosystems and the effects of our actions on such systems, we should always take a risk-averse and cautious approach (in the context of development and human activities that could potentially impact on the natural environment), especially when long-term or irreversible consequences are more likely to occur.

Pristine Unspoiled, used here to describe the natural environment in its undisturbed state.

Protected Area Formally Protected Areas declared under NEMPAA. Such areas form the backbone of the conservation network and are critical in their contribution to the achievement of conservation objectives in the Province.

Red List Identifies the status of threatened species in terms of threat categories, namely: Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened and Data Deficient.

Riparian area/riparian habitat/riparian zone

Includes the physical structure and associated vegetation within a zone or area adjacent to and affected by surface and subsurface hydrologic features such as rivers, streams, lakes or drainage ways and are commonly associated with alluvial soils. Vegetation species commonly have a composition and structure that is distinct from those of adjacent lands (NWA, 1998).

SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute, established in terms of the NEM Biodiversity Act.

Systematic Conservation Assessment

An approach to conservation that prioritises actions by setting quantitative targets for biodiversity features such as broad habitat units or vegetation types. It is premised on conserving a representative sample of biodiversity pattern, including species and habitats (the principle of representation), as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that maintain biodiversity over time (the principle of persistence).

Water course Means a river or spring; a natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermittently: a wetland, lake or dam into which, or from which, water flows: und any collection of water which the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare to be a watercourse, and a reference to a watercourse includes, where relevant, its bed and banks (National Water Act, 1998).

Water Management Area A WMA or Water Management Areas is an area established as a management unit in the National Water Resource Strategy within which a catchment management agency will conduct the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of the country's water resources. The National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) requires that water will be managed at regional or catchment level within defined WMAs.

Water Production Area Areas of net water production. Keeping these areas in a natural/near natural condition will ensure the continued regular and regulated supply of water to the downstream system (EKZNW, 2014).

Wetland Refers to land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically covered with shallow water, and which land in normal circumstances supports or would support vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil (NWA, 1998).


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1.7 Abbreviations Used

BSP Biodiversity Sector Plan

CBA Critical Biodiversity Area

CMA Catchment Management Agency

CR Critically Endangered (IUCN threat Status)

DEA Department of Environmental Affairs (formerly DEAT)

DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism (now DEA)

DWA Department of Water Affairs (formerly DWAF)

EI Ecological Infrastructure

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment: EIA regulations promulgated under section 24(5) of NEMA and published in Government Notice R.543 in Government Gazette 33306 of 18 June 2010

EGSA Ecosystem Goods and Services Area

EI Ecological Infrastructure

EKZNW Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife: as defined in Act 9 of 1997 to be the KZN Nature Conservation Service

EMF Environmental Management Framework: EMF regulations promulgated under NEMA and published in Government Notice R.547 in Government Gazette 33306 of 18 June 2010

EMP Environmental Management Plan

En Endangered (IUCN Threat Status)

ESA Ecological Support Area

ESCA Estuarine Systematic Conservation Assessment

FEPA Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area

FSCA Freshwater Systematic Conservation Assessment

GIS Geographical Information Systems

IDP Integrated Development Plan (developed in terms of the Municipal Systems Act)

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

KZN Province of KwaZulu-Natal

LM Local Municipality

MinSet Specific areas prioritised for biodiversity management by EKZNW in order to achieve the minimum biodiversity conservation targets within the KwaZulu-Natal province

MPA Marine Protected Area

MSCA Marine Systematic Conservation Area (colloquially referred to as SEAPlan).

NBA Natural Biodiversity Area

NEMA National Environmental Management Act No.107 of 1998

NEMBA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act No.10 of 2004

NEMPAA National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003

NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas

NGO Non-governmental organisation

PA Protected Area: as defined in the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of 2003, NEMPAA).

PES Present Ecological State

SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute

SDF Spatial Development Framework (as required by the Municipal Systems Act for each Municipality)

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SeaPlan Colloquial term for Marine Systematic Conservation Assessment

SoER State of Environment Report

TSCA Terrestrial systematic conservation assessment

UDM Ugu District Municipality

Vu Vulnerable (IUCN Threat Status)


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WMA Water Management Area

WWTW Waste Water Treatment Works (Sewage Works)


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2

2.1 General description of the study area

The word “Ugu” in isiZulu means “Coast”, which describes perfectly the location of the Ugu District Municipality (UDM) on the southern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coastline between Scottburgh in the north-east and Port Edward in the south. The UDM (DC 21) is one of the ten districts of KZN and shares borders with the Eastern Cape Province in the south along with the following three KZN District municipalities: Sisonke to the west, uMgungundlovu to the north and eThekwini Metro to the north-East (Figure 2). The UDM is approximately 5, 000 km2 in extent and is comprised of six Local Municipalities as summarised in the table below:

Local Municipality Area (km2) % of District Main Towns

uMzumbe 1259.0 25 St. Faiths, Umzumbe

Vulamehlo 959.9 19 Dududu, Braemar

uMdoni 251.5 5 Umzinto, Scottburgh, Mtwalume

uMuziwabantu 1089.8 22 Harding, Weza

Hibiscus Coast 839.1 16 Hibberdene, Port Shepstone, Port Edward

eZingoleni 648.2 13 Paddock, Izingolweni

Totals 5, 047.5 100

Figure 2 Regional map of the Ugu District Municipality showing local municipalities within the UDM and the surrounding Districts.


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The town of Port Shepstone, which is located in the Hibiscus Coast LM, is the administrative centre of the District, with other main nodes of activity located within the primary coastal corridor and including towns such as Scottburgh, Hibberdene, Shelly Beach, Margate and Port Edward (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11). The main inland centres are predominantly administrative (service satellites) and include towns such as Dududu, Umzinto, St Faiths, and Harding.

2.2 Climate

The Ugu District experiences a warm sub-tropical climate, with most rainfall being experienced during the spring and summer months (October to March). The highest rainfall is typically experienced over December and January of any year. Climatic conditions vary greatly between the coast and inland, with conditions and temperatures associated with the coastal areas being moderated by the effects of the warm Indian Ocean. The mean annual precipitation along the coast ranges from 776mm/annum to 899mm/annum for the coastal towns of Port Shepstone and Port Edward respectively. For inland areas, precipitation is generally lower, with rainfall at Harding being about 712mm/annum. Figure 3 indicates the Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) for the District, showing clearly the precipitation range, with notably higher MAP experienced along the coast compared with areas inland. High temperatures experienced during the summer season in particular, cause the potential for evaporation to be high across South Africa in general, which plays a significant role in reducing the volume of rainfall available for use by the environment. Average daily temperatures range from 90C to 220C during winter (July) and between 210C and 270C in summer (February) for the coastal areas. Inland areas experience a lower temperature range which varies from 50C to 190C during winter (July) and between 210C to 250C during summer (February). Source of information: http://www.saexplorer.co.za/south-africa/climate.

2.3 Landscape and Topography

The coastline of the Ugu District extends for roughly 112 kilometres between the towns of Scottburgh in the north and Port Edward in the south. Elevations across the District range from 0m (sea level) along the coastline to heights of nearly 1500m a.m.s.l further inland near Harding/Weza in the west. The general topography along the coastline is relatively gentle, changing dramatically as one proceeds inland towards the plateau, with undulating river valleys, deep gorges and steep hillslopes generally encountered. North facing slopes are characteristically warmer and drier than South facing slopes, which tend to be cooler and wetter, commonly providing favourable conditions for supporting indigenous forest vegetation in higher rainfall areas. Valley sides often exceed gradients of 40 %, and cliff faces are common within many of the river valleys. The general slope of the land is between 1:5 and 1:6 and is susceptible to soil erosion where it is not carefully managed (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11).

A digital elevation model (20m resolution DEM) of the District (shown inFigure 4) highlights the variation in topography within the District. The lowest variation in topography is associated with Local Municipalities (LM’s) situated along the coastal belt, and include the Hibiscus Coast LM and Umdoni LM. The remaining four LM’s are associated with a relatively moderate variation in topography, with the uMuziwabantu LM in the western section of the District containing areas with the highest regional elevations.

http://www.saexplorer.co.za/south-africa/climate


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Figure 3 Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) for the Ugu District (South African Atlas of Agrohydrology and Climatology, 2001)

Figure 4 Digital elevation model of the Ugu District (derived from a 20m DEM of KZN)


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2.4 Geology and Geomorphology

The underlying geology of the Ugu District Municipality comprises a range of geological forms (Figure 5). These include the following geological groups:

Group Description and Location1 Natal Metamorphic Province (1000 Ma)

Comprising Granite and Gneiss which occur along the coastline just south of Port Shepstone

to Scottburgh in the north-east and inland towards Pietermaritzburg.

Cambrian to Ordovician

Natal Group (490 Ma)

Natal Group Sandstones exhibiting structures that indicate sediments were transported and

deposited by rivers. Fine-grained sandstones form resistant sandstone cliffs, giving rise to

the table top topography seen at Oribi Gorge near Port Shepstone.

Dwyka Group (300 Ma) The rocks overlying the Natal Group comprise a thick unit of Tillite that was deposited in a

glacial environment by retreating ice sheets. Dwyka tillite occurs south of the Mkomazi

River, inland from the Mtwalume River to the Ifafa River, south of the Mzimkulu River and

north of the Mtentweni River. Tillite is mostly a very fine-grained, blue-grey rock comprised

of clay matrix with inclusions (or clasts) of many other rock fragments. Tillite has a slight to

moderate erosion rating.

Ecca Group (250 Ma) Minor outcrops of Middle Ecca Shales and other Shales occur across the coastline. They

have soils that are moderately productive with slight to moderate erosion levels.

Drakensberg Group (180 Ma)

Dolorite outcrops occur along the Mzumbe coast and in the vicinity of the Damba River. The

soils are usually non-structured clay formations with loam.

Unconsolidated sediments (recent age)

Unconsolidated sediments of recent age occurring as a series of large coast-parallel dune

complexes developed from Aeolian (wind-blown) deposits occurring along most of the

coastline. Includes alluvial deposits found within estuaries and along river flood plains,

providing soils that are organic-rich and therefore highly productive, ranging from sandy

through loamy to clay deposits. As a result, many river floodplains characterised by alluvial

soils are largely subject to extensive agricultural development pressure.

1 Source of geological information: Ugu District Municipality IDP (2010) and online at

http://www.geology.ukzn.ac.za/GEM/kzngeol/kzngeol.htm

http://www.geology.ukzn.ac.za/GEM/kzngeol/kzngeol.htm


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Figure 5 Geological Map of the Ugu District.

2.5 Landuse and modification

Land use in the district comprises a mosaic of agricultural land under sugarcane, commercial forestry (mainly Pinus sp.), small holdings, urban centres, natural areas and degraded natural landscapes criss-crossed by transportation and telecommunication infrastructure. This has led to extensive modification of the natural landscape particularly along the coastal zone which is well developed with hard and bulk infrastructure as well as numerous tourism destinations (Figure 6). A summary of primary land-uses and their contribution to habitat modification is provided in Table 2. The spatial pattern of development is constituted of three main development corridors: the primary corridor is the coastal spine of transport infrastructure and there are two secondary inland corridors - one following the national road from Port Shepstone through Harding and the other one starting from Scottburgh through Jolivet to the southern Drakensberg. Tertiary corridors include the St Faiths route, which transcends Umzumbe Local Municipality, and the route linking Scottburgh, Dududu, Mkhunya and the Sisonke District (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11). Light industry is focused around Port Shepstone, the Marburg area and Margate airport (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11). In terms of local mining operations, limestone is mined on a large scale within the marble delta at the confluence of the uMzimkhulu and uMzimkhulwana rivers (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11), with illegal sand mining activities occurring along many of the coastal rivers.


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Another striking features in the UDM is the extent to which sugar cane and smallholdings penetrate inland of the coastal zone (Ugu District Municipality, 2010/11). Infestation with the alien invasive plant species is also a major threat to the natural environment and to various other aspects of the local economy including food security as they also invade agricultural and grazing lands. Table 2 Primary land-uses contributing towards modification of natural habitat in the Ugu District.

Land use type Extent (Ha) Extent (%) Agriculture 74 469 14.8%

Mining 273 0.1%

Grazing 78 964 15.6%

Urban infrastructure 27 753 5.5%

Forestry 46 945 9.3%

Other 1 527 0.3%

Total 229930 45.5%

Figure 6 Map indicating the extent of primary land-uses across the Ugu District (EKZNW, 2008a).


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2.6 Regional Conservation Context

The Ugu District is situated within the Maputaland-Pondoland Albany biodiversity ‘hotspot’, which includes much of the east coast of South Africa from the Eastern Cape Province up towards Mozambique in the north-east. The biodiversity “hotspot” comprises six of South Africa’s eight vegetation types and has unusually high levels of endemism: sand forest, three types of thicket, six types of bushveld, and five types of grassland are all restricted to the Maputaland-Pondoland Albany biodiversity hotspot. The area is also known for its remarkable succulent flora. Today, only one quarter of this hotspot’s vegetation remains pristine, largely due to the impacts of local urbanisation, resort and golf course development, agriculture, forestry, illegal wildlife harvesting for medicines and trade, firewood harvesting, soil erosion, overgrazing, bush encroachment and invasive alien plant species. Source of information: http://cap.org.za/oid/downloads/south_african_hotspots.pdf

2.6.1 Hydrology and important aquatic ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems comprise the living organisms and the non-living components of the water system, and include rivers, wetlands, lakes, ground water, estuaries and the marine environment. These systems are usually inter-related, meaning that activities impacting on one part of an ecosystem (such as the headwaters of a river catchment) can have consequences elsewhere (e.g. wetlands downstream). As South Africa is considered a water-scarce country, our limited aquatic resources are falling under increasing pressure as a result of competing water uses and ever-increasing demand. This clearly signifies how critical it is to ensure the efficient use of water and protection of the aquatic environment in general.

2.6.1.1 Rivers

The major perennial rivers such as the Mtamvuna and Mzimkhulu have formed prominent steep-sided river valleys that extend a considerable distance inland to drain the western inland regions of the District. These two rivers are also free flowing (lacking significant impoundments) which is significant given the levels of impoundment in most South African rivers. Apart from these large rivers, a network of smaller perennial rivers drain the eastern portions of the district while a number of relatively short rivers and concentrated along the coastline (Figure 7). The sub-quaternary catchments for the Mzimkhulu, Mtamvuna and portions of the Mtwalume catchment have been identified as National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) which are a priority for meeting national aquatic conservation targets (CSIR, 2010). Despite the current levels

Box 2 BIODIVERSITY ‘HOTSPOTS’

A Biodiversity ‘Hotpspot’ is a region that has at least 1,500 species of endemic plants (species that only occur in that region) and that has lost at least 70% of its original vegetation. Interestingly, an estimated 25% of vertebrate species are found in hotspots and nowhere else on the earth. Globally, there are 34 biodiversity hotspots, home to more than 1.9 billion people, many of whom depend directly on healthy lands for their livelihoods and well-being. South Africa has three of these hotspots: The Cape Floral Kingdom; Succulent Karoo and Maputaland-Pondoland Albany hotspots. (Source of information: http://cap.org.za/oid/downloads/south_african_hotspots.pdf).

Map showing the extent of the Maputaland-Pondoland Albany biodiversity ‘hotspot’

http://cap.org.za/oid/downloads/south_african_hotspots.pdf





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of modification across the district, most rivers including the two major perennial rivers are still in reasonably good condition (A/B class). A number of smaller rivers are more heavily impacted, with rivers such as the iLovu, Mbizana, Mzinto and Vungu rivers Classified as moderately (C class) to heavily (D class) impacted (Table 3).

Table 3 Details of major rivers in the Ugu District.

Major River Name Type River Length (km) River Condition (NFEPA)

Free Flowing River (NFEPA)

aMahlongwa Perennial 33.6 B Yes

iFafa Perennial 64.1 C

Goxe Perennial 1.5 B Yes

iLovu Perennial 37.5 C

Mbizana Perennial 32.1 C

Mkomazi Perennial 69.2 A/B Yes

Mpambanyoni Perennial 73.2 B Yes

Mtamvuna Perennial 144.1 B Yes (Flagship FFR)

Mtwalume Perennial 59.1 A/B

Mzimkhulu Perennial 130.5 B Yes (Flagship FFR)

Mzimkhulwana Perennial 141.9 A/B

Mzinto Perennial 35.8 D

Mzumbe Perennial 75.4 B Yes

uMgababa Perennial 6.4 B

Vungu Perennial 32.6 C

Weza Perennial 43.0 A/B Yes (Flagship FFR)


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Figure 7 Map showing major perennial rivers, NFEPA rivers (CSIR, 2010) and primary catchments within the Ugu District.

2.6.1.2 Wetlands (freshwater)

The distribution of freshwater wetlands in the Ugu district is strongly linked with climate, with most wetlands occurring in higher rainfall areas. High densities of wetlands therefore occur along the coast (especially along the stretch between Umzumbe and Scottburgh) with fewer wetlands located inland, the exception being those within the forestry areas around Weza/Harding in the western parts of the District as well as north of Braemar in the north-east (Figure 8). Wetlands are generally heavily degraded as a result of intensive urban/housing developments along the coastal zone, formal agricultural practices including sugarcane farming and forestry as well as informal housing and associated subsistence cultivation. Details of the different wetland vegetation types and associated threat status is summarised in Table 4 and highlights the significant level of modification of wetland habitat (an estimated 62% of mapped wetland habitat in the District has been lost – realistically, this is likely to be even greater!). While none of these wetlands have been identified as provincial priority wetlands, a large portion of wetlands have been highlighted as Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (CSIR, 2010). A further point of interest is the general lack of major man-made dams at present.


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Table 4 Details of wetland vegetation types occurring within the UDM (Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2011).

Wetland vegetation type Historical Area (Ha)

Extent (%) of

DM

Extent Remainin

g (Ha)

% lost within

DM

Threat Status

Alluvial Wetlands : Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation 1187.2 0.01 64.7 94.5% EN

Alluvial Wetlands : Temperate Alluvial Vegetation 991.2 0.08 390.6 60.6% VU

Alluvial Wetlands : Temperate Alluvial Vegetation : Midland Floodplain Grasslands

4.8 0.00

4.3 9.4%

LT

Freshwater Wetlands : Eastern Temperate Wetlands

4.1 0.00

1.9 52.0%

VU

Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands

137.1 0.01

25.8 81.2%

VU

Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands : Short Grass/ Sedge Wetlands

70.1 0.01

57.2 18.4%

LT

Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands : Tall Grassland/ Sedge/ Reed Wetlands

17.1 0.00

2.5 85.1%

LT

Subtropical Coastal Lagoons : Estuary 282.6 0.05 253.9 10.2%

Marine Saline Wetlands 631.8 0.09 459.5 27.3% EN

Total 3326.1 ha 0.25% 1260.8 ha 62%

Figure 8 Map showing the distribution of freshwater wetlands and estuaries within the Ugu District.


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2.6.1.3 Estuaries and the Marine environment

A total of forty estuaries are located within the Ugu District along the ca. 112km stretch of coastline between Scottburgh and Port Edward (Figure 8). The estuaries range in size from 0.01 ha to 72 ha and are all of the ‘Temporarily closed estuary’ type with the exception of the Mzimkhulu estuary which is classed as a ‘Permanently open’ estuary (Table 5). According to the South African National Biodiversity Assessment for 2011 (Turpie & Van Niekerk, 2012), the estuaries range in ecological condition from ‘Good’ to ‘Poor’, with the majority being in the ‘Fair’ to ‘Poor’ class. The Kaba, Ku-Boboyi and Zolwane have been flagged as FEPAs (Fresh Water Priority Areas) as part of the recent National Biodiversity Assessment. Table 5 Details of estuaries in the Ugu District.

Estuary Name Type Condition (Turpie &

Van Niekerk, 2012). EKZNW Priority

Estuary Bilanhlolo Temporarily closed Fair Yes

Boboyi Temporarily closed Fair Yes Damba Temporarily closed Good Yes Fafa Temporarily closed Good Yes Intshambili Temporarily closed Good -

Kaba Temporarily closed Poor Yes (also NFEPA)

Kandandhlovu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Kongweni Temporarily closed Poor Yes Koshwana Temporarily closed Poor Yes Ku-Boboyi Temporarily closed Poor Yes (also NFEPA)

Kwa-Makosi Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mbango Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mbizana Temporarily closed Poor Yes Mdesingane Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mfazazana Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mhlabatshane Temporarily closed Fair -

Mhlangamkulu Temporarily closed Fair Yes

Mhlangeni Temporarily closed Poor -

Mhlungwa Temporarily closed Poor -

Mkumbane Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mnamfu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mpambanyoni Temporarily closed Poor Yes Mpenjati Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mtamvuna Temporarily closed excellent Yes Mtentweni Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mtwalume Temporarily closed Poor Yes Mvutshini Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mvuzi Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mzimayi Temporarily closed Poor Yes Mzimkulu Permanently open Poor Yes Mzinto Temporarily closed Fair Yes Mzumbe Temporarily closed Poor Yes Sandlundlu Temporarily closed Good Yes Sezela Temporarily closed Fair Yes Tongazi Temporarily closed Good Yes Umhlangankulu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Uvuzana Temporarily closed Fair Yes


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Estuary Name Type Condition (Turpie &

Van Niekerk, 2012). EKZNW Priority

Estuary Vungu Temporarily closed Fair Yes Zolwane Temporarily closed Good Yes (also NFEPA)

Zotsha Temporarily closed Good Yes

2.6.2 Vegetation types

A range of vegetation types extend across the UDM and are grouped within three biomes, namely the Indian Ocean Coastal belt, Savannah biome inland of the coastal belt, and a small section of the grassland biome west of Harding and extending north towards Kokstad. Details of the vegetation types occurring in the UDM and their threat status are tabulated in Table 6, below and spatial shown in Figure 9. This table illustrates the high levels of modification of natural vegetation cover within the District, estimated roughly at 45% modification/loss of natural habitat2. Of particular significance, are the range of vegetation types currently classified as critically endangered due to excessively high levels of modification. Conservation of remaining viable3 remnants of these vegetation types is particularly important to secure biodiversity attributes characteristic of these areas. Table 6 Details of terrestrial vegetation types occurring within the UDM (Scott-Shaw and Escott; 2011 &

2012).

KZN Vegetation Name Historical Area (Ha)

Extent (%) of DM

Extent Remaining

(Ha)

% lost within DM

Provincial Threat Status

Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland 4869 0.79 4003 17.8% VU

Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland 63896 7.71 38935 39.1% VU

Eastern Mistbelt Forests 3005 0.47 2353 21.7% EN

Eastern Scarp Forests : Southern Coastal Scarp Forest 3110 0.58 2952 5.1% LT

Eastern Valley Bushveld 65870 11.81 59629 958% LT

KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland 124673 8.97 45294 63.7% CR

KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Thornveld 53245 7.94 40081 24.2% VU

KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Southern Mesic Coastal Lowlands Forest

4467 0.76 3830 143% CR

KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Southern Moist Coastal Lowlands Forest

1882 0.33 1646 12.5% CR

KwaZulu-Natal Dune Forests : East Coast Dune Forest 286 0.04 192 32.8% CR

KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld 11152 1.93 9764 12.4% LT

KwaZulu-Natal Hinterland Thornveld 474 0.09 466 1.8% LT

KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld 9202 0.47 2375 74.2% CR

Midlands Mistbelt Grassland 32948 1.09 5494 83.3% EN

Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland 79506 7.38 37234 53.2% EN

Pondoland Scarp Forests 4888 0.93 4712 3.6% LT

Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld 37245 2.77 13973 62.5% CR

Subtropical Seashore Vegetation 334 0.06 324 2.8% LT

Swamp Forests : Voacanga thouarsii Swamp Forest 0 0.00 0 0.0% CR

Total 501064 54.1% 273266 45%

2 This is based on the 2008 transformation layer (EKZNW, 2008).

3 It must be noted that EKZNW doesn't consider grassland fragments <4h as representing viable patches for vegetation conservation.

Such areas were therefore excluded from the systematic conservation planning process used to prioritize areas for conservation action.


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Figure 9 Map showing vegetation types (Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2012) after modification

A national process has also been undertaken to identify and list threatened ecosystems. Threatened Ecosystems are those ecosystems (in this case defined as a vegetation type) that are currently under threat of being modified by other land uses. The first national list of threatened terrestrial ecosystems for South Africa was gazetted on 9 December 2011 (National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act: National list of ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection, G 34809, GN 1002, 9 December 2011). The Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) provides for listing of threatened or protected ecosystems, in one of four categories: critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), vulnerable (VU) or protected. According to the draft list of threatened ecosystems (SANBI, 2011), a total of 16 threatened ecosystems occur within the Ugu District, covering almost half of the district area (Table 7 and Figure 10). Of these ecosystems, three

Box 3 THREATENED ECOSYSTEMS IN UGU

Interior South Coast Grasslands Ugu has numerous grassland areas, many of which are threatened ecosystems such as the interior south coast grasslands (considered to be Critically Endangered) situated inland off the coast. These are considered to be priority areas for meeting explicit biodiversity targets, with high irreplaceability and high threat levels. Twenty four threatened or endemic plant and animal species have been documented for this specific threatened ecosystem type.

Threatened grassland area outside of Harding


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are considered critically endangered (12% of cover), six are endangered (6% of cover) and the remaining seven are considered to be vulnerable (30% of cover).

Table 7 Threatened ecosystem types and extent of cover occurring within the district (SANBI, 2011)

ECOSYSTEM STATUS EXTENT

Ha % Critically Endangered 59, 491 12

Interior South Coast Grasslands 51, 513 10.2

Margate-Pondoland-Ugu Sourveld 2, 903 0.6

Southern Coastal Grasslands 5, 075 1.0

Endangered 29, 887 6

Bazini Forest Complex 963 0.2

KZN Sandstone Sourveld 2, 038 0.4

Ntimbankulu Forest 714 0.1

Oribi-Port Edward-Ugu Sourveld 20, 201 4.0

Sihleza 743 0.1

Southern Weza State Forest 5, 228 1.0

Vulnerable 150, 842 30

Eastern Scarp Forest 922 0.2

Harding East 1, 371 0.3

Harding West 834 0.2

KZN Coastal Belt 60, 816 12

Midlands Mistbelt Grassland 3, 652 0.7

Ngongoni Veld 82, 322 16.3

Pondoland Scarp Forest 925 0.2

Total Extent Threatened 240, 220 48%

Figure 10 Map showing the status of unmodified threatened ecosystems in the Ugu District (SANBI, 2011)


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The purpose of listing threatened ecosystems is primarily to reduce the rate of ecosystem and species extinction by preventing further degradation and loss of structure, function and composition of threatened ecosystems (SANBI, 2011). There are four main types of implications of listing ecosystems:

Planning related implications which are linked to the requirement in the Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) for listed ecosystems to be taken into account in municipal IDPs and SDFs;

Environmental authorisation implications in terms of NEMA and the EIA regulations;

Proactive management implications in terms of the National Biodiversity Act;

Monitoring and reporting implications in terms of the Biodiversity Act. With the most highly threatened ecosystems (Critically endangered ecosystems shown in “Red” in Figure 7) being located along the Ugu coastal strip (by far the most intensively developed area within the UDM), this has significant implications for future development and planned expansion of land use activities within the coastal zone. Environmental Authorisation for example is required for certain development/land use activities in terms of NEMA, with the current EIA Regulations comprising three lists of activities that require environmental authorisation:

Listing Notice 1: activities that require a basic assessment (R544 of 2010);

Listing Notice 2: activities that require scoping and environmental impact report (EIR); and

Listing Notice 3: activities that require a basic assessment in specific identified geographical areas only.

According to Activity 12 in Listing Notice 3, the clearance of 300m2 or more of vegetation within any listed critically endangered or endangered ecosystem4 will trigger at least a basic assessment in terms of the EIA regulations. Note that a basic assessment report in terms of the EIA regulations is triggered only in remaining natural habitat within each ecosystem and not in portions of the ecosystem where natural habitat has already been irreversibly lost.

2.6.3 Species of special concern – flora & fauna

This section is not intended to represent a comprehensive review of the species of fauna and flora found within the district. Rather, it presents a summary of existing available information on threatened species and species of special conservation concern and significance based primarily on records as provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (See Appendix 3 & 4 for species lists). The conservation status of species for all taxa groups is indicated using categories5 determined by the IUCN or International Union for Conservation of Nature (SANBI, 2009 & IUCN, 2011). This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, with the main purpose of the IUCN Red List to catalogue and highlight those taxa that are facing a higher risk of global extinction.

4 Note that the Listing Notice currently only applies to the threatened ecosystems identified nationally (SANBI, 2011). As such, such

activities planned within areas classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered in the provincial vegetation map EKZNW (2008b).that fall outside of those areas identified in the national coverage therefore do not necessarily trigger the same environmental authorization process. This said, the provincial vegetation map is both more detailed than the national product, and the classification stated is based on more recent data. 5 IUCN Categories (2011):

CR – Critically Endangered: extremely high risk of extinction in the wild EN – Endangered: very high risk of extinction in the wild VU – Vulnerable: high risk of extinction in the wild NT – Near Threatened: does not currently qualify for a Threatened category but is close to qualifying for or is likely to

qualify in one of those categories in the near future


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PLANTS

The District is home to a variety of plant species, many of which are considered to be either endangered or rare. One Critically Endangered species exists: Turraea streyi (Dainty leaved Honey-suckle Bush) is known to occur in the UDM, together with an additional 15 Endangered plant species (SANBI, 2009). In addition, 22 species are considered Near-Threatened with additional 22 species classified as Rare (EKZNW, 2011e).

MAMMALS

Of the mammals occurring in the UDM, only the Rough-haired golden mole (Chrysospalax villosus dobsoni) is considered Critically Endangered. Oribi (Ourebia ourebi) is Endangered species and an additional four species are considered vulnerable.

FISH

A range of threatened fish species occur in the UDM. Three goby species, together with the freshwater mullet (Myxus capensis) are regarded as Rare while the Duckbill sleeper (Butis butis) is classified as Vulnerable.

INVERTEBRATES

Three rare butterfly species including the bicoloured skipper, Pondo Charaxes and Whitish Amakosa Rocksitter have been recorded in the UDM. The Trumpet-mouthed hunter snail (Gulella salpinx) also occurs here and is considered Critically Endangered. Other important invertebrate species include the Keyhole hunter snail (Gulella claustralis) and Strong black millipede (Doratogonus infragilis), both classified Endangered species.

Table 8 Summary of the threat status of animal species in UDM (EKZNW, 2011f).

CLASS

SUMMARY OF STATUS

Critically Endangered

Endangered Near threatened

Vulnerable Rare Total

Mammals 1 1 3 4 Nil 9

Birds 2 2 23 17 Nil 44

Amphibians 1 2 1 1 Nil 5

Reptiles Nil Nil Nil 1 Nil 1

Invertebrates 1 2 Nil 2 3 8

Fish Nil Nil Nil 1 5 6

Total 5 7 27 26 8 73

Box 4 SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN - ORIBI

Oribi (Ourebia oribi) are the largest of the “small” antelope, typically inhabiting open grasslands, preferring habitats with short grasses on which to graze, interspersed with taller grass patches which provides cover from predators and the elements. They also make use of cultivated areas such as sugarcane and pastures where such areas are associated with suitable natural habitat. Priority areas for Oribi in the UDM are located around Oribi George protected area. Oribi are endangered in South Africa, with the largest populations occurring in the Drakensberg fringes and KZN Midlands. Oribi populations in many areas are threatened by habitat destruction or change through human activities such expanding settlements, commercial forestry, intensive commercial farming, poor veld burning practices, and erosion. Added to this are illegal hunting and inappropriate land management.

Oribi (Ourebia oribi) – Oribi Gorge Nature

Reserve


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BIRDS Bird species using the area include the Critically Endangered Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) and Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus). Two additional species, the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus) and Spotted Ground-thrush (Zoothera guttata) are considered endangered, while an additional 17 species considered Vulnerable also occur in the study area.

REPTILES While a wide range of reptile species occur within the UDM, the Southern African Rock Python (Python sebae natalensis) is the only known threatened species (classified as Vulnerable).

AMPHIBIANS There are at least 3 noteworthy species of frogs occurring in UDM. The Mistbelt Moss Frog (Anhydrophryne ngongoniensis) is classified as Critically Endangered in South Africa. Two additional species, the Kloof frog (Natalobatrachus bonebergi) and Long-toed frog (Leptopelis xenodactylus) are Endangered.

2.6.4 Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

The Important Bird Areas (IBA) Programme is one of BirdLife International's most important conservation initiatives. The IBA Programme identifies and works to conserve a network of sites critical for the long-term survival of bird species that are globally threatened, have a restricted range, are restricted to specific biomes/vegetation types and sites that have significant populations of birds. The South African IBA Programme is coordinated by BirdLife South Africa, with the purpose being the identification and protection of a network of conservation sites, at a bio geographical scale, critical for the long-term viability of naturally-occurring bird populations6. BirdLife South Africa intends to verify and refine the boundaries of IBAs over time with data such as that being captured through the South African Bird Atlas (SABAP) project. Details of the IBAs occurring within the study area are summarized in Table 9.

6 Bird Life SA on-line IBA database available at: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/site.

Box 5 SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN - BLUE SWALLOW

The Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) is a rare and localised intra-African migrant, regarded as Critically Endangered in South Africa. Residing in areas of high rainfall with short montane grassland, the population is facing extinction if their breeding and non-breeding habitats cannot be urgently secured according to the Endangered Wildlife Trust's (EWT) Threatened Grassland Species Programme, which has taken on the task of reversing the rapid decline of this threatened species. According to the EWT, four known regional populations of Blue Swallow have already become extinct in South Africa in the past decade, with the South African population currently consisting of fewer than 38 known breeding pairs, with 35 of these situated in KwaZulu-Natal. The total global population is estimated to be 1 000 breeding pairs, although this data is currently being reviewed. The EWT consider a focus on the conservation of their habitat and long-term monitoring to determine population trends is essential, and that if such If radical intervention is not initiated, the Blue Swallow is likely to be completely extinct in South Africa within the next decade.

Blue Swallow chicks (source: http://www.graphicmail.co.za/new/viewnewsletter2.aspx?SiteID=27316&SID=14&NewsletterID=378647)

http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/site

http://www.graphicmail.co.za/new/viewnewsletter2.aspx?SiteID=27316&SID=14&NewsletterID=378647




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Table 9 List of IBA sites in the Ugu District (BirdLife SA, 2012).

IBA/Code Protection Status IBA trigger species

Kwazulu-natal Mistbelt Forests (SA071)

Partially protected Bush Blackcap - Lioptilus nigricapillus (NT)

Kwazulu-natal Mistbelt Grasslands (SA078)

Unprotected Southern Bald Ibis - Geronticus calvus (VU) Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres (VU)

Blue Crane - Grus paradise (VU) Wattled Crane - Grus carunculatus (CEN)

Blue Swallow - Hirundo atrocaerulea (CEN)

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve (SA085)

Fully protected Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres (VU) Spotted Ground-thrush -Zoothera guttata (EN)

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve (SA086)

Fully protected Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres (VU) Black Harrier - Circus maurus (VU)

Knysna Woodpecker -Campethera notate (NT) Spotted Ground-thrush - Zoothera guttata (EN)

2.6.5 Important ecological processes and services

Biodiversity encompasses not only all living things, but also the series of interactions that sustain them, which are termed ‘ecological processes’. The Ugu District is important for supporting a range of ecological processes that are considered crucial in ensuring the long-term persistence of biodiversity in the region. Human welfare and economic development is also heavily reliant on our natural ecosystems. The associated ecosystem services contribute significantly to the local and regional economy, as well as health and well-being of human populations, especially in the context of climate change. Key ecological services include:

Erosion control;

Carbon sequestration;

Stream flow regulation;

Flood protection; and

Water quality enhancement.

While all natural areas provide some benefits to society, protection and rehabilitation of wetlands, river floodplains and riparian habitats is considered vitally important for reducing the magnitude of flood events and regulating hydrological processes such as storm water runoff. Preventing degradation of important catchment areas and ensuring sustainable use of erosion prone areas is also required.


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SPECIES MOVEMENT, CORRIDORS AND CONNECTIVITY

Maintaining connectivity between natural areas is considered critical for the long term persistence of both ecosystems and species, in the face of human development and global climatic change. High levels of infrastructural and agriculturaldevelopment within the District restrict the connectivity of ecosystems within the region. Not only does this restrict the movement of plant/animal species along west-east gradients along the coast, but also along altitudinal gradients. In order to allow for shifts in species ranges in response to climate change, the CBA Map has identified coast-to-interior corridors linking inland mountains and coastal areas designed to allow for species to migrate towards cooler, higher altitude areas as well as coastal corridors that both buffer the land from the impacts of climate change (e.g. sea level rise) and allow species to migrate along the coastline. The focus of the terrestrial corridors on ridgelines is to ensure that local altitudinal gradients are also present, thus allowing for potential refuge sites for habitats and non-mobile species alike.

CLIMATE CHANGE Global climate change is recognized as being a threat to the continued existence of species and natural ecosystems and is considered one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Some of the predictions of possible consequences associate with future climate change include:

Local sea-level rise;

Increased temperatures that may result in increased fire frequencies;

Increased land degradation and spread of invasive alien plants;

Increased flood risk (and associated waterborne diseases); and

Increased water shortage risk.

Forests, woodlands, wetlands and even grassland ecosystems play a role in carbon sequestration and thereby combating climate change as a result of increasing carbon emissions worldwide. One of the most effective ways to mitigate against the impacts of climate change at the local level, is ensure the protection of intact key natural habitats in an ecologically viable configuration, as would be achieved by safeguarding Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas as defined in this report. Decision makers and planners in the Ugu District can effectively assist in this regard by integrating the CBA Map and associated land-use guidelines into local land-use planning. Although the role of the District is small in the global context, it is important to consider the cumulative contribution that all areas can have towards climate change mitigation.

Box 6 WHAT ARE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

‘Ecosystem Services’ refer to the goods and

benefits people obtain from natural ecosystems. Various different types of ecosystems provide a range of ecosystem services. In essence, human survival is entirely dependent on the delivery of ecosystems services, yet the reality is that many of these services are often taken for granted. Terrestrial ecosystems such as natural forests for instance, provide for carbon sequestration and the air we breathe. Likewise, aquatic ecosystems such as rivers and wetlands provide water supply, flood attenuation and habitat for a range of aquatic biota. Globally, wetlands cover an estimated 6% of the earth’s terrestrial surface and contain around 12-14% of the global terrestrial biosphere carbon pool, thus making them important players in the global carbon cycle and in combating the impacts of climate change (Erwin, 2009).

Intact wetland

Many of these services have been undermined by modification and historic use, with very few intact wetlands still remaining. Securing intact wetland ecosystems and rehabilitating key areas is required to mitigate and compensate for current and future impacts to these ecosystems.


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2.6.6 Protected areas and other conservation areas

A total of eight terrestrial formally Protected and one marine Protected Area (Aliwal Shoal) occur within the UDM (Table 10 and Figure 11). These range in extent from 17 ha (Skyline Nature Reserve) to over 12, 000 ha (Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area).

A number of informal conservation areas also exist, which are areas of land not formally protected by law but informally protected by the current land owners. These areas include community conservation areas, privately-owned reserves, game ranches and areas previously designated as Natural History Sites and Sites of Conservation Significance.

Box 8 UGU PROTECTED AREAS

Protected areas are areas of land that are protected by law under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003), and as a result are managed for the conservation of biodiversity.

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve – the sandstone cliffs here are thought to be over 365 million

years old The protected area network in South Africa is deemed to be currently inadequate for sustaining biodiversity and ecological processes. In response to this concern, protected area expansion strategies have been developed at both national and provincial level, with KZN needing to secure an additional 9% in order to fulfil its national mandate. It is hoped that funding will be forthcoming to allow new areas to be secured in line with international guidelines and best-practice.

Box 7 BIODIVERSITY STEWARDSHIP

In KZN, at least 80% of the important biodiversity lies outside formally protected areas, on privately or communally owned land. The Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, initiated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and now managed by Wildlands Conservation Trust, helps to secure some of these areas for long-term biodiversity conservation while maintaining the productivity of the landscape for landowners as well. Stewardship processes identify land of critical importance for biodiversity conservation and/or the provision of ecosystem services and encourage private and communal landowners to engage in biodiversity conservation and other sustainable land use practices. They maintain ownership of their land, receive guidance and management assistance, and are supported to diversify their land-based activities to create sustainable livelihoods. One of the target stewardship sites is the Red Desert Nature Reserve outside of Port Edward, reputed to be the smallest desert in the world, being a mere 11ha in size. The surrounding grasslands, forests and wetlands are home to a number of rare endemic plants.

‘Red Desert’ Nature Conservation Area, Port

Edward (Source: http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/port-

edward/waterfall/red-desert-nature-conservation-area.aspx)


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Table 10 Formal Protected Areas within the Ugu District.

Site Date Proclaimed Extent (Ha)

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1950) 1745.7

Skyline Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1986) 17.1

Mbumbazi Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1986) 2022.9

Mehlomnyama Nature Reserve (Managed by DWA) Formally Proclaimed (1908) 160.6

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1971) 2653.0

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1973) 2188.9

Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area Formally Proclaimed (2004) 12461.5

Mpenjati Nature Reserve Established by EXCO Resolution (1985)

94.9

Trafalgar Marine Reserve Formally Proclaimed (1979*) ~552

* Based on Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act number 18 of 1998)

Figure 11 Map showing the location of formally Protected Areas and other conservation areas in the Ugu District.


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3

The primary purpose of characterizing the Ugu District’s biodiversity profile is to spatially identify and delineate key areas of regional biodiversity significance and importance for the conservation of biodiversity in order to guide sustainable development within the District. This process incorporated biodiversity planning criteria and mapping principles from other examples where biodiversity sector plans have already been developed (e.g. uThukela and Zululand Districts in KZN; Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities in Western Cape; Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng and the Namakwa District in Northern Cape). Table 11 below summarizes the key biodiversity land management categories/classes which have most significance for biodiversity planning and management at the municipal level. The land use/management categories used in the biodiversity mapping are consistent with those being developed and applied regionally by EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, 2014). Table 11 Descriptions of the various CBA map categories for the Ugu BSP.

Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) - Crucial for supporting biodiversity features and ecosystem functioning and are required to meet conservation targets

Critical Biodiversity

Areas: Irreplaceable

Areas considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which are

required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality

of ecosystems.

Critical Biodiversity

Areas: Optimal

Areas that represent an optimised solution to meet the required biodiversity

conservation targets while avoiding areas where the risk of biodiversity loss is high

Category driven primarily by process but is also informed by expert input.

Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) - Functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the

persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the critical biodiversity areas

Ecological Support

Areas (ESAs)

Functional but not necessarily entirely natural areas that are required to ensure the

persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the

critical biodiversity areas. The area also contributes significantly to the maintenance of

ecological infrastructure.

Ecological Support

Areas: Species Specific

Terrestrial modified areas that provide a support function to a threatened or protected

species, for example agricultural land.

Base categories

Protected Areas

Protected Areas are limited to formally Protected Areas declared under NEMPA. Such

areas form the backbone of the conservation network and are critical in their contribution

to the achievement of conservation objectives in the Province.

Other Natural Areas All other natural areas not already included in the above categories.

Modified

Areas with no significant natural vegetation remaining and therefore are attributed to

having a low biodiversity value. Includes modified lands such as areas under cultivation

(intense agriculture), forestry plantations, mining, urban landscapes, infrastructure and

dams.


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3.1 Methodology

The biodiversity profile of the Ugu District was developed through a detailed GIS spatial mapping procedure aimed at defining areas that support terrestrial, aquatic, estuarine and marine biodiversity (i.e. CBAs and ESAs). Biodiversity areas were identified and mapped based on a hierarchy of conservation importance as defined for each of the CBA map categories.

A Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to integrate the available spatial biological datasets into a composite profile for the Ugu District. In developing the biodiversity profile, the existing protected area network, together with results of the systematic conservation assessments undertaken by EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) were used as a starting point for identifying areas of conservation importance. A range of additional datasets were then integrated and used to supplement these datasets (See Appendix 1). This included readily available data sources together with additional focused mapping which included (i) a refinement of the available wetland mapping and (ii) capture of local-level priorities7 through stakeholder engagement. The latter was developed through a stakeholder workshop held on 10th May at Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve and subsequent bilateral discussions with biodiversity sector representatives8 from details of the spatial datasets produced in the compilation of the CBA map (included in Appendix 1) while the criteria used to define various CBA map categories is included in Appendix 2.

3.2 Assumptions and limitations

The Biodiversity Sector Plan for UDM serves as the primary biodiversity informant to a range of planning processes. However, it is important to recognize that the plan does not replace these planning and decision-making processes and does not in itself grant or limit land-use rights. Furthermore, the biodiversity sector plan has limitations, which although they do not restrict the application of the plan, need to be recognized and appropriately accommodated when using the plan:

The Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) does not replace the need for site assessments, particularly for EIAs and land-use applications.

The plan does not remove the need for on-site verification of the identified Critical Biodiversity Areas. A suitably qualified specialist should be consulted to interpret areas in relation to the CBA Maps. Confirmation through a site visit (i.e. ground-truthing) is essential in all cases.

The spatial accuracy of the information presented is inherently limited by the accuracy of the biodiversity databases used to develop the map. Mapping accuracy varies from approximately 1:2000 through to approximately 1:10 000 scale (for species records and vegetation types respectively).

The plan was developed using appropriate methods and the best available data at the time of its development. Cognisance must be taken of the fact that the information content of the CBA map is limited by the depth of knowledge on the distribution of biodiversity in the district captured in electronic databases. Key aspects such as the distribution of threatened species remain relatively poorly understood and incomplete and thus influence the accuracy of the final product.

“Other Natural Areas”: Under the Other Natural Areas category, it is still important to check for special biodiversity features (e.g. wetlands or species of special concern). Since knowledge of wetlands and species of special concern is incomplete, it is critical to verify that these do not occur on the site.

7 It is important to note here that while some verification of this information was undertaken through expert consultation, the dataset produced has not been verified through a ground-truthing exercise. 8 See Appendix 5 for a list of participants. Minutes from this meeting are available from EKZNW on request.


45


The BSP provides information on biodiversity, and must be used in conjunction with other land-use or town and regional planning application procedures.

CBA maps do not grant or take away land-use rights; they are simply intended to inform appropriate proposed land-use changes.

The BSP is designed to be a forerunner for a Bioregional Plan in terms of Chapter 3 of NEMBA. It must undergo further legal, administrative and public consultation procedures in order to qualify as a formally published Bioregional Plan. This said, in lieu of a Bioregional Plan yet being developed, it is considered best practice to consult a BSP when developing other spatial planning tools.

On-going changes in land-use as well as changes in biodiversity, may impact on the identified CBA network and it is likely that additional CBAs will be designated when the plan is revised due to these changes. Should the BSP be used as the basis for a bioregional plan, it is envisaged that the plan will be revised every 5 years in accordance with national guidelines (DEAT, 2009).

The development of this plan was based on the best available data. It should be noted that in most cases, no/limited ground-truthing of data was performed.

Whilst specialist input from scientists, ecologists and local conservancies in the District has been integrated into the plan, this was based primarily on a single focused stakeholder workshop and limited engagement with local conservancies. This input was therefore limited by time and budget constraints.

Heritage information was not formally required for inclusion into the biodiversity assessment and planning.


46


Figure 12 Map showing Terrestrial CBAS and ESAs for the Ugu District Municipality


47


3.3 Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs)

Critical Biodiversity Areas are natural or near natural landscapes that are considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which safeguard areas required for the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality of ecosystems. The CBA areas are described below in terms of terrestrial and aquatic (which includes freshwater and marine) environs of the District. Detailed information of features found within the identified CBA areas (terrestrial and aquatic) can be obtained from EKZNW via the email address [email protected].

3.3.1 Terrestrial CBAs

Terrestrial CBAs within the District were mapped and defined according to the following data (see also Appendix 2):

Critical Biodiversity Area Irreplaceable (TSCA).

Critical Biodiversity Area Optimal (TSCA).

Critical Biodiversity Area Irreplaceable Linkages.

Critically Endangered category from the National threatened Ecosystems.

Critically Endangered and Endangered category from KZN Threatened Ecosystems.

CBA Irreplaceable and CBA Optimal derived from local and specialist knowledge.

The spatial distribution and extent of the terrestrial CBAs are shown in Figure 12, and the details of the spatial data used to derive the terrestrial CBAs are listed in Appendix 1.

3.3.2 Aquatic CBAs

Aquatic CBAs (which include both freshwater and marine areas) within the District were mapped and defined according to the following data (see also Appendix 2):

Critical Biodiversity Area Irreplaceable (FSCA, ESCA & SEAPlan).

Critical Biodiversity Area Optimal (FSCA, ESCA & SEAPlan).

CBA Irreplaceable and CBA Optimal derived from local and specialist knowledge.

Critical Biodiversity Area Irreplaceable Linkages (National Flagship Rivers & 30m buffer).

All wetlands within FSCA and the 24 KZN priority wetlands.

Perennial rivers in FSCA and all priority FEPA rivers.

All perennial rivers associated with FEPA fish sanctuary areas.

30m buffer on identified CBA Irreplaceable & Optimal perennial rivers, perennial rivers associated with FEPA fish sanctuary areas, and priority FEPA Rivers.

Nationally identified Priority Estuaries.

KZN Priority Estuaries.

Marine National Endangered and Critically Endangered habitat. The spatial distribution and extent of the Aquatic CBA areas are shown in Figure 13. Details of the spatial data used to derive the aquatic CBA areas are listed in Appendix 1.



48


Figure 13 Aquatic Map showing CBA and ESAs for the Ugu District Municipality


49


3.4 Ecological Support Areas (ESAs)

Ecological Support Areas (or ESAs) are supporting zones that play an important role supporting the ecological functioning of critical biodiversity areas and/or in delivering ecosystem services and buffering protected areas and other CBAs from land use impacts. ESAs include Landscape and Local ecological corridors that allow for connectivity along altitudinal gradients between the coast and inland, west-east corridors along the coastal belt and linkages between CBAs. They also include key areas within largely modified landscape features that nevertheless contribute to the persistence of key threatened species. The ESAs are described below in terms of the terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine) environs of the District. Detailed information of features found within the identified CBA areas (terrestrial and aquatic) can be obtained from EKZNW via the email address [email protected].

3.4.1 Terrestrial ESAs

The terrestrial ESAs within the District were mapped and defined according to the following data: (see also Appendix 2):

Landscape and local corridors

Ecosystem via expert input

Species specific habitat requirements The spatial distribution and extent of terrestrial ESAs are shown in Figure 12. Details of spatial data used to derive the terrestrial ESAs are listed in Appendix 1.

3.4.2 Aquatic ESAs

The aquatic ESAs (which include freshwater and marine areas) within the u District were mapped and defined according to the following data (see also Appendix 2):

Non perennial rivers in FSCA

FEPA rivers, wetlands & wetland clusters

Aquatic corridors – KZN priority/ flagship rivers.

All remaining estuaries

Specialist or expert input data

Species specific habitat requirements

100m buffer on FSCA wetlands.

70m buffer on CBA perennial rivers , KZN Flagship Rivers & national Flagship Rivers

70m buffer on non perennial rivers.

500m buffer on FEPA priority wetland clusters & KZN priority wetlands.

Marine Species migratory corridors

Marine Key foraging areas (e.g. for turtles)

The spatial distribution and extent of aquatic ESAs areas are shown in Figure 13. Details of spatial data used to derive the terrestrial CBA area are listed in Appendix 1



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3.5 Ecological Infrastructure (EI)

Ecological Infrastructure (EI) is the functioning ecosystems, within landscapes, that provide environmental services which contribute positively to the economy and human welfare. Services provided include the promotion of water security through for example the provision of clean water and increased lifespan of dams; reduction in disaster risk through for example the control of flood intensities & coastal erosion; the prevention of soil loss, and climate regulation. The ecological infrastructure that provides such services includes healthy and well maintained wetlands, rivers, catchments, coastal dunes, grasslands and forests. Ecological infrastructure is further described as the nature–based equivalent of hard infrastructure, which has an comparable importance for the underpinning of socio-economic development and which must be considered as a public good to be conserved for the benefit of future generations (SANBI's Grassland Programme, 2012). The identification and mapping of ecological infrastructure within the KZN province is currently in its infancy and requires input from a number of sectors and levels of government. There are a range of ecological infrastructure categories that need to be considered, but initial focus has been placed on water production areas due to its importance within the biodiversity social and economic sectors, and the fact that South Africa is a water scarce country. The water production EI areas determined within the biodiversity sector plans is based on work produced for KZN as a whole. The areas mapped represent (i) areas of high water production which are defined as areas receiving a net runoff,9 National Strategic Water Production Areas, and all wetlands not identified as a CBA or ESA (refer to Figure 14). It is proposed that further ecological infrastructure would be identified and mapped during the development of District Bioregional Plans, which are planned to commence within the next five year strategy plan period Ecological Infrastructure (EI) includes functional features, habitats or landscapes that provide important ecological goods and services to society (i.e. water security, disaster relief, preventing soil loss and in maintaining or improving key services such as clean water for domestic and recreational use). Whilst Ecosystem Goods and Services can be derived from non-natural land-use practices, only naturally-derived EI is reflected in this context. Terrestrial and aquatic Ecological Infrastructure (EI) indicated in Figure 14 and discussed separately in more detail below.

3.6 District Biodiversity Sector Plan Map

The overall combined Critical Biodiversity Areas map for the Ugu District is shown in Figure 15 This indicates the location and extent of CBAs (Critical Biodiversity Areas) and ESAs (Ecological Support Areas).The associated land use guidelines of the categories reflected in this map are detailed within Section 4.

9 Net runoff was calculated for the summer rainfall period wherein crop evaporation was subtracted from the monthly median rainfall. All areas with

runoff greater than 0mm were classified as high water production areas. All calculations were based on data obtained from Schutlze’s 2006 South African Atlas of Climatology and Agrohydrology.


51


Figure 14 Composite EI Map showing Ecological Infrastructure (EI) for the Ugu District Municipality


52


Figure 15 Biodiversity Sector Plan Map of the Ugu District Municipality


53


3.7 Cross links with adjacent Municipalities

It is an essential and legislated requirement (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998) that collaborative management between adjacent district municipalities ensures the sustainable protection and on-going consideration and management of CBAs, ESAs and biodiversity corridors that traverse municipal boundaries. When making land use planning decisions covering land in proximity to municipal boundaries, the adjacent municipality must be engaged, and their relevant biodiversity plan consulted, to ensure that biodiversity planning priorities within adjacent municipal areas are not compromised. At the time of drafting the BSP for Ugu, BSPs covering adjacent districts were still in the process of being drafted (e.g. eThekwini Municipality) and thus were not available at the time of development of the Ugu BSP. These plans were therefore not consulted for use in the determination of CBAs, ESAs and biodiversity corridors that traverse municipal boundaries. Note that most of the datasets used in the compilation of CBA maps for the Ugu BSP were originally developed at a Provincial level and therefore address cross linkages with adjacent municipalities thus accounting for provincial scale process and pattern. Any subsequent BSPs developed for districts adjacent to Ugu must take account of the CBA maps produced as an outcome of the Ugu BSP. Available biodiversity data was consulted however, pertaining to cross-municipal linkages in terms of biodiversity corridors, protected areas and features highlighted in the terrestrial systematic conservation plan for the Province (EKZNW, 2011h).


54


4

The Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) for Ugu identifies areas in the District, within the terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments, which are critical for the conservation of biodiversity (CBAs) as well as the support areas (ESAs) that maintain the processes and functions of these critical areas. Activities within these areas, depending on the type of activity and the level of biodiversity importance, may have significant detrimental impacts or could be considered as enhancing biodiversity conservation. In light of the potential detrimental impact of various types of land use on biodiversity, it is proposed that the guidelines contained here be utilised by planners, consultants and developers to make informed land planning decisions which actively take areas of high biodiversity importance into account when considering land use management, planning and sustainable activities and/or resource usage within these biodiversity sensitive areas. Note that the guidelines cannot grant or take away existing land-use rights or the statutory requirement for permits and environmental authorisations. It is, however, recommended that any planned activity within the identified sensitive conservation areas, even those not requiring specified permits or authorisations, comply with the Duty of Care obligations of Section 28 of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998). At a minimum, such activities should undergo an environmental impact scoping process and the development of an Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) to ensure mitigation and management of identified impacts. Land Use Planning and Management Guidelines have been compiled separately for (i) the terrestrial and freshwater aquatic environments and (ii) the marine and inshore environments. The land use guidelines presented have been adapted from the Document describing the Conservation Planning Terms for the EKZNW Spatial Planning Products (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, 2014) developed by EKZNW. The guidelines are qualitative statements concerning the desired level of biodiversity loss one is willing to accept within the various CBA map categories and the types of land uses/activities that would be considered compatible or incompatible with the specific biodiversity conservation priorities for each of these categories. These guidelines are designed to be used in conjunction with the CBA maps for the Ugu District to better inform land use planning, decision making and environmental authorisations.

Box 9 HOW TO USE THE CBA MAPS

Below are the steps to follow when using the CBA Map to inform decisions regarding land-use applications: STEP 1: Determine Biodiversity

Category Determine the biodiversity category (aquatic/terrestrial, CBA, ESA, EI, Modified Area, etc.) of the specific site/property under interrogation by consulting the CBA Map and relevant GIS data. STEP 2: Conduct Desktop Assessment Conduct desktop biodiversity investigations to identify what biodiversity elements have been used to define the biodiversity category. Once identified, this will help to flag aspects that need to be verified at a site-level. STEP 3: Site Assessment It is essential to conduct a site assessment to ground truth and verify that the CBA Map/GIS data used to develop the Biodiversity Sector Plan is correctly depicted (ie. spatially accurate representation of what occurs on the ground). Specialist assessments of the site should be conducted according to the biodiversity features present which resulted in the site being classed as a CBA, ESA, etc. STEP 4: Consult Land-Use Guidelines Consult the Land Use guidelines within this document to ascertain land use compatibility.


55


In order to facilitate the integration of the identified biodiversity criteria/information into the more general town planning processes, a guideline matrix (Table 15 for terrestrial/aquatic environs & Table 17 for marine/inshore environs) has been developed by EKZNW to enable the cross-walking of the terminology from the different spatial planning sectors. Within the matrix table, the various columns contain possible land uses, with the scores assigned to each land use indicating whether the proposed land use is recommended, restricted or unsuitable for the site from the perspective of biodiversity conservation priorities in the District. The compatibility status for various different land use categories (Table 12, below) has been determined based on the desired management objectives of the conservation categories, the likely impact on the biodiversity, and the assumption that best practice land management practices and controls are implemented, as set out below in Table 13.

Table 12 Land-use compatibility status rating

RATING COMPATIBILITY DESCRIPTION 1 Compatible activity Recommended

2 Potential activity Potential may exist depending on the existing land-use and potential, the current ecological state, and the sustainable nature of the development type in question.

3 Incompatible activity Not Recommended

Table 13 Land-use Management Practices and Controls

LAND USE CATEGORY LAND USE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES/CONTROLS IN PLACE

AGRICULTURE

IRRIGATED CROP PRODUCTION Intensive and extensive crop production under irrigation

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Limit usage of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Activities are managed by an Environmental Management Programme

(EMPr) Soil conservation and run-off control measures are in place

EXTENSIVE CROP PRODUCTION Extensive areas of monoculture, such as sugar cane, maize, soya, wheat and vegetables

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Limit usage of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Activities are managed by an EMPr Soil conservation and run-off control measures are in place

INTENSIVE CROP PRODUCTION Examples: Vegetables, avocado pears/fruit orchards, nurseries, etc

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Limited modification levels and preferably located on existing modified

areas Low to no usage of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers Activities are managed by an EMPr Control of alien invasive species Soil conservation and run-off control measures are in place

AGRI-INDUSTRY Beneficiation processes, examples include saw mills, sugar mills, abattoirs, factories for the processing of dairy products, tanneries, charcoal making, composting

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Management of solid and liquid waste Limited modification levels and preferably located on existing modified

area Control of alien invasive species Activities are managed by an EMPr


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EXTENSIVE ANIMAL PRODUCTION Livestock and game production on natural veld

Game production adheres to stocking rates and species as per the conservation permits. If no such permit is required a faunal/floral specialist must undertake a carrying capacity assessment, and provide a management plan for off-takes and species composition

Strict adherence to livestock stocking rates Sustainable management of the land, which should include alien

clearing and a burn programme which enhance the ecological functioning of the grassland, and protection of wetlands and riparian areas

Activities are managed by an EMPr

INTENSIVE ANIMAL PRODUCTION Intensive commercial production e.g. feedlots, poultry houses, piggeries, crocodile farms, rabbits and dairies

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Management of solid and liquid waste Control of alien invasive species Activities are managed by an EMPr

FORESTRY Commercial plantation: Pine, Wattle and Eucalypts

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions, include water use license in terms of National Water Act 36 of 1998

Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Adhere to Sustainable Forestry certification requirements

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES & CONSERVATION AREAS

ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCUTRE Functioning ecosystems that deliver services to people and the environment. Also referred to as ecosystem goods and services

Control of alien invasive species Manage for the improvement and maintenance of ecosystem services

CONSERVATION & STEWARDSHIP Base activities: Wildlife production, alien clearing, land management Additional activities: Environmental education and low impact ecotourism such as hiking,, bird and game watching, as well as the sustainable harvesting of natural resources including fish, thatching grass, reeds and wildflowers

The main aim would be to manage for the improvement and maintenance of biodiversity conservation values, environmental integrity and ecosystem services

The property is management in terms of a conservation agreement or mechanism, such as a Protected Area in terms of the Protected Areas Act 15 of 2009, a stewardship type agreement, an appropriate land use zoning, or conservation servitude

Activities limited to very low modification levels and preferably located on existing modified areas

Activities have the legislated environmental and conservation permissions

Activities are managed by an EMPr

MODIFIED OPEN SPACE Modified passive and active open space which is managed as a public amenity, e.g. parks, sports fields and golf courses, country clubs, equestrian centers/race courses and polo fields

Control of alien invasive species Maintenance of ecological infrastructure


57



TOURISM

LOW IMPACT/ECOTOURISM Includes low intensity tourism infrastructure such as those related to hiking trails, bird and game watching and limit tourism accommodation

Activities limited to very low modification levels and preferably located on existing modified areas

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions An environmental impact scoping process is undertaken to assess the

sustainability of the project and determine if the project will not result in the loss of biodiversity

Activities are managed by an EMPr Control of alien invasive species Green Building design utilised Management of solid and liquid waste

MEDIUM IMPACT TOURISM Includes medium intensity tourism related facilities such as backpackers accommodation, guesthouses, B&Bs, lodges, small hotels and camping sites

Activities to be located outside of sensitive ecosystems, such as river beds, riparian zones and wetland buffers and preferably on existing modified areas

Activity is in keeping with rural and natural landscape The remainder of the property is preferably managed in terms of a

conservation agreement or mechanism, such as a Protected Area in terms of the Protected Areas Act 15 of 2009, a stewardship type agreement, an appropriate land use zoning, or conservation servitude

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Activities are managed by an EMPr An environmental impact scoping process is undertaken to assess the

sustainability of the project and determine if the project will not result in the loss of biodiversity

Green Building design utilised Control of alien invasive species Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Management of solid and liquid waste

HIGH IMPACT TOURISM Includes high intensity tourism related facilities such as resorts, hotels, golf courses and eco-estates

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Green Building design utilised Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Management of solid and liquid waste

INFRASTRUCTURE

Includes airstrips, roads and railways, utilities and services, sewage works, water works projects and catchments transfer systems

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Activities are managed by an EMPr

RURAL/TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT

Includes a gradation of settlement densities with the addition of a variety of agricultural activities such as cropping and grazing of livestock

Control of alien invasive species Activities located outside of sensitive ecosystems, such as river beds,

riparian zones and wetland buffers and preferably on existing modified areas

Maintenance of ecological infrastructure

RESIDENTIAL

Includes single and multiple residential units and small holdings, but excludes traditional settlement

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Management of solid and liquid waste


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MIXED USE

This category includes conventional urban activities such as, retail, offices, commercial workshops, places of public amusement, restaurants, and warehouses. It further includes fuel filling stations, logistics hubs, and transport focus points that cater for bus and taxi ranks, truck stops, etc

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Activities are managed by an EMPr Management of solid and liquid waste

CIVIC AND SOCIAL

Category includes education, health, welfare, social services, places of worship, cemeteries and memorial parks

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Maintenance of ecological infrastructure

INDUSTRY

Category includes manufacturing and warehousing

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Management of solid and liquid waste Activities are managed by an EMPr

INDUSTRIAL - EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY / QUARRYING AND MINING Mineral extraction by underground strip, opencast and quarrying, with related footprint of waste dumps, storage dumps, settlement ponds, processing and beneficiation

Activities have the legislated environmental permissions Control of alien invasive species Setbacks from wetland and riparian areas Maintenance of ecological infrastructure Activities are managed by an EMPr

4.1 Guidelines for terrestrial and aquatic envrionments

Planning and management guidelines for terrestrial and aquatic environments (including watercourses, wetlands & estuaries) are presented below. The guideline provides land use management objectives for the range of conservation categories in Table 14, below. The land-use compatibility matrix for terrestrial and aquatic conservation categories is presented in Table 15.

Table 14 Land-use Objectives for Terrestrial and Aquatic Conservation Categories

Map Category Guiding description of categories Land-Use Management Objective

Protected Areas (PAs) Protected areas as declaration under NEMPA Maintain in a natural state with limited to no biodiversity loss

Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs)

Natural or near-natural landscapes that include terrestrial and aquatic areas that are considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which safeguard areas required to ensure the persistence of viable populations of species, and the functionality of ecosystems and Ecological Infrastructure (EI)*

Maintain in a natural state with limited to no biodiversity loss

Critical Biodiversity Areas: Irreplaceable

Areas which are required to meet biodiversity conservation targets, and where there are no alternative sites available. (Category driven by species and feature presence)



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Map Category Guiding description of categories Land-Use Management Objective

Critical Biodiversity Areas: Optimal

Areas that are the most optimal solution to meet the required biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding high cost areas as much as possible (Category driven primarily by process)


ESA: Buffers Areas identified as influencing land-use management that are not derived based on biodiversity priorities alone, but also address other legislation / agreements which the biodiversity sector is mandated to address, e.g. WHS Convention, triggers for EIA Regulations, etc.

Maintain or improve ecological and tourism functionality of a PA or WHS

ESA: Protected Area Buffer

Unless otherwise stated, this represents an area extending 5km from the PAs or where applicable PA specific delineated buffers

Maintain or improve ecological and tourism functionality of a PA

ESA: World Heritage Site Buffer

Unless otherwise stated, this represents an area extending 10km from the WHS or where applicable area specifically defined for WHS

Maintain or improve ecological and tourism functionality of WHS

Terrestrial Ecological Support Areas (ESAs)

Functional but not necessarily entirely natural terrestrial that are largely required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the Critical Biodiversity Areas. The area also contributes significantly to the maintenance of Ecological Infrastructure (EI)*

Maintain ecosystem functionality and connectivity allowing for some loss of biodiversity

Terrestrial Ecological Support Areas: Species specific **

Modified but area is providing a support function to a threatened or protected species

Maintain current land use or rehabilitate back to functional natural area

Aquatic Ecological Support Areas

Functional but not necessarily entirely natural aquatic landscapes that are largely required to ensure the persistence and maintenance of biodiversity patterns and ecological processes within the Critical Biodiversity Areas. The area also contributes significantly to the maintenance of Ecological Infrastructure (EI)*

Maintain ecosystem functionality allowing for some loss of biodiversity but without degrading Present Ecological State (PES) category

Natural Biodiversity Areas All natural areas not already included in the above categories

Maintain basic ecosystem functionality

Modified Areas with no significant natural vegetation remaining and therefore regarded as having a low biodiversity value (e.g. areas under cultivation)

Sustainable management

Ugu Biodiversity Sector Plan

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Table 15 Land-use Compatibility Guideline Matrix for Terrestrial & Aquatic

* Aquatic refers to both the freshwater and estuarine environments; ** Areas identified as ESA: WHS Buffer Areas also tend to have an additional set of land-use guidelines which are intended to address World heritage Site Buffer requirements specifically; *** Assumption that all best land use practices are followed. Within PA, assumption that this is a land use management tool and only an option that is investigated where it is not possible to utilise indigenous game to achieve the desired outcome.

Key

1.Compatible activity Recommended

2.Potential activity Potential may exist depending on the existing land-use and potential, the current ecological state, and the sustainable nature of the development type in question.

3.Incompatible activity Not Recommended

LAND-USE

NON-URBAN DEVELOPMENT

MIXED TRADITIONAL URBAN

AND NON-URBAN

DEVELOPMENT

TRADITIONAL URBAN

DEVELOPMENT

AGRICULTURE

ENVIRONMENTAL

SERVICES &

CONSERVATION

AREAS

TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE AND

SERVICES

RU

RA

L/T

RA

DIT

ION

AL

SE

TT

LE

ME

NT

RE

SID

EN

TIA

L

MIX

ED

US

E

CIV

IC A

ND

SO

CIA

L

INDUSTR

Y

Conservation Category

IRR

IGA

TED

CR

OP

PR

OD

UC

TIO

N

EXTE

NSI

VE

CR

OP

PR

OD

UC

TIO

N

INTE

NSI

VE

CR

OP

PR

OD

UC

TIO

N

AG

RI-

IND

UST

RY

INTE

NSI

VE

PR

OD

UC

TIO

N O

F

AN

IMA

LS A

ND

/OR

AN

IMA

L

PR

OD

UC

TS

***E

XTE

NSI

VE

AN

IMA

L

PR

OD

UC

TIO

N

FOR

ESTR

Y

CO

NSE

RV

ATI

ON

MA

NA

GEM

ENT

AN

D S

TEW

AR

DSH

IP

ECO

LOG

ICA

L IN

FRA

STR

UC

TUR

E

MO

DIF

IED

OP

EN S

PA

CE

LOW

IMP

AC

T/

ECO

-TO

UR

ISM

MED

IUM

IMP

AC

T TO

UR

ISM

HIG

H IM

PA

CT

TOU

RIS

M

AIR

STR

IP

RO

AD

S A

ND

RA

ILW

AYS

UTI

LITI

ES A

ND

SER

VIC

ES

SEW

ERA

GE

WO

RK

S

WA

TER

WO

RK

S P

RO

JEC

TS A

ND

CA

TCH

MEN

T TR

AN

SFER

S

EXTR

AC

TIV

E IN

DU

STR

Y /

QU

AR

RYI

NG

AN

D M

ININ

G

IND

UST

RY

TE

RR

ES

TR

IAL

Terrestrial Protected Area 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Critical Biodiversity Area: Irreplaceable 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Critical Biodiversity Area: Optimal 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Ecological Support Areas 3 3 2 3 3 1 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3

Ecological Support Areas: World Heritage Site Buffers**

2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3

Ecological Support Areas : Protected Area Buffers

2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3

AQ

UA

TIC

*

Critical Biodiversity Areas: Irreplaceable 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Critical Biodiversity Areas: Optimal 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Aquatic Ecological Support Area 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Mo

dif

ied

/ D

egrad

ed

Other Natural Areas 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Modified: Degraded natural 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Modified: Old cultivated lands 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Modified: Agriculture 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3

Built-up / Settlement 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1


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4.2 Guidelines for marine and inshore environments

Planning and management guidelines for marine and inshore environments are presented below (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, 2014). The guideline provides land use management objectives for the range of conservation categories in Table 16, below. The land-use compatibility matrix for terrestrial and aquatic conservation categories is presented in Table 17. Table 16 Land-use objectives for marine & inshore conservation categories

Map Category Guiding description of categories Marine/shoreline Management Objective

Marine Protected Areas: Sanctuary Zones

Statutory protected and conservation areas (proclaimed marine reserves) This zone aims to maintain biodiversity and ecological processes and to provide visitors with natural/spiritual/educational experiences in the marine environment. There is no extractive resource use except limited traditional subsistence harvesting in specified areas

Maintain in a natural state with limited or no biodiversity loss

Marine Protected Areas: Restricted Zones

Statutory protected and conservation areas (proclaimed marine reserves) This zone aims to conserve biodiversity and ecological processes and to provide visitors with a very exclusive high quality nature based outdoor experience in a marine environment. Certain activities such as catch and release pelagic fishing are permitted

Maintain near-natural seascapes with some loss of biodiversity pattern and limited loss of ecosystem processes

Marine Protected Areas: Controlled Zones

Statutory protected and conservation areas (proclaimed marine reserves) This zone aims to restore and maintain the natural environment and ecological processes by providing an affordable, comfortable, informative, safe, enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreational experience in a relatively un-spoilt marine environment. This zone allows for a small amount of extractive resource use.

Maintain near-natural seascapes with some loss of biodiversity pattern and limited loss of ecosystem processes

Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs)

Areas that are considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds


Critical Biodiversity Area: Irreplaceable

Marine areas which are required to meet biodiversity conservation targets, and where there are no alternative sites available

Maintain in a natural state with no further biodiversity loss

Critical Biodiversity Area: Optimal

Areas that are the most optimal solution to meet the required biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding high cost areas as much as possible

Maintain in a near natural state with no further biodiversity loss

Marine Ecological Support Areas

Marine areas which are required for the persistence and maintenance of marine biodiversity, examples of which are up welling areas, fronts, eddies, and migration routes

Functional seascapes: manage marine environment to maintain basic ecosystem processes and functionality

Other Natural Seascapes Remaining marine areas not located within any of the preceding categories

Sustainable management

Ugu Biodiversity Sector Plan - draft 1 January 2013

62


Table 17 Land-use Compatibility Guideline Matrix for Marine & Inshore Conservation Categories (EKZNW, 2014)

Conservation Category C

on

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n m

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Sub

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(sp

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Co

mm

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(lo

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all s

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mm

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mm

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Pre

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Co

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ing

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s

Off

sho

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Marine Protected Areas Sanctuary Zone 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Marine Protected Areas Restricted B1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3

Marine Protected Areas Restricted B2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 3

Marine Protected Areas Controlled 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 3

Critical Biodiversity Area (Marine): Irreplaceable 1 1 1 2 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3

Critical Biodiversity Area: Optimal 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 3

Marine Ecological Support Areas 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2

Natural Biodiversity Seascapes 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1

Key





63

March 2014- Version 2.0

4.3 NFEPA Management Guidelines

Freshwater ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to human activities within river/wetland catchments and these activities can often lead to irreversible damage or longer term, gradual/cumulative changes to these ecosystems. Management of freshwater ecosystems should aim to prevent the occurrence of large-scale damaging events as well as repeated, chronic, persistent, subtle events which can in the long-term be far more damaging (e.g. as a result of sedimentation and pollution). Chapter 6 (pp 66-90) of the Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (Driver et al., 2011)10 includes freshwater ecosystem management guidelines, designed to be used in guiding decision making and specifically in addressing the management of FEPAs (Fresh Water Priority Areas) and their associated sub-quaternary catchments (note that guidelines for the management of estuaries are not presently included). The ecosystem management guidelines in Chapter 6 are likely to be especially useful for:

Environmental Assessment Practitioners and officials reviewing EIAs;

Officials and consultants involved in forward planning (e.g. stormwater management/placement of wastewater treatment works);

Officials involved in setting conditions attached to licenses; and

Anyone else involved in proactive conservation and rehabilitation programmes. The guidelines link specific land-use practices and activities to three categories of stresses on rivers and wetlands and are aligned with the approach used in the Department of Water Affairs guidelines for setting and monitoring resource quality objectives. The recommendations given are general (i.e. they apply throughout the country) and can be used as the foundation for more detailed and regionally specific site assessments or management plans for particular river reaches, wetlands or sub-quaternary catchments.

10

Driver, A., Nel, J.L., Snaddon, K., Murray, K., Roux, D.J., Hill, L., Swartz, E.R., Manuel, J. and Funke, N. 2011. Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas. Report to the Water Research Commission. WRC Report No. 1801/1/11. June 2011.


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5

5.1 Timeframes

As land-use is dynamic, the CBA maps produced will need to be reviewed and updated according to inconsistencies and changes in land cover information, unavoidable loss of CBAs and ESAs and improved biodiversity knowledge becoming available. As the Biodiversity Sector Plan is to be used as a basis for Ugu District Bioregional Plan, it will need to be reviewed and updated (where necessary) every 5 years as a minimum requirement. EKZNW has under taken to review the KZN Land cover product every three years, along with the SCP products. A natural extension of this revision cycle will be a revision of the BSP as well. Responsibility for the update lies with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

5.2 Gaps in knowledge

The development of the Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Ugu District has been constrained by a number of factors including timeframes, available budget for development of the plan as well as available information resources and limited stakeholder representation and engagement. The authors are aware of gaps in knowledge that will influence the accuracy and level of detail of the final product. Such knowledge gaps include:

Local IDPs/SDFs which were largely unavailable;

Level of modification of natural areas which is likely to be inconsistent with reality;

Locations of species of conservation significance for which only limited data was available;

Limited use of local knowledge which is considered critical for adding credibility and accuracy to the product; and

Lack of verification and ground-truthing of data due to budgetary and time constraints. Future updates of this plan will build on the baseline data presented in this plan. The accuracy of spatial data is therefore likely to improve with further revision and updating of this plan.


65


6

6.1 Conclusion

The draft Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Ugu District Municipality has identified priorities for biodiversity conservation within the Ugu District. Land use guidelines have also been compiled in order to guide the effective and sustainable use and management of the District’s key biodiversity assets. Measures for effective management, review, monitoring and updating of the plan have also been recommended.

6.2 Key actions in the District

Modification of land has resulted in considerable loss of natural ecosystems, impacting on the ability of these areas to sustain species populations and their ability to deliver ecosystem services critical for human and societal well-being. The remaining biodiversity assets are under further threat due to a host of anthropogenic related activities associated with competing land uses, planned developments and expansion of agriculture as well as the continued threat of climate change which has been identified as one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide. In light of this, the following tasks and management recommendations are considered to be essential for conserving biodiversity and meeting targets for the District in the long term:

6.2.1 Sustainable land-use planning that is compatible with regional conservation objectives

Land use and town planners from District and Local Municipalities need to consult the Ugu BSP CBA map and land-use management guidelines in order to identify the biodiversity conservation status of land and in doing so, be proactive when it comes to town planning and handling development applications.

The BSP should be used to inform the development of SDFs and IDPs, both at the District and Municipal levels. The biodiversity information should be used to guide the desired patterns of land-use and provide guidance as to the locations and nature of both development and conservation in SDFS. The plan should also be used to form the spatial focus of biodiversity conservation and protection projects identified in the IDP project phase.

Novel approaches are required to integrate this information into areas under communal ownership to prevent ongoing degradation of these areas.

Environmental authorizations (EIAs) to consult the Ugu BSP CBA map and land-use management guidelines in order to identify the biodiversity conservation status of land and determine land-use compatibility for development applications and activities.

Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) need to be conserved and appropriately buffered from development and land use impacts, in consultation with EKZNW, DEA and DWA.

Critical ecological corridors and linkages need to be preserved for the long-term and accounted for at all levels of planning.

Collaboration between District Municipalities and Local Municipalities should be encouraged in situations where decision-making involves land within close proximity to District and Municipal borders.


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6.2.2 Protected Area Expansion

Only a very small area of the District enjoys some form of statutory protection. Measures should be taken to increase the number and/or size of protected areas within the formal Protected Areas network.

Biodiversity stewardship programmes between EKZNW and private organizations/institutions should be encouraged for those biodiversity priority areas identified that do not currently fall within the protected areas network.

Priority should be given to sites with high biodiversity values but which are also threatened by anthropogenic activities (see Thornhill, et al., 2013). This strategy was initially adopted by EKZNW in the development of the provincial Protected Areas Expansion Plan (2010a), though locally identified CBAs were not incorporated at that point. It is intended that the findings of this (and the other BSPs being developed around KZN) will be taken into account in the next revision of this coverage.

6.2.3 Biodiversity offsets

Where development proposals will result in irreversible biodiversity loss even after on-site mitigation, biodiversity offsets should be considered to compensate for the residual impacts of development. Best- practice guidelines for biodiversity offsets have been developed by EKZNW for the Province of KZN (EKZNW, 2010e). Importantly, for biodiversity offsets to contribute effectively towards the conservation of biodiversity in the Ugu District, sites should be strategically selected and located within ‘biodiversity offset receiving areas’ which in the context of the Ugu BSP refers to CBAs.

Given the anticipated conflict between biodiversity conservation and development along the coastal zone, opportunities for proactively securing areas through a biodiversity banking approach should also be investigated. This would allow offset areas to be identified, rehabilitated and secured proactively which would have benefits for both conservation and developers.

6.2.4 Development of Metropolitan Open Space Systems (MOSS)

The development of a MOSS system provides a further opportunity to formalize the importance of remaining priority natural habitats and to provide additional incentives for sound management and disincentives for modification.

Such an initiative would be most appropriate in areas along the coastal zone, subject to high development pressure.

This would provide a stepping stone to rezoning of all Municipal and State land that falls within the MOSS as Public Open Space. Where land is allocated outside of town planning schemes, areas included in the MOSS could be classified as Environmental Management Areas.

By requiring additional authorizations for development within such areas (as is the case in eThekwini Municipality), a greater level of control on development activities can be achieved.

Areas included in the MOSS could potentially be formally secured in time through stewardship agreements and / or biodiversity offset initiatives (See 5.2.3).

Financial incentives or rates rebates for sound management of priority open space resources could also be considered to promote sound management of these areas.


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6.2.5 Protection and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems

The protection of aquatic ecosystem condition and functioning is critical for ensuring the sustainable supply of water for human/animal use and the continued supply of irreplaceable ecosystem goods and services provided by rivers, wetlands, estuaries and the marine environment.

Such management should be guided by landscape-level information including catchment management plans, coastal management plans, estuary management plans, reserve determinations and the setting and monitoring of resource quality objectives for key resources.

Given the importance of aquatic resources, those in a degraded state should be enhanced wherever possible through appropriate buffers and rehabilitation strategies to secure these areas and improve aquatic health condition and ecosystem functioning.

Illegal sand-mining activities along rivers should be dealt with through appropriate monitoring and enforcement activities.

WWTWs need to be maintained and upgraded where necessary to meet the basic required DWA discharge limits. Contingency measures should also be built into the design of systems in order to deal with extreme events such as storm flows and system failure.

6.2.6 Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded natural areas

The rehabilitation of degraded natural areas should be seen as a priority for the District. Securing these areas and improving their ecological status will be a step in the right directions towards the conservation of key biodiversity assets in the region.

Priority areas for rehabilitation and restoration should focus on terrestrial and aquatic CBAs and ESAs, e.g. degraded wetlands and rivers, coastal areas at risk of erosion as well as environments at risk of alien plant invasion.

Opportunities to secure greater input through EPWP programs (e.g. Working for Water, Working for Wetlands, Working on Fire) and other initiatives should be actively pursued in order to compliment local funding for such activities.

6.2.7 Invasive alien species control and management

Infestations of invasive alien plants pose a serious threat not only to biodiversity but also to water supply and land productivity and associated livelihoods.

Municipalities need to be responsible for preparing an invasive species control plan for municipal-owned land as part of their IDP and for controlling listed invasive species on municipal land (in terms of NEMBA Sections 76(2) and 73(2) respectively).

Local Municipalities are encouraged to form partnerships with agencies involved in clearing invasive species such as Working on Water.

6.2.8 Development of Ecosystem or Environmental Management Plans

The Ugu Biodiversity Sector Plan should be used to inform the development of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for development sites. The relevant management guidelines for the different CBA map categories can be used to inform the specific management actions required to address biodiversity threats, impacts and concerns attributed to a particular development.


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6.2.9 Monitoring and evaluation of ecosystem condition and functioning

The monitoring of ecosystem health or condition is critical for managing the biodiversity assets within the District in such a manner that is deemed sustainable, specifically for CBAs and ESAs. Without monitoring, there can be no understanding of the current state of biodiversity and trends in ecosystem degradation over time.

A range of suitable monitoring and evaluation methods and techniques are available for rivers (e.g. River Health Programme tools such as SASS sampling and VEGRAI), wetlands (WET-Health, WET-Ecoservices) and terrestrial areas (vegetation and habitat surveys, species counts, alien plant surveys, etc.) and these should be explored when looking at the monitoring of the District’s biodiversity assets.

The areas of CBAs and ESAs mapped as an outcome of this project should be assessed on a regular basis in order to track the percentage of:

o Areas under formal protection (including new stewardship agreements); o Areas that have been modified/lost, wholly or in part due to development; o Areas where increased development rights have been granted.


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7

7.1 Key sources of information

Key sources of information used to inform the development of the Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Ugu District Municipality included:

DEAT (2009) guideline document on preparing BSPs, used to prepare the report; SANBI & DEA Summary of the Guideline Regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the

Preparation of Bioregional Plans (SANBI & DEA, 2010), used as a guide for preparing the report; Previous Biodiversity Sector Plans for the Zululand District Municipality (Kanz et al., 2010);

uMgungundlovu District Municipality (Ground-Truth, 2011); Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities (Maree and Vromans, 2010) and the Draft Bioregional Plan for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (Holness and Skowno, 2011), which were used to inform the compilation of the Ugu BSP;

National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas (NFEPA) Guidelines (Driver et al., 2011); The latest revision of the EKZNW document describing the Conservation Planning Terms for the

EKZNW Spatial Planning Products (EKZNW, 2014); Local knowledge from experts and specialists in the District as an outcome of the stakeholder

workshops held; and A wide range of spatial datasets which were used to generate the various maps presented in this

plan (a list of these is provided in Appendix 1 and are available from EKZNW on request).

7.2 Sources referred to in the text

Begg, G. W., 1978. The Estuaries of Natal, Natal Town and Regional Planning Report, Pietermaritzburg. Begg, G.W., 1989. The wetlands of Natal (Part 3): The location, status and function of the priority wetlands of

Natal. Natal Town and Regional Planning Report 73. CSIR. 2010. National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) Project. Council for Scientific and

Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa. DEA (Department of Environmental Affairs), 2010. Government Notice: Listing Notice 1: List of Activities and

Competent Authorities Identified in Terms of Section 24 (2) and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998).

DEAT (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism), 2009. Guideline regarding the determination of bioregions and the preparation of and publication of bioregional plans. Government Notice no 291, 16 March 2009.

Driver, A.L., Nel, J.L., Snaddon, K., Murray, K., Roux, D.J., Hill, L., Swartz, E.R., Manuel, J. and Funke, N. 2011. Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas. Report to the Water Research Commission. WRC Report No.1801/1/11.

Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services (Eco-Pulse) and Afzelia Environmental Consultants cc (Afzelia). 2012. Fine scale ecological corridors at a local process and connectivity level through expert input. Unpublished GIS coverage, Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services, 1 Mallory Road, Hilton, 3245.

Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services (Eco-Pulse). 2012a. Local stakeholder priorities layer: Ugu District Municipality. Unpublished GIS coverage, Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services, 1 Mallory Road, Hilton, 3245.


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Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services (Eco-Pulse). 2012b. Desktop derived wetlands layer: Ugu District Municipality. Unpublished GIS coverage, Eco-Pulse Environmental Consulting Services, 1 Mallory Road, Hilton, 3245.

EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), 2010e. Norms and standards for offsets: KwaZulu-Natal Province. Final draft report. July 2010. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), 2011c. KwaZulu-Natal Living cultural heritage sites. Unpublished GIS Coverage, Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), 2011e. Known Plant Species Locations in KwaZulu-Natal. Unpublished GIS Coverage, Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), 2011f. Known Animal Species Locations in KwaZulu-Natal. Unpublished GIS Coverage, Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife 2014. Document describing the Conservation Planning Terms for the EKZNW Spatial Planning Products. Version 3 February 2014. Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg.

Erwin, K.L. 2009. Wetlands and global climate change: the role of wetland restoration in a changing world. Wetlands Ecological Management, 17:71–84.

Government of South Africa. 2010. National Protected Area Expansion Strategy for South Africa 2008: Priorities for expanding the protected area network for ecological sustainability and climate change adaptation. Published by the Government of South Africa, Pretoria.

Ground-Truth, 2011. uMgungundlovu District Municipality: Draft Biodiversity Sector Plan. Report prepared for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg. Reference: GT0285-050911-1.

Hibiscus Coast Municipality, 2007. Hibiscus Coast LM IDP: Integrated Development Plan for 2007-2012. March 2007.

Holness, S. and Skowno, A. 2011. Draft Bioregional Plan for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Report prepared for Grasslands Programme, South African Biodiversity institute (SANBI), Pretoria.

Integrated Coastal Management Act No. 24 of 2008. IUCN. 2011. IUCN Redlist of Threatened Species. [Internet] International Union for the Conservation of

Nature. Available from: www.iucnredlist.org [Accessed December 2011]. Kanz W.A., Thornhill. M., O’Connor T.G., Richardson J., 2010. The Zululand District Municipality Biodiversity

Sector Plan. Unpublished report, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg. Le Roux, J.J., Morgenthal, T.L., Malherbe, J., Pretorius, D.J. and Summer, P.D., 2008. Water erosion prediction

at a national scale for South Africa. Water SA Vol. 34 No. 3, pp. 305-314. July 2008. GIS Coverage indicating potential water erosion-risk in South Africa.

Macfarlane, D.M., Walters, D. and Cowden, C., 2011. A wetland health assessment of KZNs priority wetlands. Report prepared for Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

Maree, K.S. and Vromans, D.C., 2010. The Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities: Supporting land-use planning and decision-making in Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas. Produced by CapeNature as part of the C.A.P.E. Fine-scale Biodiversity Planning Project. Kirstenbosch.

Mountain Catchment Areas Act No. 63 of 1970. Mucina, L and Rutherford, M.C., 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. South African

National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act No.10 of 2004. National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003. National Environment Management Act No. 107 of 1998. National Forests Act No. 84 of 1998. National Water Act No. 36 of 1998.


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Nel, J.L., Murray, K.M., Maherry, A.M., Petersen, C.P., Roux, D.J., Driver, A., Hill, L., Van Deventer, H., Funke, N., Swartz, E.R., Smith-Adao, L.B., Mbona, N., Downsborough, L. and Nienaber, S. 2011. Technical Report for the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas project. Report to the Water Research Commission. WRC Report No. K5/1801. July 2011.

Provincial Planning and Development Commission (2008). Update of the Admiralty Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal - July 2008. Published GIS Coverage [Admiralty reserve], Provincial Planning and Development Commission, Private Bag X9038, Pietermaritzburg, 3200.

SANBI, 2006. Vegetation types of South Africa. South African Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. SANBI, 2009. Red List of South African Plants 2009. Strelitzia 25. Pretoria. SANBI, 2011. Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps. South African National

Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa. [As gazetted on 9 December 2011: National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act: National list of ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection, G 34809, GoN 1002.]

SANBI and DEA, 2012. Summary of the Guideline Regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the Preparation of Bioregional Plans. July 2010. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs.

SANBI and SANParks, 2010. National protected areas expansion strategy (NPAES). South African National Parks and South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa.

SANSA Earth Observation Directorate, 2010. SPOT 5 2010 Mosaic. Building 23, CSIR, Meiring Naudẻ Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa.

Scott-Shaw, C.R. and Escott, B.J. (Eds), 2011. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Pre-Modification Wetland Type Map – 2011. Unpublished GIS Coverage [kznveg05v2_1_11_public_az_forveg_wll.zip], Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

Scott-Shaw, C.R. and Escott, B.J. (Eds), 2012. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Pre-Modification Vegetation Type Map – 2012. Unpublished GIS Coverage [kznveg05v2_1_11_wll.zip], Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

South African Atlas of Agrohydrology and Climatology, 2001. GIS Coverage of Mean Annual Precipitation. Thornhill, M., Macfarlane, D.M., Richardson, J and Teixeira-Leite, A., 2013. Prioritizing areas for conservation

action in the Ugu District. Version 0.1. Unpublished report for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. January, 2013. Turpie, J., & Van Niekerk, L., 2012. South African National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: Technical Report.

Volume 3: Estuary Component. Stellenbosch: CSIR Report Number CSIR/NRE/ECOS/ER/2011/0045/B. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Ugu District Municipality. 2010/11. Ugu District Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDP) Review 2010/2011. Prepared by Ugu District Municipality, Port Shepstone.

Umzumbe Municipality, 2011. Final Integrated Development Plan 2011/2012


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8


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Appendix 1: List of spatial (GIS) information used to inform the mapping procedures and biophysical description for the Ugu District Municipality Biodiversity Sector Plan To be inserted (data name table)


74


Appendix 2: Criteria used in the identification and mapping different CBA map categories

Criteria set out under the following categories:

Identification of priority Terrestrial areas

Identification of priority Aquatic areas

Identification of priority estuarine areas

Identification of priority marine areas

Summary of priority areas

Buffers and river delineations

IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY TERRESTRIAL AREAS TERRESTRIAL PAs: Terrestrial PAs within the UDM were mapped and defined according to the following:

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION

Formally protected areas

By virtue of their formally protected status, these areas form the backbone of the CBA network. Includes areas that have been proclaimed in terms of the Protected Areas Act and are included in the national protected areas register (these include privately owned contract nature reserves) and special protected forest areas declared in terms of the National Forest Act.

TERRESTRIAL CBAs: Terrestrial CBAs within the UDM were mapped and defined according to the following:


CBA Irreplaceable

Critical Biodiversity Areas (TSCA)

Irreplaceable Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA Irreplaceable and CBA High Irreplaceability) are included as CBAs. CBA Irreplaceable areas are irreplaceable representing the only localities for which the conservation targets for one or more of the biodiversity features contained within can be achieved, i.e. there are no alternative sites available. CBA High Irreplaceability which represent areas of significantly high biodiversity value and although not regarded as totally irreplaceable, there are not many of these areas remaining. Although alternate sites exist within which the targets can be met for the biodiversity features contained within, CBA High Irreplaceability areas represent those that can most efficiently meet conservation targets. Whilst the targets could be met elsewhere, the revised reserve design would more often than not require more area in order to meet its conservation objectives.

Threatened Ecosystems

Critically Endangered ecosystems identified in the National Threatened Ecosystems coverage. Critically Endangered and Endangered ecosystems identified by KZN

Critical Biodiversity Areas: Expert input

Terrestrial features/areas identified as critically important for terrestrial conservation efforts via expert local input. This includes features such as critical roost sites, priority habitats for threatened species and large intact portions of threatened vegetation types.

CBA Optimal

Critical Biodiversity Areas

Optimal Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA Optimal) are included as CBAs. CBA Optimal areas represent the best localities out of a potentially larger selection of available areas that are optimally located to meet conservation targets whilst avoiding competing land uses as far as possible. Although CBA Optimal areas have moderately low Irreplaceability values (Irreplaceability score <0.8) this does not mean they are of a lower biodiversity value but that there are more alternate options available within which the features located within can be met. Even though these areas may display a lower Irreplaceability value or selection frequency score than the previous categories, it must be noted that these areas, together with CBA1 and CBA2 areas collectively reflect the minimal reserve design required to meet the Systematic Conservation Plans targets, and as such, are also regarded as CBAs.

CBA Irreplaceable Linkage


Where a section of a landscape corridor is in the process of being broken or is under threat of being broken and if lost would result in the effectiveness of the entire corridor being compromised, then this section of the corridor is defined as a CBA. Such corridors are defined as being between 100m to 1km with not opportunity to widened due to modification in the surrounding landscape.


75


TERRESTRIAL ESAs: Terrestrial ESAs within the UDM were mapped and defined according to the following:

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION COVERAGE

Landscape corridors Provincial level ecological corridors with a limited threat of breakage are mapped as ESAs. These corridors were based on the 2009 KZN landscape corridors that were developed as a series of altitudinal and bio-geographic corridors to facilitate evolutionary, ecological and climate change processes and to create a linked landscape for the conservation of species in a fragmented landscape (Jewitt, 2009) The 2009 landscape corridors were amended and updated in terms of the 2008 landcover and the 2011 Spot 5 Satellite images, with

Modified areas been removed from corridor.

Corridor width of between 100m and 1km were designated as critical linkages.

Corridor width less than 100m were considered to be non-viable for landscape corridors.

Where modification of the landscape allowed, corridors widths of less than 1km were increased to

a maximum of 1km.

Alternative delineations for sections of corridors that have breaks or non-viable sections were

investigated, and delineation width was based on the Freshwater SCA catchments.

The sections of corridor that have no viable alternative delineations were removed from the

landscape corridor.

Local Corridor linkages

Additional fine-scale terrestrial corridors linking important biodiversity conservation areas such as protected areas, CBAs, and areas identified as important for specific species.

Ecological Support Area: Species

Specific

Largely modified landscape features that are regarded as important for the persistence of key threatened species (e.g. agricultural land utilised by Ourebia ourebi).

TERRESTRIAL EI: Additional key terrestrial EI within the UDM were mapped and defined according to the following:


Remaining natural/near-natural

land

All remaining natural/near natural terrestrial land that has not been classified as a CBA or ESA (Vegetation layer clipped to the 2008 Transformation layer).

High Erosion Risk Areas

Areas with high to very high water erosion potential. If not appropriately managed, considerable soil loss can be anticipated with resultant loss in productive land and impacts on downstream water resources. Le Roux et

al (2008)

IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY AQUATIC AREAS AQUATIC CBAs: Aquatic CBAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION

CBA Irreplaceable

Perennial rivers within FSCA CBA Irreplaceable areas

Perennial rivers (1: 50 000 perennial river features buffered by 30m) within FSCA CBA Irreplaceable areas

Priority perennial FEPA Rivers

FEPA river systems (1: 50 000 river features buffered by 30m)

FEPA Fish Sanctuary Areas

Perennial rivers (1: 50 000 river features buffered by 30m) within the Critical Endangered and Endangered identified FEPA fish sanctuaries

KZN Priority Wetlands

Wetlands previously identified by Begg (1989) and recognised as priority wetlands in KZN.

All wetlands within FSCA CBA Irreplaceable areas

All mapped wetlands within FSCA CBA Irreplaceable areas

Unique / Important aquatic features

Aquatic features/areas identified as critically important for aquatic conservation efforts by stakeholders, local organisations and specialists from the District. This includes features such as critical roost sites, and priority wetland areas.


76


AQUATIC CBAs: Aquatic CBAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following: CRITERIA DESCRIPTION

CBA Optimal

Perennial rivers within FSCA CBA Optimal areas

Perennial rivers (1: 50 000 perennial river features buffered by 30m) within FSCA CBA Optimal areas

FEPA Fish Sanctuary Areas

Perennial rivers (1: 50 000 river features buffered by 30m) within the Vulnerable and Not Threatened identified FEPA fish sanctuaries

Expert input Aquatic features/areas identified as important for aquatic conservation efforts by stakeholders, local organisations and specialists from the District.


Flagship Free-Flowing Rivers

Flagship free-flowing rivers (1: 50 000 river features buffered by 30m).

AQUATIC ESAs: Aquatic ESAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined NFEPA (CSIR, 2010) according to the following:


Non-perennial rivers and associated buffers within FSCA

Buffers around non-perennial rivers associated with CBA Irreplaceable and CBA Optimal Areas in FSCA (buffered by 70m).

FEPA Rivers & wetlands

FEPA rivers and wetlands not identified as CBAs

FEPA Wetland Clusters

Wetlands forming part of FEPA wetland clusters, subject to improved local coverage and buffered by 500m.

Top 10 free flowing rivers (excluding CBA flagship rivers)

Top 10 provincial free-flowing rivers (1: 50 000 river features buffered by 70m) excluding CBA flagship rivers

Buffer zones adjacent CBA wetlands

Buffers around all CBA wetlands (100m).

Buffer zones adjacent CBA perennial rivers

70m Buffers around CBA identified perennial rivers (FEPA, FSCA Irreplaceable & optimal, National Flagship) (80m outside 30m buffer).

Buffers on KZN priority wetlands

500m buffer on the 24 priority KZN wetlands

AQUATIC EI: Additional key aquatic EI within the Ugu District was mapped and defined according to the following:


High Water Production Areas

Areas of high water production which are defined as areas receiving a net runoff. Where Net runoff was calculated for the summer rainfall period wherein crop evaporation was subtracted from the monthly median rainfall. All areas with runoff greater than 0mm were classified as high water production areas. All calculations were based on data obtained from Schutlze’s 2006 South African Atlas of Climatology and Agrohydrology

National Strategic Water Production Areas

National Strategic Water Production Area layer.

Other wetlands All remaining wetlands11

not classed as CBAs or ESAs

11

Note that the wetland current coverage is not exhaustive. Further wetland features will therefore be added in future as our knowledge of their location improves through ongoing investigations.


77


IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY ESTUARINE AREAS ESTUARINE CBAs: Estuarine CBAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following:


CBA Irreplaceable

ESCA CBA estuaries CBA Irreplaceable & CBA High Irreplaceability estuaries identified in the ESCA

Nationally identified priority estuaries

Nationally identified NFEPA Estuaries

KZN Priority Wetlands

KZN Identified priority estuaries

Expert input Estuaries identified through the BSP process

CBA Optimal

ESCA CBA estuaries CBA Optimal estuaries identified in the ESCA

Expert input Estuaries identified through the BSP process

ESTUARINE ESAs: Estuarine ESAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following:


Other estuaries All other (non-priority) estuaries identified in the ESCP

IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY MARINE AREAS MARINE CBAs: Marine CBAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following:


CBA Irreplaceable

Marine CBA areas CBA Irreplaceable & CBA High Irreplaceability areas identified in the MSCA(SEAPlan)

National Threatened Habitat

National endangered or critically endangered habitat

CBA Optimal

Marine CBA Areas CBA Optimal areas identified in the MSCA(SEAPlan)

MARINE ESAs: Marine ESAs within the Ugu District were mapped and defined according to the following:


Marine processes and species pathways identified

All process layers and species pathways identified in the SEA-Plan.


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SUMMARY OF PRIORITY AREAS Critical Biodiversity Area Ecological Support Area Ecological

Infrastructure CBA: Irreplaceable CBA: Optimal CBA: Irreplaceable linkage

Terr

est

rial

o TSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA) areas o National Threatened Ecosystems (only CR) o KZN Threatened Ecosystems (CR and EN) o Expert input

o TSCA CBA: Optimal (SCA) areas o Expert input

o Landscape Corridor pinch points (Provincial scale)

o Local Corridor pinch points (District scale)

o Landscape Corridors (Provincial scale) o Local Corridors (District scale)

Aq

uat

ic

Fre

shw

ate

r

o All perennial rivers associated with FSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA) areas

o 30m buffer on identified FSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA) perennial rivers

o All perennial rivers associated with priority FEPA rivers

o 30m buffer on identified FEPA perennial rivers o All perennial rivers associated with FEPA fish

sanctuary areas (CR and EN) o 30m buffer on all perennial rivers associated with

FEPA fish sanctuary areas (CR and EN) o All wetlands within FSCA areas o All Beggs’ 24 Priority KZN wetlands (Begg, 1989) o Expert Input

o All perennial rivers in FSCA CBA: Optimal (SCA) areas

o 30m buffer on identified FSCA CBA: Optimal (SCA) perennial rivers

o All perennial rivers associated with FEPA fish sanctuary areas (Vu and NT)

o 30m buffer on identified FEPA fish sanctuary perennial rivers (Vu and NT)

o Expert input

o All perennial rivers associated with the National Flagship free flowing rivers

o 30m buffer on all perennial rivers associated with the National Flagship free flowing rivers

o Non perennial rivers in FSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA) areas

o 70m buffer on non-perennial rivers in FSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA) and CBA: Optimal (SCA) areas

o FEPA rivers, wetlands & wetland clusters (subject to improved local coverage data)

o 70m buffer on 30m CBA buffers on perennial rivers (National Flagship, FEPA, FSCA CBA: Irreplaceable (SCA) and FSCA CBA: Optimal (SCA) rivers)

o 100m buffer on CBA wetlands o 500m buffer on FEPA priority wetland clusters* o 500m buffer on Beggs’ 24 Priority wetland (Begg, 1989) o Aquatic Corridor -Top 10 Free flowing rivers, excl. 4 CBA

Flagship rivers o 70m buffers on non-perennial rivers identified as Top 10

Free flowing rivers, excl. 4 CBA Flagship rivers o Expert input

o All remaining wetlands o High Water Production

Areas o National Strategic

Water Production Areas

Estu

arin

e

o ESCA CBA Irreplaceability and CBA High Irreplaceability estuaries

o Nationally identified Priority Estuaries (Turpie & Van Niekerk, 2012)

o Provincially identified Priority Estuaries (EKZNW, 2013)

o Expert input

o ESCA CBA: Optimal areas o Expert input

o All remaining estuaries

Mar

ine

o MSCA, or SEA-Plan CBA Irreplaceability and CBA High Irreplaceability areas

o National EN and CR habitat (Driver, et al., 2012) o Expert input

o MSCA, or SEA-Plan CBA: Optimal areas

o Expert input

o Expert Input


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BUFFERS AND RIVER DELINEATIONS There are three main forms of buffer which are considered in the creation of the KZN Biodiversity Planning process; namely those that reflect land-use management guideline principals associated with agreements and/or conventions, those that must be considered in order to better reflect a mapped feature (e.g., buffer a river line to more accurately reflect the width aspect associated with the feature in question), and those that are associated with geographical feature and/or a specific species that are required to ensure the persistence of that feature or specific species.

Policy buffers Buffers which have been created to reflect areas of interest based on National and/or International agreements and/or legislation.

Map category Buffer Buffer Reasoning

Protected Areas 5km unless otherwise stated

Based on EIA Regulations, 2010 identified area of geographic concern

World Heritage Site 10km unless otherwise stated

Based on EIA Regulations, 2010 identified area of geographic concern

Mapping buffers Unlike the terrestrial and estuarine features which are reflected as polygon features (i.e., display areas of importance); the riverine features are currently reflected as a series of mapped lines interspersed with polygons reflecting areas of obvious larger surface water extent. In order to better reflect these features areas of influence, three key principals were adopted when trying to more accurately reflect the extent of these features in the end mapped products:

A standard dataset was used to reflect these features, in this case the river line and polygon features extracted

from the 1:50000 topographic datasets.

All perennial rivers were assumed to have a 15m width, with non-perennials reflecting a slightly smaller 10m

width.

All sections of the topographic rivers captured as polygons were NOT assigned these buffers.

CBA/ESA buffers These buffers were applied to the mapped features identified as either Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) or Ecological Support Areas (ESA). These were developed to better reflect the zones of influence associated with each of these respective zones, aiding to protect the ‘core’ areas of concern from edge effects, as well as providing ecological support at the same time, e.g. forage areas, movement corridors, etc.

Summary of Buffers utilised in the Critical Biodiversity Area and Ecological Support Area Categories

Map category Layer Buffer Buffer Reasoning

CBA: Irreplaceable

FSCA and FEPA Fish Sanctuary (Cr and EN) associated perennial rivers coverage extracted from the 1:50000 topographic river network and buffered

30m This is based on several papers and regulatory guidelines (EIA Regulations, 2010) and Gauteng Guidelines (within urban edges), this minimum distance seems to best protect aquatic habitat functions (leaf and woody input), aquatic species diversity and water temperature (Bentrup, 2008).

CBA: Optimal FSCA and FEPA Fish Sanctuary (Vu and NT) associated perennial rivers coverage extracted from the 1:50000 topographic river network and buffered



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Map category Layer Buffer Buffer Reasoning

CBA: Irreplaceable Linkage

FEPA flagship free flowing rivers, adapted to the perennial rivers coverage extracted from the 1:50000 topographic river network and buffered


Ecological Support Areas

FSCA identified wetlands 100m NFEPA generic buffer as per the NFEPA guideline for FEPA priority wetland

KZN 24 priority wetlands 500m The 24 priority wetlands as identified by Beggs (Begg, 1989).received a NFEPA generic buffer as per the NFEPA guideline for FEPA priority wetland clusters

FEPA priority wetland clusters

500m This was defined in the NFEPA generic buffer guideline

FEPA flagship free flowing rivers, KZN free flowing rivers and FSCA associated perennial rivers coverage extracted from the 1:50000 topographic river network and buffered

70m This ESA 70m buffer was added in addition to the CBA 30m buffer already applied, bringing the combined buffer width to 100m. This is the commonly ascribed buffer ascribed in the EIA Regulations (2010), the Dept. Water Affairs Guidelines, the FEPA generic buffer and the Gauteng Guideline document.

FSCA identified non-perennial rivers extracted from the 1:50000 topographic river network coverage and buffered

70m This ecotonal buffer provides supporting habitat for the continued existence of key fauna and flora within the associated ESA river systems. The distance supports avifaunal requirements (Malan, 2001), as well as meets the requirements of a large number of aquatic species as well as aids in the mitigation of adverse impacts upon a number of abiotic factors such as hydrology and water temperature (Bentrup, 2008)

Priority estuaries Still to be defined

The buffer distance defined applies primarily to estuaries identified as being important for migrant birds.

ESA: landscape corridors

KZN top 10 free flowing rivers adapted to 1:50000 topographic coverage river network (excluding the 4 NFEPA identified Flag Ship rivers located within KZN)

70m This ESA 70m buffer was added in addition to the CBA 30m buffer already applied, bringing the combined buffer width to 100m. This is the commonly ascribed buffer ascribed in the EIA Regulations (2010), the Dept. Water Affairs Guidelines, the FEPA generic buffer and the Gauteng Guideline document.

Ecological Infrastructure

EI wetlands (all wetlands not identified as a CBA or ESA)

30m Based on baseline buffer commonly used within KZN (to be delineated from the edge of the temporary wetland)

Rivers (perennial and non-perennial) not identified as a CBAs or ESAs

20m Based on baseline buffer commonly used within KZN (to be delineated from the edge of the riparian zone)


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Appendix 3: List of Red data plant species that are known/likely to occur within the Ugu District Municipality (EKZNW, 2011e).

TAXON NAME COMMON NAME RED DATA LIST STATUS (SANBI,

2009 )

Alberta magna Natal Flamebush Near Threatened

Aloe linearifolia

Near Threatened

Aloe thraskii Dune Aloe Near Threatened

Apodytes abbottii

Near Threatened

Asclepias schlechteri

Endangered

Aspalathus gerrardii

Vulnerable

Aspidonepsis cognata Large Suncup Rare

Begonia dregei Dwarf Wild Vbegonia Endangered

Begonia homonyma Large-leaved Wild Begonia Endangered

Bowiea volubilis

Vulnerable

Brachystelma gerrardii

Endangered

Brachystelma molaventi

Vulnerable

Brachystelma tenellum

Vulnerable

Bulbophyllum scaberulum

Vulnerable

Cassipourea flanaganii

Endangered

Catha abbottii

Endangered

Ceropegia rudatisii

Endangered

Clivia gardenii Major Garden's Clivia, Natal Drooping Clivia

Vulnerable

Clivia miniata var. miniata Clivia,Bush Lily,St John's Lily, Vulnerable

Crassula obovata var. dregeana Stonecrop Vulnerable

Crassula sarmentosa var. integrifolia

Rare

Crassula streyi

Rare

Craterostigma nanum var. nanum

Vulnerable

Crinum moorei Moore's Crinum,Natal Lily,Ngome Lily Vulnerable

Cryptocarya myrtifolia Myrtle Quince,Wild Camphor Vulnerable

Cryptocarya wyliei

Near Threatened

Curtisia dentata

Near Threatened

Dahlgrenodendron natalense

Endangered

Dierama pumilum

Vulnerable

Dierama tysonii

Rare

Dioscorea brownii

Vulnerable

Disa montana

Rare

Disa oreophila erecta

Rare

Disa similis

Rare

Disa tysonii

Rare

Encephalartos caffer Eastern dwarf cycad Near Threatened


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2009 )

Erica abbottii

Vulnerable

Eriosema dregei

Near Threatened

Eriosema populifolium populifolium

Vulnerable

Eriosema umtamvunense

Vulnerable

Eriosemopsis subanisophylla

Vulnerable

Eucomis bicolor Forest Pineapple Flower Near Threatened

Eugenia erythrophylla

Near Threatened

Eugenia simii

Vulnerable

Eugenia umtamvunensis

Endangered

Eugenia verdoorniae

Near Threatened

Eulophia streptopetala

Vulnerable

Euphorbia woodii Wood's Euphorbia Vulnerable

Ficus bizanae

Vulnerable

Gasteria croucheri Variegated Aloe Vulnerable

Geranium ornithopodioides

Endangered

Gerrardanthus tomentosus

Vulnerable

Habenaria woodii

Vulnerable

Haemanthus deformis Dwarf Haemanthus Near Threatened

Helichrysum tenax var. pallidum

Rare

Hesperantha ingeliensis

Rare

Huernia hystrix var. parvula Porcupine Huernia, Toad Plant Vulnerable

Impatiens flanaganiae Mrs Flanigan's Impatiens Vulnerable

Kniphofia coddiana Cod's Poker Near Threatened

Kniphofia drepanophylla

Vulnerable

Kniphofia littoralis

Near Threatened

Kniphofia triangularis obtusiloba Mandarin Poker Rare

Knowltonia bracteata

Vulnerable

Leucadendron spissifolium natalense Natal Spear-leaved Conebush Near Threatened

Leucadendron spissifolium oribinum Oribi Spear-leaved Conebush Vulnerable

Lotononis bachmanniana

Near Threatened

Manilkara nicholsonii

Endangered

Maytenus abbottii

Endangered

Maytenus oleosa

Rare

Monsonia grandifolia

Endangered

Phylica natalensis

Vulnerable

Phymaspermum villosum

Rare

Plectranthus ernstii

Near Threatened

Plectranthus oribiensis Silver-leaved Spur Flower Rare

Podalyria velutina Hairy Podalyria; Near Threatened

Polystachya ottoniana Tree Orchid Vulnerable


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2009 )

Polystachya pubescens Hairy-lipped Polystachya Vulnerable

Protea subvestita

Vulnerable

Pseudosalacia streyi

Vulnerable

Pseudoscolopia polyantha

Vulnerable

Psoralea abbottii

Vulnerable

Putterlickia retrospinosa

Near Threatened

Raspalia trigyna

Rare

Rhus acocksii Rock Red Currant Near Threatened

Rhus rudatisii

Endangered

Rhynchocalyx lawsonioides

Near Threatened

Schizoglossum montanum

Rare

Schizoglossum rubiginosum

Vulnerable

Schizoglossum singulare

Vulnerable

Scilla natalensis Large blue scilla, blue hyacinth,Blue Squill Vulnerable

Senecio dregeanus

Vulnerable

Siphonochilus aethiopicus Natal Ginger,Wild Ginger Rare

Struthiola anomala Berg Struthiola Vulnerable

Syncolostemon bolusii

Rare

Syncolostemon ramulosus Round-leaved Pink Plume Vulnerable

Syzygium pondoense

Rare

Tephrosia bachmannii

Vulnerable

Tephrosia pondoensis

Vulnerable

Thunbergia venosa

Rare

Tridactyle bicaudata bicaudata Tree Orchid Vulnerable

Tridactyle bicaudata rupestris Tree Orchid Vulnerable

Turraea streyi Dainty-leaved Honeysuckle Bush Critically Endangered

Wahlenbergia pinnata

Near Threatened

Watsonia bachmannii

Vulnerable

Watsonia inclinata

Vulnerable

Watsonia mtamvunae

Vulnerable

Watsonia pondoensis

Endangered

Total Critically Endangered 1

Total Endangered 15

Total Near-Threatened 22

Total Rare 20

Overall Total Plants 107


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Appendix 4: List of Red Data fauna, and including other species of significance, that are known/likely to occur within the Ugu District Municipality (EKZNW, 2011f).

Scientific Name Common Name Red Data List Status (IUCN, 2011)

BIRDS

Alcedo semitorquata Half-collared Kingfisher Near Threatened

Anthropoides paradiseus Blue Crane Vulnerable

Anthus brachyurus Short-tailed Pipit Vulnerable

Balearica regulorum Grey Crowned Crane Vulnerable

Bradypterus sylvaticus Knysna Warbler Vulnerable

Bucorvus leadbeateri Southern Ground-Hornbill Vulnerable

Bugeranus carunculatus Wattled Crane Critically Endangered

Campethera notata Knysna Woodpecker Near Threatened

Caprimulgus natalensis Swamp Nightjar Vulnerable

Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked stork Near Threatened

Ciconia nigra Black Stork Near Threatened

Circus maurus Black Harrier Near Threatened

Circus ranivorus African Marsh-Harrier Vulnerable

Falco biarmicus Lanner falcon Near Threatened

Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Near Threatened

Gyps coprotheres Cape vulture Vulnerable

Halcyon senegaloides Mangrove Kingfisher Vulnerable

Hirundo atrocaerulea Blue Swallow Critically Endangered

Leptoptilos crumeniferus Marabou stork Near Threatened

Lioptilus nigricapillus Bush Blackcap Near Threatened

Microparra capensis Lesser Jacana Near Threatened

Morus capensis Cape Gannet Vulnerable

Neotis denhami Stanley's Bustard Vulnerable

Nettapus auritus African Pygmy-Goose Near Threatened

Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican Near Threatened

Pelecanus rufescens Pink-backed Pelican Vulnerable

Phalacrocorax capensis Cape Cormorant Near Threatened

Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo Near Threatened

Podica senegalensis African Finfoot Vulnerable

Poicephalus robustus Cape Parrot Endangered

Polemaetus bellicosus Martial eagle Vulnerable

Procellaria aequinoctialis White-chinned Petrel Near Threatened

Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird Near Threatened

Sarothrura affinis Striped flufftail Vulnerable

Schoenicola brevirostris Broad-tailed Warbler Near Threatened

Smithornis capensis African Broadbill Near Threatened

Spheniscus demersus African Penguin Vulnerable

Stephanoaetus coronatus African Crowned Eagle Near Threatened

Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Near Threatened


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Scientific Name Common Name Red Data List Status (IUCN, 2011)

Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Near Threatened

Tyto capensis African Grass-Owl, Grass Owl Vulnerable

Vanellus melanopterus Black-winged Lapwing/Plover Near Threatened

Zoothera gurneyi Orange Ground-Thrush Near Threatened

Zoothera guttata Spotted Ground-Thrush Endangered

MAMMALS

Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus Sykes' monkey Vulnerable

Chrysospalax villosus dobsoni Rough-haired golden mole Critically Endangered

Dendrohyrax arboreus arboreus Tree Hyrax Vulnerable

Leptailurus serval serval Serval Near Threatened

Otomops martiensseni icarus Large-eared free-tailed bat Vulnerable

Ourebia ourebi Oribi Endangered

Philantomba monticola bicolor Blue duiker Vulnerable

Rhinolophus clivosus Geoffroy's horseshoe bat Near Threatened

Rhinolophus darlingi Darling's horseshoe bat Near Threatened

REPTILES

Python sebae natalensis Southern African Python Vulnerable

AMPHIBIANS

Afrixalus spinifrons Natal leaf-folding frog Vulnerable

Anhydrophryne ngongoniensis Mistbelt moss frog Critically Endangered

Leptopelis xenodactylus Long-toed tree frog Endangered

Natalobatrachus bonebergi Kloof frog Endangered

Strongylopus wageri Plain stream frog Near Threatened

INVERTEBRATES

Abantis bicolor Bicoloured Skipper Rare

Charaxes pondoensis Pondo Charaxes Rare

Chlamydephorus dimidius Snake-skin hunter slug Vulnerable

Doratogonus infragilis Strong black millipede Endangered

Durbania amakosa albescens Whitish Amakosa Rocksitter Rare

Gulella claustralis Keyhole hunter snail Endangered

Gulella salpinx Trumpet-mouthed hunter snail Critically Endangered

Opisthopatus roseus Rose-red Velvet Worm Vulnerable

FISH

Butis butis Duckbill sleeper Vulnerable

Croilia mossambica Burrowing goby Rare

Glossogobius biocellatus Sleepy goby Rare

Hypseleotris cyprinoides Golden Sleeper Rare

Myxus capensis Freshwater mullet Rare

Redigobius dewaali Checked goby Rare


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Appendix 5: List of stakeholders who attended the stakeholder workshop on 10th May, 2012.

Person Organization Person Organization

Santosh Bachoo Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Senior Ecologist (coastal/marine environment))

Paddy Norman WESSA SKZN (Branch chairman)

Piet Massyn Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (District Conservation Officer)

Alex Skene Umtentweni Conservancy

Roger Uys Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Regional Ecologist, South Coast)

Geoff Nichols Private Consultant

Carolyn Schweggman WESSA/Coast Watch Elsa Pooley Private Consultant

Adrienne Edgson AfE & Associates Gill Gough-Palmer Ugu Coastal Management Group

Adam Teixeira-Leite Eco-Pulse Consulting (project team)

Felicity Elliott Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Planning Department)

Douglas Macfarlane Eco-Pulse Consulting (Team leader)

Rob Scott-Shaw Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Plant Ecologist)


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Appendix 6: Flow diagram of CBA Categories in the SCA, BSP and KZN BP Mapping Process

SCA Process

Desktop review

and expert input

Expert Input

with verification

KE

Y

Bio

div

ersi

ty S

ecto

r P

lan

(B

SP

)

In

pu

t C

ov

erag

e’s

Ma

p

Ca

teg

ori

es

WORKSHOP / GROUND TRUTH / EXPERT INPUT

KZ

N B

P

Ma

p

Ca

teg

ori

es

Sy

stem

ati

c C

on

serv

ati

on

Ass

essm

ents

(S

CA

)

Su

bca

tego

ry

M

ap

Cate

go

ries

Eco

log

ical Sup

po

rt Area

(SC

A)

ES

A: E

xp

ert Inpu

t

ES

A: S

pecies S

pecific

Critical Biodiversity Areas Ecological Support Areas

ES

A: L

and

scape C

orrid

or

Eco

log

ical Sup

po

rt Area

(SC

A)

CBA: Irreplaceable CBA: Optimal

CB

A: O

ptim

al Exp

ert Inp

ut

ES

A: L

ocal C

orrid

or

ESA:

Corridors

ES

A: L

and

scape C

orrid

or

CB

A: Irrep

laceable L

ink

age

CB

A: Irrep

laceable (S

CA

)

CB

A: E

xp

ert Inp

ut

CBA Optimal

Low Degradation

(optional

category)

High Degradation

(optional

category)

CBA: Optimal (SCA)

CBA Optimal

Low

Degradation

(optional

category)

High

Degradation

(optional

category)

CBA: High

Irreplaceability for

pattern and species C-Plan (0.8 to < 1.0 Irreplaceability)

MARXAN (75 – 80%

to <100% Selection)

CBA: Irreplaceable for

pattern and species

C-Plan (1.0 Irreplaceability)

MARXAN (100%

Selection)

CBA: Irreplaceable

(SCA)

Ugu District Municipality: Biodiversity Sector...

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