Development - Management Location of infrastructure and facilities for Reserve Administration & especially conservation management facilities Not compatible with tourism and tourism access. Areas with extensive degraded or transformed footprints. Natural or habitats only where benefits at reserve scale outweigh local impacts. Areas able to accommodate high disturbance, with no identified sensitive biodiversity. Areas providing easy access to reserve and infrastructure. Areas very close to zones requiring highest management intervention, especially Low/High Intensity Zones. Areas where risk of fire damage to infrastructure is low or can be mitigated without unacceptable impacts on surrounding environment. Areas where new infrastructure can be located with low visibility from the surrounding landscape. Areas not visible from Primitive or Wilderness Zones. with available potable water, and not sensitive to disposal of treated wastewater. n/a Any reserve management infrastructure including offices, sheds, garages, stores, etc. Roads required to access these should be surfaced to reduce long-term maintenance costs and environmental impact. NOTE Reserve administrative offices may also be located within visitor reception facilities in Development - Low/High Intensity Zones none Visitor Management: n/a Conservation Management: Frequent footpath and road maintenance must be scheduled for high impact routes. Accept some impact on natural habitats in this zone unless these are specifically addressed in a Special Management Overlay. Visible impacts to adjacent Zones should be mitigated. Management should aim to contain all activities within the smallest possible footprint. Largely transformed habitats with lower management requirements. Usually fire exclusion areas. Prevent or restore trampling or any other management impact. Plan for a compact overall development footprint, avoiding dispersed infrastructure that will increase fire risk and/or environmental footprint. This is most critical in fire-prone environments. Consumptive Use: Sustainable use unlikely to be possible in zone.
Development - Production Commercial or subsistence farming. (only applicable to privately & managed Contract Nature Reserves) Areas identified for production farming. Areas with extensive degraded or transformed footprints. Natural or semi-natural habitats only when use of areas is supported by a bioregional plan and specialist site assessment. May allow agri-tourism Any agricultural infrastructure. May allow agri-tourism Agricultural best practise to support surrounding natural areas, particularly with regard to river and wetland buffer areas. Development – Private Areas Private dwelling and surrounds. (only applicable to privately owned & managed Contract Nature Reserves) Private homestead. Areas with existing degraded or transformed footprints. Natural or semi-natural habitats only when use of these areas is supported by a bioregional plan and specialist site assessment. n/a Dwellings and private accommodation areas. Roads to access these. No access by the public without permission from landowner. Should have no negative impacts on the surrounding conservation area. Protection Zones Zone Zone Objective Characteristics Visitor Activities Facilities / Infrastructure Visitor Access Management Guidelines
Species / Habitat / Cultural Protection Users: This zone’s primary purpose is conservation and research. Limited tourism use only if compatible with conservation objective. Conservation: Protection of species or habitats of special conservation concern. Restrict access to prevent disturbance and/or damage. Larger areas where uncontrolled public access is undesirable due to presence of regionally critically rare and endangered fauna, flora, habitat. Typical example would be a seabird breeding colony, particularly for threatened species. Research. Nature observation under strictly controlled conditions only if specifically noted. Usually none, but footpaths and tracks to allow management access may be permitted. Where visitor access is permitted, strict access control infrastructure is required to delimit access routes, and if necessary screen visitors. I.e. hides, boardwalks, screened routes, and paths with railings may be appropriate. Public / Tourism access normally not allowed. May be permitted very tightly controlled conditions, to be determined per site. Visitor Management: Prevent visitor access or restrict numbers of visitors and allow for no-use rest periods if required. Infrastructure layout, design and construction must be designed and maintained to highest environmental standards. Conservation Management: Feature specific – as required. Prevent any negative impacts on identified feature/s. Consider removal and/or rehabilitation of non-essential infrastructure. Consumptive Use: Not compatible.
Let’s Go Farming CC (Vogelgezang Farm) for entrance arrangements and payments with regards to the de Mond Nature Reserve in the district of Bredasdorp 13/3/1940 The property may not be leased or disposed of without the consent of the owners of the remainder nor shall any building be erected thereon for business or trade exept with the consent of the said owner Let’s Go Farming CC (Vogelgesang Farm). (Successors in title of the remainder of Farm 269) In perpetuity Portion 3 of the farm 269 (Portion of the De Mond Nature Reserve. This does not include the development zone, portion 4. See appendix 10 for more detail) Unknown Public road for entering the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve by vehicle or by foot. General public In perpetuity unless by the minister Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve Unknown Servitude to and maintain a water reservoir for water provision to the residential area of Waenhuiskrans. Cape Agulhas Municipality In perpetuity Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve 29/6/1962 Title deed condition: The strip of ground between the mark and the brown line (indicated on the original diagram) is 200ft (appr. 63 m.) and is open to the use of the public. See figure 5.11 General public In perpetuity Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve (Erf 171 portion of erf 115 Arniston)
Table 6.1 LEGAL STATUS and RESERVE EXPANSION Objective 1 To conserve and manage biodiversity and natural processes of the aquatic, terrestrial and marine environments within the DMNRC and expansion to include additional priority habitats. Key Deliverables Management/Monitoring Activities Responsibility Indicators Timeframe Reference to Existing Procedures The DMNRC has secure permanent legal conservation status in terms of NEM: PAA. Declare the in terms of NEM: PAA. The protected area is listed in the National Register as required by NEM: PAA. Investigate the possibility to transfer Soetendalsvlei (Portion 9 a portion of 8 of the farm Zoetendals Vlei 280) to Agulhas National Park. Executive Director: Conservation Management, DEA, DEADP. Law Administration. Stewardship Programme Manager. The is legally secure. Year 3 NEM:PAA Proclamations The DMNRC boundary is known and appropriately demarcated and secure. Survey Heuningnes Estuary boundaries where it joins the land on the eastern and western side of De Mond Nature Reserve. Beacons placed to clearly demarcate boundaries. Conservation Manager; Law Administration. Year 1 NEM:PAA To consolidate all possible land within the DMNRC, as well as other identified conservation-worthy areas adjacent to and contiguous with the reserve as identified (Heuningnes Estuary and River) Declare (pending outcome of 1 Heuningnes Estuary/river as an extension of De Mond Nature Reserve. Identify potential stewardship agreements (Soetendalsvlei –De Mond river corridor and Waenhuiskrans –De Mond corridor) with the surrounding landowners in line with CNPAES. Ensure local strategy for De Mond Nature Reserve expansion is included in CNPAES. . Conservation Manager; Conservation Services Manager; Programme Manager: MPAs, Islands and Estuaries; Programme Manager: Stewardship Programme. Hectares added to the conservation estate. See section 5 Year 5 CapeNature Protected Area Expansion Strategy and Implementation Plan Extension nomination for the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site. Budget Allocation Development Operation (5 Year Forecast) R 390 842
6.2 REGIONAL INTEGRATED PLANNING AND COOPERATIVE GOVERNAnCE Objective 1 To conserve and manage biodiversity and natural processes of the aquatic, terrestrial and marine environments within the DMNRC and expansion to include additional priority habitats. Key Deliverables Management/Monitoring Activities Responsibility Indicators Timeframe Reference to Existing Procedures The DMNRC is integrated into land-use planning outside of the nature reserve. Integrate with the SDFs and IDP’s of the district and local municipalities. Provide comments/input into development/land use change proposals adjacent to the reserve. Attend, ensure reserve issues are profiled and actively contribute/advise in decision making: OICG, farmers association, HEF, HROA, WHKFA,SAP joint, Agulhas National Park forum, ABI Conservation Manager, Community Conservation Manager; Biodiversity Mainstreamer. The protected area is integrated into land-use planning outside of the protected area Ongoing SDF and IDP planning processes, NEMA regulations Establish a functioning Advisory committee for the DMNRC. PAAC representative of all stakeholders functioning. Meetings are held as scheduled Decisions are communicated to PAAC. Conservation Manager; Community Conservation Manager Advisory committee for the has been established, is functioning and effective. Ongoing Ref Section 10.1.3; Regulations for proper the administration of nature reserve in terms of the Budget Allocation Development Operation (5 Year Forecast) R 488 553
A research programme for the DMNRC is being implemented. Identify research needs for the reserve. Maintain a research register for the reserve Develop and implement an applied research programme for the reserve in consultation with Scientific Services. Results of research projects are fed back to the management of the reserve. Results are used to adapt management of the nature reserve where relevant. Implement research projects in partnership with agencies and institutions Conservation Manager; Regional Ecologist; Ecological Coordinator; Programme Manager: MPAs, Islands and Estuaries Ongoing CN research needs list; Fynbos Forum research strategy, CN permitting procedure The DMNRC contributes to the maintenance of ecosystem services. Design and implement appropriate fire management programme including possible prescribed veld burning. Conduct a roads and footpath assessment at Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. Close and rehabilitate inappropriate roads and footpaths within the DMNRC. Monitor site recovery. Conservation Manager, Regional Ecologist; Ecological Coordinator Ongoing ICM, AVM APO’s, CapeNature Fire Policy Version 8 Prevent and mitigate soil erosion on the DMNRC. Conduct trail profile monitoring to assess soil erosion for WHK. Facilitate a plan of action with regards to erosion banks at Roman beach. Map and ensure available. Conduct ad hoc trail maintenance informed by trail profile monitoring. Monitor the affectivity of the erosion control mitigation. Monitor cost effectiveness of maintenance. Monitor site recovery. Conservation Manager; Regional Ecologist; Ecological Coordinator Ongoing Conserve, protect and manage estuary, river and the river link/corridor to Soetendalsvlei Implement CapeNature’s responsibilities documented in the approved Heuningnes Estuary Management plan. Reserve manager to be actively involved in the management and activities of the estuary advisory forum Investigate conservation actions and the implementation thereof for the estuary and river corridor to Soetendalsvlei. Monitor water quality and bacterial counts in the estuary. Conservation Manager; Programme Manager: MPAs, Islands and Estuaries Ongoing HEMP Management Plan
The protection of flora species of conservation concern. Identify plant species of conservation concern and map localities of populations in the reserve. Conduct monitoring of populations of plant species of special concern. activities that may impact on species of conservation concern. Baseline data collection the reserve. Conservation Manager; Regional Ecologist; Ecological Coordinator. Ongoing SOB, TSP programme Conservation of threatened and endemic fauna Identify threatened and endemic species and map localities of populations on the reserve. Conduct monitoring of populations of fauna species of special conservation concern e.g. Damara terns, Black harriers, Grass owl, White breasted cormorants, Cape cormorants and Crowned cormorants Fish catch, morphometric data collection. Limit activities that may impact on species of conservation concern. Baseline data collection on the reserve. Conservation Manager; Regional Ecologist; Ecological Coordinator. Ongoing Ecological Plan of Operations, Ecological Matrix, SOB Manage consumptive utilisation of biological resources. Monitor quantity of sour fig harvesting. Investigate collecting techniques and impact monitoring. Investigate the possibility to implement a catch and release system for the fish in the estuary. Conservation Manager, Community Manager, Regional Ecologist; Ecological Coordinator. Ongoing CapeNature Policy on consumptive utilisation (2007). Budget Allocation Development Operation (5 Year Forecast) R 1 563 370
Table 6.9 INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT Objective 1 To conserve and manage biodiversity and natural processes of the aquatic, terrestrial and marine environments within the DMNRC and expansion to include additional priority habitats. Key Deliverables Management/Monitoring Activities Responsibility Indicators Timeframe Reference to Existing Procedures Ensure maintenance of infrastructure and equipment. Map all infrastructure and compile infrastructure register. The infrastructure necessary to manage the nature reserve effectively is in place and needs are listed in the U-AMP. Assess staff facilities adequacy to perform critical management activities. Ensure that there is adequate operational equipment as required for operational management purposes. Maintenance of Infrastructure as scheduled in registers to ensure upkeep and prevent degradation. Equipment is maintained in good working condition. Liaise with Public Works where required. Conservation Manager, Public Works, Technical Advisor, Area Manager Maintenance of infrastructure and equipment is adequate given specific mitigation for operations in a coastal environment. of verifications: Infrastructure database Maintenance schedules Ongoing Infrastructure registers and Public Works Schedules U-Amp Align all existing and new infrastructure to the conservation development framework and zonation. Assess infrastructure development appropriateness to the CDF. Implement the infrastructure development plan when approved and adjust if necessary the EIA process. Ensure EMP is in place. Conservation Manager. Development project team Infrastructure located in appropriate zones. Two years CDF; Infrastructure registers. Final inspection reports Roads/Jeep Tracks and Trails are managed to minimise impact on the environment. Conduct an assessment on the Compile and implement a maintenance plan. Re-align trail network and align with the CDF. Rehabilitate where necessary. Monitor use and impact. Monitor cost of maintenance. Conservation Manager, Ecological Coordinator Updated infrastructure register. Maintenance of scheduled infrastructure works. On-going Infrastructure register and Public Works schedule Buildings are effectively maintained. Compile and maintain a building register. Provide Department of Public Works with works list to reflect maintenance requirements appropriate for the coastal environment. Minor maintenance with board operational budget is done as needed Ensure energy saving and environmentally sound options are being implemented by Department of Public Works (Green Building principals). Conservation Manager, Building register compiled and maintained. Well maintained buildings as per schedule Infrastructure registers and Public Works Schedules
Volunteers actively assist in the management of the DMNRC. Involve volunteers appropriate. Conservation Manager, Community Conservation Manager. Number of volunteer hours worked (n). Ongoing People and Conservation Action Plan Budget Allocation Development Operation (5 Year Forecast) R 683 974
Table 6.12 MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS Objective 1: Objective 2: Objective 3: Objective 4: Objective 5: To conserve and manage biodiversity and natural processes of the aquatic, terrestrial and marine environments within the DMNRC and expansion to include additional priority habitats. To provide job and benefit sharing opportunities for communities and access where appropriate. To instil conservation awareness through effective communication, partnerships, stakeholder engagement and environmental education To protect the archaeological and cultural heritage on the reserve complex. To provide sustainable visitor access and provide overnight accommodation for a limited number of guests within the existing tourism footprint. Key Deliverables Management/Monitoring Activities Responsibility Indicators Timeframe Reference to Existing Procedures Implement and maintain the METT-SA Conduct annual METT-SA assessments. Monitor and improve METT-SA through the development of action plans and implementation thereof. Report to DEA as per requirement for national evaluation of METT-SA scores. Regional Ecologist, Ecological Conservation Manager, Area Manager, Programme Manager: Quality Management. The DMNRC will annually indicate an upward trend in score. Annually METT-SA Auditing systems inform management. Conduct CapeNature integrated auditing system. Compile actions lists to address audit issues. Track action list for progress. Apply adaptive management strategies. Regional Ecologist, Ecological Conservation Manager, Area Manager, Programme Manager: Quality Management. Every 2nd year Eco-audit process A detailed work plan (APO) identifying specific targets for achieving management objectives is approved by CapeNature. Assess and prioritise actions from audit results into APO. Compile APO in terms of actions identified in the Management Plan. Regional Ecologist, Ecological Conservation Manager, Area Manager, Programme Manager: Quality Management. Every 2nd year APO, PAMP Progress reports are compiled. Compile quarterly BMS progress reports. Progress reports as required. (List of relevant reports needed). Conservation Manager, Area Manager, Programme Manager: Quality Management. Quarterly BMS Implement and review the Management Plan for the Assess all PAM results and ensure adaptive management strategies are implemented. Bi-annual assessment on progress of PAM actions. Compile annual report on the status of implementation of the PAMP and submit to the Provincial Minister. Conservation Manager, Area Manager, Programme Manager: Quality Management. Bi-annually PAMP Budget Allocation Development Operation (5 Year Forecast) R 390 842
Table 6.13.3 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY management Objective 2 To improve the reach and quality of biodiversity management. Key Deliverables Management/Monitoring Activities Responsibility Indicators Timeframe Reference to Existing Procedures To implement policies, procedures and systems to ensure compliance to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. (OS4909H Act). Implement Occupational Health and Safety System. Conservation Manager, OHS manager No disabling injuries occur. Year 1-5 OHS Act, Internal Health and Safety System To inform the workers, contractors, volunteers, students and the public of these dangers, how exposure could be prevented, and how to work safely. Attend Accredited OHS Training: (HIRA) Attend Accredited OHS Training to renew certificates (OHS Reps & First Aid Officers). Attend in-house OHS Training Workshops. Provide monthly Toolbox Talks. Conservation Manager, OHS Reps, operators of equipment and machinery, First Aid Officers; Designated OHS risk specific appointments, OHS Officer OHS Manager Year 1 OHS Training Needs Analysis (conducted annually and aligned with available legislative requirements and available resources) Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Management and Risk Control are implemented on the Conduct regular HIRA processes to determine key risks with highest impact potential. Recommend remedial action plans to address key risks. Follow-up to ensure effective implementation. Conservation Manager Reserve staff OHS Officer Year 1 on-going HIRA Report Safe Operating Procedure Monitor and review to ensure adaptive management strategies are applied to improve health and safety on the DMNRC. Assist in conducting of internal Audit Process to determine effectiveness and level of compliance of implementation of OHS Management Control System. Implement regular self-audits Conservation Manager, OHS Officer, OHS Manager Year 1 Worksite Audit Report Budget Allocation Development Operation (5 Year Forecast) R 488 553
6.13.4 RISK MANAGEMENT Objective 2 To improve the reach and quality of biodiversity management. Key Deliverables Management/Monitoring Activities Responsibility Indicators Timeframe Reference to Existing Procedures Ensure effective and integrated risk management within a framework of sound corporate governance. Documenting of business processes. On site risk identification and analysis. On site identification of controls/ mitigations. Monitoring of risks. Conservation Manager Chief Risk Officer in the Risk Register mitigated in a cost effective manner and to an acceptable level. Year 1-5 PFMA Section 38. Risk Management Policy and Strategy. Budget Allocation Development Operation (5 Year Forecast) R 97 711
Table 6.15 tourism DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Objective 2 Objective 3 To provide job and benefit sharing opportunities for communities and access where appropriate To provide appropriate opportunities and facilities for recreation. Action plans Management/Monitoring Activities Responsibility Indicators Timeframe Reference to Existing Procedures To provide nature and cultural tourism and recreational opportunities within the reserve without affecting the ecological processes negatively. Establish and implement concessionaire process. Prioritise different types of tourism development within the reserve. Monitor concessionaire compliance with national and international standards. Develop accommodation and other visitor facilities as per development plan and strategy Conservation Manager and Standards Committee Reserve Management and Concessionaires Tourism section Concession of selected tourism opportunities Standards are set in specified and approved schedules (including hospitality standards on those by the South African Grading Council). Standards Committee established for monitoring tourist facilities within the reserve Development priorities in and implemented in the correct Zones within the reserve Recommendations within these plans implemented Concessionaire compliance audited Year 1 Reserve Zonation Development framework. EIA ROD’s Promote Tourism and SMME initiatives in and around the reserve Facilitate private / community sector involvement in the planning, design, financing and / or running of tourist facilities. Conservation Manager and Private/Community Sector Successful operation (stable tourist flow and financial success) of SMMEs and community-based tourist facilities Ensure tourism contributes to conservation on the reserve Monitor Tourist use and interest within the reserve, including negative impacts, adapt where necessary. Establish a Financial Management System for the reserve. Ensure proper control of the reserve’s assets. Identify the potential for negative consequences and their adverse effects on tourism (Risk assessment). Conservation Manager Tourist Use Monitoring Programme in place Management systems (financial, risk and asset register) are in place and implemented By year 3 Budget Allocation Development Operation (5 Year Forecast) R 195 421