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5.6.3 Environmental systems and linkages
The main types of environmental linkages relate to the river systems and to efforts to join
conservation areas within Zululand with those in adjoining areas. The greatest opportunity
involves the Paris Dam, Ithala Game Reserve and the Upongolapoort Biosphere Reserve.
Another potential cross-district linkage is in the southeast, from Emakhosini Ophathe to the
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park. Other environmental linkages are associated with the major river
systems (Figure 5.1).
This study again seeks to encourage a systemic approach to the environmental resources
development in Ulundi, so that the socio-economic multiplier effects may become more
beneficial. In a nutshell, an opportunity to share views and ideas on common grounds
between the study area and its adjourning ecological sanctuaries may abound. This approach
has the capacity 10 reduce costs and leverage the competitive advantages of all participating
local authorities.
5.6.4 Environmental hazards
In a bid to engage in development programmes that improve the quality oflife of the people,
the quality of the environment is sometimes compromised. In the process. many types of
environmental hazards come to the fore. The Zululand District Municipality's IDP (lOP,
2006) has identified the following environmental hazards in the area:
• Agricultural burning
• Alien plant invasion
• Wood processing
• Depletion offorests in sponge areas
• Soil erosion
• lnfrastructural construction
• Bush encroachment
• Waste disposal.
• Coal mining and other extractive activities
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