Biodiversity (1 - SRK Consulting

Most of these species could occur on the rocky inselbergs and/or quartz plains, not
present in the proposed sites for the development of the photovoltaic power generation
facility. Acacia erioloba (Camel Thorn) may be present on the sandy plains.
7.8 Land Use in the Zuurwater Area
During the SKEP planning process, the dialogue between biodiversity groups and Anglo
continued, and an agreement was reached to establish a partnership project: the
Bushmanland Conservation Initiative (BCI)(Anglo American 2008). This partnership
between conservation NGOs, the mining company and local communities aims to
establish a multi-owned protected area through a variety of innovative interventions and
mechanisms that draw in local landowners. The protected area will achieve conservation
targets for biodiversity features in this priority area through a multi-use approach (see
below). The BCI will develop local conservation management capacity through training
local community members as conservators within the project management team.
A Multi-use Landscape Plan included:
• Areas under high protection
• Areas managed for extensive grazing
• Areas set aside for more intensive activities, including mining
The initiative aims to demonstrate best-practice lessons for the engagement between
mining and conservation. Central to this is creating a culture in which mining not only
minimises adverse environmental impacts within its operations, but also works to
positively enhance in situ biodiversity conservation. Anglo has made an in-principle
commitment to make a substantial contribution to the BCI. This will include setting aside
the land surrounding the Gamsberg mine for conservation within the BCI (Anglo
American 2008).
It is proposed that the Maasdorp family will remain on the farm and manage the rest of
the farm for extensive grazing.
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