Draft Status Quo Report for the Pixley Ka Seme ... - SRK Consulting

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SRK Consulting in association with BKS Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality EMF – Draft Status Quo Report Page 55 Asset Opportunity Constraint / Threat the PKSLM and the downstream context • Opportunity for curriculum-based education programme to ‘piggy-back’ on existing initiatives • A high profile project which can be carried out in collaboration with national, provincial and local government, funders and other key role-players (such as water boards). Source: Adapted from SRK (2010) and Van Niekerk et al. (2010) Table 4-2: Assets, opportunities and constraints/threats associated with aquatic and wetland ecology Asset Opportunity Constraint / Threat Abundant supply of water Strategic location Unique aquatic habitats Pristine state Threatened species Sensitive fish Relevant ecological programmes Source: Palmer (2010) The study area is located within an area of high rainfall that is provided at a comparatively high level of assurance. The area is strategically important because of its location in the upper reaches of three primary catchments. The study area is characterised by an abundance of floodplains and unchannelled valley bottom wetlands, providing ideal habitat for high biodiversity, particularly for bird species. The area is currently in comparatively good ecological condition. This is attributed to a combination of high altitudes, low temperatures and moderate rainfall. The area thus has a high conservation status as well as high ecotourism potential. Key faunal species include red data species of birds, species of fish and frog that are of conservation concern. These areas thus have a high conservation status and ecotourism potential particularly from bird watchers hoping to see these rare species. The presence of a number of sensitive fish species indicates the water quality in that area is of good quality. There are a number of programmes in the area aimed at enhancing ecological integrity through, for e.g. reducing the effects of alien plant species on water sources (Working for Water). This programme contributes to increased water availability to a variety of users, as well as job creation. Others programmes include Working for Wetlands and Working on Fire. Water use by agriculture and forestry activities pose a threat to water supply. Because of the area’s strategic location, the demands for power plant cooling, and domestic and industrial demands in Gauteng need to be met putting pressure on water quality and quantity restricting activities in the area. Mining license issued for an open cast coal mine near the Wakkerstroom wetland reserve but have since been withdrawn (April 2010). Cultivation often converts wetland areas due to the high water supply required. The ecological condition needs to be protected through conservation activities and sustainable development. The ecosystems in which these species are found will need to be conserved, which will restrict agricultural and mining development. A number of fish species that are sensitive to water quality deterioration occur within the area. The survival of these fish species depends on the quality of the water in the area. The effectiveness of these programmes can be constrained due to a lack of capacity and monitoring. KILI/BEAT G:\404946_PIXLEY EMF\7REPORTS\Status Quo report\Draft report\Draft status quo report, July 2010.docx July 2010
SRK Consulting in association with BKS Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality EMF – Draft Status Quo Report Page 56 Table 4-3: Assets, opportunities and constraints/threats associated with terrestrial ecology Asset Opportunity Constraint / Threat Western and Eastern Plains Grassland, Central Plains Grassland and Wakkerstroom Plains Grassland Escarpment Grassland Mountain Grassland Southern Mountain Grassland Sour Bushveld Wetlands Forests in conserved area Serpentine Vegetation Fauna These areas have a high conservation status. This area is known to contain high plant species diversity and special endemic fauna species; thus the conservation value is high. As this area is well protected, it is important for local biodiversity conservation. This area is situated in low mountains and is mostly pristine, with a high conservation status. This area is mostly pristine and has a medium conservation status. The wetlands in the southern parts of the PKSLM are very important biological areas. The areas have very high biodiversity and are therefore of particular interest for the eco-tourism industry. Forests in the protected areas are important for local biodiversity conservation. This vegetation contains endemic flora and thus is an important area for conservation of biodiversity. Many red data species are found with high conservation status – this adds to the ecological value of the study area. Important agricultural and mining areas. Within the PKSLM the South-western and Central grasslands are transformed by agriculture and mining and is under extreme pressure. These vegetation types/ecosystems need to be conserved, which will restrict agricultural and mining development. Forestry and rural residential areas threaten this grassland. The eastern portion is a major forestry area and has contributed to the transformation of large areas of the Eastern Undulating Grassland. The far north-eastern mountain area has very high plant and fauna diversity, and these are well protected in statutory conservation areas. This area includes the very limited natural Forests and also the very limited Serpentine Vegetation with its endemic plant species. There may therefore be building and development constraints. Development may impact on the aesthetic value of the study area, thus development should be controlled. Development may impact on the aesthetic value of the study area, thus rural residential areas and development should be restricted to low density and limited tourism facilities. Contradictory interests between mining, agriculture and conservation are of major concern. These are found in conserved areas where development restricted; thus this could place constraints on development. Rural residential areas and development should be restricted to low density and limited tourism facilities. To protect fauna, especially red data species, the habitat in which it occurs needs to be protected. Thus the mountain areas and grasslands need to be protected from new agricultural and mining development. Special attention needs to be given to aquatic fauna due to pressures on water quality. Source: Adapted from Bredenkamp (2010) Table 4-4: Assets, opportunities and constraints/threats associated with land use Asset Opportunity Constraint / Threat Political support Ensures the continued and enhanced protection of sensitive environments. Low income and high level of poverty. State pushed to prioritise short term political gains. KILI/BEAT G:\404946_PIXLEY EMF\7REPORTS\Status Quo report\Draft report\Draft status quo report, July 2010.docx July 2010
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