intsika yethu local municipality - Provincial Spatial Development plan

5.4.7 Environment ManagementIt is essential that, the District Municipality assist the municipality in both technical and financially todevelop and implement the environmental management function, the state of air, water, waste, biodiversityand land are some of the key elements in determining the state of environment. Linked totourism potential of the area, endangered areas are even spread throughout the Municipality as theoriginal ecosystem has been reduced and that the functioning or existence is under threat land cannot withstand loss of natural area through disturbance or development. The following wards have been earmarkedas some of endangered areas in IYLM: Ward; 1, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 18.Environmental Sensitivity areas: IYLM has least areas covered by sensitive landscape comparedwith other local municipality in the District Municipality area. This results into priority environmentalmanagement issues within the municipal area to cover slope gradient, vegetation, conservation anddegraded land. There are factors which identify the sensitivity of the environment as prescribed are ( areasof with sheet erosion and gully erosion present, degraded land, wetlands (including dams), vegetationtypes sensitive to development ( e.g. South Eastern Mountain Grassland and sub-arid Thorn Bushveld)The need for development of environmental management policy is:To enhance a safe and healthy environment;To direct sustainability and responsible planning decision-making;To spearhead sustainable development;To improve environmental governance throughout the Municipality; andTo create environmental awareness and commitment within the Municipality.87