Download - NCC Environmental Services

2.3 Institutional arrangements2.3.1 GeneralIn implementing the RMP, it is essential that Reserve Management understand the mandates of variousrole-players and the institutional framework in which decision making; implementation and monitoringwill be carried out. In light of this, a brief outline of the mandates and responsibilities of theManagement Authority and key supporting government departments is provided below:LEDET, as the current designated management authority of the LRNR, has a strategic mandate todevelop the provincial economy, as well as to promote and manage tourism and the sustainable use ofthe natural environment in Limpopo Province. LEDET is currently in the process of compiling itsStrategic and Annual Performance Plan that will aim at achieving key strategic objectives through thefirst draft of the plan for the phase 2012 – 2015, which is already completed. Some of the key strategicobjectives that the plan aims to achieve include:Job creation within a sustainable environment;Ensuring healthy and fair trade;Establishing the province as a preferred eco-tourism destination;Sustainable environmental management;An increase in productive investment; andThriving enterprises in all sectors.The Strategic Plan for Limpopo Province also includes an Environmental Affairs Programme that aims toensure the development, promotion, management and regulation of environmental activities in theProvince. The programme is comprised of three sub-programmes, namely Environmental Trade andProtection; Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management; and Environmental EmpowermentServices. The programme is headed by a Senior General Manager with two Chief Directorates, eachwith a General Manager and one Directorate with a Senior Manager. Some of the strategic objectivesof the programme include:To manage the impacts of developments on the environment;To enforce compliance with environmental legislation;To regulate the use of natural resources;The sound management of air quality and waste;To provide scientific support towards biodiversity management;To establish and monitor a representative network of 43 of protected areas;To manage State-owned nature reserves; andTo provide environmental research and planning services.LEDET currently directly manages 43 nature reserves covering a total area of over 300 000 ha. LEDET isalso responsible for the biodiversity management of the entire Limpopo Province. In addition, a rangeof other core government departments have important roles to play in ensuring that the LRNR isappropriately conserved and managed, including the following:2.3.1.1 Limpopo Tourism AgencyThe LTA is currently responsible for managing tourism-related infrastructure in the LRNR. In this regarda draft service-level agreement has been developed between the LTA and LEDET in order to formalisethe responsibilities between these two agencies. Once finalised, this is anticipated to clarify specificroles of the LTA in terms of management.Reserve Management Documents: Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 23