2013_14 IDP Review.pdf - KZN Development Planning

2.3.2 BiodiversityAssetIndigenous forestsGrasslandsForestsBush veldThukela ThornveldHighland Thorn veldSandy grasslandManagement StatusUmzinyathi shows a large variation in fled types which changes according to the way it istreated. The main driving force causing vegetation change is selective grazing. This causes theactual veld condition (species composition and cover) at a given time to differ from the modalveld type composition or benchmark.110 vegetation types are not protected at all. Most national or regional initiatives aimed atmanaging biological invasions lack objective protocols for prioritising invasive species and areasbased on likely future spread.Management MeasureWith only 6% of the land protected, most of South African ecosystems are not adequatelyconserved and protected through: Species Removal Projects Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004 Local Agenda 21 Risk Management Strategy National Forests Act No. 84 of 1998PressuresLoss of indigenous vegetation.Reduced water resource through alien invasive vegetation.Increased risk of floodingloss of indigenous vegetationIncreased soil erosionWetland destruction or drainage,flow patterns, and groundwater abstractionReduced vegetation cover leading to reduced primary productivity and land carryingcapacityOver grazingUncontrolled veld firesDraft 2013/14 IDP Review Page 62Prepared by Umzinyathi District Municipality22 March 2013