Guiding principles for reserve management

Transcription

AUTHORIZATION
This Strategic Plan (SP) for the Makuya Nature Reserve (MNR) was drafted and recommended by the
Reserve Planning Team (RPT), a multi-disciplinary team consisting of:
NAME
POSITION AND ORGANISATION
L.R. Seani
Reserve Manager
S. Mukoma
LTA Manager: Singo Safari Camp
T.N. Maphaha
Mutale Falls Ivory Route Camp Manager
C. Visagie
Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
(LEDET) Policy
J. Kruger
LEDET Biodiversity
V.W. Mathegu
LEDET Nature Conservator
T.C. Nyatheli
LEDET Management Team
V.M. Maphiri
Chairperson: Makuya Park Forum1
A.R. Tshibete
Community member, Makuya Park Forum
The drafting of this SP was supported by the following Reserve Planning Specialist and other project
team members:
NAME
POSITION AND ORGANISATION
Dr P.J. Fielding
Reserve Planning Specialist, FieldWork
D. Ferreira
Core Planning Team Member, NCC Group
J. Jackelman
Core Planning Team Member, Envirocentric
M. Norval
A. Purnell
R.D. Dyer
Project Manager, NCC Group
K. Potgieter
Technical Scribe & Editor, NCC Group
G. Benn
Scientific Support Services, GeoCline Consulting
R. Colyn
Scientific Support Services, NCC Group
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Reserve Management Documents: Makuya Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan)
1
R. Jangle
Scientific Support Services, NCC Group
F. Ally
Technical Team Member, NCC Group
S. Atmore
F. Domingo
T. Esack
S. Rhoda
This SP is recommended for approval by:
NAME AND TITLE
Mr Solly Kgopong
Acting Head of
Department
LEDET
SIGNATURE AND DATE
This SP is approved by:
NAME AND TITLE
Member of the
Executive Council
LEDET
Insert name
SIGNATURE AND DATE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUTHORIZATION .......................................................................................................................................... 1
PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMS..................................................................................................... 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 9
1.
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 10
1.1 The Reserve Management Plan ....................................................................................................... 10
1.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan .................................................................................... 10
1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic Plan ........................................................................................ 11
2.
CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Location ............................................................................................................................................ 13
2.2 Legal status ...................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Institutional arrangements .............................................................................................................. 16
2.4 Reserve description.......................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.1 History ....................................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.2 Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.3 Topography ............................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.4 Geology and Soils ...................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.4.1 Geology .................................................................................................................................. 18
2.4.4.2 Soils ........................................................................................................................................ 18
2.4.4.3 Erosion.................................................................................................................................... 19
2.4.5 Drainage and Hydrology ........................................................................................................... 19
2.4.6 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................. 19
2.4.6.1 Vegetation Types.................................................................................................................... 19
2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation Concern ........................................................................................... 22
2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien Plants............................................................................................................... 22
2.4.7 Fauna ......................................................................................................................................... 22
2.4.7.1 Mammals ............................................................................................................................... 23
2.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation Concern ......................................................................... 23
2.4.7.2 Avifauna ................................................................................................................................. 24
2.4.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians ........................................................................................................ 24
2.4.7.4 Fish ......................................................................................................................................... 25
2.4.8 Heritage Resources ................................................................................................................... 25
2.4.9 Reserve Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 25
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2.4.10 Social Context.......................................................................................................................... 26
2.5 Local and Regional Planning ............................................................................................................ 26
2.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats........................................................................ 27
3.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................... 30
3.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 30
3.2 Reserve Values ................................................................................................................................. 30
3.3 The Reserve Vision ........................................................................................................................... 30
3.4 Key Performance Areas and Objectives ........................................................................................... 31
3.5 Zonation ........................................................................................................................................... 32
4.
STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ................................................................................... 34
KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION ......................................................................... 35
Guiding principles for reserve management ......................................................................................... 35
Management actions and targets .......................................................................................................... 37
KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USE ....................................................................................................................... 42
KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL .................................................................... 50
KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS) ................................................................. 54
KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT.................................................................................................... 59
KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING............................................................................................. 64
5.
RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK ............................................................................... 70
5.1 Staffing Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 70
5.2 Funding Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 71
5.3 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 72
6.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................... 74
ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS) ..................................................................... 76
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PREFACE
Mr Solly Kgopong
Acting Head of Department: Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
Date: Insert Date
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ABBREVIATIONS AND PLANNING TERMS
ABBREVIATIONS:
APO
BCEA
CAPEX
CARA
DAFF
DMR
DWA
ECParks
EEA
EPWP
FEPA
FFA
FPA
GLTFP
HDI
HO
HOD
HR
HRD
IDP
IUCN
KNP
KPA
LED
LEDET
LEMA
LRA
LTA
MEC
METT
METT-SA
MLM
MNR
NBRBSA
NEMA
NEMBA
NEMPAA
NEMWA
NHRA
MNRMAC
NVFFA
OHSA
Annual Plan of Operations
Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997)
Capital Expenditures
Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983)
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Department of Mineral Resources
Department of Water Affairs
Eastern Cape Parks
Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998)
Extended Public Works Programme
Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area
FFA Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
Fire Protection Association [in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire
Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)]
Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park
Historically Disadvantaged Individual
Head Office
Head of Department
Human Resources
Human Resources Development
(municipal) Integrated Development Plan
International Union for the Conservation of Nature
Kruger National Park
Key Performance Area
Local Economic Development
Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
Limpopo Environmental Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 7 of 2003)
Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995)
Limpopo Tourism Agency
Member of the Executive Council
Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool
Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool for South Africa
Mutale Local Municipality
Makuya Nature Reserve
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of
1977)
National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of
2004)
National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57
of 2003)
National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (Act No. 58 of 2009)
National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)
Musina Nature Reserve Management Advisory Committee
National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)
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OPEX
PAM
PFMA
PSA
RMP
RPT
SANParks
SANS
SDA
SDF
SIS
SOKDR
SONR
SP
TFPD
TGP
TOR
UZM
VBR
VCA
VDM
WfW
WMP
WOF
WSA
Operating Expenditures
Protected Area Management
Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)
Public Service Act, 1994 (Act No. 103 of 1994)
Reserve Management Plan
Reserve Planning Team
South African National Parks
South African National Standard
Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998)
Strategic Development Framework
Security and Investigation Services
State of Knowledge Data Repository
State Owned Nature Reserve
Strategic Plan
Trans-frontier Parks Destinations
Technical Guidelines and Procedures
Terms of Reference
Use Zone Map
Vhembe Biosphere Reserve
Veld Condition Assessment
Vhembe District Municipality
Working for Water
Wildlife Management Programme
Working on Fire
Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997)
DEFINITION OF KEY PLANNING TERMS:
Activities
Activities are management tasks required to collectively realise the
objectives.
Guiding principles
Guiding principles provide overall direction to the implementation of
activities.
Monitoring
Monitoring is the collection of data and information in a consistent manner
over time for the purpose of evaluation.
Objectives
Objectives are derived from the vision. They represent key areas in which
achievements must be obtained in total, or in some combination, to give
direction to the management aspiration (the vision).
Outcomes
Ideally outcomes are benefits produced from objectives and activities.
Outputs
Outputs are tangible results produced by activities.
Performance
assessment
Performance assessment is a measurement of accomplishment against a set
of pre-determined criteria (e.g. efficiency or effectiveness).
Performance indicator
A performance indicator is a measurement used to evaluate the success in
achieving targets and realising objectives.
Resources
Resources include the people, materials, technologies, money, etc. required
to implement the activities.
Target
Targets are set for particular aspects of performance – financial returns,
efficiency, quality of services, etc. – against which performance is monitored
and measured.
Use zone map
A use zone map is a spatial framework that guides and co-ordinates
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conservation and development activities in a protected area.
Value
A value is a specific attribute or feature (cultural, ecological or recreational)
within a reserve that may require additional/special consideration during
the planning process and subsequent management.
Vision
Vision indicates the direction of management aspiration.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Reserve Management Plan
The Reserve Management Plan (RMP) is the overarching management planning document for the
Makuya Nature Reserve (MNR).
The accompanying guideline document ‘Guidelines for the development of management plans for
Limpopo’s Provincial Nature Reserves’ details the purpose, scope, approach to, and elements of all
RMPs for State-managed conservation areas in Limpopo Province.
The Makuya Nature Reserve Management Plan comprises two complementary documents2:


A Strategic Plan (SP) covering a period of five years (this document); and
An Annual Plan of Operation (APO) covering the current financial year.
The relationship between these two documents is shown in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: The relationship between the five-year Strategic Plan (SP) and the consecutive Annual Plans of Operation (APO) that
guide the year-on-year reserve budget and activity planning.
All the information necessary to guide the management of the MNR is included in these two
documents. No major decisions potentially affecting the future of the reserve will be taken without
reference to the RMP.
This document constitutes the SP for the MNR and covers the period 2013-2017.
1.2 Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan
The purpose of the SP for the MNR is to set out the medium-term ambitions for the reserve. These
ambitions are expressed through the vision and objectives. The SP then describes how these ambitions
will be delivered through a range of management guidelines and management actions.
2
These two planning documents may, in turn, be supported by a Reserve Database and program-specific, more detailed Subsidiary Plans.
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This SP has the following structure:
INTRODUCTION
This section briefly describes the: (i) planning context for the SP; (ii) purpose of the SP;
(iii) structure of the SP; and (iv) approach to developing the SP.
CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK
This section provides a succinct summary of contextual information about the reserve.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK
This section defines the ambitions for the reserve, through the formulation of a vision
and a set of objectives.
This section also spatially represents the desired state of the reserve in the form of a
use zone map for the reserve.
STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
This section defines how the vision and the objectives will be delivered. It details the
key management guidelines and management actions for six thematic areas (Key
Performance Areas): biodiversity and heritage conservation; sustainable use;
enforcement, security and access control; infrastructure and equipment (operations);
stakeholder involvement; and administration and planning.
RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
This section describes the: (i) governance arrangements for decision-making; (ii) roles
and responsibilities of affected institutions and stakeholders; (iii) the projected staffing
requirements; and (iv) the projected funding requirements for the implementation of
the SP.
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
SECTION 5
1.3 The steps in preparing the Strategic Plan
Eight basic steps were taken in preparing this SP. These steps are outlined in the Table 1 below.
Table 1: The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Makuya Nature Reserve
STEP
PURPOSE OF STEP
STEP 1: Data collection,
background research
and site visit.
To collect, collate and review the contextual reserve information that
informs the reserve management planning process.
STEP 2: Establishment
of a Reserve Planning
Team (RPT).
To establish an inter-disciplinary team to guide and advise on the
preparation, and ongoing review and evaluation, of the RMP.
STEP 3: Identification
of the reserve values.
To describe why the reserve was designated, and its associated values and
benefits.
STEP 4: Deciding on the
desired state for the
reserve.
To develop and articulate a desired condition, state or appearance of the
reserve (vision, objectives and use zone plan).
STEP 5: Development
of an action plan for
the reserve.
To identify and develop the key management actions needed to achieve the
desired state for the reserve.
STEP 6: Preparation of
the first draft of the SP
for the reserve.
To integrate all the information from Step 1 and Steps 3 to 5 into a first draft
of the SP.
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Table 1 (contd.):
STEP
STEP 7: Stakeholder
consultation.
The eight basic steps taken in preparing the Strategic Plan of the Makuya Nature Reserve
PURPOSE OF STEP
To create an opportunity for the RPT, and later the general public and other
stakeholders/interested parties, to review and comment on iterative drafts
of the SP.
STEP 8: Revision of the To revise the draft SP, taking into account the comments received from the
SP to include
RPT and other stakeholders/interested parties and the public.
comments and
recommendations from
the RPT and other
stakeholders.
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2. CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Location
The Makuya Nature Reserve (MNR) is located in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa.
The reserve is situated in the far north-eastern corner of Limpopo Province (Figure 2) and is located
approximately 15 km to the south-west of the Pafuri Gate of the Kruger National Park (KNP), 15 km to
the east of the rural village of Masisi, 80 km to the north-northeast of Thohoyandou and 140 km to the
east of Musina.
The MNR shares a fenceless border with the KNP and forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
The reserve also forms part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR), which is internationally renown for
its wildlife and unique biological and cultural diversity.
The MNR is located on portions of the farm Tshikondeni No. 88 MT, as well as sections of unsurveyed
State-owned land and covers an area of 13 215.633 ha3 (Figure 3).
Figure 2: Regional location of Makuya Nature Reserve.
3
Current actual size of the reserve, as confirmed by LEDET. There is a boundary dispute regarding an area covering approximately 2 ha in the
north-eastern section of the reserve that has not been resolved to date.
13
Figure 3: Locality map of the Makuya Nature Reserve.
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2.2 Legal status
The MNR has not been formally proclaimed as a protected area to date. While protecting the MNR in
terms of NEMPAA is regarded as a priority by the provincial government and is already in process, a
number of challenges are faced in this regard:



The procedural processes stipulated in Sections 32 and 33 of NEMPAA, which includes the
process of public participation, must be followed. In addition, Section 33 of NEMPAA also
stipulates that land that is held in trust (as is the case with the MNR) may only be declared as a
protected area with the concurrence of both the trustee (the State, in this case) and the local
community (or communities) involved (the Mutele, Makuya and Mphaphuli communities, in
this case). This is currently problematic, as the aforementioned communities have a negative
perception of protected areas and conservation in general as a result of the history of the MNR
(Section 2.4.1).
Prior to the commencement of the procedural processes stipulated in Sections 32 and 33 of
NEMPAA, the land must be vested in the rightful owner, or owners, of the land. The
Department of Rural Development and Land Reform should therefore formally obtain the title
to the land on which the MNR is situated, although the Makuya, Mutele and Mphaphuli
communities will still have certain rights to use and access the land.
Before the land can be vested in the rightful owner, the Department of Rural Development and
Land Reform must obtain a so-called “Item 28 Certificate” from the ministry of the Department
of Rural Development and Land Reform, which is also currently still outstanding.
Table 2 lists key national, provincial and local legislation that also has a direct influence on all reserve
management activities.
Table 2: Key national, provincial and local legislation with a direct influence on all reserve management activities
NATIONAL LEGISLATION
















4
National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107
of 1998) (NEMA);
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004
(Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA);
National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act,
2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA);
National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2009 (Act
No. 58 of 2009) (NEMWA);
National Forest Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998);
Agriculture Laws Extension Act, 1996 (Act No. 87 of 1996);
Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43
of 1983) (CARA);
Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989);
National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998);
Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) (WSA);
National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998)
(NVFFA);
National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)
(NHRA);
Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984);
Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002);
Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002);
Fencing Act, 1963 (Act No. 31 of 1963);
PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL LEGISLATION



Limpopo Environmental Management
Act, 2003 (Act No. 7 of 2003);
Limpopo Tourism Act, 2009 (Act No. 2
of 2009); and
Vhembe District Municipality:
Waste Management By-laws, 2012
(Local Authority Notice No. 30).
Including all regulations promulgated in terms of the legislation listed.
4
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









Tourism Act, 1993 (Act No. 72 of 1993);
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)
(OHSA);
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act,
1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977) (NBRBSA);
Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)
(PFMA);
Public Service Act, 1994, (Act No. 103 of 1994), as amended
(PSA);
Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995) (LRA);
Basic Condition of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997)
(BCEA);
Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998) (EEA);
Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) (SDA); and
Game Theft Act, 1991 (Act No. 105 of 1991).
2.3 Institutional arrangements
Sections of land were donated to the former Venda homeland government by three local chiefs,
Mutele, Makuya and Mphaphuli, for the establishment of the MNR. As a result of the fact that the
Makuya Traditional Council is not prepared to enter into a newly drawn up co-management agreement
with LEDET, the communal MNR is currently still administered in terms of a previous co-management
agreement between these parties. LEDET and the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) are currently
responsible for the conservation and tourism management, respectively, of the MNR.
The African Ivory Route Mutale Camp and Singo Lodge, both of which are located within the MNR, are
currently operated by Trans-frontier Parks Destinations (TFPD) under permit from the LTA.
As a result of the fact that the MNR shares a fenceless border with the KNP, a memorandum of
agreement between the former and latter has also been ented into.
A section of the MNR is leased to the Tshikondeni Mine, which has been granted a mining authorisation
over a section of the reserve.
Table 3 details the current staff complement of the MNR.
Table 3: The current staff complement of the Makuya Nature Reserve
POST
Reserve Manager
Administrative Clerk
Nature Conservator
Senior Field Ranger
Field Ranger
General Assistant
Resort General Manager
Tourism Staff (Permanent)
Tourism Staff (Contract)
Total
NUMBER
1
1
1
3
26
1
1
5
1
40
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2.4 Reserve description
2.4.1 History
Prior to the establishment of the MNR, the land was used by locals for livestock farming, the collection
of thatching grass, hunting, as well as fishing along the Levuvhu and Mutale Rivers.
Three local chiefs, Mutele, Makuya and Mphaphuli, each “donated” a portion of their land to the former
Venda homeland government for the purpose of establishing a park for conservation purposes. In
return, each chief received monetary compensation in the amount of R2 per hectare on an annual basis.
A veterinary boundary fence initially separated the MNR from the adjacent KNP. This fence has,
however, since been removed in order to allow the free movement of game species between the two
parks.
The establishment of the MNR had far reaching consequences: Locals blamed their chiefs for the
restrictions on land use associated with the establishment of the park, which generally led to negative
perceptions of protected areas and conservation. Another serious issue that surfaced, was the belief by
locals that their chiefs wanted to “make a profit”, which added to the perception of mistrust towards
conservation and protected areas in general. Unequal benefit sharing as a result of unequal portions of
land donated by each of the chiefs caused further unhappiness.
Venda Tourism (part of the parastatal Venda Development Corporation) initially managed the MNR.
After the formation of the new provincial administration of South Africa in 1994, the management of
the reserve was, however, taken over by LEDET. The then newly formed LEDET took a fresh approach to
conservation management and encouraged the principle of community participation in reserve
management. This resulted in the establishment of the Makuya Park Forum in 1995, which consisted of
representatives of LEDET, as well as the civic and tribal authorities of the local areas. The main purpose
of the forum was to act as an instrument for community participation in reserve management.
Today local communities continue to receive royalties from the State in the amount of R5 per hectare
for the land leased through a strategic partnership between LEDET, the LTA and the traditional
authorities of Makuya, Mphaphuli and Mutele. Local communities also reap benefits in the form of
managed access to livelihood resources, plus preferred employment, training and community
development. (In the past local communities also received shares from hunting concession profits, as
well as meat, but this arrangement is no longer in place as a result of hunting related issues that need to
be resolved with the KNP.)
Mining and the development of mining operations are allowed within the reserve as a result of the fact
that the MNR has not been formally declared as a conservation area in terms of either NEMPAA, or
LEMA. The Tshikondeni Coal Mine, which is situated just outside the MNR, commenced with mining
operations in 1984. A shaft was, however, sunk within the boundaries of the reserve by this mining
group recently.
2.4.2 Climate
The MNR receives summer rainfall from October to April. The reserve has an average annual rainfall of
510 mm per year, the bulk of which falls during the summer months (Figure 4).
The area rarely experiences frost and the winters are dry, with temperatures varying from mild to cold.
The monthly average of maximum temperatures for the reserve ranges from 25°C in July to 33°C in
February. The region is coldest in July when temperatures drop to an average of 9°C at night (Figure 4).
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Figure 4: Average monthly rainfall and maximum and minimum temperatures for the Makuya Nature Reserve (Nwanedi
Weather Station: Latitude: 22.4540°S; Longitude: 30.5026°E; Altitude: 429 m above sea level).
2.4.3 Topography
The topography of the MNR can be described as rugged, with numerous koppies, sandstone ridges and
hills spread throughout the reserve. Steep valleys and deep gorges have been shaped by the prominent
Luvuvhu and Mutale Rivers flowing through the reserve, with flat sandy areas occurring mainly on flood
plains along the rivers and on the plateaus (Figure 3).
The lowest point of the MNR is located 281 m above sea level, while the highest point, which is close to
the Membe Gate in the south-western corner of the reserve, is located 749 m above sea level.
A number of breathtaking features are created by the topography of the MNR, including the Mutale
Potholes, which are located within the Mutale River in the northern section of the MNR; the Luvuvhu
Gorge; and a number of waterfalls, all of which contribute to the unique character of the reserve.
2.4.4 Geology and Soils
2.4.4.1 Geology
The geology of the MNR comprises the Beit Bridge Complex, Soutpansberg Group, Diabase, Karoo
Sequence, Post Karoo intrusives, Malvernia Formation and Quartenary deposits (alluvium).
2.4.4.2 Soils
A variety of soil forms occur in the MNR and can generally grouped according to the vegetation unit it
supports.
Lowveld Riverine Forest (Figure 5) occurs on deep, fine textured soils originating from recent alluvial
deposits.
Ironwood Dry Forest (Figure 5) occurs on fine to medium-textured soils that vary from sandy to sandyloamy. The soil depth in this vegetation unit ranges from 100-250 mm, with a pH varying between 4.8
and 8.3. Moderate concentrations of soluble salts are present in most of the soils, while soils on the
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upper slopes are strongly leached within this vegetation unit. A large portion of the soil surface of this
vegetation unit is covered by rock.
Soils associated with Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld (Figure 5) are acidic dystrophic, to mesotrophic
sandy, to loamy.
Makuleke Sandy Bushveld (Figure 5) is found mainly on deep sands to shallow sandy lithosols, and a few
areas with heavier soils.
Limpopo Ridge Bushveld soils (Figure 5) comprise shallow gravel and sand, to calcareous clayey soils.
As a result of the geology and hilly topography of the reserve, the soils in the hilly areas are generally
shallow, with a low clay content, while deeper soils occur in the valleys and floodplains.
2.4.4.3 Erosion
Erosion has been noted as a problem at the MNR, as many of the roads have been placed in unsuitable
areas, e.g. directly down a slope, instead of along the contours.
2.4.5 Drainage and Hydrology
The perennial, eastward flowing Luvuvhu and Mutale Rivers are the principal river systems associated
with the MNR. The Luvuvhu River (classified as endangered) flows north-east and forms the eastern
boundary of the reserve, separating the MNR and the KNP, while the Mutale River (also classified as
endangered) flows eastwards through approximately three kilometres of the northern section of the
reserve. The confluence of the two rivers is in the KNP and just east of the north-eastern border of the
MNR.
The Luvuvhu-Mutale River is regarded as one of only two flagship free-flowing rivers in Limpopo
Province and is the only flagship free-flowing river in Limpopo that is longer than 100 km. (Flagship
free-flowing rivers are defined as long stretches of rivers that have no in-stream dams and therefore
flow undisturbed from its source to either the confluence with a larger river, or to the sea. Flagship
free-flowing rivers are identified based on its representation of free-flowing rivers across the country, as
well as its importance to ecosystem processes and biodiversity value. These rivers should receive top
priority for retaining their free-flowing status.)
A number of smaller drainage lines are also located in the MNR, most of which drain into the Luvuvhu
River. The largest and most spectacular of these is the pristine Lambwe River in the southern part of
the reserve. The Lambwe River enters the MNR south of the Makuya entrance gate and flows
eastwards through a narrow gorge for approximately five kilometres before joining the Luvuvhu River.
The entire MNR is located with a River Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA).
Flash floods are a regular occurrence in the MNR, mainly as a result of the high intensity of rainfall
during the rainy season and the steep gradient of the drainage lines.
2.4.6 Vegetation
2.4.6.1 Vegetation Types
The vegetation of the MNR comprises Lowveld, Mopane and Central Bushveld vegetation units of the
Savanna Biome, with Azonal, Zonal and Intrazonal and Forest vegetation units also occurring.
19
Savanna is characterized by a herbaceous layer (usually dominated by grasses) with a woody
component – most typically an overstory of trees. In southern Africa, bushveld is an apt description of
the vegetation structure, as the vegetation most often does not comprise distinct shrub and tree layers.
Instead, shrubs and trees occur in a matrix with a grass-dominated herb layer.
The vegetation descriptions for MNR below follow Mucina and Rutherford (2006) (Figure 5).
Lowveld Riverine Forest
Lowveld Riverine Forest (Figure 5) is comprised of tall forests bordering larger rivers and pans. The
forests in this vegetation unit are dominated by either Ficus sycomorus or Diospyros mespiliformis and
are dense and tall. These forests have several tree layers comprised of Acacia robusta subsp. clavigera,
Breonadia salicina, Diospyros mespiliformis, Combretum hereroense, Croton megalobotrys and
Hyphaene coriacea, amongst others. A well-developed, dense shrub layer consists of various plant
species, such as Abutilon angulatum, Acacia schweinfurtheii, Ficus capreifolia and Hypoestes aristata.
Herbs such as Achyranthues aspera and grasses such as Digitaria eriantha, Panicum maximum and
Echinochloa pyramidalis are found within this vegetation unit.
Ironwood Dry Forest
Ironwood Dry Forest (Figure 5) is characterised by dense forests which, at times, can form a closed
canopy reaching 10 m in height. These forests are dominated by Lebombo Ironwood Androstachys
johnsii and are found on moderate to steep mountain slopes. Tall shrubs such as Croton
pseudopulchellus dominate the understory. The herbaceous component is dominated by Achyranthes
aspera, Commelina benghalensis and Selaginella dregei, while the graminoid component is
characterised by the presence of Aristida congesta and Panicum maximum, amongst others.
Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld
Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld (Figure 5) comprises a dense tree layer with a poorly developed
graminoid component. As a result of the wide variety of topographical features on which this
vegetation unit occurs, Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld comprises a complex combination of sharply
contrasting vegetation types within limited areas. The main vegetation variations are subtropical moist
thickets, mistbelt bush clumps, relatively open savannah sandveld and arid mountain bushveld.
The mistbelt bush clumps that occur in Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld have tree and shrub
components that are dominated by Catha edulis, Englerophytum magalismontanum, Mimusops zeyheri,
Syzygium legatii, Rhus magalismontana subsp. coddii and Parinari capensis subsp. capensis. The grass
and herbaceous layer is dominated by Coleochloa setifera, Setaria sphacelata and Fadogia homblei.
The tree and shrub component of open savanna sandveld is dominated by Burkea africana and Ochna
pulchra, while the grass layer is dominated by Centrapodia glauca.
The tree and shrub component of arid mountain bushveld within Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld is
dominated by Acacia nigrescens, Combretum apiculatum and Tinneas rhodesiana, with a herbaceous
layer comprising of Hibiscus meyeri subsp. transvaalensis and Kleinia fulgens.
Makuleke Sandy Bushveld
Makuleke Sandy Bushveld (Figure 5) is distinguished by tree savannas with a moderate to dense grass
component. The tree and shrub layer is dominated by Burkea africana, Kirkia minata and Terminalia
sericea (small trees) and Pteleopsis myrtifolia (tall shrub). The graminoid component includes
Andropogon gayanus, Digitaria erianthua subsp. pentzii and Panicum maximum.
20
Figure 5: Vegetation map of the Makuya Nature Reserve.
21
Limpopo Ridge Bushveld
Limpopo Ridge Bushveld (Figure 5) is distinguished by moderately open savannah with a poorly
developed herbaceous/grass layer. Kirkia acuminata, characterised by its umbrella-shaped canopy, is
prominent on some ridge skylines and often occurs with large individuals of Adansonia digitata that
occur on shallow calcareous gravel. The shrub Catophractes alexandri is dominant on calci-silicate soils.
The general tree and shrub component in this vegetation unit is dominated by Colophospermum
mopane, Commiphora glandulosa, C. tenuipetiolata and Terminalia prunoides, amongst others.
Musina Mopane Bushveld
Musina Mopane Bushveld (Figure 5) is characterised by open woodland, to mid-dense to closed
shrubland, which is dominated by C. mopane on clayey lowlands and C. apiculatum on the hills.
Moderately open savannah dominated by C. mopane, Terminalia sericea, Grewia flava and C.
apiculatum occurs in areas with deep sandy soils. The herbaceous layer is generally well developed,
especially on basalt, and is more open during the dry season. Areas with dense C. mopane shrubs have
a poorly developed field layer. The tree and shrub component comprises, amongst others, C. mopane,
C. apiculatum; G. flava and Sesamothamnus lugardii, while the grass layer is generally dominated by
Schmidtia pappophoroides.
2.4.6.2 Species of Conservation Concern
Table 4 lists the plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the MNR area5.
Table 4: Plant species of conservation concern known to occur in the Makuya Nature Reserve area
PLANT SCIENTIFIC NAME
Warburgia salutaris
Rhynchosia vendae
Euphorbia rowlandii
Brachystelma inconspicuum
Pavetta tshikondeni
Ansellia africana
Drimia altissima
Hypoxis hemerocallidea
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Rare
Rare
Declining
Declining
Declining
2.4.6.3 Invasive Alien Plants
Prickly Pear Opuntia sp. and Queen of the Night Cereus jamacaru occur at the MNR. The exact
distribution and density of these invasive plant species have not been specified.
2.4.7 Fauna
The MNR shares a fenceless border with the KNP, which allows game to move freely between the two
conservation areas. The Luvuvhu River is the only dividing boundary on the eastern side of MNR with
the KNP for the most part and the river level fluctuates with the seasons. As a result it is not possible to
establish fixed animal population numbers for the MNR, which is especially true for Cape Buffalo and
African Elephant. The presence of these two species, especially, is mostly determined by rainfall and
the availability of food.
5
The species of conservation concern indicated in this section have a strong probability of occurrence at this reserve, based on the Plants of
South Africa (POSA) database. The POSA includes a database of all plants recorded by means of voucher specimens lodged with one of the
recognised herbaria in South Africa. The actual occurrence of these species will, however, need to be ground-truthed as part of KPA 1:
Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation (Objective 1.5).
22
The Luvuvhu – Pafuri region is known as a South African birding hot spot as a result of the fact that the
rivers and the riparian vegetation it supports provide habitats to a wide variety of bird species. The
extensive riverine forest on the banks of the Luvuvhu River is a particularly important habitat for bird
species such as Pel’s Fishing Owl, Crowned Eagle and African Finfoot. The cliffs in the deep incised
gorges also provide ideal nesting sites for Verreaux’s Eagle, Peregrine and Lanner Falcons. Many socalled “specials” are also found in the reserve, such as Bohm’s and Mottled Spinetails and Dickenson’s
Kestrel.
The Luvuvhu River has many crocodiles and fish and the MNR has a wide diversity of other reptiles,
amphibians and invertebrates.
2.4.7.1 Mammals
Despite the difficulties associated with establishing fixed game numbers for the MNR, an aerial game
census was recently conducted in 2012. A total of 1 741 head of game was counted, an increase of 583
in terms of the previous census, which was conducted in 2010. Some of the more interesting mammal
figures for the reserve for 2012 were: Nyala (248), Cape Buffalo (217), Common Duiker (145), African
Elephant (55), Hippopotamus (38), Kudu (125), Leopard (1), Lion (1), Sharpe’s Grysbok (55) and Spotted
Hyaena (2), amongst others. Based on the results of this survey, it appears as if the numbers of most
game species within the reserve are on the increase, mostly as a result of migration from the KNP.
A total of 1 158 head of game was counted within the MNR in 2010. This figure constituted 16 different
mammal species, including Cape Buffalo, Burchell's Zebra, Hippopotamus, Warthog, Waterbuck,
Common Duiker, African Elephant, Impala, Nyala, Sharpe's Grysbok, Steenbok, Bushbuck, Klipspringer,
Kudu, Chacma Baboon, Nile Crocodile and Leopard.
Because the MNR borders on the KNP Nyalaland Wilderness Area, predators such as African Wild Dog
are also present in the reserve at times. Historically Black Rhino have crossed the Limpopo River from
Zimbabwe into South Africa and there is always the possibility that White Rhino may cross over from
the KNP, however this is marginal territory for both species and they are rarely seen.
Some of the smaller mammal species occurring in MNR are: Cape Clawless Otter, African Civet, various
mongoose species, Porcupine, Pangolin, Aardvark, various shrew, mice and rat species, Scrub Hare and
Natal Red Rock Hare, amongst others. A mammal list for MNR is available as part of the reserve’s State
of Knowledge Data Repository (SOKDR).
An arrangement was previously in place for local communities to benefit from the selling of hunting
quotas to professional hunters for hunting within the MNR. The practice of granting hunting
concessions was, however, suspended in 1992 until such time as a co-management agreement is put in
place between LEDET, the LTA, the KNP and representatives of the local communities in this regard.
The reason for the suspension of hunting concessions is two-fold: On the one hand there was violent
protests by members of the local communities because of the benefits of this arrangement not trickling
down to ground level, and on the other hand there was tension between the KNP and provincial
authorities regarding how the hunting is managed within the MNR and the implications of this for the
KNP, e.g. the follow up of wounded animals in an area that is zoned for wilderness walking trails.
2.4.7.1.1 Mammal Species of Conservation Concern
The mammal species of conservation concern listed in Table 5 are known to occur in the MNR.
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Table 5: Mammal species of conservation concern known to occur in the Makuya Nature Reserve
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Raphicerus sharpei
Panthera pardus
Panthera leo
Lycaon pictus
Loxodonta africana
Acinonyx jubatus
COMMON NAME
Sharpe’s Grysbok
Leopard
Lion
Wild Dog
African Elephant
Cheetah
IUCN STATUS
Least concern, but timid.
Near-threatened.
Threatened.
Endangered.
Vulnerable.
Vulnerable.
2.4.7.2 Avifauna
The MNR is characterised by a heterogeneous landscape with diverse habitat types, contributing to a
high level of avian species diversity. The presence of two flagship free-flowing perennial rivers, namely
the Luvuvhu and Mutale Rivers, offers various habitats for waterfowl and wetland and floodplain
associated species.
There are currently 195 verified species occuring in the MNR, of which 13 occur on the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species, namely African Finfoot (Vulnerable), Bateleur (Vulnerable), Half-collared Kingfisher
(Near-threatened), Lanner Falcon (Near-threatened), Lappet-faced Vulture (Vulnerable), Lemonbreasted Canary (Near-threatened), Martial Eagle (Vulnerable), Pel’s Fishing Owl (Vulnerable), Peregrine
Falcon (Near-threatened), Pink-throated Twinspot (Near-threatened), Red-billed Oxpecker (Nearthreatened), White-backed Vulture (Vulnerable) and Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Vulnerable). The level of
endemism reflected within the current verified species inventory includes two endemic and nine nearendemic species. The presence of numerous individuals of Baobab and other large tree species within
the MNR offers appropriate breeding sites for confirmed species like Bateleur (Vulnerable), Lappetfaced Vulture (Vulnerable), Martial Eagle (Vulnerable) and White-backed Vulture (Vulnerable). Martial
Eagle not only has IUCN significance, but is also an apex predator in its respective ecosystem and would
therefore fulfil an ecologically significant role.
The MNR contributes towards the conservation of the Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Vulnerable) within South
Africa, as the species has a very limited range and populations are generally localised, occurring
predominantly within protected areas in and surrounding the KNP. Similarly, another verified species
that is highly localised and included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, namely Lemon-breasted
Canary, only occurs within the KNP, surrounding protected areas and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.
Lowveld Riverine Forest and/or Ironwood Dry Forest sections in the reserve host two forest/riparian
species occurring on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, namely Pel’s Fishing-owl (Vulnerable) and
Pink-throated Twinspot (Near-threatened). Conserving the integrity of the Luvuvhu-Mutale rivers will
undoubtedly contribute towards the conservation of the Pel’s Fishing-owl population within the given
area as the greatest threats facing the species is water abstraction, silting and/or pollution of rivers that
it utilises as foraging and feeding habitats.
2.4.7.3 Reptiles and Amphibians
No reptile species lists could be sourced for the MNR, however all the species found in the KNP would
most likely also be found in the MNR. The following snakes are anticipated to be present in the MNR:
Black Mamba, Puff Adder, Boomslang, Snouted Cobra, Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Southern File Snake
and Southern African Rock Python, amongst others. The Luvuvhu River also has a healthy population of
Nile Crocodile. A reptile species list for MNR is available as part of the SOKDR.
A possible 32 different amphibian species can be found at the MNR. Of these the Northern Forest Rain
Frog Breviceps sylvestris is considered to be endangered and is endemic to Limpopo Province. Other
24
amphibians found in MNR are: Shovel-footed Squeaker, Brown-backed Tree Frog, Northern Pigmy Toad,
Painted Reed Frog, Red-legged Kassina, Banded Rubber Frog, Ornate Frog, African Bullfrog and Southern
Foam Nest Frog, amongst others. An amphibian species list for MNR is included in the SOKDR.
2.4.7.4 Fish
Thirty-five different fish species have been recorded in the Luvuvhu River, which separates the MNR
from the KNP, including Lowveld Large-scale Yellowfish, Common Catfish, Tiger Fish, River Sardine,
Mozambique Tilapia and Longfin Eel, amongst others. A list of the fish species of the MNR is available
as part of the SOKDR.
2.4.8 Heritage Resources
The Maphanda family grave site is located within the MNR. No information is, however, available on
the location and history of these graves.
Individuals from the local communities are known to collect water for spiritual/religious purposes from
the confluence of the Luvuvhu and Mutale Rivers, which is located just outside and to the east of the
MNR. The management of these two river systems is therefore key to the safeguarding of the cultural
value of the confluence.
The ancient Thulamela archaeological site, located just outside the MNR, overlooks the Luvuvhu River.
Artefacts dating from 1460 to 1640 have been found in this area, tying them to the last phase of the
Great Zimbabwe culture. The discovery of the stone citadel of Thulamela, which means ‘place of birth’
in the VhaVenda language, is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites in South Africa.
The Mutale River, a section of which flows through the northern part of the MNR, is intimately linked to
lake Fundudzi, which is located to the west of the reserve. This enchanted body of water is a sacred
lake of the Venda people that lies in the heart of the Soutpansberg and is one of the few true inland
lake systems in South Africa.
In light of the above it is clear that, even though the MNR does not contain large numbers of heritage or
cultural features within the reserve itself, it is located within a region that is rich in both heritage and
cultural features.
2.4.9 Reserve Infrastructure
There are seven entrance points into the MNR: The Mutale Gate in the north; the Tshikondeni Gate on
the central western boundary, which is the main entrance point into the reserve; the Musonada,
Makuya, Membe and Masetoni Gates along the south-western boundary; and lastly Gate Four.
Tshikondeni Gate is equipped with a visitors’ reception office, administration offices (which consist of a
brick building and a park home), store rooms and tourist accommodation. This complex, however,
currently does not have access to electricity or water. Ranger posts, which generally consist of a
number of traditional huts, are located at each of the six remaining entrance gates. These gates are not
permanently staffed and generally do not have access to water.
The road network in the Tshikondeni Mine area of the MNR is extensive and in a decent condition,
whereas the roads in the northern and southern sections of the reserve are limited. A single road runs
along the old veterinary fence line and is currently in a poor condition and can only be accessed via 4x4.
An additional road connects the Tshikondeni Gate to the main camp, which is approximately 5.4 km in
length and in a fair condition.
25
The reserve has two operational overnight facilities for tourists. Both the Singo Safari Lodge and the
Mutale Falls African Ivory Route Camp are managed by the LTA, but are currently operating under a
permit issued to TFPD. The Mutale Falls African Ivory Route Camp is currently equipped with five
overnight tents, while the Singo Safari Lodge is equipped with eight tents, a laundry facility and a
swimming pool. The Singo Safari Lodge receives water from a borehole located close to the Luvuvhu
River, while the Mutale Falls African Ivory Route Camp obtains water directly out of the Mutale River.
There are also two campsites, equipped with ablution and braai facilities, located within the MNR.
These camp sites were used by hunters in the past, but neither of these campsites are operational at
present.
Staff accommodation within the reserve is made up of one five bedroomed house and eight
prefabricated houses.
The Levuvhu Wilderness Trail 4x4-route runs through the reserve and is currently managed by LTFD on a
permit basis. This route takes five days and four nights to complete and runs from Phalaborwa to the
Pafuri Gate of the KNP, and then through the Letaba Ranch and Makuya Nature Reserves. Campsites
within this route are unfenced, with no water or other facilities available.
No servitudes are located within the boundaries of the MNR.
2.4.10 Social Context
The MNR is surrounded by a population of approximately 14 707 individuals6.
2.5 Local and Regional Planning
The MNR is located within the borders of the Mutale Local Municipality (MLM), which is located within
the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) of Limpopo Province.
Opportunities listed within the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the VDM for the period 2012/2013
– 2016/2017 include “…natural tourism attractions…” and “…tourism attraction centres”.
In terms of regional economic development and integration the VDM IDP recognises that portions of
two different Transfrontier Parks (TFPs), involving four different countries, are located within the VDM.
The Kruger National Park (KNP) of South Africa, Gonarezhou National Park of Zimbabwe and Limpopo
National Park of Mozambique collectively form the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, while the
Mapungubwe National Park of South Africa, Tuli Circle Safari Area of Zimbabwe, and Northern Tuli
Game Reserve of Botswana are integrated to form the Limpopo-Shashe Transfrontier Park. It is
recognised in the VDM IDP that this situation presents the VDM with a great potential for growth in the
tourism sector. With this end goal in mind, a tourism strategy was developed in order to assist in
designing an effective marketing plan and strategy, and identify appropriate marketing tools, to achieve
maximum exposure and awareness for the VDM region. To date it appears that this strategy has not
carried through to any implementation. The VDM IDP also identifies challenges currently affect tourism
within the region, i.e. the upgrading of roads; interference by the municipality and sector department
officials; deterioration of heritage sites; lack of signage and marketing; and low service standards in
some tourism destinations. The IDP gives no indication of how these challenges will be addressed.
6
The social context of the MNR was determined by identifying the municipal wards within which the reserve is located, as well as those
immediately bordering the reserve. Using the results of the South African National Census of 2011, the total number of people within these
wards was then calculated to give a representation of the population in the vicinity of the reserve. It should be kept in mind that ward sizes
differ considerably and that the value listed may include individuals residing relatively far from the reserve.
26
The Local Economic Development (LED) Plan of the VDM IDP identifies a number of nature reserves and
parks, including the Nwanedi Nature Reserve (located between the Makuya and Musina Nature
Reserves), the Baobab Nature Reserve (presumably the Musina Nature Reserve), and KNP, in which the
provision of infrastructure should be prioritized in order to attract more tourists. The MNR is not
mentioned, but the upgrading of the gravel road between Masisi and Makuya is currently being
implemented. The IDP LED Plan also states that the VBR and Transfrontier Parks need to be developed
into tourism attractions at a district level.
The MLM IDP for the period 2012/13 to 2016/17 makes considerable mention of the MNR as a centre
attracting tourism to the area. It is, however, also acknowledged that a lack of reliable energy and
potable water hinders the growth of the tourism industry in the municipality. The absence of a
database of all tourism centres within the municipality also results in these centres not being properly
developed and marketed.
Tourism is regarded as a priority economic development issue within the municipality. The following
problems with regard to developing the tourism potential of the municipality are, however, listed:
There is incognisance of the municipality’s tourism potential; tourism infrastructure is of a poor quality;
tourism sites are not readily accessible; deforestation; and poaching.
Core issues identified for the MLM include the following:
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Maximising tourism potential within the area via a coordinated approach to the planning and
development of the tourism industry.
The exploitation of the cultural diversity of the area.
The accessibility of tourism facilities, including both physical accessibility and socio-economic
affordability.
The following key priority issues relevant to the MNR have been identified for the MLM:
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Promoting local tourism in a manner that will attract investors and tourists to the municipality;
Ensuring that the development of tourism support infrastructure and services enhances
accessibility and ensures an competitive edge;
Working closely with the LTA and other agencies to market the local tourism experience both
nationally and internationally;
Identification of emerging tourism initiatives and sourcing funding on their behalf;
Supporting local tourism entrepreneurs through a capacity building programme;
Developing a tourism route guide;
Introducing and training tour guides;
Promoting mining development and encouraging community beneficiation; and
Working in close cooperation with the DMR to promote mining development.
The IDP of the MLM also mentions that the municipality is situated along the African Ivory Route, which
is a tourism development corridor. The IDP continues to state that the protection of the existing
natural, environmental and cultural resources of this area should be the primary aim in the spatial
planning, land-use management and land development processes and decisions of the municipality.
2.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
Table 6 lists the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that were identified for the MNR.
27
Table 6: Key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identified for the Makuya Nature Reserve
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KEY STRENGTHS
The reserve forms part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve.
The reserve is situated in an area that supports a whole range of other game parks, nature
reserves and tourist attractions including the Nwanedi Nature Reservek, Mapungubwe World
Heritage Site, the Limpopo-Shashe and Great Limpopo Transfrontier Parks and the KNP.
The reserve is located close to the Pafuri Gate of the KNP, the Zimbabwean border and is en
route to Mozambique.
Tiger fish can be caught in the Luvuvhu River, which runs through the reserve.
The reserve shares its eastern border with the KNP and, as a result, all the animals that occur in
KNP can be seen in the MNR.
The population density of surrounding communities is relatively low.
The reserve has unique landscapes and geological features that have a very high scenic value.
The vegetation and faunal biodiversity is high.
The northern part of the reserve is easily accessible via the tarred Tshipise – Pafuri road.
The reserve has very large wilderness areas.
Two perennial rivers (the Luvuvhu and Mutale Rivers) flow through the reserve, providing
permanent watering points.
The mining operations of the Tshikondeni Mine have resulted in relatively good infrastructure
located close to the reserve (roads, water and electricity).
The presence of the Big Five (African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino).
KEY WEAKNESSES (ISSUES & CHALLENGES)
The reserve is not officially proclaimed as a protected area.
Mining activities are currently taking place within the reserve, with no monitoring of its impact
on the reserve’s ecosystems.
Water and electricity supply received from mining infrastructure on the reserve may end when
mining activities conclude.
The reserve is not part of any regional disaster management initiatives or Fire Protection
Associations (FPA).
The co-management agreement between the management of the MNR and KNP cannot be
located and relations are sometimes strained.
No research programmes are currently being conducted within the reserve.
The tar road to the Tshikondeni Mine ends 3 km from the reserve’s gate. Many of the MNR’s
internal roads are only accessible via 4x4 vehicles - this makes management difficult and
increases wear and tear on equipment and vehicles.
Portions of the boundary fence need to be repaired.
Incomplete staff complement (gaps in management/organogram). Reserve staff has limited
capacity.
Ageing staff complement.
The reserve is relatively distant from any major city centres.
The reserve is situated in a high risk malaria area.
The difficult terrain makes management access to the many areas of the reserve difficult, is
hard on equipment, and makes road construction and maintenance difficult.
The difficult terrain and dense vegetation makes game viewing difficult.
The reserve is situated in a veterinary control area.
The shape of the reserve (long and narrow) makes management and tourism access difficult,
limits development opportunities, and compromises management activities.
The management authority is ineffective and incapacitated by internal political issues.
Summer months are extremely hot, which makes management difficult and limits tourism
during these months.
Institutional financial constraints and a lack of a dedicated budget for the reserve as a cost
28
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centre hinder the maintenance and operations of the reserve.
There are no shops within or in close proximity to the reserve.
Information on and the marketing of the reserve is poor.
Most reserve operational equipment is not in a good working order.
OPPORTUNITIES
Inaccessibility creates desirable wilderness areas.
Inaccessibility has resulted in a uniquely pristine environment for both tourism and research.
Tshikondeni Mine and reserve management can combine to undertake some management
activities such as erosion control and road maintenance.
The reserve offers a high quality birding experience.
The mine will probably close in 3 – 5 years’ time, thus removing the threats constituted by
mining operations.
The reserve is located en route to the KNP and Mozambique and can therefore easily be
included in a tourism package.
Winter weather is extremely pleasant.
Some management activities can and must be combined and synchronised with KNP.
THREATS
Possibility of water pollution from mining activities.
The reserve is not officially proclaimed as a protected area.
The western boundary is frequently damaged by seasonal rainfall.
Poaching from surrounding communities.
Droughts and low rainfall.
Impoverished communities closely border the reserve to the west.
Degradation of existing infrastructure due to illegal entry into the reserve.
Poor agricultural and land use practices prevail outside the reserve, impacting on ecosystems
within the reserve.
High levels of corruption in the government institutions of the area impact on management.
There is a considerable conflict among communities that have a land stake in the reserve,
particularly with regard to the division of reserve benefits.
Benefits generated by the reserve do not seem to filter through to many community members.
The need to develop tourism can reduce the wilderness experience and impact on pristine
landscapes.
Mining activities may impact on ecosystem function.
The shape and topography of the reserve make the control of fires very difficult.
Elephants damage the fencing along the reserve boundary, creating a risk of people-animal
conflict.
Uncomfortable summer temperatures.
The reserve is located within a veterinary control area.
Several invasive alien vegetation species occur in the reserve.
Proposed dam developments in the Luvuvhu and Mutale Rivers.
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3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK
3.1 Purpose
Sections of land were donated to the former Venda homeland government by three local chiefs,
Mutele, Makuya and Mphaphuli, for the establishment of a communal nature reserve.
In present times, the value of the MNR as a conservation area can also be attributed to the following:
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It includes a portion of Lowveld Riverine Forest, a threatened and protected ecosystem.
It includes portions of Ironwood Dry Forest, a critically endangered vegetation unit, as well as
Makuleke Sandy Bushveld and Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld, two vulnerable vegetation
units. The latter vegetation unit is furthermore also regarded as being poorly protected.
A combined total of 16 threatened reptile, amphibian, bird and/or mammal species occur at the
reserve.
The reserve falls within a National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA).
The reserve is dissected by the endangered Luvuvhu and Mutale Rivers.
The reserve was identified as playing an important role in terms of hydrological processes, as
well as ecological processes associated with ridges and escarpments. The reserve is also located
within a centre of endemism.
The reserve contains areas classified as “irreplaceable” in terms of Critical Biodiversity Values.
The reserve is regarded as playing an important social support role in local and surrounding
communities.
The reserve forms part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve and is therefore of international
importance.
The reserve is regarded as having a high income generating potential.
3.2 Reserve Values
The following key values of the MNR were identified by the RPT:
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KEY RESERVE VALUES
With leadership and finances, reserve has the potential to demonstrate the efficacy, and
benefits, of functional partnerships between the State and communal land owners in the
collaborative administration and management of provincial nature reserves.
The reserve has a unique set of landscapes and waterscapes. Its diverse topography includes
sheer cliffs, deep valleys and mountain slopes interspersed with plains, and perennial and
seasonal river courses containing waterfalls, deep gorges, potholes and pools.
The reserve offers a unique wilderness experience.
The reserve contains irreplaceable ecosystems and is critical to the conservation of the region’s
biodiversity.
The reserve forms an integral part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR).
The reserve, its biodiversity, ecosystems and its management are critically linked to the KNP.
The reserve offers opportunities for professional hunting.
3.3 The Reserve Vision
The vision of the reserve describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection and
development of the MNR. The following vision was developed by the RPT:
30
VISION
Our vision is to have a reserve that people seek out for its unique landscape, waterscape and
wilderness attributes. We want a reserve that fulfils its role as a component of the Vhembe
Biosphere Reserve by integrating the wildlife and tourism industries to jointly promote and develop
tangible benefits and sustainable utilization of the area for the benefit of all the people of the area.
We want a reserve whose management is seamlessly linked with the Kruger National Park. We
would like to develop a reserve that is a collaborative partnership between the State and the
Makhuya, Mutele and Mphaphuli communities in the ongoing conservation and sustainable use of
the Makhuya Nature Reserve and the surrounding environment. From this partnership, we envisage
securing:
 The protection of the reserve’s unique scenic qualities.
 The preservation of the wilderness attributes of the reserve in order to promote a true
“Bushveld” experience.
 Conservation of the biodiversity of the Makuleke Sandy Bushveld, the Limpopo Ridge
Bushveld, the Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld and the critically endangered Lowveld
Riverine Forest and adjacent Ironwood Dry Forest.
 Conservation of the ecosystems of the Luvuvhu and Mutale River systems with its attendant
cultural values.
 The development of a reserve that serves to educate people about the unique features of the
dry northern Bushveld.
 Equitable access to, and responsible use of, the reserve and its natural resources.
 Meaningful and sustained benefits for the three communities (Makhuya, Mutele and
Mphaphuli) whose land makes up the reserve.
3.4 Key Performance Areas and Objectives
The RPT identified 24 Objectives for the MNR. Collectively these objectives will contribute to realising
the Vision for the reserve.
These objectives have, in turn, been grouped into six Key Performance Areas (KPAs), as follows:
KEY PERFORMANCE
AREAS (KPA)
KPA 1:
Biodiversity and
Heritage
Conservation
OBJECTIVES
1.1 Manage and maintain viable populations of locally indigenous fauna in the
MNR.
1.2 Maintain a natural fire regime within the MNR.
1.3 Eliminate the spread and impacts of invasive alien plants and manage
bush encroachment.
1.4 Protect the heritage resources of the MNR.
1.5 Update key baseline information and develop and maintain a targeted
research and monitoring program in order to guide the management of
biodiversity within the MNR.
31
KPA 2:
Sustainable Use
2.1 Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings
and infrastructure in the MNR.
2.2 Develop, deliver and maintain a range of tourism and recreational
products and services for visitors to the MNR.
2.3 Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing,
awareness-raising and educational programme for the MNR.
2.4 Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources derived from the MNR.
2.5 Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation
management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the MNR.
KPA 3:
Enforcement,
Security and Access
Control
3.1 Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the MNR.
3.2 Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the
MNR.
KPA 4:
Infrastructure and
Equipment
(Operations)
4.1 Develop and maintain the road, management track and footpath network
in the MNR.
4.2 Construct, upgrade and maintain the local services infrastructure in the
MNR.
4.3 Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operational
buildings and infrastructure in the MNR.
4.4 Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the MNR.
KPA 5:
Stakeholder
Involvement
5.1 Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional
Makuya Nature Reserve Co-management Committee in the planning,
development and management of the MNR.
5.2 Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoing
communications with co-management partners, private stakeholders and
neighbouring land owners.
5.3 Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic
development initiatives that may affect or benefit the MNR.
5.4 Identify, and enable access to, employment, empowerment and capacity
building opportunities derived through the MNR.
KPA 6:
Administration and
Planning
6.1 Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the MNR.
6.2 Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff
complement for the MNR.
6.3 Institute and maintain an effective administrative capability in the MNR.
6.4 Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the
MNR and its ongoing management.
3.5 Zonation
Based on available information, and in consultation with the RPT, a Use Zone Map (UZM) is presented
as a broad, overarching, medium-term spatial planning framework for the MNR (Figure 6).
The UZM indicates the extent and location of suitable visitor use zones for the MNR, with management
guidelines and broad conservation and tourism infrastructural requirements designated for each use
zone.
Annexure 1 describes the objectives, characteristics, uses and management guidelines for each of the
use zones shown in Figure 6.
32
Figure 6: Use zone map of the Makuya Nature Reserve.
33
4. STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
This section translates the strategic objectives framework described in Section 3 into guiding principles
for management, management actions and management targets (for each set of objectives within
each KPA), which will be used to inform Annual Plans of Operation (APOs) and the resources required to
implement them.
The guiding principles are the norms and standards by which the management team of the MNR will
make its operational management decisions and conduct its activities.
Management actions are the key strategic activities that should be implemented to achieve the reserve
objectives. Management actions are defined and prioritized for the five-year time horizon of this
Strategic Plan (SP). Each management action has been prioritised as follows:
CATEGORY
PRIORITIES
Critical to the effective management of the reserve. Funding and resources should be
secured to implement these actions.
7
HIGH
MEDIUM
Important to the effective management of the reserve, but its implementation may be
delayed because of limited funds or resources.
LOW
Constitutes good management practice, but not necessarily critical or important to
reserve management effectiveness. Implementation may be dependent on the
availability of external funding or support.
Time Frames, Targets, Key Performance Indicators and Responsibilities are, in turn, allocated for each
management action, or a group of linked management actions.
In this section, the guiding principles and management activities (organised by management action,
priority, target, performance indicator, responsibility and timelines) are presented separately for each
KPA and its set of related objectives.
7
As reflected in the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT).
34
KPA 1: BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION
Fauna
#
1
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The reserve shall conform to the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelines
relating to wildlife management:
 Guideline for aerial game census on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/1);
 Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7);
 Technical management guidelines and procedures for game registers on provincial
nature reserves (12/6/12/7/8);
 Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial
 Technical management guideline and procedures for the introduction of mammals
into provincial nature reserves (2008);
 Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to Historically
Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry.
 Provincial directive on the control and management of damage-causing wild animals
in Limpopo Province; and
 Draft policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves.
2
Wildlife management in the reserve must be focused primarily on protecting the ecological
functioning of the reserve.
3
Wildlife stocking densities should be maintained within the ecological capacity of the
supporting habitats of the reserve.
4
A regular programme for monitoring the veld condition, the animal numbers and the physical
condition of animals must be in place to ensure that the ecological capacity of the reserve is
not exceeded.
5
Population management of wildlife species shall be required to ensure that such species are
not causing the ecological degradation of the reserve. The management of African Elephant
populations shall conform to the NEMBA: National norms and standards for the management
of elephants in South Africa.
6
Wherever practicable, non-lethal and environmentally-friendly measures should be
developed and implemented to limit, or mitigate, the impacts of any indigenous problemcausing animal in, or escaping from, the reserve.
Fire
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NVFFA.
2
Unplanned wildfires that occur in areas where it could have undesirable ecological effects,
threaten reserve infrastructure or threaten neighbouring properties shall be suppressed or
controlled wherever possible.
35
3
Unplanned wildfires that occur in reserve areas where it will do no ecological harm and/or
threaten properties may be allowed to burn, provided that safety concerns are not
compromised.
4
Fire protection measures and resources (equipment, trained personnel, firebreaks, etc.) must
be maintained and effective in the reserve at all times.
5
The reserve management should, wherever possible, establish partnerships with neighbours
and other role-players through agreements and membership of FPAs.
6
Controlled block burns can only be implemented after an ecological assessment of the dry
matter/fuel load has been completed.
Invasive alien plants / bush encroachment
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of Sections 64-77 of NEMBA and the
relevant sections of CARA, as amended.
2
All declared invasive alien plant species occurring in the reserve shall be eradicated, using the
most cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods.
3
While active bush encroachment control measures (mechanical, fire, biological and/or
chemical) shall be adopted in the reserve in the short-term, the primary long-term
management objective is sound veld management practices (conservative wildlife stocking
rates, natural patch burn regimes, adequate water provision and soil conservation).
Heritage resources
#
1
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the NHRA.
Biodiversity inventory, research and monitoring
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
relating to monitoring:
 Guideline for monitoring of climate and maintenance and establishment of climaterelated infrastructure on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/2).
2
The collection of baseline information, support for research projects and the ongoing
implementation of monitoring programmes shall be focused on, and directed towards,
supporting operational planning and decision-making in the reserve. Information gathering
activities will also be guided by the LEDET Strategic planning for law enforcement in Stateowned nature reserves – Operational Plan.
36
Management actions and targets
KPA 1: Biodiversity Conservation in Consultation with the KNP and Heritage Conservation
Objective 1.1: Manage and maintain viable populations of locally indigenous fauna in the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management targets
Key performance indicators
Responsibility
1
(i) In conjunction with the KNP, develop
and maintain a basic Wildlife Management
Programme (WMP) for the MNR.
(ii) Under the direction of the Game
Monitoring Strategy, conduct an aerial
game census (during August to
November). Integrate aerial census and
foot patrol data.
(iii) Develop and implement appropriate
disease (anthrax, TB and foot-and-mouth)
monitoring, reporting and management
protocols.
(iv) Based on the outcomes of the most
recent game census data, the current veld
condition assessment (VCA) and the
stocking rates determined in the Wildlife
Management Programme and in
conjunction with the KNP, annually
determine and implement the
culling/capture/hunting requirements for
large and medium-sized game species.
(v) Annually determine and allocate in
accordance with the agreement with the
Makuya Development Trust, the
community portion of the hunting/culling
activities (see Sustainable Use). Monitor
All wildlife stocking densities
contained at levels below the
ecological capacity of the vegetation.
Carrying capacity of vegetation,
based on VCA vs. large and
medium-sized game counts,
based on game census results.
Disease monitoring reports.
Culling/capture programmes
implemented.
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity Unit)
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity Unit)
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity Unit)
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity Unit);
Reserve Manager
MNR Management,
together with the
Makuya Reserve
Community Forum
37
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
all hunting activities conducted by Makuya
Safaris.
(vi) In conjunction with KNP management
authorities and specialists, and in
alignment with the strategic focus of the
KNPs elephant management plan, develop
a subsidiary Elephant Management Plan
for the MNR.
(vii) Maintain and implement the water
provision requirements for game species,
as described by the WMP and the
Elephant Management Plan.
(viii) Under direction of the WMP
(supplemented by consultation with
wildlife specialists and the KNP),
undertake any wildlife restocking or new
introductions that may be required.
(ix) Assess, and implement, in consultation
with the KNP, environmentally friendly
measures to reduce the impacts of any
damage-causing and problem animals.
Mandate and train MNR staff to undertake
the necessary measures.
Elephant management
coordinated with the KNP.
Elephant Management Plan.
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity Unit)
Reserve Manager
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity Unit)
Reserve Manager
No problem causing animals
/incidents.
Records of problem causing
animal and incidents.
Objective 1.2: Maintain a natural fire regime within the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management targets
Responsibility
1
(i) Prepare a simple, functional Fire
Management Programme for the MNR.
(ii) Under the direction of the Fire
Management Programme, maintain a
system of fire breaks around the western
reserve boundary and between the
Makuleke Contractual Park and the MNR.
Fires in the reserve do not have
undesirable ecological effects,
threaten reserve infrastructure or
threaten neighbouring properties.
Cost of damage resulting from fires
spreading to neighbouring
properties (based on insurance
claim).
Cost of damage to reserve
infrastructure from fires (based on
insurance claim).
Ecological condition of veld (based
38
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity Unit)
Reserve Manager
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
Maintain fire breaks around key
infrastructure (proposed and existing
camp site, Singo Lodge, Ivory Route camp,
staff housing, administration facilities and
all gate infrastructure).
(iii) Ensure that all reserve management
staff are adequately trained and equipped
to implement the Fire Management
Programme.
(iv) Establish and maintain formal and
informal partnerships with the KNP,
Tshikondeni Mine and fire management
agencies (e.g. Vhembe District
Municipality, Mutale Local Municipality,
Working on Fire/FFA) to improve the
capacity of the reserve to implement the
Fire Management Programme.
(v) Install and maintain basic fire
protection measures (e.g. fire
extinguishers, fire hoses and roof
sprinklers) in all tourism, administration
and staff accommodation buildings.
(vi) Maintain, in accordance with the
requirements of the Fire Management
Programme, records of all fires occurring
in the reserve.
on vegetation monitoring).
Reserve Manager
Records of staff attendance at fire
fighting training programs.
Regional Manager;
Reserve Manager
Formal fire co-operative
management agreement.
Maintenance register of fire fighting
equipment.
Reserve Manager /
LTA (or other
Tourism Manager)
Reserve Manager
Records of incidences of fire.
Objective 1.3: Eliminate the spread and impacts of invasive alien plants and manage bush encroachment
Management action
Priority
Management targets
Responsibility
1
(i) Map (geo-reference) all known
landscape invasive alien plant infestations
occurring in the reserve, prioritising the
Lowveld Riverine Forest and the Makuleke
Sandy Bushveld. Update this map on an
No seeding invasive alien plants.
Annually updated map of
distribution of alien invasive plants.
39
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity Unit) /
Reserve Manager
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
ongoing basis.
(ii) Eradicate, on an on-going basis, all
known landscape invasive alien plant
infestations occurring in the reserve.
Extent, by density, of invasive alien
plants.
(iii) In conjunction with the KNP maintain
the density of aquatic weeds and other
aliens in and on the banks of the Luvuvhu
and Mutale Rivers at the lowest possible
level to limit negative biodiversity
impacts, using (where appropriate)
biological control, chemical treatments
and mechanical removal.
(iv) Develop partnerships with the KNP
and funding and implementing agencies
(e.g. WfW) to improve the capacity of the
reserve to sustain its invasive alien plant
control program.
(v) Implement an ad hoc programme of
mechanical control to contain the spread,
densification and impacts of bush
encroachment.
Functional aquatic ecosystems in
the Luvuvhu and Mutale Rivers.
Extent, by density, of invasive aquatic
weeds.
Management
Authority
Reserve Manager
Management
Authority
Reserve Manager
Regional Manager /
Level of external funding for alien plant
Reserve Manager
control. Formal cooperative
agreement with KNP to manage
aquatic weeds.
No spread, or densification, of
bush encroachment.
Reserve Manager
Extent, by area, of bush encroachment.
Objective 1.4: Protect the heritage resources of the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management targets
Responsibility
1
(i) In collaboration with academic
institutions, research, document and
compile an inventory of the heritage
resources of the reserve and surrounding
areas.
(ii) Develop informational and interpretive
materials about the heritage resources of
the reserve and surrounding areas.
Heritage resources of the reserve
and surrounding areas documented
and researched.
Inventory of local heritage
resources.
Protected Area
Management
Directorate (PAM)
Protected Area
Management
Directorate (PAM)
40
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
(iii) Develop and implement a prioritised
programme of maintenance of the
heritage resources inside the reserve.
Reserve Manager /
LTA (Concessionaire)
Reserve heritage resources
monitored and properly maintained.
Objective 1.5: Update key baseline information, and develop and maintain a targeted research and monitoring program in order to guide the management of
biodiversity in the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management targets
Responsibility
1
(i) Identify, and prioritise, the reserve’s
requirements for baseline information,
research and monitoring to enable it to
manage its biodiversity.
(ii) Collect and/or update key baseline
biodiversity data and research
information for the reserve, including:
vegetation community and species
mapping; faunal species data and
population profiles; carrying capacities;
optimal stocking rates of wildlife; fire
history; state, rate and extent of bush
encroachment; water availability and
quality, river flooding events and
temperature and rainfall data.
(iii) Develop, implement and/or maintain
key biodiversity monitoring activities in
the reserve, including: vegetation
monitoring; state of bush encroachment;
problem animal events; and climate.
(iv) Maintain information from field patrol
records of fauna and flora.
(v) Facilitate access for external research
institutions to implement the reserve’s
priority research and monitoring
requirements.
Reserve database of managementoriented biodiversity information in
place and maintained.
Reserve database of managementoriented biodiversity information.
Management
Authority
Reserve Manager
Management
Authority
Reserve Manager
Management
Authority
Reserve Manager
Reserve Manager
Number of management related
research projects.
41
Management
Authority
Reserve Manager
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
KPA 2: SUSTAINABLE USE
Tourism and recreation infrastructure and services
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
In developing and maintaining tourism and recreational infrastructure and services, the
reserve shall obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water,
drainage, health, safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws.
2
Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services developed within the nature reserve
must be appropriate to the purpose for which the reserve has been proclaimed, and must not
threaten its biodiversity or ecological function.
3
Tourism and recreational infrastructure and services should be developed in response to
tourism market demands and opportunities within the reserve, and should be carefully
assessed to determine its viability.
4
A portion of the income derived from tourism and recreational services in the reserve shall be
distributed to the Makuya, Mphaphuli and Mutele communities in accordance with the
relevant clauses in the Makuya Development Trust Agreement and in accordance with the
mission statement of the LTA.
Marketing, awareness-raising and education
#
1
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The reserve shall collaborate and cooperate with key local, regional and institutional partners
to: (i) strengthen the marketing of the reserve’s tourism and recreational infrastructure and
services; (ii) improve the awareness of the reserve, and its prospective uses, in local
communities; and (iii) further develop the use of the reserve as a local educational resource
for teaching institutions.
Natural resource harvesting
#
1
2
3
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
All hunting activities shall conform to the protocols agreed with the KNP with respect to the
use of boundary roads, bagging of weapons, sensitivities to other tourists and the crossing
over of wounded animals from the MNR to the KNP.
The reserve shall conform with the following LEDET policies, procedures and/or guidelines
relating to natural resource use:
 Guidelines for culling on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/7);
 Technical management guidelines and procedures for game capture on provincial
 Policy on the donation of game from State-owned nature reserves to Historically
Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the wildlife industry.
 Draft Policy for the reduction of game from (provincial) nature reserves.
Sustainable use of natural and biological resources may be undertaken under strictly
controlled conditions, provided that it does not compromise the ecological functioning or
biodiversity conservation imperatives of the reserve.
42
4
The Makuya Nature Reserve Management Advisory Committee shall review options for, and
make recommendations to, the ‘Executing Agency’ on, the distribution of benefits accruing
from the consumptive harvesting of natural and biological resources in the reserve.
Managing environmental impacts of use
#
1
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The reserve shall strive to continually improve its environmental management systems,
through reducing or mitigating the environmental impacts of, inter alia: administrative and
visitor infrastructure; solid waste disposal; water supply and distribution systems; energy
supply and distribution networks; sewage systems; and herbicide and fuel supplies.
43
KPA 2: Sustainable Use
Objective 2.1: Construct, upgrade and maintain day visitor and overnight visitor buildings and infrastructure in the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Key performance indicator
Responsibility
Functional overnight and day
visitor buildings and infrastructure.
Level of conformance (%) with South
African National Standard (SANS)
1197:2012.
Number of day and over-night visitors.
Formalised Ivory Route Camp and
Singo Safari Camp management
agreement.
LTA Senior
Manager;
Management
Authority;
Makuya
Development
Trust
LTA Senior
Manager
1
(i) Assess the cost-effectiveness of
different management options (e.g.
concessioning, leasing and joint ventures)
for operating the Singo Safari Camp and
the Ivory Route Camp in the MNR.
(ii) Implement, and formalise (as
required), the selected management
option for the operation of the Singo
Safari Camp and Ivory Route Camp.
(iii) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the
Singo Safari Camp and Ivory Route Camp
facilities, equipment and linked
infrastructure (including bulk
infrastructure), to meet LTA/LEDET
standards for the provision of naturebased tourism products.
(iv) Repair and maintain the principal
tourist roads to a standard that will
accommodate self-drive 4x4 vehicles and
bakkies in all weather.
(v) Upgrade, renovate and maintain the
day visitor facilities (including safety
signage), viewpoints and the Luvuvhu
Wilderness 4x4 Trail in the reserve.
(vi) Assess the feasibility of renovating the
Tourism
Operators
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager;
Tourism
Operators
LTA Senior
44
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
existing campsite and developing a new
camping / caravanning site near the
World View viewpoint.
Manager;
Management
Authority;
Makuya
Development
Trust; Tourism
Operators
Reserve
Manager
(vii) Install/upgrade informational,
directional and compliance signage in and
en route to the reserve.
(viii) Monitor on a regular basis and
control as far a possible the impacts of
the mining operations within the reserve.
Reserve
Manager
Objective 2.2: Develop, deliver and maintain a range of tourism and recreational products and services for visitors to the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Support entrepreneurial opportunities
for local communities to participate in the
provision and management of tourist and
recreational products.
(ii) Design, create and maintain in a state
that ensures accessibility at all times, a
new hiking trail in the southern wilderness
part of the reserve.
(iii) Investigate the feasibility of
establishing a mountain bike trail in the
central and/or northern remote areas of
the reserve.
(iv) Provide adequate security for visitors
to the reserve – maintain liaison with local
authorities, emergency services, the
Tshikondeni Mine and KNP. Provide
visitor information to reduce
opportunities for crime and possibilities of
injury by animals or from terrain and
Effectively managed and regularly
maintained tourism and
recreational services.
Level of conformance (%) with South
African National Standard (SANS)
1197:2012.
Number of day and over-night visitors.
LTA
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
No incidents of visitor harm.
Visitor harm/injury incident reports.
45
Reserve
Manager
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
climate.
(v) Maintain profiles of all reserve visitors
and users (e.g. numbers/groups, age
category, reason for visit, time of visit,
length of stay, nationality, etc.) in a
standardized format and use as a
decision-support tool to guide and direct
the development of new tourism facilities
and services.
Tourism development decision
support tool.
Up to date reserve schedule of visitor
profiles.
(vi) Align all infrastructure construction,
upgrades maintenance and all tourism
product development to the use zone
plan.
LTA
Management
Authority;
Reserve
Manager;
Makuya
Reserve
Community
Forum
Objective 2.3: Develop and implement a focused and cost-effective marketing, awareness-raising and educational programme for the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Develop, package and market reserve
products by way of an effective
communications strategy.
(ii) Develop mutually beneficial
partnerships with local and regional
marketing and tourism initiatives,
including the relevant local and district
municipality, the KNP, LTFP, VBR and
Mapungubwe National Park and Heritage
Site in order to improve the marketing
and awareness of the MNR.
(iii) Develop and maintain, to a
professional standard, educational
Improved awareness of tourism
and recreational products in the
reserve.
Numbers of visitors and users.
LTA
LTA
Number of school groups and
community groups visiting the reserve.
46
LTA; Regional
Manager;
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
resource materials for the MNR.
Maintain, update and use it to encourage
day programs for visiting schools and local
communities.
(iv) Design, publish and distribute reservespecific brochures and pamphlets for
visitors and users.
(v) Identify, and implement, opportunities
to integrate interpretive displays and
materials into existing and new visitor
infrastructure, facilities and services.
(vi) Establish an information centre at the
main gate. Tourist information brochures
to be permanently stocked and available.
Reserve
Manager
Reserve specific brochures available at
the main gate.
LTA
Numbers of visitors and users.
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
LTA
(vii) Train reserve visitor management
staff to effectively inform, assist and
control visitors to the reserve.
Objective 2.4: Facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources derived from the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Guided by the WMP, and in agreement
with the KNP, determine the hunting and
game removal quotas for the MNR.
Levels of natural resource use by
the local communities are
ecologically sustainable.
Compliance with recommendations
arising from the WMP and KNP
(measured by monitoring Hunting
Outfitter offtake and Field Ranger
reports).
(ii) Develop and administer guidelines for
the implementation of annual
hunting/culling activities (or commercially
outsourced hunting ‘packages’) by the
Makuya Development Trust. Maintain the
suspension of hunting concessions until
47
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity
Unit); Makuya
Nature
Reserve Comanagement
Committee
Management
Authority:
Policy
Unit;
Makuya
Reserve
Community
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
the Co-management Committee is
constituted and formalised [see 5.1 (i)].
(iii) Formalise protocols for the
distribution of benefits arising from the
MNR to the Makuya, Mutele and
Mphaphuli communities.
All benefit distribution protocols
formalised.
(iv) Document all extractive and nonextractive use of aquatic resources in the
reserve and formalise protocols to ensure
its sustainability.
Maintain present ecological status
categories for the Luvuvhu and
Mutale Rivers.
Three year reviews of PESCs.
Forum;
Reserve
Manager;
Makuya
Safaris
Management
Authority;
Regional
Manager;
Makuya
Nature
Committee
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity
Unit)
Objective 2.5: Manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of conservation management, tourism, recreation and natural resource use in the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Undertake an audit of the existing and
potential environmental impacts
associated with management operations,
resource use and all types of visitor
use/activities with the objective of
identifying areas requiring special
management strategies and/or protection
from visitor use.
No negative ecological impacts
resulting from management,
resource use and tourism.
(ii) Monitor and manage the impacts of
operational and visitor uses with a
particular focus on erosion control and
impacts on aquatic systems.
(iii) Introduce more environmentally-
Audit of the existing and potential
environmental impacts.
The extent and location of erosion
control activities.
Management
Authority:
Biodiversity
Unit &
Protected
Area
Management;
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Annual invoices for environmentally
LTA; Tourism
48
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2 3
4
5
friendly technologies (e.g. low wattage
lighting, dual flush toilets, waterless
urinals, water saving shower heads, the
removal of baths and/or bio-technology
for waste treatment during the renovation
and upgrading of the tourism and
recreational buildings and infrastructure,
wherever this is cost-effective.
(iv) Remove all discarded building
materials, equipment and infrastructure
components.
(v) Provide adequate information,
interpretation and signage to reduce
visitor impacts.
friendly technologies.
Operators;
Reserve
Manager
No discarded materials present in the
reserve.
Reserve
Manager
Information and signage available and
displayed.
Reserve
Manager
49
KPA 3: ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL
Boundaries and access control
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
relating to boundaries and access control:
 Technical management guideline and procedures for the management of access and
access control on provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/4); and
 Guidelines for fencing of provincial nature reserves (12/6/12/7/3).
2
The boundaries of the reserve shall, at all times, be clearly demarcated and be electrified in
terms of Annexure 5 of the NEMBA: National norms and standards for the management of
elephants in South Africa. All fences will be regularly maintained.
3
All entry and exit points shall be properly managed to ensure that access to, and through, the
reserve is effectively controlled at all times.
Law enforcement and compliance
#
1
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
An adequately trained and suitably equipped field ranger complement shall be deployed in
and around the reserve to, inter alia: control illegal activities; ensure the safety of visitors;
monitor the activities of users and visitors; collect baseline information; and undertake basic
maintenance of equipment and infrastructure. Law enforcement and compliance activities
will be guided by the LEDET Strategic planning for law enforcement in State-owned nature
reserves.
50
KPA 3: Enforcement, Security and Access Control
Objective 3.1: Secure the boundaries of, and maintain controlled access to, the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Ensure that all operational reserve
visitor gates and management entry
points are adequately staffed and
administered. Secure unused access
gates.
(ii) Repair the fence at the Mutale River
entry point and maintain the reserve
boundary fence according to the
requirements of the LEDET Technical
Guidelines and Procedures (TGP) for
fencing.
(iii) Maintain regular reserve patrols
(vehicle and/or foot) along the reserve
boundary fence.
(iv) Develop, and implement, mechanisms
for subsidised entry for local community
users and interest groups.
(v) Keep all registers (key register, gate
register, copies of permits and
information concerning the access to
reserves) in a safe place for record
purposes.
(vi) Facilitate controlled access for
external institutions undertaking relevant
research and monitoring programs within
the reserve.
The reserve assets are secure.
The reserve staff, visitors and users
are safe from harm.
Incident record of illegal access.
Number of visitors to the reserve.
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
LTA
Reserve
Manager
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity
Unit); Reserve
51
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
Manager
Objective 3.2: Sustain an effective law enforcement and compliance capacity in the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Ensure the presence of an adequately
resourced and capable enforcement and
compliance staff complement on the
MNR.
(ii) Ensure the provision of adequate
enforcement training and proper
resources for all field staff personnel.
Ensure that all staff members have a
working knowledge of all legislation
applicable to their function and mandate.
(iii) Ensure the effective deployment of
field staff.
(iv) Establish and maintain collaborative
inter-agency relationships with provincial
and national law enforcement agencies.
A steady decrease in the number of
illegal activities occurring in the
reserve.
(v) Establish and maintain collaborative
relationship with the KNP/GLTFP to
undertake combined compliance and
enforcement operations.
The number of formal warnings and
fines issued, and successful
prosecutions concluded.
Patrol reports on the number of
illegal activities recorded.
Record of combined enforcement
operations.
(vi) Maintain working relationships with,
and provide relevant supporting
information to, local magistrates.
(vii) Undertake a threat analysis to
determine all potential threats to the
safety and security of the reserve.
Management
Authority: HR;
HRD; SIS
Management
Authority: HR;
HRD
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Management
Authority:
Enforcement
and
Compliance;
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Management
Authority:
SONR &
52
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
Special
Investigations
53
KPA 4: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (OPERATIONS)
Roads, tracks and footpaths
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1
relating to boundaries and access controls:
 Technical management guideline and procedures for the development, maintenance
and upgrading of roads in Provincial Nature Reserves
2
The reserve shall rationalise the network of roads, tracks and footpaths to reduce the
maintenance costs and limit the environmental impacts, while ensuring adequate access for
tourism and operational management requirements.
Bulk services
#
1
2
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following legislation in supplying
bulk services:
 NEMWA;
 NEMA;
 WSA;
 NBRBSA; and
 Municipal By-laws.
The reserve shall strive to phase out bulk services that have a detrimental impact on the
environment. It shall, in turn, seek to introduce more sustainable technologies, wherever
practicable and cost-effective.
Administrative and other operations infrastructure
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
In developing and maintaining administrative and operations infrastructure, the reserve shall
obtain the necessary authorisation in terms of the relevant building, water, drainage, health,
safety, waste, traffic and environmental Acts, Regulations and By-laws.
2
Administrative and operations infrastructure and services must be limited, and appropriately
scaled, to the necessary administrative and operational requirements of the reserve, and
must not threaten its biodiversity or ecological function.
Operations equipment and vehicles
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
The reserve shall acquire and/or replace the equipment and vehicles necessary to implement
the high priority activities identified in this SP.
54
2
All reserve equipment and vehicles shall be regularly maintained in accordance with the
manufacturers’ specifications.
55
KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment (operations)
Objective 4.1: Develop and maintain the road, management track and footpath network in the MNR
Management action
Priority
(i) Assess the network of roads,
management tracks and footpaths in the
MNR with regard to requirements for
visitor access into the reserve and for
management access within the reserve.
Management target
Rationalised network of wellmaintained visitor and management
roads, tracks and footpaths.
Records of number of visitors.
Extent and location of erosion
control activities.
(ii) Prepare and implement a schedule of
the required road, track and footpath
repairs, upgrades and maintenance so
that roads, tracks and footpaths are safe,
do not cause environmental harm and are
accessible at all times of the year.
Prioritise existing and potential areas of
erosion.
(iii) Close and rehabilitate al unused and
unnecessary roads, tracks and footpaths.
Responsibility
1
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
1
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
Management
Authority
(Biodiversity
Unit) /
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Objective 4.2: Construct, upgrade and maintain the local services infrastructure in the MNR
Management action
(i) Upgrade and maintain the sewage and
bulk water infrastructure to predetermined minimum standards and to
prevent any environmental harm at the
Singo Safari Camp, the Ivory Route Camp,
Priority
Management target
Capacity and condition of bulk
services exceeds administrative use
requirements and reserve visitor
demands.
Number of complaints by visitors
and staff relating to water supply
problems and/or septic tank
problems.
56
Responsibility
Tourism
Operator /
LTA; Regional
Manager;
Reserve
and at the administration buildings and
staff housing. Investigate dry package
sewage systems to replace the existing
septic tanks.
(ii) Investigate the practicality of installing
solar power systems when undertaking
the upgrading of the Singo and Ivory
Route Camps.
(iii) Rehabilitate and maintain water
provision infrastructure for wildlife (i.e.
boreholes, pumps, piping, solar panels
and dams) to meet the requirements of
the WMP; the management requirements
of other biological resources; and to
prevent environmental harm. Implement
measures to prevent the theft of solar
panels.
(iv) Remove to landfill/recycling all
derelict unused bulk services
infrastructure (old pumps, piping, drums,
scrap, etc.).
(v) Initiate planning with the Mutale Local
Municipality for solid waste removal when
the Tshikondeni Mine closes.
Manager
Medium-sized game in good
condition.
Game condition reports (patrol
data).
No bulk services infrastructure waste
present in the reserve.
Number
of
stockpiles
infrastructure waste material.
of
LTA / Tourism
Operator;
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Objective 4.3: Construct, upgrade and maintain administrative, staff and operational buildings and infrastructure in the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Construct a storeroom and a
permanent administration building and
associated facilities adjacent to the main
entry gate to replace the existing park
home facility.
Suitable, well-maintained reserve
administration, staff and operations
buildings and infrastructure.
State (using a grading system) of
reserve buildings and
infrastructure.
(ii) Upgrade and maintain all
57
Department of
Public Works;
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Department of
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
administrative, staff and operational
buildings and infrastructure in a condition
that meets operational and the relevant
environmental, health and safety
requirements and does not cause any
environmental harm. Use sustainable
technology where possible.
(iii) Maintain and constantly update an
equipment and infrastructure register.
Public Works;
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Objective 4.4: Acquire and maintain operational equipment and vehicles for the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Acquire two 4x4 vehicles and maintain
according to the manufacturers’
specifications.
(ii) Ensure that there is sufficient
operational equipment to enable staff to
effectively manage the MNR.
Reserve management activities are
not compromised by a lack of
equipment and vehicles.
Reserve asset register.
Completed equipment and
vehicle service/maintenance
schedules.
(iii) Service operational equipment as
scheduled in registers and according to
the manufacturers’ specifications to
prevent degradation and to maintain
equipment in a functional condition.
Replace equipment according to
corporate replacement schedules.
(iv) Procure, install and maintain a reliable
internal communications network for the
reserve and to the KNP, including
repeaters, base stations, hand-held radios
and car radios.
Management
Authority:
Transport
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
58
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
KPA 5: STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT
Makuya Nature Reserve Co-Management and Advisory Committees
#
1
2
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The reserve shall actively participate in, and support, the Makuya Nature Reserve CoManagement Committee as an important governance mechanism to achieve the aims and
objectives of the MNR. The reserve management authority will actively pursue the inclusion
of other stakeholders critical to the effective management of the reserve in a formal
management structure.
The reserve shall establish and maintain an effective Reserve Advisory Committee based on
the Regulations for the Proper Administration of Nature Reserves, promulgated in terms of
Section 86 (1) of NEMPAA.
Stakeholder communications
#
1
2
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
Stakeholder communications shall be focused on strengthening a sense of ownership and
empowerment in the Makuya, Mutele and Mphaphuli communities, through an improved
understanding of the contribution of the reserve to socio-economic development and
heritage/biodiversity conservation.
Stakeholder communications shall seek to develop a common understanding in the
surrounding communities and other critical stakeholders of the issues affecting the integrity
of the reserve, and collaborative approaches to resolve these.
Local and regional initiatives
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
The reserve management shall actively collaborate with national, provincial and local tourism
and conservation initiatives that could contribute to meeting the objectives of this SP.
2
The reserve shall strive to work with the relevant government institutions in order to
integrate all local and regional planning and socio-economic development activities affecting
the reserve.
Employment, empowerment and capacity building
#
1
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The reserve shall strive to meet to the socio-economic development commitments made to
the Makuya Park Forum, the mission statement of the LTA, and the LEDET Employment Equity
Plan 2011/2012.
59
KPA 5: Stakeholder involvement
Objective 5.1: Ensure the ongoing involvement of a representative and functional Makuya Nature Reserve Co-management Committee in the planning,
development and management of the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
Regular meetings of the MNR Comanagement Committee.
Records of meetings and decisions.
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager;
Management
Authority:
Legal Unit
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
1
(i) Formalise a co-management agreement
between the Makuya Park Forum
(Makuya, Mutele and Mphaphuli
communities), LEDET, the LTA, the KNP
and the Tshikondeni Mine and form and
maintain a Co-management Committee.
Implementation of decisions made
by the MNR Co-management
Committee.
(ii) Establish and maintain as an oversight
body a Makuya Reserve Management
Advisory Committee which includes at
least the reserve Co-management
Committee (see 5.1 (i) above) and
representatives of the DWA, DAFF, TFCA,
Makuya Local Municipality, GLTFP and
VBR.
(iii) Support the on-going capacity building
of the Makuya Park Forum community
representatives of the Co-management
Committee.
(iv) Establish formal terms of reference
(TOR) for, and clarify the institutional
functioning of, the Makuya Reserve
Management Advisory Committee so that
the role it plays in the achievement of the
conservation objectives of the reserve is
Regular meetings of the MNR
Management Advisory Committee.
60
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager;
Makuya
Nature
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
clearly understood in relation to the Comanagement Committee.
Reserve
Management
Advisory
Committee
Objective 5.2: Develop, implement and maintain effective mechanisms for ongoing communications with co-management partners, private stakeholders and
neighbouring land owners
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Formalize a programme of regular
monthly meetings, each held in a different
village of the Makuya, Mutele and
Mphaphuli communities, to discuss issues
of concern and areas for collaboration.
(ii) Initiate and sustain on-going
communications with the KNP,
Tshikondeni Mine and GLTFP to discuss
management issues of mutual concern.
(iii) Explore and where possible implement
alternative mechanisms for on-going
communications with local stakeholders
(e.g. open days, presentations, local
newspapers, municipal communication
media, workshops and local radio) to
improve the understanding of the
ecological and economic roles of the
reserve.
(iv) Hold quarterly (more regular if
required) meetings with the MNRCMC to
ensure that co-management decisions are
made timeously and effectively.
Regular meetings with neighbouring
communities.
Records and minutes of meetings.
Quarterly meetings with the
MNRCMC.
Record of meetings.
Reserve
Manager
(v) Hold regular meetings with the
MNRMAC.
Regular meetings with the MNRMAC.
Record of meetings.
Reserve
Manager
Improved exposure for the MNR.
n/a
61
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
Objective 5.3: Actively participate in local and regional conservation and socio-economic development initiatives that may affect or benefit the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
No land use practices/zoning
detrimental to reserve function
present within the surrounding area.
IDP development projects and land
use decisions.
Reserve
Manager
Improved effectiveness of reserve
operations as a result of local
partnerships.
Negative impacts of the
Tshikondeni Mine mitigated.
Management
Authority;
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Visitor numbers.
Management
Authority:
Biodiversity
Unit
1
(i) Actively participate in the Mutale Local
Municipality and Vhembe District
Municipality IDP processes to guide the
surrounding land uses and SDF
development, and identify economic
development projects to be included in
the IDPs.
(ii) Actively participate in other national,
regional and local land and water use
planning and development processes,
including the Department of Mineral
Resources (DMR) and DWA (dam
construction in the Luvuvhu and Mutale
Rivers).
(iii) Pursue, and maintain, the
representation of the reserve in relevant
provincial and local conservation and
tourism planning structures and
initiatives, including the KNP, VBR, TFCA
and GLTFP.
(iv) Support local/regional initiatives to
establish a FPA, with a specific focus on
rationalising the reserve’s firebreaks and
improving access to fire-fighting resources
and support.
Reserve
Manager
62
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
Objective 5.4: Identify, and enable access to, employment, empowerment and capacity building opportunities derived through the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Explore, and where possible support,
the participation of local community
members in conservation and tourism
opportunities in the MNR, such as road
maintenance, cleaning services, fencing,
security, fire management, the sale of
crafts, alien vegetation clearing, ecotourism activities and tourism
infrastructure upgrading and
development.
(ii) Actively source funding support for
reserve-based activities that could provide
employment opportunities to local
community members, such as EPWP
funding, Poverty Alleviation funding, WfW
funding and/or WoF funding.
(iii) Release, and manage, contract work in
an equitable manner.
Direct and measurable benefits from
the MNR accruing to communities
surrounding the reserve.
The number of people employed in
reserve associated activities.
Amount of money paid out to
community members employed
through reserve associated
activities.
Makuya Park
Forum;
Reserve
Manager; LTA
/ Tourism
Operators
Management
Authority:
Economic
Development
LTA
63
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
KPA 6: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING
Legal status
#
1
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The legal tenure for the effective planning and management of the reserve as a provincial
protected area shall be secured. The process shall conform to the LEDET Policy for declaration
of a nature reserve in Limpopo.
Human resources
#
1
2
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following human resources
legislation:
 LRA;
 BCEA;
 EEA;
 SDA;
 OHSA; and
 PSA.
The reserve shall also be guided by the LEDET Human resource plan for State-owned nature
reserves and the Limpopo Provincial Government Employment Equity Plan for 2011/2012.
The reserve shall, in partnership with the local community, identify opportunities for the
training, capacity building and/or preferential employment of individuals permanently
resident in the surrounding villages. Guided by the Management Authority’s identification of
SONR training needs, the reserve shall identify opportunities for the training, capacity building
and/or preferential employment of individuals permanently resident in surrounding areas.
Administration
#
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
1
The reserve shall conform to the legal requirements of the following financial management
legislation:
 PFMA (and associated Treasury Regulations).
2
relating to supply chain management:
 Draft procedure manual for demand and acquisition management.
3
The reserve shall conform to all provincial/departmental financial and administrative
reporting requirements.
64
Information management
#
1
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
All information that is used to support the operational planning and decision-making in the
reserve shall be collected, collated, updated, maintained and presented in a cost-effective
format that is readily accessible for use by management. Information gathering activities shall
be guided by the LEDET Strategic planning for law enforcement in State-owned nature
reserves – Operational Plan.
65
KPA 6: Administration and planning
Objective 6.1: Secure the legal tenure of, and management authority for, the MNR
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
Management
Authority:
Legal Unit
1
(i) Secure the permanent legal
conservation status of the MNR as a
Provincial Protected Area in terms of
NEMPAA.
(ii) Ensure that the Management Authority
is appointed by the Minister or MEC as the
management authority for the MNR in
terms of NEMPAA.
(iii) Formalise access control, safety
protocols and mine ventilation shaft
servitudes with the management of the
Tshikondeni Mine.
The MNR formally proclaimed as a
provincial nature reserve.
Issue of an Item 28 Certificate from
the Ministry of Rural Development
and Land Reform.
Management Authority appointed as
the management authority for the
MNR.
Vesting of ownership of the MNR
land in the Department of Rural
Development and Land Reform.
(iv) Explore issues relating to the removal
of boundary fences between the MNR and
Makuleke Contract Park.
Expanded conservation and tourism
area.
Extent of land (ha) proclaimed and
managed as a provincial nature
reserve.
(v) Review the efficacy and ongoing
relevance of the Makuya Co-Management
Transparent and efficient
management.
Updated co-management
agreement.
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
Reserve
Manager;
Regional
Manager;
Management
Authority:
Legal Unit
Makuya Comanagement
Committee;
Regional
Manager;
Management
Authority:
Biodiversity
and Legal
Units
Makuya
Nature
Reserve Management Documents: Makhuya Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan)
66
Agreement as per the requirements of the
2009 National Co-Management
Framework, and amend or revise as
required.
Reserve CoManagement
Agreement;
Management
Authority
Objective 6.2: Maintain an adequately equipped, resourced and trained staff complement for the MNR
Management action
Priority
(i) Fill any vacant posts and motivate for
additional necessary staff members.
(ii) Ensure that staff members have
uniforms and any other equipment (boots,
headgear, binoculars, etc.) required to
perform their duties.
(iii) Identify staff training needs and, on a
prioritised basis, implement/facilitate
regular training and skills development to
ensure competence.
(iv) Ensure staff compliance with the
institutional Code of Conduct.
(v) Implement the institutional staff
Performance Appraisal System.
(vi) Implement an Occupational Health
and Safety Management System.
Management target
A functional and effective staff
complement capable of
implementing all management
actions.
Responsibility
Vacant posts in the MNR
organogram.
Equipment issue records.
Regional
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Record of training programs
completed by staff members.
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Number of disciplinary hearings.
Staff appraisal records.
OHS Management System.
1
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
1
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
Objective 6.3: Institute and maintain an effective administrative capability in the MNR
Management action
(i) Allocate a reserve specific operational
and capital budget at the beginning of the
financial year to fund the critical
management needs of the nature reserve.
Priority
Management target
Financial capability to undertake
annual reserve specific planning.
APO, financial transactions records,
asset registers and stock inventories
Completed APO, financial
transactions records, asset
registers and stock inventories.
Completed METT-SA assessments.
67
Responsibility
Management
Authority:
Financial
Planning Unit
(ii) Ensure that the Annual Plan of
Operation (APO) is prepared timeously,
audited quarterly, and includes detailed
budgetary requirements.
(iii) Undertake an annual internal audit of
the reserve’s financial records: purchases,
accounts paid and services procured.
(iv) Update and maintain all asset registers
and stock inventories for the reserve.
(v) Facilitate the implementation of
annual METT-SA assessments for the
reserve.
all up to date.
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Reserve
Manager
Regional
Manager;
Senior
Manager
Objective 6.4: Establish, maintain and host a reliable inventory of key information on the MNR and its on-going management
Management action
Priority
Management target
Responsibility
1
(i) Establish, store and maintain
hard/electronic copies of key reserve
operations-related data for the MNR,
including: reserve budgets; wildlife and
vegetation monitoring; geology and soils;
degraded areas; alien vegetation clearing;
reserve assets and infrastructure; weather
conditions; reserve staff complement and
HR; visitor profiles and numbers; and
enforcement incidents.
(ii) Ensure that data records are clearly
marked, accessible, and electronic
information is regularly backed up.
(iii) Make staff aware of the available data
stored and ensure that they can use it
effectively in their activities.
(iv) Integrate the information stored in the
data system into the annual review and
update of the SOKDR, SP and APO.
Up to date, and accessible,
information on the reserve and its
management.
An accessible, up to date data
retrieval system.
68
Management
Authority:
Biodiversity
Unit; Regional
Manager;
Reserve
Manager
Time frame
(Years 1 – 5)
2
3
4
5
(v) Determine the economic valuation of
the MNR.
Reserve
Manager
69
5. RESOURCING AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
This section provides an overview of the staffing complement and funding required to enable the
operational implementation of this SP.
It further describes the composition, terms of reference and functioning of any oversight or comanagement structures formed to guide the development, monitoring and review of this SP.
5.1 Staffing Requirements
The following minimum staffing complement is required to implement this SP8:
POST DESIGNATION
NUMBER
Reserve Manager
1
Chief Nature Conservator: Wildlife
2
Nature Conservator: Wildlife
4
Field Ranger
39
Gate Guard / Revenue Collector
4
Storeman
1
Logistical Support Services:
Groundsman
Cleaner
General Worker/Maintenance
2
1
15
Administration Clerk
1
Tourism Staff (Including Resort
General Manager)
7
Total
77
8
The staffing requirements reflected in the SP are premised on two elements: (i) a critical assessment of the efficacy of the current approved
(not actual) organogram for the reserve in respect of current reserve management responsibilities; and (ii) a facilitated discussion with the RPT
on any (mostly minor) adjustments/changes that may be required to this approved organogram in order to more effectively implement the SP
for the next five years.
70
5.2 Funding Requirements
It is proposed that the following operational9 and capital10 budget would be required to implement this SP:
2013/2014
KEY PERFORMANCE AREA
2014/2015
2015/2016
2016/2017
2017/2018
CAPEX
(R)
OPEX
(R)
CAPEX
(R)
OPEX
(R)
CAPEX
(R)
OPEX
(R)
CAPEX
(R)
OPEX
(R)
CAPEX
(R)
OPEX
(R)
360,000
202,267
400,000
212,381
150,000
223,000
0
234,150
0
245,857
1,006,000
125,000
1,006,000
131,250
1,281,000
137,813
1,398,500
144,703
1,223,500
151,938
KPA 3: Enforcement, security and access
control
80,000
50,000
60,000
52,500
60,000
55,125
60,000
57,881
60,000
60,775
KPA 4: Infrastructure and equipment
262,000
370,000
582,000
120,000
282,000
121,000
532,000
121,000
852,000
121,000
KPA 5: Stakeholder involvement
0
19,040
0
20,940
0
23,038
0
25,342
0
27,876
KPA 6: Administration and planning
0
65,400
0
65,400
0
70,400
0
70,400
0
70,400
602,475
1,773,000
630,375
1,990,500
653,476
2,135,500
677,847
KPA 1: Biodiversity and heritage conservation
KPA 2: Sustainable use
Total
1,708,000 831,707 2,048,000
9
Operational costs are roughly based on an area-complexity factor (i.e. different cost ranges per ha, based on the level (high, medium or low) of management complexity). This was then moderated against documented
expenditure for operational costs in Limpopo’s provincial reserves, wherever available. This was then again moderated against equivalent reserves in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape, as well as reserves of SANParks
and ECParks, where operating costs have stabilised and are well documented over a period of three to five years.
10
Capital budget requirements are roughly based on known costs for similar capital investments, either in terms of replacement costs (e.g. vehicles), infrastructure development costs (e.g. cost/ha or cost/km for fencing or
roads), bulk services (e.g. costs/m for pipelines, etc.), or building costs (e.g. cost/m 2 for staff accommodation or chalets), etc.
71
5.3 Roles and Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the reserve management team and the MNR Co-management Committee in
the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the RMP are summarised as follows:
The following key management staff members are responsible for the SP and APO as follows:
Reserve Management Team (State Owned Nature Reserves)
The Regional Manager shall have overall responsibility for:
 Ensuring the alignment of the SP with Provincial and LEDET policies and
guidelines;
 Ensuring the coordination and alignment of the SP with other
departmental activities and initiatives;
Regional Manager
 Providing oversight of the implementation of the SP and APO;
(Vhembe)
 Reporting on the performance of the MNR in the implementation of
the SP and APO to the Senior Manager (SONR);
 Instituting corrective actions to ensure that the SP and linked APO is
implemented, reviewed and updated; and
 Approval of the APO.
The Reserve Manager shall have direct responsibility for:
 Annually drafting an APO to operationalise the priority activities
identified in the SP;
 Implementation of the APO;
 Monitoring of performance against the APO (and the SP);
Reserve Manager
 Reporting of performance against the APO (and the SP) to the
(Makuya)
MNRCMC;
 Management of reserve staff, resources and finances in the
implementation of the APO; and
 Communicating with the Regional Manager about obstacles in the
implementation of the APO.
The Biodiversity Unit of the Management Authority shall have direct
responsibility for:
Biodiversity Unit
 Implementation of the designated priority activities in the SP and
(Management
linked APO; and
Authority HO)
 Providing professional and technical support to the Regional Manager,
Reserve Manager and MNRCMC in the implementation of the SP and
APO.
Makuya Nature Reserve Co-Management Committee
The Makuya Nature Reserve Co-management Committee shall have overall responsibility for:
 Representing the interests of the different reserve stakeholder groups and institutions during
the preparation of the SP and APOs;
 Overseeing the drafting of the SP and APOs;
 Providing strategic inputs into the drafting of the SP, and technical inputs into the annual
drafting of the APOs;
 Making recommendations to the Regional Manager on the adoption of the SP and annual APOs;
 Reviewing the quarterly and annual performance of the APO (and SP); and
 Providing inputs into ad hoc and emergency reserve decision-making not adequately addressed
in the SP/APO.
72
The Regional Manager and Senior Manager (SONR) are the officials responsible for submitting the SP to
the Head of Department (HOD, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) for formal approval
and adoption. The HOD will then submit the approved SP to the Limpopo MEC for Economic
Development, Environment and Tourism as per the requirements of NEMPAA. This can be summarized
as follows:
RESERVE
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
COMPONENT
SP / APO
RESPONSIBILITY
SUBMIT TO
OUTCOME SOUGHT
FREQUENCY
Reserve Manager
Makuya Nature
Committee
Senior Manager
(SONR)
Approval of final
draft.
SP (at 5-year
intervals);
APO (annually)
Approval of final
version of SP and
APO.
Departmental
adoption of SP.
Formal approval
and adoption as per
legal requirements.
SP (5-yearly);
APO (annually)
SP / APO
Regional
Manager
SP
Senior Manager
(SONR)
HOD (LEDET)
SP
HOD (LEDET)
MEC (LEDET)
SP (5-yearly)
SP (5-yearly)
73
6. BIBLIOGRAPHY
The following references were extensively consulted during the drafting of this document:
Anonymous. Undated. Status quo report on the management of Limpopo Provincial Nature Reserves:
Towards putting provincial nature reserves on a more sound management footing. Unpublished report.
Anonymous. Undated. Eco-Tourism Projects of Limpopo Tourism and Parks on Provincial Reserves Project 1: Makuya Nature Reserve. Unpublished draft report.
Bass Air Aviation. 2010. Game Count: Makuya Nature Reserve – 2010. Unpublished report.
Cowan, G.I. & Mpongoma, N. 2011. Guidelines for the development of a management plan for a
protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003.
Unpublished document.
DWAF. 2012. [online] Available at:
<http://www.dwaf.gov.za/iwqs/rhp/state_of_rivers/state_of_letluv_01/luvuvhu.html> [Accessed
August 2012].
Envirodel. 2005. Makuya Nature Reserve Ecological Management Plan. Unpublished report.
Funke N., Gooch G., Nortje K., Steyn M., Rieu-Clarke A. 2011. Governing Biodiversity and Sustainable
Livelihoods in the Mutale River – Analysis of Interplay Between Laws, Policies, Institutions and Actors.
Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement No. 211392.
IUCN. 2012. [online] Available at: <http://www.iucnredlist.org/> [Accessed July 2012].
Lahiff, E. 1997. Land, water and local governance in South Africa: A case study of the Mutale River
Valley. Rural Resources Rural Livelihoods Working Paper Series: Paper No. 7. Economic and Social
Research Council Global Environmental Change Programme, Phase III Project: Dryland Degradation in
Africa: Land, Water and Local Governance.
LEDET. 2012. Guidelines for the development of Management Plans for Limpopo’s Provincial Nature
Reserves. Unpublished planning guideline.
Limpopo
Department
of
Agriculture.
2012.
[online]
Available
at:
<http://www.lda.gov.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=107&Itemid=238> [Accessed
June 2012].
LTA. 2012. [online] Available at: <http://www.dolimpopo.com/4x4-eco-trail/makuya-4x4-eco-trail>
[Accessed August 2012].
Limpopo Tourism and Parks. 2010. Business plan: Makuya: Singo Lodge.
Mashovhela. 2012. [online] Available at: <http://www.mashovhela.com/eco-tourism/vhembebiosphere-reserve.html?lang=> [Accessed August 2012].
Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.). 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.
Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
74
Mutale Local Municipality.
Development Plan.
2012.
IDP: 2012/2013 – 2016/2017.
Local Municipal Integrated
Nel, E.J. & Kruger, J.W. 2012. Scientific Review: State Owned Nature Reserves – Limpopo. Unpublished
report.
Nel, J.L., Murray, K.M., Maherry, A.M., Petersen, C.P., Roux, D.J., Driver, A., Hill, L., van Deventer, H.,
Funke, N., Swartz, E.R., Smith-Adao, L.B., Mbona, N., Downsborough, L. & S. Nienaber. 2011. Technical
Report for the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Project. WRC Report No. 1801/2/11.
Municipal Demarcation Board. 2012. [online] Available at: http://www.demarcation.org.za/#
[Accessed December 2012].
Stats SA. 2012. [online] Available at:
http://interactive.statssa.gov.za/superweb/loadDatabase.do?db=Descriptive11_wd [Accessed
December 2012].
Vhembe District Municipality. 2012. IDP: 2012/2013 – 2016/2017. District Municipal Integrated
Development Plan.
75
ANNEXURE 1: ZONATION CATEGORIES (CHARACTERISTICS)
The main characteristics of each use zone are summarized in the tables below:
Natural
ZONE
ZONE OBJECTIVE
Users:
₋ To provide easy access
to experience the
reserve’s natural
landscapes, habitats,
species and heritage
resources.
Conservation:
₋ To minimise and
mitigate the effects of
visitor use on the
reserve’s natural
habitats and species
and its cultural sites.
VISITOR
ACTIVITIES
CHARACTERISTICS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Areas of extensive and
accessible natural
habitats and species.
Areas with important
heritage sites and
features.
Areas whose primary
habitats, species and
cultural sites are
resilient to the impacts
of regular visitor use.
Areas with popular view
sites or natural and
cultural attractions.
Areas with an extensive
and accessible road, trail
and track network.
Areas that require active
conservation
management
interventions.
Areas with moderate
levels of visibility
obtrusiveness.
-
-
-
-
-
Game viewing.
Motorised 2x4 selfdrive access on
designated routes.
Permitted motorised
4x4 trails on
designated routes.
Day hiking trails
and/or short trails.
Bird hides, canoeing,
mountain biking and
rock-climbing,
where appropriate.
Other recreational
activities that may
be considered
appropriate by
reserve
management.
No accommodation
or camping.
FACILITIES /
INFRASTRUCTURE
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
Self-drive roads and 4x4
tracks. Roads may be
surfaced where visitor use
levels are high.
Management access
roads and management
tracks.
Perimeter firebreaks.
Small picnic areas and
ablution facilities may be
provided.
Parking or viewing sites/
areas may be provided.
No accommodation or
camping.
Signage may be erected
to designate routes
(including 4x4, horse,
MTB, canoe, 2x4 selfdrive, etc.), closed areas
or junctions.
VISITOR ACCESS
-
-
Cater for all reserve
visitors.
Vehicle access on
dedicated routes,
with pedestrian
access from parking
areas or adjacent
development zones.
On water, only nonmotorised crafts
allowed, unless
otherwise agreed.
MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES
Visitor and
conservation
management:
- Intensive
maintenance of
visitor facilities
and
infrastructure.
- Active
enforcement of
reserve
regulations.
₋ Intensive
conservation
management
activities
undertaken.
Consumptive Use:
₋ Sustainable use
of natural
resources may,
where feasible,
be considered on
application, and
subject to a
formal permitting
arrangement.
76
Development – Low Intensity
Users:
₋ To provide small to
medium-sized picnic,
accommodation
and/or camping
facilities and services.
₋ To facilitate access to
environmental
educational facilities
and services.
Conservation:
₋ To contain the impacts
and footprint of
reserve visitor
facilities, services and
infrastructure.
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
Areas with a
contained, low-density
development
footprint.
Areas with roads, trails
and small to mediumscale recreational
facilities and
accommodation
infrastructure.
Degraded or
transformed areas.
Natural or seminatural habitats.
Areas with a high
visitor absorptive
capacity.
Areas with limited
biodiversity
significance.
Areas that are easily
accessible from the
reserve entry points.
Areas where risk of
fire damage to
infrastructure is low,
or can be mitigated.
Areas with low
visibility from the
surrounding
landscape.
Areas that have access
to potable water, and
not sensitive to
disposal of treated
wastewater.
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
Picnic and braaiing.
Parking.
Overnight
accommodation.
Camping/
caravanning.
Environmental
education.
-
-
77
Reception offices.
Small camping/
caravanning facilities.
Small lodges/ tented
camps/ self-catering units.
Small restaurant or
catering facilities for
overnight guests only.
Surfaced roads and
parking areas.
Bird hides.
Services (power, waste
management, water,
etc.).
- Cater for all reserve
visitors.
- Motorised self-drive
car access.
- Tour bus access.
- Parking and walk-in
for day and overnight
visitors.
-
Intensive
development and
maintenance of
visitor facilities,
services and
infrastructure.
- Active
enforcement of
reserve
regulations.
- Limited
conservation
management
activities
undertaken.
₋ Risk management
(e.g. fire safety)
measures
implemented.
₋ Development
footprint actively
contained.
Consumptive Use:
₋ Sustainable use
of natural
resources may,
where feasible,
be considered on
application, and
subject to a
formal permitting
arrangement.
Development – High Intensity
Users:
₋ To provide medium
sized to large scale
accommodation
facilities, and
associated attractions
and conveniences.
Conservation:
₋ To contain the impacts
and footprint of
reserve visitor
facilities, services and
infrastructure.
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
Areas with an extensive
high-density
development footprint.
Areas with roads, trails
and small to mediumscale recreational
facilities and
accommodation
infrastructure.
Degraded or
transformed areas.
Natural or semi-natural
habitats.
Areas with a high visitor
absorptive capacity.
Areas with limited
biodiversity significance.
accessible from the
Areas where risk of fire
damage to
infrastructure is low, or
can be mitigated.
Areas with low visibility
from the surrounding
landscape.
Areas that have access
to potable water, and
not sensitive to disposal
of treated wastewater.
-
-
Picnicking and
braaiing.
Overnight
accommodation.
Camping/
caravanning.
Meetings, workshop
or mini conference
activities.
Parking.
Swimming.
-
-
78
Medium-sized lodges or
hotels.
High density self-catering
units.
Medium to large-scale
camping/ caravanning
facilities.
Fuel supply pump.
Amenities, including
restaurants and shops.
Surfaced roads.
Services (power, waste
management, water, etc.).
Swimming pool.
Air strip.
- Cater for all reserve
visitors.
- Motorised self-drive
car access.
- Tour bus access.
- Parking and walk-in
for day and overnight
visitors.
- Air access may be
permitted.
Visitor and
conservation
management:
- Intensive
development and
maintenance of
visitor facilities,
services and
infrastructure.
- Active
enforcement of
reserve
regulations.
- Limited
conservation
management
activities
undertaken.
₋ Risk management
(e.g. fire safety)
measures
implemented.
₋ Development
footprint actively
contained.
Consumptive Use:
None.
Development - Reserve Administration
To define the location of
the infrastructure and
facilities for reserve
administration.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Areas with extensive
degraded or transformed
footprints.
Areas able to
accommodate high
disturbance, with no
identified sensitive
biodiversity.
Areas proximate to high
and low intensity
development zones.
Areas with low visibility
from the surrounding
landscape.
accessible from the
Areas that have access to
potable water, and not
sensitive to disposal of
treated wastewater.
n/a
₋
₋
₋
₋
₋
Administrative offices.
Storage facilities.
Garage facilities.
Workshops.
Game capture and
holding facilities.
₋ Parking.
NOTE:
Reserve administrative offices
may also be located within the
Development - Low/High
Intensity Zones.
79
Access to reserve
reception and
administrative offices.
n/a
Special Protection (Species, Habitats,
Heritage)
₋
₋
Special Management (Resource
Utilisation)
Special Protection / Special Management
₋
Protection of
species,
habitats or
heritage sites
of special
conservation
concern.
Restrict
access to
prevent
disturbance
and/or
damage.
-
Sites or areas where
uncontrolled public
access is undesirable due
to the presence of
threatened species and
habitats or sensitive
heritage features.
- Research.
- Guided nature/
heritage visits under
strictly controlled
conditions.
Usually none, but footpaths
and tracks to allow
management access may be
permitted.
Where visitor access is
permitted, strict access
control is required to delimit
access routes, and, if
necessary, screen visitors; i.e.
hides, boardwalks, screened
routes, and paths with railings
may be appropriate.
Public / tourism access
normally not allowed.
May be permitted under
very tightly controlled
conditions, to be
determined per site.
Regulation
and control of
resource
utilisation
(commercial
and/or
communitybased),
including
hunting.
-
Demarcated sites or
areas where seasonal
utilisation of natural
resources (e.g.
harvesting of grass for
thatching, collection of
reeds for building
material, hunting of
wildlife for trophies or
meat, etc.) takes place.
- Motorised access on
designated routes
(primarily gravel
roads).
- Walking access on
designated footpaths
and trails.
- Commercial hunting,
under strict permit
conditions.
Self-drive roads, 4x4 tracks,
management access roads
and management tracks.
Parking or viewing sites/ areas
may be provided.
Basic accommodation or
camping facilities may be
provided.
Signage may be erected to
designate seasonally closed
areas.
Public / tourism access
will only be regulated
during the resource
utilisation season.
For hunting areas, the
zone will be closed for all
other visitors.
For other resource
utilisation zones,
public/tourism access
may be permitted,
although the specific
access conditions will
vary from site to site.
80
Visitor and
conservation
management:
₋ Restrictions on
access and
numbers of
visitors may be
enforced.
₋ Active
conservation
and heritage
management
activities
undertaken, as
required.
Consumptive Use:
None.
Visitor and
conservation
management:
₋ Seasonal
restrictions on
access may be
enforced.
₋ Active
management of
resource
utilisation
permits.
Consumptive Use:
Natural
resource
harvesting and
collection.

Guiding principles for reserve management

Transcription

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