HOW DO CITIES REFOCUS BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN MUNICIALITY (EMM) APPROACH

Transcription

1 HOW DO CITIES REFOCUS BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN MUNICIALITY (EMM) APPROACH \

2 CONTENTS EMM location Background Threats to biodiversity Biodiversity management approach Environmental tools for EMM Opportunities and Constraints Achievements

3 Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality (EMM) location

4 Ekurhuleni (cont.) Established in 2000, consisting of a number of previous local authorities and regional services councils. Population ± ; Area 1 923km² 45km from east to west 55 km from north to south

5 Background Biodiversity description The entire EMM falls within the Grassland Biome in which grass dominates and geophytes occur abundantly. Trees are usually absent, except along river courses and on ridges. Three sub-types of vegetation occur within the biome (Eastern, Soweto and Tsakane Highveld Grassland) Only approximately 34% of the total area remains under natural vegetation in various states. Wetlands are superimposed over the grassland and represent the most important habitat type in the Ekurhuleni area (206 identified).

6 Biodiversity (continue) - Species values for the EMM per taxonomic group Taxonomic group No. of species in EMM % of total no. of grassland species % of total no. of species in Gauteng Plants % 54% Mammals * Data deficient Data deficient Data deficient Amphibians 14 38% 56% Reptiles 41? 47% Birds % 78% Invertebrates * Data deficient Data deficient Data deficient *Information on the total mammal species occurring in EMM is not available *The conservation status of many invertebrates in Gauteng is still in the process of being established

7 Biodiversity (Con) Homoroselaps dorsalis (Striped harlequin snake) Anthropoides paradiseus (Blue crane) Khadia beswickii Bug files Grassland Biome

8 Threats to biodiversity Human settlements and developmental pressure Mining activities Industrial activities Transportation and road infrastructure Illegal dumping Agricultural activities Alien invasive species Harvesting of fauna & flora 8

9 Biodiversity management approach The Ekurhuleni Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is linked to the Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) - Recommended that all the departments should integrate biodiversity principles into their respective responsibilities. - One of the strategic focus areas of the EMM GDS is the environment which has as it s goal by 2025 to have a substantial increase in the general quality of the environment. 9

10 Biodiversity man (cont.) In order to achieve, the above, the following milestones and outcomes were, inter alia, envisaged: - All the development to be guided by an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) - A clearly defined and functional open space network - Integrated and sustainable protection of natural resources. - Protect, highlight and link natural elements of the EMM to form a high quality, tactile and functional living environment and movement system for fauna, flora & Humans. - Link-up with, and enhance the man made elements of EMM and other service servitudes. - Include as many of the EMM public open spaces as possible 10

11 Environmental tools Tool Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy (EBOSS) Bioregional Plans Purpose Consider and integrate the conservation plan need of the province; meet the national biodiversity targets; etc. To inform land-use planning, environmental assessment and authorisations, and natural resource management, by a range of sectors whose policies and decisions impact on biodiversity. EMM Environmental Management Framework (EMF) Climate Change Response Strategy State of the Environment Report (SoER) Enable decision makers to make informed decision on environmental matters. Mitigate impacts emanating from the effects of climate change To provide information on the condition of the existing environment in EMM to the public and to raise awareness of environmental issues Environmental Policy Making EMM a desirable place to be in on the one hand, and turning it into a globally acceptable efficient and clean industrial and transportation nexus on the other. 11

12 Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities - EMM located on the continental divide, where important river system originate (Ramsar site forms part of this system) - Eight vegetation types of the sensitive grassland biome - Wetlands form an ideal habitat for birds and aquatic species - Variety of urban open spaces, can make a considerable contribution to biodiversity - Physical constraints to development areas ( shallow undermined, dolomite & wetlands) Constraints - Policy clashes (utilisation of land between sectors can be expected) - Private ownership of potential natural open space network (80% privately owned,eboss 2009) - Polluted state of rivers - Fragmentation of natural open space elements - Population distribution limits poor people access to open space - Dispersed nature of the EMM spatial structure poses challenges 12

13 Partnerships and Projects EMM is currently partnering with ICLEI on the implementation of the Local Action for Biodiversity: Wetlands South Africa (LAB: Wetlands SA) project, which aims to the protection of natural wetland ecosystems within 11 South African municipalities by: 1) Improving local government and citizen knowledge and understanding (at the individual, organisation and policy levels) of the value of biodiversity and particularly wetlands. 2) Initiate the process of integrating ecosystem services and biodiversity into local government planning and decision-making in a coordinated, multi-sectoral, gendersensitive and participatory way. 3) To implement and pilot on-the-ground wetland projects and promote the development of bankable project proposals.

14 Partnerships and Projects (cont.) Project to date: Inception Meeting - Introduction of the project to local municipal officials and stakeholders - Stakeholder mapping and co-operation Wetland Report - Pulling together all existing information - Gap analysis - Stand alone awareness raising tool. Wetland Strategy and Action Plan - Multi sectoral/disciplinary stakeholder workshop held in October - All information collated, draft WSAP in the process of being developed.

15 Partnerships and Projects (cont.) Still to come: Wetland Awareness Raising Awareness raising of the value of wetlands and eco-system services, targeted at planners & technical officials, politicians. Wetland Video Awareness raising video showcasing the value of wetlands and ecosystem services in local municipalities. Business plans and project proposals - Project funding - Internal budgets - External funding

16 Achievements Mainstreaming biodiversity management into city governance (through the LAB: Wetlands SA project) Interaction with other agencies International initiatives Public participation and access Integrating of Environmental principles within different sectors Rehabilitation plans of our river catchment and wetlands Rollout of our implementation and action plan to conserve biodiversity

17 Thank you Patricia Sithebe Divisional Head Environmental Protection and Resilience Tel: +27 (0) Cell +27 (0)