Augrabies Falls National Park - PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN October 2006 - SANParks
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Augrabies Falls National Park
PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
October 2006AUTHORISATION
This management plan is hereby internally accepted and authorised as the legal
requirement for managing Augrabies Falls National Park as stated in the Protected
Areas Act.
______________________________ Date: _____ _____
Paul Daphne
Executive Director Parks, SANParks
______________________________ Date: _______ _ __
Sydney Soundy
Chief Operating Officer, SANParks
2______________________________ Date: _____ _____
Dr David Mabunda
Chief Executive, SANParks
Recommended to SANParks Board
_____________________________ Date: _____ _____
Ms Cheryl Carolus
Chairperson, SANParks Board
Recommended to Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
_____________________________ Date: _____ _____
Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk
Minister: Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)
3Augrabies Falls National Park Management Plan,
Executive summary
The Augrabies Falls National Park (AFNP) management plan strives to uphold and deal with
the conservation of the geological formations, Orange River aspects and biodiversity of the
five Nama Karoo vegetation types in the Park. One thrust of expansion for the Park is aimed
towards conserving poorly-represented vegetation types and includes:
• The consolidation of an ecologically viable Park around the poorly-protected mid
Orange River reaches characteristic of the Gariep centre of endemism
• Creating an opportunity for trans-frontier conservation.
Another thrust of the management plan is to build up the tourism infrastructure and
associated functions in the Park in such a way that the stakeholders in the Augrabies area
and its people share in the development of the Park, while at the same time supporting its
growth. This will uphold conservation of the environment and will promote sustainable
tourism for all in the future.
With the cooperation of the surrounding communities, the AFNP will create work directly and
indirectly and many will be able to improve their socio-economic circumstances. The Park’s
growth will not only recover and conserve the biodiversity of its special flora, but it will uphold
all the ideals of SANParks as well as make the Augrabies people proud South Africans in the
eyes of its visitors. This Park will ensure the importance of community, economic growth and
prosperity on the back of a green economic empowerment initiative.
Purpose and formulation of the park management plan
The purpose of a management plan is –
• To provide an holistic view of where the park is and where it is going in the short
and long term.
• To inform management at all levels, from the section manager through to the CEO,
Board and the Minister.
• To streamline, where possible, management procedures.
• To provide a sound motivation for justifying budgets and, where necessary, to
increase them, as well as to provide indicators to ensure that the budget is spent
correctly.
• To build accountability (internally and externally) into the management of the park.
• To provide for capacity building and future green and economic thinking.
• To enable the management authority to run the park in line with all relevant
legislation and policies.
The park management plan is developed in line with the SANParks Biodiversity
Custodianship Framework (Rogers 2003), which proposes how to plan, integrate, implement
and review ecological, social and economic components of SANParks core business whilst
allowing for continual learning and improvement. The essential feature of the system is the
iterative way of continual improvement in the management of the park though annual and
five-year review cycles (both internal and external). The park management plan is informed
by corporate policies and public consultation, which in turn feeds back to the corporate.
• The first step in compiling/revising a management plan is to develop the desired state
of the park, which guides both the direction of the park and its daily operations, all
within the SANParks general policy framework.
• This is followed by implementing a park vision and mission, as well as the park
objectives and specific management programmes to carry out the vision and mission.
These will be dealt with in detail after the background contextual information sets the
scene for the park.
Ref. 16/1/5/1/5/3/2Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. LOCATION ................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2. EXTENT .................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT .................................................................................................................... 1
1.4. HISTORY .................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.5. CLIMATE .................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.6. TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND SOILS........................................................................................................ 2
1.7. HYDROLOGY ............................................................................................................................................ 3
1.8. VEGETATION ............................................................................................................................................ 3
1.9. FAUNA...................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. PROTECTED AREA AND MANAGEMENT PLANNING FRAMEWORK........................................ 4
2.1. DESIRED STATE ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2. VISION OF THE PARK................................................................................................................................ 4
2.3. OPERATING PRINCIPLES AND VITAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE PARK ............................................................ 4
2.3.1. Operating Principles.......................................................................................................................... 4
2.3.2. Environmental attributes.................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.3. Economic attributes ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.4. Socio-political attributes.................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.5. Setting the Details of the Park Desired State .................................................................................... 6
2.4. OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................. 6
3. GUIDELINES AND PROGRAMMES TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STATE ................................ 18
3.1. BIODIVERSITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION ..................................................................................... 18
3.1.1. Park expansion programme............................................................................................................. 18
3.1.2. Sustainable natural resource use programme................................................................................. 19
3.1.3. Herbivore management programme................................................................................................ 19
3.1.4. Carnivore species management ....................................................................................................... 20
3.1.5. Damage causing animal programme/Problem animal programme ............................................... 20
3.1.6. Rare species programme.................................................................................................................. 20
3.1.7. Water programme ............................................................................................................................ 21
3.1.8. Rehabilitation programme ............................................................................................................... 22
3.1.9. Cultural heritage resource programme........................................................................................... 23
3.2. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ......................................................................................................................... 25
3.2.1. Conservation Development Framework (CDF) .............................................................................. 25
3.2.2. Tourism Programme ........................................................................................................................ 27
3.2.3. Marketing Programme..................................................................................................................... 28
3.2.4. Commercial Development Programme ........................................................................................... 29
3.3. BUILDING COOPERATION AND CONSTITUENCY...................................................................................... 29
3.3.1. Stakeholder relationship management programme ........................................................................ 29
3.3.2. Environmental interpretation education programme ..................................................................... 31
3.3.3. Local socio-economic programme................................................................................................... 34
3.3.4. Communication programme ............................................................................................................ 35
3.3.5. HIV/Aids programme ....................................................................................................................... 36
3.4. EFFECTIVE PARK MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................ 36
3.4.1. Environmental management programme (includes waste, energy, water, NEMA compliance).... 36
3.4.2. Security and Safety Programme ...................................................................................................... 37
3.4.3. Infrastructure Programme ............................................................................................................... 38
3.4.4. Staff Capacity Building Programme................................................................................................ 39
3.4.5. Institutional Development and Administration Programme ........................................................... 39
3.4.6. Financial Sustainability Programme............................................................................................... 40
3.4.7. Legal compliance/risk management Programme............................................................................ 40
4. ADAPTIVE AND INTEGRATIVE STRATEGIES TO SUSTAIN THE DESIRED STATE FOR
THE AFNP .............................................................................................................................................................. 41
5. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................. 42
6. REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................. 43
2List of abbreviations
AFNP Augrabies Falls National Park
BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke
BSC Balance Scorecard
CDF Conservation Development Program
CMA Catchment Management Agencies
COWEB Community Water Efficient Project
DANCED Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development
DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
DoE Department of Education
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EPWP Expanded Public Works Program
FAMSA Family and Marriage Association of South Africa
GCIS Government Communication and Information Systems
GTZ German Aid
GVI Global Vision International
IDP Integrated Development Plans
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature (World Conservation Union)
NADISA Nama Development Institute of South Africa
NAPCLD National Action Programme Combating Land Degradation
NEM:PAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act
NGO Non-governmental Organisation
OBE Outcomes Based Education
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
P&C People and Conservation
PF Park Forum
RVM Riemvasmaak Trust
SANDF South African National Defence Force
SACCAWU South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union.
SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency
SAPS South African Police Service
SDF Spatial Development Framework
SEDA Small Enterprise Development Agency
SMME Small Medium and Macro Enterprise
SPWP Special Public Works Programme
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Effects of
Drought
3List of tables
Table 1:. Management objectives for the Augrabies Falls National Park
Table 2: Outline of the planned cultural objectives and activities
Table 3: Estimated costs (in Rands) of reaching the desired state for Augrabies Falls
National Park
List of maps
Figure 1: Expansion areas for Augrabies Falls National Park.
Figure 2:.Use zoning and special management of Augrabies Falls National Park
41. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Location
The Augrabies Falls National Park (AFNP) is located in the Northern Cape, approximately
120 km west of Upington and 40 km west of Kakamas, along the southern edge of the
Kalahari Desert and eastern border of Namibia.
1.2. Extent
The Park was initially proclaimed in order to conserve a small area of geological interest
around the Augrabies Falls, which is the largest waterfall on the Orange River. Its
downstream gorge, which stretches over 20km, offers breathtaking views. This Park has now
been substantially enlarged. It is divided by the Orange River into a northern and southern
section. The Orange River flows through the extensive arid plains of Bushmanland. The 55 383
ha Park lies mainly south of the Orange River, but also includes Melkbosrant (which is part of
the Riemvasmaak land claim), and Waterval, a property north of the river. The Riemvasmaak
section was briefly managed by SANParks. It was then handed over to the Riemvasmaak
community as part of the country’s first successful land restoration actions.
1.3. Socio-economic context
The area around the AFNP is characterized by densely populated intensively managed
grape farms adjacent to the Orange River. The economy of the area is mainly dependent on
the seasonal viticulture farming. The local people centre their survival around temporary
labour during the picking-times. Infrastructural support in the form of power, roads and the
Upington airport sustains the viticulture operations along the river. The people living away
from the river areas are generally poorer as they live on land with low productivity. The AFNP
plays a role in maintaining good relations with the local farmers and people living on both
sides of the Orange River and in Riemvasmaak and Waterberg. In addition, the AFNP plays
a prominent role in the culture and traditions of the human settlements in the area and are
involved in many of the direct educational and communicational outputs.
1.4. History
The AFNP was proclaimed in 1966 primarily to protect the geological interest of the
Waterfall. Another objective was to keep its surroundings in a pristine state, to preserve a
section of the Orange River Broken Veld and its associated flora and fauna, to provide
opportunities for environmental education, and to present an area for research.
The first European to “discover” the Falls was a Swedish-born soldier named Hendrik Wikar,
who was in the service of the Dutch East India Company. Having deserted his post at the
Cape, he came across the site and drew the first maps of the river and gorge. He was the
first one to give the Falls the name Augrabies, derived from a Nama word, ‘Aukoerebis’,
which means “place of great noise” (Mossop, 1935).
The Nama people traditionally avoided the Falls for fear of the local folklore. According to
the locals, a terrifying water snake lived in the Falls and would use her shiny scales to lure
people into the water, where she would capture them and devour them under the Falls.
In 1954, the Publicity Society of Upington approached the then National Parks Board with a
request to proclaim the Falls as a national park. However, it was only after 12 years of
negotiations that the Park was proclaimed on the 5th of August 1966.
1In 1973 the area of Riemvasmaak, which lies in the northern section of the Park, was
declared a “black spot” by the apartheid government - local communities living there were
forcibly removed and relocated to the Eastern Cape, Namibia and the surrounding areas.
The SANDF then earmarked the land for its use.
In 1982, after negotiations with the SANDF, a piece of land of some 4270ha that forms part
of the greater Riemvasmaak area was incorporated into the AFNP. This piece of land
constitutes the current Melkbosrant. By 1988 about 54 000 ha of Riemvasmaak was jointly
managed by the then National Parks Board and the SANDF.
With the new political dispensation in 1994 and the commitment that land would be returned
to the previously dispossessed, those who had been relocated to Namibia and the Eastern
Cape returned in 1995 and settled near the Molopo River at the Riemvasmaak community
and the confluence of the Molopo and Orange River consecutively. The returning
communities established the RVM Trust, which subsequently lodged land claims on behalf of
the community soon after their return.
In 2004, Portion 1 of farm 498, known as Melkbosrant, was de-proclaimed, but has not been
re-registered yet. In November 2005, the RVM Trust, on behalf of the Riemvasmaak
community, registered a new claim on the remainder of portion 498, for farms Omdraai 492
and Waterval 497 on the north bank of the Orange River.
1.5. Climate
Rainfall, which mainly falls during summer, is erratic and can be as high as 400 mm per year,
but also as low as 40 mm per year (July to June). The average annual rainfall of 211 mm is
based on the weather bureau records since 1946. The period 1986-1996 were notably dry
years with well below average rainfall records.
Temperature is less erratic with cold winter temperatures (coldest months June - July) as low
as -2,9 °C, while the summer temperatures (warmest months December, January and
February) are as high as 42,9 °C (Bezuidenhout 1996).
1.6. Topography, geology and soils
The topography consists of large rock domes scattered in a landscape with an otherwise
very low relief. The flat areas in between contain the gently undulating pink gneiss. Drainage
lines are sandy and dry. A range of steep rocky hills in the central portion of the Park is
formed by dark-weathering quartz-rich granulite. This rock is invariably white on fresh
surfaces, but with weathering becomes black. A fairly large flat sandy area occurs north and
west of the black hills. Recent river terrace gravel and alluvium consisting of silt and fine
sand occurs along the Orange River. The alluvium also forms large islands in the river
(Werger & Coetzee 1977).
Geological formations are reconstituted sedimentary rocks of the Kheis System and are part
of the Archaean Complex. These sediments have undergone large-scale metamorphism,
which changed them into crystalline gneiss and granulite. Most of the Park is composed of
red biotite granite gneiss, which is one of the three types of granite gneiss called pink gneiss
and has a typical brown colour of weathered surfaces. The pink gneiss looks like a typical
igneous rock and also resembles granite mineralogically and in chemical composition
(Werger & Coetzee 1977).
The Augrabies landscape is largely made up of granite and metagabbro shaped by
interesting weathering patterns. Granite is a light grey rock consisting of quartz, feldspar, and
dark minerals. Due to intense pressure during the metamorphic event, dramatic zigzag folds
are visible in the granite throughout the Park. Metagabbro is a metamorphosed igneous rock
which contains no quartz and is made up entirely of dark ferromagnesian minerals and
feldspar. This rock is found in the western part of the Park in an area known as the
“Swartrante” (Black Ridges).
2Different weathering patterns can be seen in the Park, such as hollows in the rock, exfoliation
domes, and “popups”. Hollows occur when decomposing feldspar causes hard granite to
become crumbly, and wind and rainwater wear away parts of the rock. Exfoliation domes are
created by chemical weathering stress along sub horizontal joints, which causes thin slabs of
rock to detach from the rock surface. “Popups” appear when thin slabs of rock detach from
the rock surface due to extreme changes in the rock, pop up, and lean against another thin
slab, forming an “A-tent” shape.
The Falls were thought to be formed about 1.8 million years ago, progressively cutting back
eastwards along faults in the pink gneiss (Werger & Coetzee 1977).
Seven land types have been identified in the Park (Land Type Survey Staff 1986). The
delineation of an area into land types at a 1: 250 000 scale indicates that the land type
displays a marked degree of uniformity regarding terrain form, soil pattern and climate. Three
major geomorphologic features are recognized, namely:
(i) The mountain veld;
(ii) The plain veld and
(iii) The Orange River and adjacent floodplain
1.7. Hydrology
The Park is drained by the Orange River, which is normally a perennial stream. Between
Kakamas and the AFNP, a distance of approximately 35 km, the River flows through a wide,
flat, cultivated valley. From the 146 m high Falls it flows into a deep, 100 m-narrow gorge.
The main incision of the peneplain to form the Orange River Gorge and the evolution of the
Augrabies Falls, which are correlated with the continental uplift during the late Tertiary, is
discussed in Werger & Coetzee (1977).
1.8. Vegetation
Five major vegetation units have been identified in the Park (Bezuidenhout, 1996; Werger &
Coetzee 1977) (Fig. 1), namely:
1. Aloe dichotoma: Sparse Woodland which is strongly associated with the hills.
2. Schotia afra: Open Woodland occurring in the undulating rocky hills.
3. Acacia mellifera: Open Shrubland which is associated with the undulating rocky
plains.
4. Stipagrostis species: Open Grassland restricted to the sandy plains.
5. Ziziphus mucronata: Closed Woodland which grows in the wetter drainage lines of
the floodplains and islands in the Orange River.
1.9. Fauna
The AFNP area is host to more than 46 mammal species, 186 bird species, 45 reptile and
amphibian species, and 12 fresh-water fish species. Some of the dominant and more well-
known fauna include rock dassies (rock hyrax), giraffe, klipspringer, springbok, gemsbok,
eland, caracal, leopard, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, the red-eyed bulbul, the pale-
winged starling, sociable weavers, the black eagle, the African fish eagle, the martial eagle,
the rainbow lizard, Bibron’s thick-toed gecko, and the sharptooth catfish. Prominent
invertebrates include the African Monarch butterfly, black flies and the red roman (Solifugid
family).
32. PROTECTED AREA AND MANAGEMENT PLANNING FRAMEWORK
2.1. Desired state
The desired state of the AFNP is to guide Park management in its daily operations and
longer term planning. The AFNP also endeavours to ensure that the current and future extent
of the Park is protected and managed effectively. This state will be reviewed every five years
with the involvement of representative stakeholders, in accordance with the SANParks
Biodiversity Custodianship Framework (Rogers 2003). The desired state forms a bridge
between the long term policy and vision of the Park, and the medium term (five year)
priorities to attain that vision.
The desired state of the AFNP is for it to be a fully functional ecosystem around the unique
Augrabies Falls set in a largely undisturbed northern Nama-Karoo environment, fully
intertwined in the socio-economic-cultural environment of the region. This would largely be
met if the Park’s management objective outlined in the plan were attained.
2.2. Vision of the Park
The Augrabies Falls National Park seeks to conserve the unique landscape, features,
cultural heritage and the biodiversity characteristic of the Gariep centre of endemism, with its
associated ecological processes, as part of the regional landscape, for the appreciation and
benefit of present and future generations.
2.3. Operating Principles and Vital Attributes of the Park
The operating principles and unique features (or vital attributes) that make the AFNP what it
is and potentially can be are listed below.
2.3.1. Operating Principles
SANParks has adopted eleven corporate values which serve as guiding principles around
which all employee behaviour and actions are governed and shaped. These corporate values
include the endeavour to:
• show leadership in all we do
• be guided by environmental ethics in all we do
• promote transformation within and outside of the organisation
• strive for scientific and service excellence at all times
• act with professionalism at all times
• adopt, and encourage initiative and innovation by all
• treat all our stakeholders with equity and justice
• exercise discipline at all times
• show respect to all
• act with honesty and integrity
• strive for transparency and open communication at all times
These principles may be modified to meet local requirements through interaction with
the AFNP’s stakeholders.
42.3.2. Environmental attributes
• Principle protected area conserving the Gariep centre of endemism
• Unique Augrabies Falls
• Contrasting above and below Falls riverine landscapes
• Distinguishable geological formations
• Several endemic fish species below Falls
• Undisturbed riverine fans
• Unparalleled arid vistas
• Great potential to expand the Park area
• Trans-frontier potential
• Minimal population pressures
2.3.3. Economic attributes
• Augrabies Falls provides an important commercial focus
• Relatively well-established tourism product
• Closely situated to important tourism (Namaqualand flower and Kalahari) routes.
• Within relatively close proximity to important commercial routes to Namibia and Cape
Town
• Situated within an economically important agricultural region
• Well-established tourism camp
• Potential cultural heritage tourism
• Potential to create sustainable Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs)
through the Economic Empowerment and conservation linkages
2.3.4. Socio-political attributes
• A well-established Park Forum represents all stakeholders (communities,
municipalities, tourism forums, formalised agriculture and relevant government
departments)
• Numerous and diverse cultural heritage sites which contribute to the diversity of the
Park and allow for the opportunity to strengthen the SANParks heritage mandate
• The stable Northern Cape political environment that provides security for tourists
• A strong relationship with all spheres of government, which bodes well for co-
operative agreements
• Linkages to the country’s first and largest land restitution claim (Riemvasmaak)
52.3.5. Setting the Details of the Park Desired State
Objectives Hierarchy for AFNP
A hierarchy of objectives for the Park has been formulated by Park management with
reference to the above background information, the Park’s vital attributes, guiding principles
and vision. These, however, will be further refined in consultation with the Park’s
stakeholders. The objectives are listed in the table below, along with initiatives and their
associated Park programmes to meet the objectives.
In addition, the table lists SANParks’ corporate balanced score card objectives as a means of
indicating the link between the Park and corporate objectives. In 2004 SANParks
implemented the Balanced Scorecard management tool to provide a comprehensive
business measurement and management framework that allows the organisation to translate
its value proposition into achievable objectives, measures and targets. These are lumped
into four operational quadrants affecting SANParks business, namely: Financial; Customer;
Internal; and Learning & Growth. The balanced score card has advantages in that it:
• Places SANParks business within a common framework;
• Communicates strategy effectively to all levels;
• Makes strategic goals operationally implementable;
• Aligns departments and activities;
• Links remuneration to performance;
• Effects organisational change.
2.4. Objectives
Park-specific conservation objectives are framed in a hierarchical order that is shown with
links to the balanced scorecard objectives via the far right hand column in the tables below.
6Table 1. Management objectives for the Augrabies Falls National Park
AFNP High Level AFNP Sub-objectives AFNP Sub-objectives Initiatives Ops plan Balanced Score
objective Card (BSC)
Objective
REPRESENTATION Representation : To Consolidation : To 1. AFNP to complete current Expansion plan Attain leadership in
and PERSISTENCE: incorporate the incorporate the consolidation of the Resettlement biodiversity
To ensure AFNP spectrum of spectrum of boundary plan management
conserves a biodiversity pattern biodiversity patterns 2. Create western extension
representative sample representative* of the (including landscapes) focused on biodiversity
of the ecological Gariep centre into the representative* of the important areas.
patterns and AFNP, as well as the Gariep centre into the
processes processes which AFNP, as well as the 3. Consolidate as much river
characteristic of the support its long-term processes which frontage as possible.
Gariep centre of persistence, and to re- support its long-term 4. Establish viable trans-
endemism area of the introduce missing persistence, frontier linkage
Northern Cape in a elements where * to take special
contiguous possible. cognisance of the 5.Attend to land claims
arrangement enabling unique biodiversity against AFNP
natural variation in elements of the 6. Expand Park through
structure, function and region. contractual inclusion of
composition over private land.
space and time.
Reintroduction: To 1. Reintroduce black rhino Herbivore
investigate 2. Supplement existing management
possibilities for the species to establish viable plan
reintroduction of populations
locally extinct species
and to implement
these in accordance
with IUCN principles
and guidelines.
7Persistence: To Herbivory: Develop 1. Annual Census and Herbivore
manage the Park to and implement a regularly monitor faunal management
ensure the long term herbivore species in the Park (e.g. plan
persistence of management plan to aerial counts)
biodiversity, enabling understand and 2. Monitor impact of
natural variation in manage the role of herbivory within agreed
structure, function and herbivory as a modifier thresholds.
composition over of biodiversity,
space and time. including the effects of
major architects at
different spatial and
temporal scales.
Threatened biota: To 1. Identify threatened Rare species
understand and species, determine programme
maintain viable thresholds and implement a
populations of monitoring programme
threatened species, 2. Meet SANParks'
according to a realistic obligations in terms of
framework of threat. international agreements
and conventions governing
rare and threatened biota
such that species on the
IUCN’s globally critically
endangered or endangered
lists will receive attention.
Hydrological regimes: 1. Strive towards greater Water
To improve and influence in the CMA’s management
restore the associated with the Orange plan
hydrological regimes River management
and natural functioning
of the Orange River
through its course
through the Park
8Rehabilitation: To Degraded land: To 1.To develop and implement Rehabilitation
drive towards the re- drive towards the re- a rehabilitation plan plan Flood
establishment of establishment of (including prioritization) disaster
structure and function structure and function 2. Rehabilitate gullies management
of degraded land that of degraded land that plan
is incorporated into the is incorporated into the 3. Rationalise road network
AFNP (including the AFNP. and rehabilitate
restoration of key decommissioned roads
processes which 4. Poverty Relief programme
support the long term
persistence of 5. Flood disaster
biodiversity). management planning
initiative.
Alien biota: To drive 1. Complete evaluation of Invasive alien
towards the re- the alien problems in the plan
establishment of Park
structure and function 2. Continue with current
of areas degraded by eradication programme
the impacts of alien
biota, by controlling 3. Removal of domestic
and, where possible, carnivores.
eliminating these
species.
9PRESSURE Reconciling other Park Impacts of 1. Implement CDF, and in CDF, Green
REDUCTION: To activities with developments: accordance with EIA process standards,
reduce external biodiversity objectives: Minimise the impacts (NEMA) and corporate Tourism plan
pressures of Ensure that all associated with the policies
inappropriate land aspects of SANParks development of 2. Establish tourism carrying
use, illegal resource operations (revenue tourism and Park capacities.
use and impacts of generation including management
invasion of alien biota, tourism, resource use, infrastructure, and
to minimise the impact developments, ensure that the
on, and maintain the management development of this
integrity of, indigenous activities) are informed infrastructure is only
biodiversity. and constrained by undertaken if it does
biodiversity, and not compromise
particularly that the biodiversity objectives.
impacts of these
activities are
minimised.
Damage causing 1. Cooperate in black fly Damage
animals: Mitigate management programmes causing animal
impact of black fly on 2. CMA attention to flood programme
Park operations control.
(tourism) via
cooperative,
constructive
engagement with
agriculture.
10Reconciling external External development 1. Engage with regional land Cooperative
threats with pressures: Minimise management authorities, governance and
biodiversity objectives: the impacts incl. IDPs and SDFs at local communication
Reduce external associated with and regional level plan?
threats and pressures, inappropriate 2. Negotiate to ensure that
and limit impacts of developments outside external developments are
surrounding land and the Park. not visually obtrusive or out
resource use on of character with the Park.
biodiversity within the
Park.
External land and 1. Negotiate to mitigate or Cooperative
resource use: improve the management of governance and
Negotiate to ensure external potentially communication
that external resource detrimental impacts (i.e. plan?
and land use do not hydrological influences, alien
detrimentally affect biota, insecticides,
ecological processes herbicides, fertiliser, refuge
within the Park. dumps, water extraction)
2. Encourage eco-friendly
resource use and land
management practices on
adjacent properties.
Alien biota: Minimize 1. Implement strategy to Invasive alien
the threat of alien control domestic carnivores plan
biota invasion from entering the Park.
outside the Park.
11WILDNESS / Range of experiences: Coordinated planning - CDF
REMOTENESS: To To provide a range of sensitivity value analysis and
maintain and restore wildness experiences CDF (internal and footprint).
wildness/remoteness through appropriate
in the AFNP such that zoning.
the spiritual and
experiential qualities
of wildness are
maintained, enhanced,
or, where necessary,
restored.
Sense of place: To To identify, plan and Reference in
maintain or restore, implement appropriate Rehabilitation
through the use of maintenance and restoration plan
zoning, rehabilitation of wildness qualities in CDF
and restoration efforts, different zones.
an appropriate sense
of place.
Cultural heritage 1. Mapping of newly Cultural Attain leadership in
assets are conserved acquired land heritage plan cultural heritage
and managed 2. Updating and mapping management
effectively. cultural heritage database
3. SAHRA compliant
management plan for key
sites.
12Become the nature- To develop the 1. Ensure effective delivery Tourism plan Become the nature-
based tourism tourism infrastructure of customer service based tourism
destination of choice to enhance the tourist 2. Ensure compliance to destination of choice
in the Northern Cape experience and tourism standards, policies
region. increase revenue. and procedures
3. Ensure effective
management of concession
partners.
To effectively market Tourism plan
the Park as the Marketing plan
nature-based tourism
destination of choice
in the Northern Cape.
To provide a variety of Increase the utilization of the Tourism plan
tourist and Park and existing tourism
recreational activities products.
that caters for a
variety of markets and
needs.
To promote Implement broad based Tourism plan
concessionaire and transformation. Effective Park
SMME opportunities. management
programme
Transform the 1. Tourism surveys. Tourism plan Transform the
domestic Guest Profile Marketing plan domestic Guest
of the AFNP, through Profile, through
growth, to be growth, to be
representative of representative of
regional South African
demographics. society
13To improve customer 1. Monitor maintenance 1. State of Become the nature-
satisfaction levels budget against targets Infrastructure based tourism
2. Customer satisfaction plan destination of choice
surveys 2. Tourism plan
3. Monitor and address
complaints
4. Concessionaire
management.
Enhance tourism 1. Ensure representation at Implementation
research and tourism shows (Getaway, of Marketing
development INDABA, Green Kalahari Plan for the
Tourism Forum) Cluster
2. Increase profile in
Northern Cape Tourism
Authority.
Custodian of choice
for protected area
management
14To enhance good Regional cooperation 1. Actively participate in Stakeholder Custodian of choice
parks/community/ Bushmanland initiative management for protected area
stakeholder relations 2. Establish working Park programme management
forum.
3. Relationship with
Riemvasmaak
4. Actively participate in land
claim discussions.
Increase 1 Education programme Environmental Contribute to local
environmental operational education and educational and
awareness 2. Learnership programme. youth socio economic
development development
programmes
Enhance benefits to 1. SMME and job database Stakeholder Contribute to local
local communities 2. Quick filling of positions. management educational and
programme , socio economic
Poverty Relief development
programme
Improve procurement 1. Suppliers database. Effective Park Implement broad
from BEE suppliers management based
programme transformation
15Attract and retain the Strategic HR 1. Staff satisfaction surveys Human Attract and retain
human capital meeting management 2. Database of key staff resource the best human
the required skills positions programme capital
required in all the
disciplines of the 3. Comparison of
AFNP remuneration against market
4. Training programmes
5. Skills audit
6. Skills plan.
1. Imbizos with upper Effective ark Share and provide
Enable access of all
management management access to
staff to senior
programme information and
management
knowledge
1. HIV surveys and Aids Ensure best
Implement best awareness programmes. programme practices in
practices in managing managing and
and Understanding understanding HIV
HIV and AIDS and and AIDS (and
associated diseases. associated
diseases)
The AFNP compliance 1. Staff equity database. HR programme Implement broad
with corporate based
transformation transformation
policies.
16Attain a healthy Continuously improve 1. Cost saving exercises by 1. State of Effective
financial status for the the Income to Cost cost centre infrastructure management of
Park Ratio of the AFNP to 2. Efficient project plan revenue and
ensure that the Park management 2. Effective Park expenditure
meets its conservation management
mandate and 3. Maintain infrastructure
according to plan programme
contributes to
SANParks' overall 4. Explore new revenue 3. Public works
conservation mandate. generating projects programme
5. Proactively work on audit
findings
6. Risk profile updated.
Enhance AFNP’s 1. Publications, media Effective Park Enhance SANParks'
reputation releases management Reputation
2. Events (marathons) programme
3. Voluntary support
programmes.
To achieve effective 1. Actively participate in Effective Park Custodian of choice
co-operative province/region IDP's. management for protected area
governance. programme management
173. GUIDELINES AND PROGRAMMES TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STATE
3.1. Biodiversity and heritage conservation
3.1.1. Park expansion programme
Although not considered a national priority conservation area (Driver et al. 2005), the
expansion of the AFNP remains important for SANParks. The establishment of an
ecologically viable park in the Gariep centre of endemism around the Orange River
will enhance the protection of the vegetation types in this region (Van Wyk & Smith
2001). The expansion programme conforms to SANParks’ accepted biodiversity
values and follows SANParks’ land acquisition framework.
Although no specific fine-scaled conservation plan exists yet for the Park, the
expansion plan is informed by the national conservation assessment (Driver et al.
2005) and a trans-frontier opportunity, the first such conservation area investigated in
South Africa (Jarman & Owen 1998). The thrust of expansion for the Park is aimed
towards conserving poorly-represented vegetation types and as such the desired
state would include:
• The consolidation of an ecologically viable park around the poorly-protected
mid Orange River reaches characteristic of the Gariep centre of endemism;
and
• Creating an opportunity for trans-frontier conservation.
Currently the 55 383 ha park includes five Nama-Karoo vegetation types, one (Lower
Gariep Alluvial Vegetation) of which is endangered largely through the transformation
by intensive viticulture on river fans. Furthermore, four of these vegetation types are
poorly protected. The Park expansion will go through two phases, that of a
consolidation and then a broader expansion (Fig 2). The former is focused on
straightening the boundary for managerial reasons and would require the acquisition
of about 1700 ha for a minimum of R1.5 million as it involves several small
properties. However, this would not add any further unconserved vegetation types.
Therefore, a further 198 000 ha expansion phase which is primarily focused on
adjacent river areas would include three unprotected vegetation types, namely the
Einiqua Plains and Rocky Desert types, and Bushmanland Sandy Grassland
(Mucina et al, 2005). If this were to be included entirely through acquisition, it is
expected to cost an estimated R40 million. However, a number of land owners have
expressed a possible desire to enter contractual arrangements, thus reducing this
potential cost.
Expansion in the 2006-10 management cycles will be primarily focussed on the
consolidation phase and the acquisition of a few key properties and is expected to
cost R6.6 million and add a further 18700 ha.
Ref. 16/1/5/1/5/3/2 18Figure 1. Expansion areas for Augrabies Falls National Park.
3.1.2. Sustainable natural resource use programme
There is currently no sustainable natural resource use programme. The resource use
policy will guide the AFNP in this regard.
3.1.3. Herbivore management programme
The historical occurrence of large mammals in the Augrabies region is extensively
described by Du Plessis (1969), Skead (1980) and Rookmaker (1989). Mossop
(1935) provides an account of the travels of Hendrik Jacob Wikar who recorded
numerous wildlife species along the banks of the Orange River in the Upington
region (including the Augrabies Falls area) during his travels in 1778. Wikar’s
observations conclude that the riverine areas supported a rich mammalian fauna but
that these species were only able to penetrate the drier habitats via the perennial
river systems. Among the species recorded by Wikar were elephant (apparently
frequently found in the kokerboom, Aloe dichotoma, and forests), hippopotamus,
giraffe, rhinoceros (sic black), buffalo, gemsbok, hartebeest, zebra (presumably
Hartmann’s mountain zebra), lion, aardwolf and ostrich. A review of the literature
suggests that a considerable number of species may once have been present in the
region, and these species should form the basis for any future reintroduction
strategies (Castley 2006).
The following large herbivores should be supplemented and/or reintroduced to the
expanded section of the southern bank of the AFNP: red hartebeest, eland, kudu,
ostrich, giraffe, springbok, gemsbok, black rhinoceros. The black rhinoceros is a
special case as the species has previously been supported in the Park, but these
animals were consolidated in the population in the AENP. The AFNP provides a good
habitat for black rhino but at a low ecological carrying capacity (0.04 – 0.05 / km2) for
the species. Even so, the expanded Park has the potential to support 30 individuals
(Castley 2004).
Ref. 16/1/5/1/5/3/2 19The task remains to develop a strategy to manage the large herbivores of the AFNP
in a way that is consistent with the biodiversity conservation objectives identified
above.
3.1.4. Carnivore species management
The introduction of carnivores into the system is advisable to re-establish the
predator-prey dynamics of the natural ecosystem, but it is unlikely that the current
herbivore populations will be able to sustain predation rates imposed by the minimum
number of individuals of a founding population of larger carnivores. The introduction
of larger carnivores is not anticipated in the AFNP in the immediate future (next 5
years), although there are a number of species that could be introduced, but that may
also already be present (Castley 2006). Any proposals for the introduction need to
consider the norms and standards stipulated by DEAT for the sustainable use of
large predators (DEAT 2003).
The reintroductions can be reviewed in future to assess the potential of introducing
lion into the system. Leopards are already recorded in the Park but the low density
and solitary nature of this species suggests that it is already able to maintain itself on
the resident populations of klipspringer, rock hyrax and other wildlife. They are likely
to prey on gemsbok, kudu, klipspringer, steenbok and smaller carnivores, but show a
preference for common duiker (Hayward et al. 2006).
There are a number of conditions that would need to be met prior to the introduction
of any predators, and these are general requirements for any anticipated large
carnivore introductions (see SANParks Policy Framework in reintroduction of large
carnivores):
(i) The park boundary fencing is adequate to contain the animals
being released.
(ii) A review of the prey populations is undertaken to determine the
potential numbers of predators that could be supported.
(iii) The release of any larger carnivore should coincide with some
degree of scientific monitoring.
(iv) The impact of the released predator on prey populations and prey
population persistence needs to be monitored.
3.1.5. Damage causing animal programme/Problem animal programme
The AFNP has the typical problem animals found to sometimes become a nuisance
in smaller conserved areas. Animals such as the caracal and black-backed jackal are
a problem to the adjacent farmers. Baboons, vervets and the black flies (Diptera:
Simuliidae) are at times invading the tourist areas. Flowering plant species along the
Orange River support the continuous breeding of the flies. At times the flies are
eradicated through spraying by the Department of Agriculture.
3.1.6. Rare species programme
There are currently two mammal species that may require additional management
considerations. One of these, the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, is already resident in
the Park and the population has recently been relocated to the larger southern bank
section, while the other, the black rhinoceros, has the chance of being reintroduced
within the next five years.
Hartmann’s mountain zebra
There are few populations of this species in South Africa, and even fewer within their
historical range. This makes the conservation of this species in the AFNP an
important conservation objective. It will be necessary to consider the success of this
Ref. 16/1/5/1/5/3/2 20translocation operation using aerial surveying and ground based monitoring to
assess the habitat use by the species on the southern bank. It may be possible to
manage this population as part of a larger regional meta-population in the Goegap
Provincial Nature Reserve, while the species is also expected to occur in the
Richtersveld National Park. It may also be possible to source additional animals from
populations in the Eastern Cape.
Black rhinoceros
The arid-adapted, south-western ecotype of this species, Diceros bicornis bicornis,
has previously survived well in the AFNP and the preferred habitats that have been
recently incorporated through the purchase of additional properties on the southern
bank are likely to provide further suitable habitat. The continued utilization of the
northern bank for supporting black rhino should not be excluded, but this is
dependent upon successful negotiations with the Riemvasmaak community on the
contractual co-management of the Melkbosrand area to the northwest of the Park.
The management of this species in the AFNP should be guided by existing
documents (Castley 2004) that refer to the performance of the population in terms of
the growth rates shown over time. The best options for securing a founder
population may lie in further negotiations with the Namibian Ministry of Wildlife.
If animals cannot be donated to SANParks, an effort should be made to secure a
founder population on a custodianship basis with an agreed equitable distribution of
progeny.
3.1.7. Water programme
The AFNP is drained by the Orange River (O.R), which is normally a perennial water
course. The O.R is the largest river in SA. Its source is in the Drakensberg, at Mont
Aux Sources, which has an annual rainfall of more than 1200 mm. It flows into the
Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay, which has an annual rainfall of 55 mm. The total
length of the river is 2 200 km. The Vaal River joins the Orange River at Douglas - in
wet years the OR and the VR flood simultaneously, causing major floods in the lower
Orange River areas.
Great floods that can be remembered were in 1897, 1925, 1934, 1943, 1974, 1976
and the last flood in 1988. In these times the river flow could rise to 11 000 cumec
(11 000 litres per sec). In 1988 it rose to approx 7 800 l per sec. In later years the
dams upriver played a large role in slowing down the flow of the river. The river was
reduced to a trickle during the dry seasons but with the water regulations that have
been placed on the dams upriver it now has a constant flow.
Between Kakamas and the Park, a distance of approximately 35 km, the river flows
through a wide, flat, cultivated valley. From the 146 m high Falls it flows into a deep,
100 m-narrow gorge. The AFNP forms a system of braided channels before
cascading over a waterfall approximately 90 metres high with a 56 m freefall.
Downstream from the Falls the river flows through a 18 km gorge - a linear oasis
through the otherwise barren Park. Although the flow of the Orange River has been
controlled for agricultural irrigation, when it floods, the Falls are one of the largest
water volumes in South Africa. When in flood it offers the largest mass waterfall in
the country. Historically, the area flooded over a 6 km wide area. Much less water
now flows down the river as a result of the Lesotho Water Scheme.
The water serving the Park is pumped and filtered through a new electrical pump and
reservoir system.
Ref. 16/1/5/1/5/3/2 21Section 3 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) clearly identifies the National
Government as the public trustee of the nation’s water resources, which, acting
through the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, has the power to regulate the use,
flow and control of all water in South Africa. SANParks thus does not directly, and in
most cases also indirectly, manage hydraulic processes and resource use in rivers.
The Act also states that the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry must devolve
most of the catchment management issues to Catchment Management Agencies
(CMAs) that include representatives of local interest groups and relevant government
agencies. The CMAs will provide opportunities for cooperative catchment
management.
3.1.8. Rehabilitation programme
This programme deals with habitat rehabilitation of environmental/biodiversity
parameters in the AFNP. Since the AFNP is in an arid area (low rainfall), minor soil
or vegetation disturbances may induce soil erosion during flash floods. There is also
minor vegetation transformation, which includes change of vegetation community in
terms of composition, density and structure. In the AFNP this has been as a result of
historical herbivory by domestic stock, and the resulting invasion of vegetation
communities by alien plant species.
The AFNP is still increasing in size through the purchase of agricultural land for the
Park. It is therefore possible that some of the land that will be purchased for the Park
will have been significantly transformed through agricultural practices.
Purpose
The main intention of restoration in the AFNP is to return a degraded system to some
form of cover or state that is protective, productive, aesthetically pleasing, or valuable
in a conservation sense. Hobbs & Norton (1996) have identified ecosystem
composition, structure, pattern, function, heterogeneity and resilience as attributes
that must be considered in restoration efforts.
Context
In the AFNP, transformed areas can be divided into the following sections:
1. Infrastructure related – this includes old buildings, fence lines, dams,
telephone lines, and old roads.
2. Excavations – this includes borrow pits for road construction, abandoned
rose quartz mines, and impoundments.
3. General refuse – this includes a variety of items scattered throughout the
bush (such as old drums, cement pipes, and rubbish tips).
4. Alien infestation – this refers largely to the extensive stands of Prosopis
spp (Mesquite) that are prevalent around the homesteads in particular, but
also along some of the dry river channels. Some of these stands are
quite large while others are just one or two trees. Other species include
Wild tobacco Nicotiana glauca and the Mexican poppy, Argemone
mexicana.
Management interventions
There are straight lines, effects of old fence-lines and packing of rocks along these
lines that are visible from tourist roads. The rocks on the historical fence-lines should
be dispersed back into the veld or collected from these lines to reduce the visual
impact of these lines.
Ref. 16/1/5/1/5/3/2 22You can also read
