Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Page created by Seth Yang
 
CONTINUE READING
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve

                                                                          KwaZulu-Natal
                                                                            South Africa

                                                             Management Plan
                                                           Prepared by
                     KwaZulu-Natal Biodiversity Stewardship Programme
Citation
Johnson, I., Stainbank, M. and Stainbank, P. (2018). Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve Management Plan. Version 1.0.
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
AUTHORISATION

This Management Plan for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve is approved:

                 TITLE                                         NAME             SIGNATURE AND DATE

 KwaZulu-Natal MEC:

 Economic Development,
 Environmental Affairs and Tourism

Recommended:

                 TITLE                                         NAME             SIGNATURE AND DATE

 Chief Executive Officer:

 EKZNW

 Chairperson:

 EKZNW, Biodiversity Conservation
 Operations Management Committee

 Chairperson:

 People and Conservation Operations
 Committee

 Management Authority

                                 I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                 MANAGEMENT PLAN

                                                                                                 I
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
TABLE OF CONTENTS

   AUTHORISATION                                                                              I
   TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                          II
   LIST OF TABLES                                                                            III
   LIST OF FIGURES                                                                           III
   ABBREVIATIONS                                                                             IV
   1)           BACKGROUND                                                                    1
          1.1        Purpose of the plan                                                      1
          1.2        Structure of the plan                                                    2
          1.3        Alignment with METT                                                      4
          1.3        Introduction                                                             4
          1.4        The values of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve                                  5
          1.5        Adaptive management                                                      7
   2)           DESCRIPTION OF INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE AND ITS CONTEXT                      9
          2.1        The legislative basis for the management of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve    9
          2.2        The regional and local planning context of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve    10
          2.3        The history of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve                                12
          2.4        Ecological context of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve                         14
          2.6        Socio-economic context                                                  20
          2.7        Operational management within Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve                 23
          2.8        Summary of management issues, challenges and opportunities              24
   3)           STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK                                               26
          3.1        Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve vision                                        26
          3.2        Objectives and strategic outcomes                                       26
   4)           ZONATION PLAN                                                                28
          4.1        Conceptual development guidelines                                       28
   5)           ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE                                                     29
   6)           OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK                                             30
          6.1        Legal compliance and law enforcement                                    30
          6.2        Buffer zone protection and regional management                          31
          6.3        Visitor management and tourism development                              34
          6.4        Conservation management                                                 34
          6.5        Operational management                                                  39
   7)           MONITORING AND REPORTING                                                     41
          7.1        Annual monitoring                                                       41
          7.2        Annual protected area management plan implementation review             43
   8)           INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE’S ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION                         44
          8.1        Implementation of the management plan                                   44
          8.2        Responsibilities in implementing the protected area management plan     45
          8.3        Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve’s resource requirements                       45

         REFERENCES                                                                          46
   APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
   APPENDIX B: LIST OF STATUTES TO WHICH THE INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE IS SUBJECT

                                             I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                             MANAGEMENT PLAN

                                                                                                   II
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
APPENDIX C: COPY OF INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE SG DIAGRAM AND PROCLAMATION (PENDING).
        APPENDIX D:VEGETATION TYPES AND SPECIES LISTS
                   APPENDIX D1: KZN VEGETATION TYPES occurring within Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve, their conservation
                           status and protection.
                   APPENDIX D2: PLANT SPECIES LIST for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve
                   APPENDIX D3: GENERAL FAUNA LIST: Invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
                   APPENDIX D4: BIRD LIST
        APPENDIX E: PRO FORMA ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Land ownership of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ....................................................................... 9
Table 2. Vegetation types of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and their contribution to systematic
biodiversity planning conservation targets. ............................................................................................. 17
Table 3. List of alien invasive plants species found on Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ............................ 19
Table 4. Management challenges, issues and opportunities ................................................................... 24
Table 5. Objectives and strategic outcomes for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ...................................... 27
Table 6. Framework for legal compliance and law enforcement, and buffer zone protection and
regional management. ............................................................................................................................. 32
Table 7. Framework for visitor management, tourism development and conservation management. .. 36
Table 8. Framework for operational management. ................................................................................. 40
Table 9. Annual monitoring schedule for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ................................................ 42

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Structure of the Management Plan. ............................................................................................ 3
Figure 2. Regional location of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. .................................................................... 5
Figure 3. The adaptive management cycle (Management Strategy Evaluation, 2009). ............................. 8
Figure 4. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and its constituent properties. .................................................. 10
Figure 5. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve in the context of uMgungundlovu DM Critical Biodiversity Areas
Map. ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 6. Mean monthly rainfall and temperature data for the major Bioreseource units of
Ingwehumbe............................................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 7. Map showing topography of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and its surrounds. ........................ 15
Figure 8. Map showing the geology of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. .................................................... 16
Figure 9. Map showing the vegetation types of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ...................................... 17
Figure 10. Local municipality within which Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve falls ....................................... 21
Figure 11. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserveinfrastructure of rodas, bush camp and recreational cycle
tracks.. ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 12. Zonation plan for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. .................................................................... 28
Figure 13. Organisational structure for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ................................................... 30
Figure 14. Process for the implementation of the Management Plans. .................................................. 44

                                                                  I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                                                  MANAGEMENT PLAN

                                                                                                                                                              III
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
ABBREVIATIONS
Amafa      Amafa aKwaZulu-Natali (KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Heritage Agency)
BCOMM      Ezemvelo Biodiversity Conservation Operations Management Meeting
BP         Business Plan
CCA        Community Conservation Area
CDP        Concept Development Plan
CEO        Chief Executive Officer
CRMP       Cultural Resource Management Plan
CMS        Co-management Structure
DAEARD     KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development
DCO        District Conservation Officer
DEA        National Department of Environmental Affairs
DWA        National Department of Water Affairs

EIA        Environmental Impact Assessment
EMF        Environmental Management Framework
EMP        Environmental Management Plan
EWT        Endangered Wildlife Trust
Ezemvelo   Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife
FPA        Fire Protection Association in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (No.1 of 1998)
GIS        Geographical Information System
IDP        Municipal Integrated Development Plan
IUCN       International Union for the Conservation of Nature
MCM        National Department of Marine and Coastal Management
MEC        Member of the Executive Council
MOA        Memorandum of Agreement

MOU        Memorandum of Understanding
NEMA       National Environmental Management Act
NPAES      National Protected Area Expansion Strategy

NSBA       National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment
OIC        Officer in Charge
PA         Protected Area

SAHRA      South African Heritage Resources Agency
SDF        Municipal Spatial Development Framework
SMME       Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises
SMP        Strategic Management Plan
SWOT       Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis
UNESCO     United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

WWF        Word Wildlife Fund

                                           I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                           MANAGEMENT PLAN

                                                                                                             IV
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
1)   BACKGROUND

     1.1       Purpose of the plan
     Management plans for biodiversity stewardship sites are strategic
     documents that provide the framework for the development and operation
     of biodiversity stewardship sites. Biodiversity stewardship offers varying
     levels of formal protection of land with nature reserves being the highest
     level of protection and a recognised protected area in terms of the National
     Environmental: Management Protected Areas Act, No. 57 of 2003. Because
     of the importance of its biodiversity and ecological functions, Ingwehumbe
     Nature Reserve qualified to be declared as a nature reserve in terms of the
     Act.

     This management plan informs management at all levels, from the
     management authority through to support staff within partner organisations.
     The purpose of the management plan is to:

           •   Provide the primary strategic tool for management of Ingwehumbe
               Nature Reserve, informing the need for specific programmes and
               operational procedures.
           •   Provide for capacity building, future thinking and continuity of
               management.
           •   Enable the landowner to develop and manage Ingwehumbe Nature
               Reserve in such a way that its values and the purpose for which it has
               been established are protected.
           •   Ensure the effective management of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve in
               accordance with relevant provincial, national and international norms
               and standards.
           •   The plan outlines the implementation of the conditions laid out in the
               Protected Area Management Agreement for Ingwehumbe Nature
               Reserve, which are to:
                  o Preserve the ecological integrity (including vulnerable and
                      ecologically sensitive areas) of the nature reserve.
                  o Conserve the biodiversity of the nature reserve.
                  o Protect areas representative of all ecosystems, habitats and
                      species naturally occurring there.
                  o Protect threatened or rare species.
                  o Assist in ensuring the sustained supply of environmental
                      goods and services provided by the nature reserve.
                  o Provide for the sustainable use of natural and biological
                      resources.
                  o Create or augment destinations for nature-based tourism.
                  o Manage the interrelationship between the natural
                      environment, human settlement and economic development.

                                 I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                         MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                   1
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
1.2   Structure of the plan
Section 1:   Provides an introduction and background to the management
             plan and Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
Section 2:   Establishes the context of the Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve,
             providing the basis for the strategic and operational
             management frameworks that follow.
Section 3:   Sets out the vision and objectives for the biodiversity
             stewardship site.
Section 4:   Sets out the zonation of the biodiversity stewardship site,
             outlining the land uses in particular zones.
Section 5:   Describes the administrative structure that has been
             established to assist in managing Ingwehumbe Nature
             Reserve.
Section 6:   Sets out the management targets that must be achieved in
             managing the nature reserve.
Section 7:   Sets out the monitoring measures required to determine if
             management targets are being met.
Section 8:   Describes the components that must be included in the
             annual plan of operation.

                       I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                               MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                      2
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONTEXT

                       Introduction

                                                                                     Management issues,
                      Description and                                                  challenges and
                         context                                                        opportunities

                       STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

                          Vision

                        Objectives

                                                                                     Key performance
                                                                                          areas
                        Strategic
                        outcomes

                                                    Zonation
                                                      plan
Adaptive management

                      OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

                                                   Administrative
                                                    framework

                       Management                                                    Guiding principles
                         activity

                       Management
                         targets

                      Monitoring and
                        reporting

                      Annual plan of
                        operation

                        Figure 1. Structure of the Management Plan.

                                      I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                              MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                          3
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
1.3        Alignment with MET T
Management effectiveness is defined by the IUCN’s World Commission on
Protected Areas (WCPAs) as the assessment of how well a protected area is
being managed – primarily the extent to which it is protecting values and
achieving goals and objectives (Hockings, Stolton & Dudley 2000; Hockings et
al. 2006). The assessment of management effectiveness using the
Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT-SA Version 3, 2015) is not a
management performance assessment but is intended to identify areas in
which management effectiveness can be improved within a protected area
and within the organisation managing the protected area.

As far as possible, this management plan has been aligned with the METT,
which focuses on six elements of protected area management:

      1.   Understanding the context of existing values and threats.
      2.   Protected area planning and design.
      3.   The allocation of resources to the protected area.
      4.   The processes that are implemented in managing a protected area.
      5.   The outputs of management actions.
      6.   The outcomes or impacts of management actions.

It must be understood that not all aspects of the METT will be relevant to
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve but that the METT is able to identify areas in
which to focus management activities in an effort to address deficiencies and
improve management. It thus provides a baseline upon which future
management effectiveness can be measured and improved.

1.3        Introduction
The Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve (1031.059ha) is located in the south-east
corner of the Pietermaritzburg and midlands region of the KwaZulu-Natal
Midlands, approximately 15km south east of the village of Eston in KwaZulu-
Natal, in a predominantly sugar cane growing area (Fig.2). The nature reserve
is characterised by a variety of different vegetation types including the
Critically Endangered KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld, Moist Coast
Hinterland Grassland, Eastern Valley Bushveld, KZN Hinterland Thornveld and
Eastern Scarp Forest that support large numbers of threatened and endemic
species. The Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve provides an important example of
these habitat types within the region. It falls within the Mkhambathini Local
Municipality and the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. This region also
forms part of one of the oldest conservancies, namely the Beaumont Eston
Conservancy. This site will play a very important role in the conservation of
vegetation types, especially the Critically Endangered KZN Sandstone
Sourveld, as well as a large number of threatened and endemic plant and
animal species.

                             I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                     MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                              4
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Figure 2. Regional location of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.

1.4    The values of Ingwehumbe Nature Reser ve
The values of a place are those remarkable attributes that exemplify it, which
led to it being identified as a priority for the Biodiversity Stewardship
Programme and to be proclaimed as a nature reserve. The values are
important in planning and management, as they are the aspects of the place
that must be protected. The values of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve include:

 Natural values                •        Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve contains a large
                                        variety of vegetation types, including the Critically
                                        Endangered KZN Sandstone Sourveld, Moist Coast
                                        Hinterland Grassland, Eastern Valley Bushveld,
                                        KZN Hinterland Thornveld and Eastern Scarp
                                        Forest. Of note is the abrupt contrast from
                                        sandstone grassland to Valley Bushveld habitat.
                               •        Sense of space, beauty, views and vistas of the
                                        area.
 Species values                •        Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve provides suitable

                            I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                    MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                          5
habitat for high numbers of endemic and
                                       threatened plant and animal species.
 Ecosystem service            •        The Mgwahumbe River and its tributaries that
 values                                flow through the property are an important part
                                       of Umkomaas catchment
                              •        The nature reserve is a large tract of functional
                                       natural habitat in a largely transformed
                                       region/landscape
 Ecosystem function           •        Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve has a significant
 values                                altitudinal gradient that facilitates climate change
                                       adaptation.
                              •        Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve has high habitat
                                       heterogeneity including grassland, bushveld,
                                       scarp forest, rivers, wetlands, waterfalls and cliffs.
 Socio economic               •        The large variety of recreational activities include:
 values                                mountain biking fly fishing (indigenous yellow
                                       fish), abseiling, hiking, bird watching, game
                                       viewing, 4x4 track, botanical walks, river lodge.
 Cultural and historic        •        A long history of people with strong ties to the
 values                                land.

Consistent with Section 17 of the Protected Areas Act, the purpose of
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve is to:

   •    Protect an ecologically viable, representative area of KZN Sandstone
        Sourveld, Eastern Scarp Forest, Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland,
        KZN Hinterland Thorn veld and Eastern Valley Bushveld and its
        associated biodiversity in efforts to achieve provincial and national
        protected area targets.
   •    Protect the ecological integrity and functioning of ecosystems and
        water resources of the region.
   •    Protect the biodiversity of the area, in particular threatened, rare and
        endemic species.
   •    Contribute towards the ecological functioning of the Mgwahumbe
        River catchment and its associated water resources through the
        sustained supply of environmental goods and services.
   •    Provide a destination for nature-based tourism that contributes to
        economic development in the region.
   •    Ensure the sustainable use of natural resources including by hunting.

1.4.1    Protection of the values
The protected area’s values, in particular those that underlie the functioning
of its ecosystems and the protection of its rare and threatened species, will
be given the highest degree of protection to ensure the persistence of these
systems predominantly unaltered by human activity.

                           I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                   MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                           6
1.4.2    Ecosystem-based management
Decision-making associated with the protection of the reserve’s ecosystems
will be scientifically based on internationally accepted principles and
concepts of conservation biology. The protected area ecosystems will be
managed with minimal interference to natural processes.                   Specific
management may be desirable, when the structure or function of a habitat
or ecosystem has been significantly altered by human induced impacts or
previous management. Specific management will only be considered when
this option is the best alternative available to restore ecological integrity.

Where directed management is required, it will be based on scientific
research, and will employ techniques that emulate natural processes as
closely as possible.

1.5     Adaptive management
The preparation of this management plan has been undertaken based on the
guiding principles of adaptive management, which is a structured, iterative
process in which decisions are made using the best available information,
with the aim of obtaining better information through monitoring of
performance (Fig.3). In this way, decision making is aimed at achieving the
best outcome based on current understanding, whilst accruing the
information needed to improve future management. Adaptive management
can lead to revision of a part or if necessary the whole management plan.

                           I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                   MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                               7
Figure 3. The adaptive management cycle (Management Strategy Evaluation, 2009).

Adaptive management enables landowners and managers to:

        i)       Learn through experience.
        ii)      Take account of, and respond to, changing factors that affect
                 the biodiversity stewardship site.
        iii)     Develop or refine management processes.
        iv)      Adopt best practices and new innovations in biodiversity
                 conservation management.
        v)       Demonstrate that management is appropriate and effective.

                             I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                     MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                  8
2)   DESCRIPTION OF INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE AND ITS
     CONTEXT

     2.1       The legislative basis for the management of Ingwehumbe
               Nature Reser ve
     There is a large body of legislation that is relevant to the management of
     Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve, but the primary legislation guiding the
     management of protected areas is the National Environmental Management:
     Protected Areas Act (No.57 of 2003).

     The Protected Areas Act establishes the legal basis for the creation and
     administration of protected areas in South Africa, as its objectives include
     provisions “for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas
     representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural
     landscapes”. The Act sets out the mechanisms for the declaration of
     protected areas and the requirements for their management.

     A detailed list of relevant legislation is provided in Appendix B. Landowners
     should familiarise themselves with the purpose and contents of the statutes
     and their subsequent amendments and regulations.

     2.1.1        Proclamation status of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve
     Nature Reserve status was recommended for the Ingwehumbe site by the
     KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Review Panel on 4 Feb 2013 and approved by
     the KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Working Group on 7 Feb 2013, following a
     site assessment on 28 November 2012. The landowners of the properties
     comprising Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve have committed to proclaiming the
     site as a nature reserve in terms of Section 23 of the National Environmental
     Management: Protected Areas Act (No.57 of 2003). A copy of the gazette
     notice, proclaiming Ingwehumbe as a nature reserve will be provided in
     Appendix C.

     Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve has been surveyed over the properties or parts
     thereof listed below (Fig.4).
                       Table 1. Land ownership of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.

      Landowner           Registration        Property                Known name         Title Deed    SG diagram    Size (ha)
                          number              description                                              number

      Electprops 39       96/10742/07         16734                   Wingfield /        T32354/1996   SG1631/1995   551.1185
      Pty Ltd                                                         Kwagumbi

      Malcolm             IT 1084/01          17426                   Priscilla Vale     T57133/2002   SG1367/2001   858.4511
      Stainbank
      Family Trust

      Virginia Trust      IT 1085/01          1/17425                 Virginia Port. 1   T57134/2002   SG1366/2001   364.7704

      Virginia Trust      IT 1085/01          16732                   Ngangeza           T57134/2002   SG1516/1995   110.3643

                                         I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                                 MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                                9
Figure 4. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and its constituent properties.

2.1.2    Invasive species control in terms of the Biodiversity Act
In terms of Section 76 of the National Environmental Management:
Biodiversity Act (No.10 of 2004), the management authority of a protected
area must incorporate an invasive species control plan in the protected area
management plan. This is addressed in Sections 3 and 4 below.

2.2     The regional and local planning context of Ingwehumbe
        Nature Reser ve
2.2.1 Regional and local planning framework

Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve falls within uMgungundlovu District
Municipality and the Mkhambathini Local Municipality, which set the
regional and local planning frameworks. The status of the reserve is reflected
in the land use planning schemes. Almost the entire area of Ingwehumbe
Nature Reserve is classified as CBA Irreplaceable Terrestrial and CBA Optimal
Terrestrial according to uMgungundlovu District Municipality’s Critical
Biodiversity Areas Map (Fig.5).

                             I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                     MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                            10
Figure 5. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve in the context of uMgungundlovu DM Critical Biodiversity
                                        Areas Map.

      According to the Environmental Management Framework for the
      uMgungundlovu District Municipality (INR 2017) as a declared Nature
      Reserve (Protected Area) the sensitivity level is very high and activities that
      would result in transformation or net loss of critical biodiversity elements
      should not be undertaken in this zone. Activities that are compatible with
      biodiversity management objectives and that would result in a nett increase
      in biodiversity should be supported. (p36) Maintain, enhance, and where
      possible, protect areas of high biodiversity value through sustainable
      development planning and land use management practices that promote
      biodiversity patterns and processes across a more connected and biodiverse
      landscape. (p38)

      The uMgungundlovu District Municipal IDP recognises good tourism potential
      as a major strength identifies the farming area between Camperdown and
      Ezimwini (including the existing protected areas within Mkhambathini
      Municipality - Mpushini Protected Reserve, Camperdown Nature Reserve,
      Killarney Isle and Gwahumbe Game Reserve and Mid Illovo, Eston,
      Manderston and Tala Game Reserve Area) as an agri eco-tourism and food
      production area.

      The Mkhambathini IDP (2016-2021 p99) states that he remaining
      undisturbed land should be protected wherever possible since it provides
      habitats for various species. The maintaining of indigenous habitats will assist
      towards augmenting biodiversity in the area.

                                    I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                            MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                          11
2.2.2 Protected areas expansion

   A long term goal is to expand the reserve as the opportunities arise by
   identifying areas adjacent to Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve for possible
   expansion of the conservation area. The following properties have expressed
   interest in becoming recognised conservation areas Skiddaw, Scawfell,
   Gwahumbe Farm, Gwahumbe Game and Spa, Hope Valley, Giggleswick and
   Buckawbrau. These properties need to be engaged by the KZN Biodiversity
   Stewardship Programme.

   2.3    The history of Ingwehumbe Nature Reser ve
   Origin of the name “Ingwehumbe” (Neil Hampson pers. comm. 2017)

   “The name of the valley came to my attention about in 1990 as for years I
   had been trying to find out the meaning of the word Gwahumbe as it was
   spelt on the road signs and in all references. An old African man came to the
   farm one morning and asked permission to bless the spirits of his family at a
   site near to what we call the Waterfall. He told me that he had grown up in
   the valley and as a small boy herded the cattle along the river. He said his
   grandparents always warned them not to herd the cattle near the “Ingwe
   Hhumbe”. Ingwe meaning leopard and humbe meaning caves - “Leopard
   Caves”. So at last after many years the true name became known to me. It
   really made sense and ironically leopard are seen on regular occasions in the
   valley. In fact spoor of a leopard and cub were recorded by my ranger on the
   18/3/2016”.

   History of the Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and surrounds

   Historically, this region once formed part of the ancient elephant trail as they
   moved between their winter-feeding grounds in the mangrove swamps of
   what is now Durban, to their summer habitat, the nearby Byrne Valley. This
   trail was later utilised by Boer Pioneers as a wagon route from the Cape to
   Durban.

   The area was settled by the Stainbank and Gurney families in the 1870s.
   Agriculture at the turn of the last century consisted of tobacco growing for
   which a factory was built in the Gwahumbe Valley.

  The following notes on the history of the area were provided by Neil
  Hampson, a local resident whose family has lived in the area for many years.
  “Herewith a short resume of what I know and what I was told by my father
  Garnet Hampson who was one of the first managers to be employed by Willy
  Pearce the owner of the then Illovo Sugar Mill.
• All cane was hauled by oxen on coco pan trucks on rails laid out for
  harvesting and then transferred to a narrow gauge trucks to be hauled down
  to the mill at Illovo. Some 500 head of oxen were grazed down the

                              I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                      MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                               12
Gwahumbe Valley and also Hall’s Farm which is now Tala Reserve. My folks
           were engaged in 1938 and I have a picture of them sitting in a mule drawn
           trap close to where the old tobacco factory was. The tobacco was of a very
           high standard and won many top awards at the Royal Show in
           Pietermaritzburg.
       •   I personally broke down the last Illovo dip tank in the valley in 1980 which
           was made of imported pig iron, a very strong type of cast iron.
       •   Col. Montgomery was bequeathed the land, Ismont Farm by Queen Victoria
           for his services rendered to her Majesty in the British Fusiliers. He built his
           double story home to resemble a fort, complete with gun turrets and meter
           thick stone walls. The house has been occupied until 3 years ago when a
           freak hurricane destroyed it. Istere Montgomery and 2 daughters less than 3
           years old lie buried at the top of Mount Langford on the farm Ismont. The
           dates on the graves are 1860.
       •   The valley, prior to the arrival of Lantana was open Savannah, grasslands.
       •   I am open to correction but my certificate of Natural Heritage Site No 1 is I
           think one of four or five registered in the Valley and signed by Mandela.
       •   I have known the valley since a young boy of about 12 and spent many
           holidays with pellet guns, bare foot, swimming and exploring and doing what
           all boys dreamt of in those days. It has been an honour and privilege to have
           been able to conserve the part I have and my dream is that one day the entire
           16 kilometers will become a Natural Heritage site in its entirety.”

           Botanical collecting history of the area
           It is related that the Durban Herbarium was stocked in the late 1800’s from
           the valley. It was a hard day’s ride from Durban and many, many specimens
           of plants were sourced from this precious valley and I understand went on to
           the London Herbarium (most likely Kew). (Related to Neil Hampson by Neville
           Power of Arden Farm, Mid-Illovo, whose family name goes back to
           Powerscourt i.e. above the valley).
           Later, in the 1950’s, the area was again an important collecting site for
           botanists who contributed to the impressive plant species list (Appendix D).

1
    Attempts to trace this number have so far been unsuccessful
                                          I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                                  MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                         13
2.4     Ecological context of Ingwehumbe Nature Reser ve

   2.4.1     Climate and weather
   The Ingwehumbe area has relatively mild seasonal climatic patterns. Mean
   annual rainfall ranges from 738mm in the valley to 956mm at the higher
   altitudes, and occurs mostly during the spring and summer seasons, but with
   some rain in winter. Mist is common and adds additional moisture. Winters
   are generally very stable climatically and characterised by cold dry
   conditions. Some frost does occur.

Figure 6. Mean monthly rainfall and temperature data for the major Bioreseource units of
                                      Ingwehumbe.

   2.4.2     Topography
   Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve altitudes range from higher lying areas of up to
   845m above mean sea level, dropping rapidly down cliffs and steep slopes to
   the valley bottom along the course of the Mgwahumbe River to 291m asl., a
   total of 554m Fig.7). The topography of the area has an impact on
   management activities carried out on the reserve. Access to the valley
   bottom is difficult with the access road being steep and eroded in some
   areas. Only high clearance vehicles are used, with 4X4 vehicles required in
   some places. Due to the steep nature of the terrain appropriate drainage of
   roads and carefully planned burning regimes are important to prevent
   erosion.

                                 I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                         MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                           14
Figure 7. Map showing topography of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and its surrounds.

 2.4.3   Geology and soils

 The higher altitude plateau areas have shallow, nutrient-poor sandy soils
 derived from Ordovician Natal Group sandstones, with the dominant soil
 types being Inanda, Kranskop, Nomanci, Griffin and Hutton, which have a low
 susceptibility to erosion. The slopes and valley bottom are underlain by the
 sediments of the Karoo Supergroup with the mudstones, and the dominant
 soil types are Glenrosa and Mispah (Fig.8). These areas are highly susceptible
 to erosion

                              I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                      MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                   15
Figure 8. Map showing the geology of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.

2.4.4     Hydrology
The large Mgwahumbe River, a major tributary of the Lovu River flows along
the valley bottom of the reserve. Two perennial streams feed this river from
the north. The water quality of the river is dependent on agricultural
practices upstream, but is currently in good condition. The Gwahambe Clear
Water project is working from river source. There are no major NFEPA
wetlands within the nature reserve, but numerous smaller wetlands are
present.

                             I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                     MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                            16
2.4.5     Vegetation
     Five vegetation types are represented in the Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve
     (Table 2 & Fig.9)
Table 2. Vegetation types of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and their contribution to systematic
                          biodiversity planning conservation targets.

                                                                                  Provincial    % contribution
   Vegetation type                              Hectares
                                                                                  target (ha)      to target
   KZN Sandstone Sourveld                                276                        44918           0.62
   Eastern Scarp Forest                                  220                        7010            3.17
   Moist Coast Hinterland
   Grassland                                              5                        109388           0.00
   KZN Hinterland Thornveld                              159                       38135            0.42
   Eastern Valley Bushveld                               371                       78438            0.48
   Total                                                1031

        Figure 9. Map showing the vegetation types of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.

                                   I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                           MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                           17
KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld (Critically Endangered) occurs in
KwaZulu-Natal on elevated sandstone plateaus from Mapumulo near
Kranskop in the north to St Faiths near Port Shepstone in the south, between
500-1100m. It is a short, species rich grassland with scattered low shrubs and
geoxylic suffrutices on flat or rolling plateau tops and steep slopes. This
vegetation type is classified as critically endangered by EzemveloKZNWildlife
and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Mucina and Rutherford
2006, Jewitt 2011). It is noteworthy that the contribution of Ingwehumbe
more than doubles the current protected extent.

Eastern Scarp Forest occurs from near the Kei Mouth to southern
Mpumalanga and from a biodiversity perspective is probably the most
important forest type in South Africa (Boon, 2010). Biogeographically and in
terms of biodiversity this is probably the most valuable forest type in South
Africa with many endemic taxa.

Eastern Valley Bushveld is found in the deeply incised valleys of rivers
between 100 and 1000m asl. In the Eastern Cape and KZN. Semi deciduous
savanna woodlands in a mosaic with thickets, often succulent and dominated
by species of Euphorbia and Aloe

KZN Hinterland Thornveld is found scattered immediately above eastern
valley bushveld between 450 and 900m asl in river valleys. Open thornveld
dominated by Acacia species on undulating plains on the upper reaches of
river valleys.

2.4.7   Fire regime
Current fire management is concentrated on maintaining the grasslands,
where biennial block burning is more feasible than fire breaks. Perimeter
breaks are burnt on perimeter of grasslands. The occurrence of wildfires is
not as bad as in the past. The river, streams and forests act as natural
barriers. Fire management agreements need to be put in place with
neighbours to ensure that burning is cost effective and in line with
management objectives e.g. burning of reserve boundary.

Uncontrolled fires in the Bushveld on steep slopes could result in erosion.

2.4.8   Invasive species
There are currently very high levels of Lantana camara, and to a lesser extent
Chromolaena odorata and Solanum mauritianum, on the steep slopes of the
river valley. Small patches of Canna indica and an exotic Plectranthus sp. are
present in the grasslands above the valley. Some Sesbania punicea is also
present.
                          I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                  MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                              18
Table 3. List of alien invasive plants species found on Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.

 Common name                                     Scientific name             CARA category
 Lantana                                         Lantana camara                    1

 Triffid weed                                    Chromolaena odorata               1
 Bugweed                                         Solanum mauritianum               1

 Indian shot                                     Canna indica                      1

 Wattle                                          Acacia mearnsii                   1

 Red Sesbania                                    Sesbania punicea                  1b

In terms of the NEM: Biodiversity Act (No.10 of 2004) and the Conservation
of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA – No.43 of 1983), landowners are
required to control and eradicate listed invasive alien species on their land.
CARA categorises such plants on the following basis:

Category 1:       Plants that may not be grown and must be eradicated.

Category 2:        Plant species with commercial value, which may only be
                   grown with a permit under controlled circumstances.

Category 3:        Plants which have amenity value and which may be grown,
                   but not planted, propagated or imported.

While weed control is active in the proposed nature reserve area using
chemicals, inaccessibility of the very steep river banks is a huge challenge.
Biocontrol agents need to be investigated as a method of control for these
species. Lantana biocontrol has been tried but the agent is adversely affected
by cold temperatures.

2.4.9      Plant species

The Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve area has been well collected by many KZN
botanists over a long period and more than 600 species have been recorded
(Appendix D2). These include five Endangered species, 11 Vulnerable species,
6 Near Threatened species, 11 Declining species and two Rare species. There
are 16 KZN endemics and 82 SA endemics. There is also an unconfirmed
report of the Critically Endangered Brachystelma natalense.

2.4.10 Mammalian fauna
A variety of antelope including Oribi (Endangered), Bushbuck, Grey Duiker,
Blue Duiker (Vulnerable) , Kudu, Eland and Common Reedbuck occur on
Ingwehumbe. Leopard tracks, serval, caracal, cape clawless otter, aardwolf,
black-backed jackal, genet, aardvark, water & white tailed mongoose, striped
weasel, honey badger, grey and slender mongoose, cane rats, bushpig and
warthog have also been recorded (Appendix D3).

                              I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                      MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                        19
2.4.11 Avifauna
Over 180 bird species have been recorded in this area. These range from
forest species such as the trumpeter hornbill and narina trogon, waterfowl, a
variety of raptors of which the Crowned Eagle is recorded to have bred in the
valley for over twenty five years and Southern ground hornbill. Of particular
note is Southern Ground Hornbill (Endangered) which bred on a ledge above
the Ingwehumbe NR gorge until recently when the nesting site collapsed.A
bird list from the neighbouring similar habitat Gwahumbe Game Reserve is
included in Appendix D to note the species likely to be found on
Ingwehumbe.

2.4.12 Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians)
The following reptiles and amphibians are found on Ingwehumbe Nature
Reserve: African Rock Python, Berg adder, Black mamba, Green mamba,
Boomslang, Southern Brown Egg Eater Snake, Bush Squeaker, Flap Neck
Chameleon, Bushveld Rain Frog, Common River Frog (Appendix D3).

2.4.13 Invertebrates
A list of Invertebrates from EKZNW is included in Appendix D3. A number of
the millipedes and molluscs are threatened and / or KZN endemics.

2.6    Socio-economic context

                          I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                  MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                         20
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve falls within the uMgungundlovu District
Municipality and the Mkhambathini Local Municipality (Fig.10) which set the
regional and local planning frameworks.

  Figure 10. Local municipality within which Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve falls

The uMgungundlovu District Municipality 2015/16 Integrated Development
Plan (IDP) highlights the good tourism potential and abundant water
resources of the area. This emphasizes the importance of natural sites such
as Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve, which can ameliorate degradation upstream
and continue to provide important ecosystem goods and services
downstream.

The uMgungundlovu District Municipality EMP (2017) highlights tourism
attraction as a strength and the importance of biodiversity conservation and
the revenue generated by tourism associated with conservation as a key
opportunity. Threats to the Mkhambathini Local Municipality outlined in a
SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis include
growing pressure to protect sensitive vegetation such as Ngongoni and Valley
Bushveld and that there is an increasing burden to protect the rivers and
wetlands with limited resources available at the municipality. The official

                            I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                    MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                               21
protection of such natural vegetation and riparian zones in a declared nature
reserve such as Ingwehumbe will assist the Mkambathini Local Municipality
in achieving its targets

The Mkhambathini Integrated Development Plan (2016 to 20121) comments
on unemployment, inequitable access to land and poor environmental
quality in the municipal precincts. These issues may include impacts on the
boundary of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and within the site and influence
management of the nature reserve.

                          I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                  MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                         22
2.7     Operational management within                                       Ingwehumbe Nature
               Reserve

       2.7.1    Infrastructure
       Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve has minimal infrastructure other than access
       roads, a rustic river bush camp and recreational cycle tracks around the
       periphery (Fig.11).

Figure 11. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserveinfrastructure of rodas, bush camp and recreational cycle
                                         tracks..

       2.7.2    Operational management
       The predominant land use on the site is natural and recreational, including
       mountain bike trails and fly-fishing, There are currently no agricultural
       production activities taking place within the Nature Reserve boundaries with
       the exception of a small areas of sugarcane that were not surveyed out. A

                                    I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                            MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                  23
non-commercial herd of 50 head of Nguni cattle graze in the reserve, and
there are approximately 40 community cattle in the valley bottom

Routine road maintenance, alien plant control, and burning of firebreaks are
carried out regularly.

Warthog and bushpig control is practised in order to maintain appropriate
population levels.

Limited hunting takes place.

2.8     Summary of               management                                   issues ,     challenges              and
        opportunities
The following section summarises the key management issues and challenges
outlined in the descriptive sections above, which must be addressed through
the management plan. The issues and challenges have been grouped under
key performance areas, which flow through the strategic and operational
management frameworks that follow (Table 4).
           Table 4. Management challenges, issues and opportunities

 Key             Issue that must be addressed                                      Opportunities
 performance
 area
                 Raise awareness in the region about the
                     importance of the reserve, its ecology
                     and species.
                 Contribute towards the income generation
                     of the nature reserve.
                 Identification of appropriate activities that                     Existing MTB, hiking, 4x4 trail,
                     may be developed to encourage                                     Mdolwana/Wingfield bush
 Tourism
                     visitors to the nature reserve.                                   camp, bird watching, fishing
 development
                                                                                       (catch and release) botanical
 and visitor
                                                                                       walks, nature clubs.
 management
                 Identification of infrastructure required to                      Road access and maintenance of
                     support visitor activities within the                            cycle and hiking trails and of
                     nature reserve.                                                  bush camp
                 Provision of opportunities for schools and                        Infrequent day trips walking on
                    groups to use the reserve for                                      trails
                    environmental education.
                 Environmental education                                           Not at present
                 Development of specific management                                If needed in conjunction with
                    measures for rare and endangered                                    EKZNW
                    species such as Oribi and Southern
                    Ground Hornbills that occur within the
  Conservation      nature reserve.
  management     Management of introduced game species                             NA
                 Livestock management.                                             Limited numbers not likely to
                                                                                       increase due to limited
                                                                                       carrying capacity. Rangeland
                                                                                       condition assessment and

                               I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                       MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                                     24
Key           Issue that must be addressed                                Opportunities
performance
area
                                                                              stocking rates may be carried
                                                                              out.
              Control of infestations of invasive plant                   Chemical and biocontrol. Identify
                 species listed in terms of the                              accessible areas that can be
                 Biodiversity Act and infestations of                        controlled in planned manner
                 indigenous problem plant species                            within financial constraints.
                 including bush encroachment                                 Investigation biological control
                                                                             agents. Opportunities for
                                                                             working for water programme.
                                                                             Herbicide assistance through
                                                                             stewardship.
              Control of bush encroachment                                Current control by chemical and
                                                                             fire
              Development of a fire management regime                     As per Fire Protection Association
                 that adopts an ecological approach to
                 burning whilst ensuring adequate
                 levels of safety.
              Erosion control and rehabilitation                          As required
              Administrative structure, formation of                      Malcolm Stainbank Landowner,
                 management authority, multiple                              Pete Stainbank Landowner and
                 landowners                                                  directors of Wingfield Nature
                                                                             Reserve current landowners. A
                                                                             management authority needs
                                                                             to be a legally constituted
                                                                             entity and to be assigned.
Operational                                                                  (Landowners association)
management
              Staff training and capacity                                 Ongoing training of staff in
                                                                             conjunction with farm
                                                                             activities e.g. chemicals, alien
                                                                             control, conservancy field
                                                                             rangers training. Revision
                                                                             important.
              Maintenance of infrastructure                               Ongoing as required

                           I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                   MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                          25
3)   STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
     The following strategic framework is aimed at providing the basis for the
     protection, development and operation of the biodiversity stewardship site
     over the next five years and has been prepared collaboratively through a
     process involving the landowner, the biodiversity stewardship facilitator and
     Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

     The vision describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection
     and development of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. The objectives and
     strategic outcomes that follow are intended to provide the basis for the
     achievement of the vision. The objectives provide a broad description of the
     goals for each key performance area. The strategic outcomes, which flow
     from the objectives, set out what is needed to achieve the objectives, based
     on the management challenges, issues and opportunities described in
     Section 2 above.

     3.1    Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve vision
     The ecological value of the Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve extends beyond its
     immediate surrounds, where it fulfils an important role in regional
     conservation and the provision of ecosystem services. The natural beauty,
     ecological value, habitat and species diversity and the presence of high
     numbers of threatened and endemic species, make the reserve an important
     biodiversity asset to the province. Its successful conservation relies on its
     protection, the management of its resources and infrastructure, and the
     support of its neighbours and the community living in their surrounds.

     3.2    Objectives and strategic outcomes
     An objective has been identified for each of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve key
     performance areas, which follow from the management challenges, issues
     and opportunities, and relate to the important functions and activities
     necessary to protect, develop and manage it effectively. The objectives have
     then been translated into strategic outcomes, which form the basis for the
     management activities and targets set out in the operational management
     framework, described in Section 6 below. Table 5 sets out the key
     performance areas, the objective for each key performance area and the
     strategic outcomes, required to realise the objectives.

                               I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                       MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                              26
Table 5. Objectives and strategic outcomes for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.

 Key performance area         Objective                                                 Strategic outcome
 Legal compliance and law     Appropriate legal protection of the Nature                Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve complies with the requirements of the PA act
 enforcement                  Reserve
                                                                                        There is adequate control and law enforcement within the site. Use of SAPS, conservancy, Farmwatch, tribal
                              Control of illegal activities e.g. plant harvesting          authority and Community Police Forum
                              and poaching
                              Control of alien species and protection of alien
                              free areas                                                .

 Buffer zone protection and   Explore opportunities to consolidate the                  Capture of buffer zone considerations in local and regional plans.
 regional management          protection of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve’s                 Cooperate with neighbouring biodiversity stewardship sites, where there is an alignment of biodiversity
                              boundaries and its surrounds.                                conservation goals and objectives.

 Visitor management           Develop opportunities for ecotourism activities           Investigate and implement appropriate ecotourism opportunities.
                              that afford revenue and cost-recovery to the
                              nature reserve.

 Conservation management      Protect the ecosystem functioning, ecological              Critical ecological processes and functions are maintained within the nature reserve.
                              integrity, habitat and species of the nature               Rare and threatened species management is undertaken using the best available scientific knowledge.
                              reserve through active interventions based on              Fire management is undertaken based on ecological principles and the recommendations of studies undertaken
                              principles of adaptive management.                         for the site.
                              Protect and manage the threatened, rare,                   Adequate fire safety within the nature reserve is ensured.
                              vulnerable and endemic species to ensure their             Game management is undertaken based on ecological principles and best management practices that seek to
                              continued survival.                                        optimise the game species mix and numbers.
                                                                                         Invasive alien plant species control measures are implemented in the nature reserve in a planned and systematic
                                                                                         manner.

 Operational management       Infrastructure maintenance:                               Well maintained roads, trail network and bush camp
                              Adequate finances are provided for the                    An annual budget is provided for the maintenance of the reserve
                              protection of the reserve.

                                                                                    I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                                                                            MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                                                                      27
4)   ZONATION PLAN
     The purpose of the zonation of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve is to control the
     intensity and type of use within it, in efforts to ensure the overriding goals of
     production and biodiversity conservation are met. On this basis, within some
     zones, the permissible intensity of use will be relatively higher than in others.

               Figure 12. Zonation plan for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.

     4.1     Conceptual development guidelines

     4.1.1    Limited use zone
     This zone is designated for areas in which activities are to be limited to low-
     impact ecotourism uses and conservation management interventions. Motor
     vehicle access into parts of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve, for management
     purposes is allowed in this zone, together with visitor access to the camp.
     Controlled camping is allowed. Low level management infrastructure such as
     patrolling observation points will also be allowed in this zone. The objective
     of this zone is to enable access and usage of the nature reserve whilst
     limiting the impacts of this.

     4.1.2    Moderate use zone
     This zone covers areas that encompass key zones for the development of
     management infrastructure and relatively high levels of visitor usage.
                                I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                        MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                  28
Furthermore, this zone is designated for areas of relatively high vehicle usage
     such as for visitors travelling to and from the main lodge/s within the nature
     reserve. The objective of this zone is to accommodate lodge-style
     developments and to enable the development of operational management
     infrastructure such as stores, maintenance areas and staff housing within the
     nature reserve.

     Permissible activities for these two zones:

        •   Development of lodges.
        •   Development of roads infrastructure                                 in   compliance   with
            environmental law requirements.
        •   Maintenance of the main access roads through the nature reserve.
        •   Development of the nature reserve’s park management facilities
            comprising infrastructure such as entrances, staff housing, offices,
            workshops and storehouses.

        •   Grazing of livestock, at stocking rates at or below the commercial
            stocking rate.

     Non-permissible activities:

        •   Introduction of non-indigenous grasses, trees or shrubs for
            landscaping purposes.

        •   Ploughing of land.

5)   ADMINISTRATIVE ST RUCTURE
     A recommended organisational structure for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve is
     set out in Figure 13. The figure identifies the role of the site’s landowners
     and their staff together with key partners such as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

                                 I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                         MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                   29
Landowners

                    Management
                     Authority
                                                                                               Shared team: management
                                                       Ingwehumbe Nature                       programmes such as alien plant
                                                          Reserve Land                         clearing, burning, erosion control
                                                      Management Association                   and law enforcement.
                                                                                                                            Existing farm
                                                                                                                                labour

                                 Management Advisory
                                 Forum:
     Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife           NGO partners                       Other governmental
                                                                             partners

     District Conservation       Botanical Society of SA                    Department of
              Unit                                                           Agriculture

          Biodiversity            Endangered Wildlife                    Working for Water
       Stewardship Unit                 Trust

        Eco-advice Unit                                                     Working on Fire

                    Figure 13. Organisational structure for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.

6)        OPERATIONAL MANAG EMENT FRAMEWORK
          This section translates the strategic framework described in Section 3 above
          into management activities and targets, which will be used to inform annual
          plans of operation and the resources required to implement them. The
          management targets will form the basis for monitoring of performance in
          implementing the plan and are thus measurable.

          6.1        Legal compliance and law enforcement
          Through the landowners of the biodiversity stewardship site, the
          management authority has been mandated to enforce laws related to the
          conservation of the site, which prohibit particular activities. In fulfilling this
          role, the managers of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve will adhere to the
          following guiding principles:

                •    All reasonable efforts must be made to ensure the effective
                     conservation of biodiversity within and on the boundaries of the
                     nature reserve.

                •    Law enforcement efforts should be coordinated with the relevant
                     authorities including the South African Police Service in addressing
                     offences and breaches of the law.

                                                I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                                        MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                                             30
•   Law enforcement at the site will be undertaken through surveillance,
          monitoring and appropriate reaction in the event of an offence.

6.2       Buffer zone protection and regional management
        In order to safeguard the biodiversity within the nature reserve and
        to counter any threatening processes or edge effects, appropriate
        land uses in the surrounds of the reserve should be encouraged.
        Actions may also be taken to secure the boundaries of the reserve
        through protected area expansion mechanisms and local planning
        tools. In ensuring the protection of its biodiversity, the following
        guiding principles will be adopted in terms of buffer zone protection
        and regional management:
      •     Appropriate actions must be taken to manage threatening
            processes and edge effects on the nature reserve’s boundaries
            and beyond them.
      •     The reserve’s managers will endeavour to assist the local and
            district municipalities in determining appropriate land uses and
            development strategies in the areas surrounding the nature
            reserve.

The operational requirements for law enforcement, and buffer zone
protection and regional management are set out in Table 6 below.

                            I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                    MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                           31
Table 6. Framework for legal compliance and law enforcement, and buffer zone protection and regional management.
    Strategic outcome                         Management activities                                    Management targets                              Indicators of Concern             Timing       Landowner                 Partner
                                                                                                                                                                                                    responsibility          responsibility

NATURE RESERVE DECLARATION

Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve      Declaration of the site in terms of correct title deed    Legal protection of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve                ▪ No declaration of                Year 1   Completion and          EKZNW to ensure
is a legally declared nature   information and Surveyor General diagrams as a            in terms of the Protected Areas Act. Title deed                Ingwehumbe Nature                         signature of legal      signature of legal
                                                                                                                                                        Reserve.
reserve.                       Nature Reserve in terms of the Protected Areas Act.       endorsement must be achieved.                                                                            documents               documents by MEC
                                                                                                                                                  ▪     No title deed
                                                                                                                                                        endorsement on
                                                                                                                                                        declared properties

LAW ENFORCEMENT

There is adequate law          Develop an integrated security strategy for the nature    Creation of cooperative structures with law     ▪ Frequent recovery of                                   Development of          Support to
                               reserve, which ensures collaboration with all relevant    enforcement officials (SAPS EKZNW and private        snares.
enforcement within the
                               institutions.                                             security companies, Mid -Illovo community
                                                                                                                                                                                         Year 1   strategy                landowner
nature reserve.                                                                                                                          ▪ Arson fires.
                                                                                         police forum).
                                                                                                                                         ▪ Recorded losses of game
                                                                                                                                              species.
                               Ensure that staff are equipped and trained to             Regular patrols covering the full extent of the                                                          Implementation of a     Prosecution of
                               undertake patrols within the nature reserve for law       nature reserve.                                 ▪ Recorded losses of known
                               enforcement purposes.                                                                                          rare and endangered                    Year 1-      system of patrols       Individuals caught
                                                                                         Prosecution of any offender caught committing                                                                                    committing an
                                                                                                                                              species.                               ongoing
                               Implement a programme of patrols of the nature            an offence.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          offence
                               reserve and its boundaries.

BUFFER ZONE, PROTECTED AREA EXPANSION AND REGIONAL MANAGEMENT

Status of the reserve          Ensure that the Nature Reserve status of Ingwehumbe                                                                                                                                        Engagement with
                                                                                         Retention of existing compatible land uses, such             Land uses that lead to land                 Engagement with
reflected in land use          is included in the development of local and district      as game and livestock farming, in the areas                  transformation,                             municipalities     in   municipalities in
                                                                                         around the reserve.                                          fragmentation and loss of
                                                                                                                                                                                     Ongoing      developing local and
planning schemes               municipality IDPs, SDFs and LUMS in an effort to ensure                                                                                                                                    developing local and
                                                                                                                                                      habitat.                                    regional       plans.
                               compatible land uses in the areas around the nature                                                                                                                                        regional plans.
                               reserve.

                                                                                                   I N G W E H U M B E N AT U R E R E S E R V E
                                                                                                           MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                                                                                                                                                    32
You can also read