SA's first World Heritage Site - Indaloenhle Environmental Consultants
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SA’s first World Heritage Site
Integrated Management Plan
(2022-2031)
Webinar: September 2020
Webinar Conventions
• Please make sure your microphone is on ‘Mute’.
• If there are questions or comments please raise you digital ‘Hand’ (bottom of
screen) and the facilitator will give you the opportunity to speak at the
appropriate time.
• The ‘Q&A’ and ‘Chat’ function (bottom of screen) is also available to provide
comments or ask questions.
• Please ensure your input is clear and concise.
• PLEASE NOTE: This webinar and all verbal and written comments will be
recorded and a pdf copy of this presentation will be made available on our
websites (www.isimangaliso.com and www.indaloenhle.co.za)
Webinar Agenda • 09H00 – 09H30 Chapters 1 - 3 • 09H30 – 09H35 Break (5 min, consider questions) • 09H35 – 10H10 Chapters 4 - 5 • 10H10 – 11H00 Question/Discussion period
Introduction to the IMP team Mr Sizo Sibiya – iSimangaliso Executive Manager, Biodiversity Conservation Mr Siboniso Mbense – iSimangaliso Senior Environmental Planner Ms Mbali Mtshali – Director, Indaloenhle Environmental Consultants Ms Lisa Guastella – Environmental Consultant Dr Riaan Botes – GIS Specialist Mr Sphelele Cele – Environmental Officer, Indaloenhle Ms Londeka Jilimane - Environmental Officer, Indaloenhle
Purpose of webinar ➢ To inform Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), e.g. public, stakeholders, government and non-government organisations about the Draft IMP ➢ To provide I&AP’s and surrounding communities with the opportunity to ask questions and/or comment on the Draft IMP ➢ We will note your comments throughout the webinar and will also provide opportunity to comment (via emails or completed comment sheets) up to 31 October 2020 ➢ The BID, full IMP and comments response forms are available on our websites (www.isimangaliso.com and www.indaloenhle.co.za) ➢ Feedback from the public participation process will be used to refine the Final IMP
Location iSimangaliso
Wetland Park
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park
extends from the
Mozambican border, N of
Kosi Bay Estuary, to the Cape
St Lucia lighthouse, S of
Maphelane.
- E boundary is the Indian
Ocean, W boundary is
irregular and incorporates
the entire Kosi, Sibaya and St
Lucia lake systems as well as
uMkhuze Game Reserve.
World Heritage iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty and unique global values.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa’s second largest park (including the expanded Marine Protected Area), containing four Ramsar sites (wetlands of international importance), 90% of South Africa’s protected estuaries, 15 ecosystems and a number of notable and diverse landscapes.
What is an Integrated
Management Plan?
The Integrated Management Plan (IMP) is a guiding
document for the management and development of the
iSimangaliso Wetland Park in its current and future form.
It provides the integrated management tools, including
spatial planning measures and zonation.Structure of the IMP Report Chapter 1: Introduction Purpose of the IMP, legal framework and authority of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Chapter 2: Overview of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Relevant physical and socio-economic factors affecting iSimangaliso. Chapter 3: Strategic Analysis of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Significance of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, challenges it faces and appropriate interventions. Chapter 4: Policy, Strategic Planning Framework and Implementation Plan Vision, mission, values, management and strategic goals and the implementation plan. Chapter 5: Environmental Management Framework: Tools for Integrated Management Spatial planning measures, policies and strategies and management tools. Appendices: Provides additional information not included in the main document Legal & Institutional Framework, Detailed Maps, Historical overview
Chapter 1. Introduction
• The IMP is a management plan for decision-making that provides guidance for:
o the conservation and protection of the world heritage values,
o the integration of conservation, tourism development, and
o the local economic development of historically disadvantaged communities in
and adjacent to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
• The IMP must be reviewed at a minimum every 5 years. This is the IMP’s 2nd review
and builds upon the previous 2017 – 2021 IMP and seeks to update and review it to
provide a revised 10-year strategic management plan for the period 2022 – 2031.
• Focus of the 2022 – 2031 IMP: iSimangaliso wishes to become a renowned World
Heritage Park, recognised for its success in conservation, sustainable tourism and
benefit sharing.Chapter 1. Introduction Cont.
• Enabling legal framework: iSimangaliso Wetland Park is subject to 23 Acts and
Guidelines which provide for the establishment, protection and management of the Park.
The most important of these are:
* World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act 49 of 1999)
* National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of 2003)
* Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999)
• The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is the management authority of the Park;
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) is its appointed conservation managerChapter 1. Introduction Cont. MPA Changes
Expansion of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) effective August 2019, making it
the country’s largest MPA
New MPA: Southward extension 12.5 km,
Old MPA: LWM seawards to 3 n.mi offshore
Offshore extension 20 – 45 n.mi
Area = 82 500 ha
Area = 1 072 965 ha, No sanctuary zoneChapter 2. Overview of the
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Biophysical environment: Overviews of the climate, oceanography, geology,
geomorphology, soils, hydrology, geohydrology, ecosystems, vegetation and
fauna.
The fifteen interlinking ecosystems of the iSimangaliso Wetland ParkChapter 2 Overview of the iSimangaliso
Wetland Park Cont.
• Socio-economic environment: Overviews of population,
employment, health, levels of education, service levels and
economic opportunities for communities surrounding the park.
• Cultural heritage: Overviews of the high archaeological
significance and rich cultural heritage influences stretching back
up to 2 millions years ago (early stone age).
• Land restitution: Details the status of the land restitution process.
Population distribution for local municipalities surrounding iSimangaliso, 2011
60000
Male Female
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
80 - 84
75 - 79
70 - 74
65 - 69
60 - 64
55 - 59
50 - 54
45 - 49
40 - 44
25 - 29
20 - 24
15 - 19
10 - 14
05 - 09
00 - 04
00 - 04
05 - 09
20 - 24
25 - 29
30 - 34
35 - 39
40 - 44
45 - 49
50 - 54
55 - 59
60 - 64
75 - 79
80 - 84
35 - 39
30 - 34
10 - 14
15 - 19
65 - 69
70 - 74
85+
85+
Catalina wreck visible during drought at Lake St
Lucia (Photo: SAAF Museum)Chapter 3. Strategic Analysis of the
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Significance of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park: The conservation significance
of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is recognised by it meeting three of the ten
World Heritage listing criteria, viz:
• Criterion vii: contains superlative natural phenomena and scenic beauty.
• Criterion ix: contains outstanding examples of ecological and biological
processes.
• Criterion x: contains important and significant natural habitats for
conservation of biological diversity, including threatened species.Chapter 3. Strategic Analysis of the
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Cont.
Ramsar sites: iSimangaliso contains four Ramsar sites, viz.:
➢ St Lucia Lake System.
➢ Turtle Beaches/Coral Reefs of Tongaland.
➢ Kosi Bay Lake System
➢ Lake Sibaya
Pic: PinterestChapter 3. Strategic Analysis of the
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Cont.
• The iSimangaliso Wetland Park has a strong cultural and historical
significance reaching back to the Stone Age and a “Sense of Place” that holds
special, and unique values amongst the culturally diverse residents and
visitors.
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park is regarded as an important economic asset with a
rich natural endowment making it an important tourist destination, especially in
eco-tourism.Chapter 3. Strategic Analysis of the
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Cont.
• Challenges and Threats: Despite it’s longstanding ecological processes and
biodiversity, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is under threat from both external and internal
factors. Examples of major threats considered:
- Climate Change - Over fishing
- Conflicting land uses - Poaching
- Poor socio-economic environment - Alien invasive species
- Limited economic opportunities - Natural disasters
- Mining - Change in tourism patterns
• Interventions: Examples include:
- Continued rehabilitation where necessary - Training and capacity building
- Community liaison - Improve infrastructure
- Co-management agreements - Climate change response strategiesBreak
5 min
Queries/questions/comments?
Questions will be addressed at the end of this presentationChapter 4. Policy, Strategic Planning Framework and Implementation Plan GUIDING PRINCIPLES Vision: To create a renowned World Heritage Park where conservation, sustainable tourism and benefit sharing prevails. Mission: Protect, preserve and present its World Heritage values for current and future generations, in line with the standards laid down by UNESCO and the World Heritage Convention Act, whilst benefitting communities living in and adjacent to the Park by facilitating optimal tourism and related development. Values: iSimangaliso Wetland Park subscribes to the Batho Pele Principles and in addition the core values of integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability, performance and professionalism.
Chapter 4. Policy, Strategic Planning
Framework and Implementation Plan Cont.
STRATEGIC GOALS
Strategic goal 1: Maintain World Heritage Site Status.
Strategic goal 2: Park positioned as a tourism destination of choice.
Strategic goal 3: Improved socio-economic conditions of local communities
Strategic goal 4: A capable and diverse institution recognised as an employer of
choice.
Pic: Andrew KempChapter 4. Policy, Strategic Planning Framework and Implementation Plan Cont. MANAGEMENT GOALS Management goal 1: To protect, conserve, enhance and present the Park’s World Heritage values and its Cultural heritage. Management goal 2: To promote, manage, oversee, market and facilitate optimal tourism and related development in the Park. Management goal 3: To promote the empowerment and development of historically disadvantaged communities in and adjacent to the Park. Management goal 4: To ensure that iSimangaliso’s operations are properly funded and cost-effectively managed, while maintaining an appropriate system of internal control and reporting of accounting, management, and statutory information.
Chapter 4. Policy, Strategic Planning
Framework and Implementation Plan Cont.
STRATEGIC DRIVERS:
• Park operations and conservation management
• Commercial development (tourism)
• Empowerment and transformation
• Effective corporate governance
• Interpretation, presentation and education
• Research, monitoring and evaluation
Cleaning
a salinity
logger,
Nunes
(2009)Chapter 4. Policy, Strategic Planning
Framework and Implementation Plan Cont.
• Planning cycle comprises a number of different types of plans reviewed at
various intervals.
• The preparation of the IMP is governed by the World Heritage Convention
Act (minimum five year cycle)
• Public Finance Management Act (three year cycle)
• Annual Plan of Operation.
• Previous IMP (2017-2021) - a 5 year life cycle was adopted. Required
management structures are now in place, therefore the iSimangaliso
Wetland Park Authority has proposed a 10 year cycle for this IMP, unless
there is a need to replace it earlier by a newly approved plan.Chapter 5. Environmental Management
Framework: Tools for Integrated
Management
Spatial Planning measures and controls:
The primary spatial planning tool is the zonation plan. This forms the
basis for the activities plan and the setting of tourism nodes and
carrying capacities.
• Spatial zoning is applied to the terrestrial, marine inshore and marine offshore
components.
• Zone types defined are Wilderness, Restricted, Controlled
• Sub-zone types include Commercial Forestry (Terrestrial Only), Controlled
Catch and Release (Marine Inshore Only), Controlled Restricted Fishing
(Marine Offshore Only).Chapter 5. Environmental Management Framework: Tools for
Integrated Management Cont.
Previous Zoning New ZoningChapter 5. Environmental Management
Framework: Tools for Integrated Management
Cont.
Photo: Alexa Prinsloo
Other spatial planning considerations:
- Marine Protected Area (MPA)
- Boat launch sites & motorised vessels
- Development Node Framework
- Permissable & non-permissable activities
- Beach Parking
- Sensitive Areas
Photo: Sodwana Bay LodgeChapter 5. Environmental Management
Framework: Tools for Integrated Management
Cont.
Other spatial planning considerations cont.:
- Visitor Carrying Capacity (Process currently under review)
TYPE ZONE INTENSITY MAXIMUM
TOURISM BEDS Using the node zoning
PER FACILITY criteria from the IMP, nodes
A - Overnight Nodes were identified from:
I Wilderness Very low =10 • Existing facilities, and
II Restricted Low = 50
III Restricted Medium = 200
• Cognisance of proposed
IV Controlled Very low = 10 developments.
V Controlled Low = 50
VI Controlled Medium = 200
VII Controlled High I 200 to 500
VIII Controlled High II = 500
B - Day Visitor Nodes
I Restricted Low = 50
II Restricted Medium = 200
III Controlled Low = 50
IV Controlled Medium = 200
V Controlled High I 200 – 500
VI Controlled High II > 500Chapter 5. Environmental Management
Framework: Tools for Integrated Management
Cont.
Other spatial planning considerations cont:
Park Buffer Zone (Zone of Influence)
WHCA requirement
• Main reason for expansion
is the 10 km EIA boundary as
prescribed by NEMA.
• Benefit is increased
protection of iSimangalo.
• Challenge is inappropriate
development in the buffer
with impacts in the park.
• Parallel process with IMP.Chapter 5. Environmental Management
Framework: Tools for Integrated Management
Cont.
Policies, strategies and plans: Policies, plans and strategies are key to
effectively manage the Park and, as such, serve as management tools. These
include:
- the conservation operational plan - species management plans
- coastal management line - local area plans
- transformation and empowerment strategy - land claims framework
- tourism concessioning policy - land incorporation policy
- research monitoring and evaluation - public participation strategy
- bio-prospecting policyChapter 5. Environmental Management
Framework: Tools for Integrated Management
Cont.
General planning tools and controls: Management of development and activities
within the Park can only be achieved through appropriate planning tools and
effective controls comprising :
- environmental authorisations - estuarine management plans
- environmental management programmes - park rules and permit system
- tourism codes of conduct - site development guidelines
- theming and branding guidelines - other types of assessmentsThank you Photographic credits: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Lisa Guastella, Peter Howard, Kerry Sink, Sodwana Bay Lodge, Alexa Prinsloo. Andrew Kemp, Pinterest, SA Airforce Museum
Discussion Questions or comments? Please raise you digital ‘Hand’ and the facilitator will give you the opportunity to speak at the appropriate time. The ‘Q&A’ and ‘Chat’ function is also available to provide comments or ask questions. Reminder: This webinar and all verbal and written comments will be recorded and a pdf copy of this presentation and comments response forms will be made available on our websites (www.isimangaliso.com and www.indaloenhle.co.za) Please submit comments to Indaloenhle by 31 October 2020 (mbali@indaloenhle.co.za or ljilimane@indaloenhle.co.za)
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