HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019 FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 1 HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN The acid sands of marine origins and the Malmesbury shales of the Swartland meet at Hopefield. Here, the interplay of soil types and water permeability of these substrates as well as the climatic influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean leads to unique habitats and many seasonal wetlands. Thus, the area has many interesting endemic and threatened plant taxa and it is no surprise that Hopefield is now renowned for its annual flower show which is run by a passionate and knowledgeable group of local volunteers (Maree and Vromans 2010). AUGUST 2019
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HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services Page 1
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
The acid sands of marine origins and the Malmesbury shales of the Swartland meet at Hopefield. Here, the interplay of soil types and water permeability of these substrates as well as the climatic influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean leads to unique habitats and many seasonal wetlands. Thus, the area has many interesting endemic and threatened plant taxa and it is no surprise that Hopefield is now
renowned for its annual flower show which is run by a passionate and knowledgeable group of local volunteers (Maree and Vromans 2010).
AUGUST 2019
HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN – AUGUST 2019
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Compiled by
Charl du Plessis & Sean Ranger
FOOTPRINT Environmental Services
Porterville
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AUTHORISATION The management authority assigned in terms of Section 38 (1) or (2) of the Act must, within 12 months of assignment submit a management plan of the Protected Area to
the MEC for approval.
Recommended and approved by the Municipal Manager, Saldanha Bay Municipality.
Name Resolution Number Date
Municipal Manager
Saldanha Municipality
……………………….
MEC Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Name Signature Date
Department of Environmental Affairs
and Development Planning
Mr Anton Bredell
PROVINCIAL MINISTER
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i) Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright in this information vests with FOOTPRINT Environmental Services (FES)
and the unauthorised copying thereof or making of extracts thereof is illegal.
Any representation, statement opinion, or advice expressed or implied in this document
is made in good faith on the basis that FES, its agents and employees are not liable
(whether by reason of negliglence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any
damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person
taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation,
statement or advice referred to above.
Although the greatest care has been taken to ensure that all mapping data is up to
date and spatially accurate, FES give no warranty, express or implied, as to the
accuracy, reliability, utility or completeness of this data. Users of the data in this report
assume all responsibility and risk for use of the data.
The User expressly acknowledges and agrees that use of the data and information
contained in these pages is at the User's sole risk. The data and information contained
in these pages are provided "as is" and no warranties are made that the data and
information contained in these pages will meet your requirements, is complete or free
from error. In no event shall FES be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but
not limited to, damages for loss of business profits, loss of business information, or
other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of, or inability to use, the data and
information contained in this report.
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ii) Acknowledgements
The Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) expresses its thanks to all who participated in
and who provided comment and input in the drafting and development of this
management plan.
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve (HPNR) Protected Area Management Plan
(PAMP) was prepared by Cedarberg Conservation Services (t/a FOOTPRINT
Environmental Services). Our thanks in particular to Nazeema Duarte from the SBM
for her support.
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iii) Table of contents
i) Copyright and disclaimer 4
ii) Acknowledgements 5
iii) Table of contents 6
iv) List of tables 12
v) List of figures 12
vi) List of attachments 12
vii) Abbreviations 12
SECTION 1 : INTRODUCTION 15
1.1 The purpose of the plan 15
1.2 Structure of the plan 15
1.3 Adaptive management 18
SECTION 2 : OVERVIEW OF THE HOPEFIELD PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
19
2.1 Cultural heritage resources and landscape grading 20
2.2 Biophysical description 20
2.2.1 Climate 22
2.2.2 Geology, topography and soils 22
2.3 Biodiversity 23
2.3.1 Mammal fauna 23
2.3.2 Vegetation 24
2.3.3 Avifauna 26
2.3.4 Herpetofauna 27
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2.3.5 Invertebrates 27
2.3.6 Fire regime 27
2.3.7 Alien Invasive Species 29
2.4 Socio-political Context 29
2.5 Local and Regional Planning Context 31
2.5.1 Regional Planning 31
2.5.2 Local Planning 32
SECTION 3 : LEGAL STATUS 36
3.1 Legal status 36
3.1.1 Name and legal designations 36
3.1.2 Contractual agreements 36
3.1.3 Location, extent and highest point 36
3.1.4 Municipal jurisdiction 37
SECTION 4 : POLICY FRAMEWORK 39
4.1 Financial 39
4.2 Biodiversity management 39
4.3 Safety and security 39
4.4 Resource use and community involvement 40
4.5 Cultural resource management 40
4.6 Neighbouring relationships 41
4.7 Baseline data, monitoring and research 41
4.8 Access 41
4.9 Administration support 42
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4.10 METT Assessments 42
4.11 Internal Rules 43
4.12 Environmental Education and Awareness 43
4.13 Infrastructure management and maintenance 43
SECTION 5: CONSULTATION 44
5.1 Stakeholder Engagement Process 44
5.2 Establishment of a Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) 45
5.3 Effective participation in the Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC)
45
SECTION 6: PURPOSE and VISION 46
6.1 Key determining factors 46
6.1.1 Local connectivity 47
6.1.2 Vegetation 47
6.1.3 Other values 47
6.2 Management Intent 48
6.3 Purpose 48
6.4 Threats 49
6.5 Summary of management challenges 50
6.6 Vision 53
6.7 Goals and objectives 53
SECTION 7 – ZONING PLAN 62
7.1 Protected Area in the Context of Municipal Integrated Development Planning
62
7.2 Protected Area Zonation 63
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Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA’s) are those terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) areas
which must be safeguarded in their natural state as they are critical for conserving
biodiversity pattern and maintaining ecosystem functioning. These areas include:
Areas requiring safeguarding in order to meet National biodiversity thresholds;
Areas required to ensure the continued existence and functioning of species
and ecosystems, including the delivery of ecosystem services; and/or
Special Habitats or locations where Species of Special Concern occur (Maree
and Vromans 2010)
Desired management for a CBA, and in this case applicable to the HPNR is to maintain
the natural land, rehabilitate degraded areas to natural or near natural and to manage
the area in such a way as to prevent any further degradation.
Table 1, describes the land and resource use guidelines applicable for terrestrial
CBA’s.
Table 1: Land and Resource use guidelines for terrestrial CBA’s.
Spatial Planning Category Land and resource use guidelines matrix
Conservation Yes
Agriculture: Intensive agriculture or high impact (includes nuisance and space extensive agricultural enterprises)
No
Agriculture: Extensive agriculture with low impact Restricted
Holiday accommodation Restricted
Rural housing (RH) – (Low Density RH: Consolidation of rural erven for conservation)
Restricted
Rural housing (On-Farm workers Settlement) No
Tourist and recreational facilities – low impact: Lecture rooms, restrooms, restaurants, gift shops and outdoor recreation)
Restricted
Tourist and recreational facilities – high impact (golf , polo, and housing eco-estates)
No
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Rural business (Place Bound) Restricted
Rural business (Non Place Bound) No
Rural industry NO No
Small holdings No
Community facilities and institutions No
Infrastructure installations Restricted
Existing settlements (Urban expansion) No
New settlements No
# Yes = encouraged; No = Discouraged and Restricted = Land-use possible under strict controls only in order to avoid impacts on biodiversity.
Table 1 : Land and Resource use guidelines for terrestrial CBA’s (Adapted from Maree
& Vromans, 2010).
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SECTION 3 : LEGAL STATUS
3.1 Legal status
3.1.1 Name and legal designations
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve (HPNR) was proclaimed under Section 12 (4)
of the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance, (Ordinance 19 of 1974) on
the 7th May 1982. The HPNR is therefore recognised as a Nature Reserve under the
National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA) (Act No. 57 of
2003). See Attachment 1 – PN 337 of 1982.
3.1.2 Contractual agreements
No formal contractual agreements exist within the PA.
3.1.3 Location, extent and highest point
Hopefield PNR is 1887,79 ha’s in size and is located on Farm 304, Hopefield. The
reserve falls within the 3318AB quarter degree grid square and the centre of the
reserve is located at 33.056275S and 18.277203”E. (See Figure 2 - Locality of the HPNR)
The highest point of the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve is 100 m.a.s.l.
See Figure 3 – Geology and topography of the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
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3.1.4 Municipal jurisdiction
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve is situated within the West Coast District
Municipality (WCDM) and within the Saldanha Bay Local Municipal area (SBM), which
is the Local Authority. The municipal area extends over ±2015 km² and extends along
238 km of coastline.
In terms of the Municipal Systems Act (Act No.32 of 2000), local municipalities in South
Africa are required to use integrated development planning to plan future development
in their area. An Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a 5-year strategic plan within
which the municipal strategic and budget priorities are set.
An IDP is intended to be the principal strategic instrument that informs planning and
development within a municipality with the aim of integrating and coordinating the work
of local and other spheres of government, including how the environment will be
managed and protected. Among the key components of an IDP are disaster
management plans and a Spatial Development Framework (SDF). SDFs are
essentially the spatial reflection of a municipal IDP. Local municipalities are
responsible for producing and coordinating IDPs and SDFs, in consultation with
stakeholders who can influence or be influenced by development and other changes
in the area. All government departments working in an area are encouraged to refer
to the IDP to ensure integration and alignment of work. As such IDPs and SDFs are
tools for integrating social, economic and environmental issues and development
within a municipality.
Since biodiversity is a fundamental component of sustainable development, SDFs and
IDPs offer an opportunity to ensure that biodiversity priorities are incorporated into
planning processes. In turn, the identification of biodiversity-related projects for the IDP
can support local economic development and poverty alleviation.
The SBM SDF has incorporated statutory conservation areas (along with critical
biodiversity areas, conservation priority zones, critical, irreplaceable and restorable
biodiversity sites, public conservation areas and private conservation areas) in its Core
1 category, i.e. conservation worthy / dependent areas.
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The SBM IDPs and SDFs are updated every five years and must indicate the desired
patterns of landuse for the municipality and provide strategic guidance regarding the
location and form of development, as well as conservation, within the municipality. An
improved integration of the PA into municipal planning frameworks presents an
opportunity for protected area mainstreaming and incorporation of appropriate
buffering mechanisms around protected areas. The current IDP is in effect from 2017
– 2022.
Land use management in the SB municipal area is guided by the:
SDF which provides spatial directives for the type of development and where it
can occur, and land use schemes (also known as zoning schemes) which
provides use rights and development parameters thereof and the
The National Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, no 16 of 2013
(SPLUMA), the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act, No 3 of 2014 (LUPA),
and;
The Saldanha Bay Municipality Land Use Planning By-law provides the
legislative framework for the utilisation of the two instruments.
The SDF was approved in 2019 in terms of the Municipal System Act (Act No.32 of
2000). Since then significant legislative changes have occurred in the planning regime
with the promulgation of the National Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act,
no 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA), the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act, No 3 of 2014
(LUPA) and the Saldanha Bay Municipality Land Use Planning By-law. This new
legislation now gives the legal directive for the compilation of a SDF and has made
provision for very specific measures according to which SDF’s should be drafted and
greater clarity on the aspects they should address. As a core component of an IDP the
SDF is linked to the cycle of the IDP and thus the compilation of a new SDF is required
every five (5) years.
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SECTION 4 : POLICY FRAMEWORK
All conservation management authorities are subjected to the Constitution for South
Africa, National Legislation and various conservation strategies and action plans, while
government priorities will take precedence. This section deals with the policy
framework of the SBM, as the management authority to implement this PAMP.
4.1 Financial
Policy Statement - The PA Management will adhere to, and responsively manage
the allocation of budget, revenue raising activities and expenditure; ensure good
financial management supporting the achievement of the objectives of this plan;
comply with the Public Finance Management Act (No.1 of 1999) and comply with
the SBM financial policies and procedures.
In the management and control of the HPNR, the Saldanha Bay Municipality will plan,
budget and audit the implementation of this plan and the expenditure of the allocated
budget on an annual basis.
4.2 Biodiversity management
Policy Statement – The Saldanha Bay Municipality undertakes to manage and
conserve the indigenous and endemic biodiversity in such a way that the character,
ecological pattern and processes of the HPNR are maintained and protected in
perpetuity.
4.3 Safety and Security
Policy Statement – The Saldanha Bay Municipality will at all times maintain access
controls and where required apply law enforcement measures to prevent
degradation to the important terrestrial values present on the PA.
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The SBM have a by-law in place for the management and enforcement of safety and
security that applies to all open spaces under their jurisdiction.
4.4 Resource use and community involvement
Policy Statement – The SBM will promote the sustainable use of environmental
resources and engage and include the community in the use and management of
these resources.
In South Africa, it is entrenched practice to involve communities in the management of
protected areas. This practice provides opportunity to engage and agree on a shared
vision for the PA, making communities equal partners in the engagement process and
providing for the alignment of conservation action objectives and achievable
deliverables.
In terms of resource use the local community at Hopefield must engage with the PAAC
to determine their natural resource requirements.
The Hopefield community, specifically the youth and the surrounding landowners and
SANParks must be a key focus for engagement during the implementation of this
PAMP. The Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) must develop and maintain
guidelines for the management of resource use and community engagement and
involvement.
4.5 Cultural resource management
Policy Statement - The Saldanha Bay Municipality undertakes to manage and
conserve the cultural historical, archaeological and paleontological heritage assets
for the future generations in a manner that is fully aligned to National Legislation.
For monitoring, the condition of focal heritage values are indicators of management
effectiveness through the METT-SA Assessment process.
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4.6 Neighbouring relationships
Policy Statement – The SBM undertakes to establish a formal inclusive community
structure to advise and support the management of the PA.
The HPNR Protected Advisory (PAAC) will be the institutionalised structure to engage
with in instances where conflict resolution is required and to resolve issues, provide
support, guide and monitor implementation of this PAMP. See Attachment 2 – Terms of Reference for a PAAC.
4.7 Baseline data, monitoring and research
Policy Statement - The Saldanha Bay Municipality commits to the continuous
support of key role-players, partners and institutions in the collection of baseline
data, facilitation of monitoring activities and the identification of research
opportunities that could be used to improve the knowledge base and improve
management effectiveness.
4.8 Access
Policy Statement – The SBM will at all times control access to the PA to ensure
the conservation of Biodiversity and Heritage Values in perpetuity.
Access control is important to prevent environmental impacts that are associated with
the over utilisation of resources and illegal activities that may fundamentally undermine
the conservation values of the Protected Area.
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4.9 Administrative support
Policy Statement – The SBM undertakes to undertake integrated development
planning to plan future development in their area in accordance with the Municipal
Systems Act (Act No.32 of 2000).
An Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a five-year strategic plan in which the
municipal strategic and budget priorities are set. The SBM further supports the PA by
providing management funding as part of their service delivery mandate. It is very
important that the programmes and projects identified in the PAMP are incorporated
and included in the IDP process.
4.10 Protected Area Management Effectiveness
Policy Statement – The SBM undertakes to track management effectiveness
through the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) adopted by the
National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and adapted to South African
conditions (METT-SA) and report to the DEA in accordance with this assessment
tool.
The IUCN defines management effectiveness evaluation as the assessment of how
well a protected area is being managed – primarily the extent to which management is
protecting values and achieving goals and objectives (Hockings et al. 2015)
The METT does not replace fine scale monitoring and evaluation of specifics; rather it
is a strategic tool for the assessment of overall management effectiveness. NB this must not been seen as a performance audit of the PA Manager.
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4.11 Internal Rules
Policy Statement – The SBM undertakes to develop and implement PA rules in
accordance with the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act
(57/2003), as Amended in Act 31/2004, Section 52 and the Nature Conservation
Ordinance and Provincial Notice (955/1975).
In terms of the above-mentioned Act, the management authority of a nature reserve
may, in accordance with prescribed Norms and Standards, make rules for the proper
administration of the area.
Rules made must be (1) consistent with the Act and the management plan for the area;
(2) binding on all persons in the area, including visitors; and (3) may, as a condition for
entry, provide for the imposition of fines for breaching of rules.
The internal rules for the proper administration of the PA are drafted in terms of Section
52 of the Act and Regulations for the Proper Administration of Special Nature
Reserves, National Parks and World Heritage Sites (GNR 1061, GG28181).
4.12 Environmental Education and awareness
Policy Statement - The Saldanha Bay Municipality acknowledges the importance
of environmental interpretation and awareness and its contribution to the long-term
protection of the HPNR and the biodiversity values and assets it contains. The SBM
undertakes to improve environmental interpretation and undertake awareness
raising on a continual basis.
4.13 Infrastructure maintenance and management
Policy Statement - The Saldanha Bay Municipality will develop, provide and
maintain infrastructure that is needed for the effective management and protection
of all assets.
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SECTION 5 : CONSULTATION
5.1 Stakeholder Engagement Process
Participatory planning and management are needed to mainstream protected areas as
natural solutions to emerging challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss,
disaster risk reduction, food and water security, providing benefits to human health,
livelihoods and well-being. Therefor the integration of protected areas into the wider
landscape is necessary and management must promote participation by relevant
stakeholders. (CapeNature 2018).
Stakeholder engagement essentially takes place throughout the adaptive
management cycle, however, at the outset of the planning process for the HPNR, the
stakeholder analysis process identified key stakeholders.
Section 39(3) of the Act states that all persons who may be interested in, or affected
by, the management plan are to be given the opportunity to comment on the
management plan. Section 41(2)(e) requires that the management plan contains
procedures for stakeholder participation including participation by the owner, and/or
any local community or interested party.
A process of extensive public participation of the draft management plan was initiated
by invitation to the public via the media, e-mail, post, telephone and personal invitation
to register their interest. A stakeholder register, maintained by the FES lists registered
interested and affected parties. The draft management plan was also placed at
relevant libraries and on the SBM website, inviting written comment on the draft
management plan for a period of 30 days.
Registered interested and affected parties were invited to a public meeting if needed
and provided the opportunity to raise concerns and provide comment. Based on a
summary report of the outcomes of the public meeting, as well as written comments
and responses received, the management plan was amended where relevant, and
feedback provided to registered interested and affected parties. See Appendix 3 - Stakeholder Engagement Process.
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5.2 Establishment of Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) A Protected Area Advisory committee (PAAC) must be establish to provide support
and advice to the SBM in order to strengthen capacity, improve the knowledge base
and ensure political support and buy in at strategic levels within the Saldanha Bay
Municipality.
The PAAC could be comprised of representatives from the Saldanha Bay Municipality,
West Coast District Municipality, West Coast Biosphere Reserve, CapeNature,
SANParks, Dept. of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Elandsfontein,
representatives from the Hopefield community as well as other Interested and Affected
Parties that registered during the stakeholder engagement process. See Attachment 2– Proposed Terms of Reference for the PAAC.
5.3 Effective participation within the Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC)
Once the PAAC has been established the committee must actively engage and
participate in addressing the management challenges of HPNR. The SBM must
ensure that the following recommendations are implemented:
Develop an annual action list for the PAAC
Monitor the success of implementation of these planned activities and the
APO.
Adapt and change activities when needed.
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SECTION 6 : PURPOSE and VISION
The purpose and vision for the HPNR stems from an understanding of the policy
framework, values and key attributes, threats and contributing factors that have
bearing on the ultimate condition of the environment that protected area management
is working to achieve.
Here a deviation from the stakeholder engagement process followed by CapeNature
“the Open Source methodology” has been followed. This was done as the PA in
question is more akin to a Stewardship site than a complex of provincial PA’s for which
the Open Source approach is more suited.
Consultation with CapeNature’s Stewardship Programme provided the reasons for the
approach followed in this instance:
The approach is lengthy (taking up to 18 months) and would be very expensive
to run.
The HPNR, is too small to use this methodology – it works well in complexes of
statutory protected areas managed as Provincial or National Parks i.e. areas
that have extensive biodiversity and cultural historical data available and consist
of multiple conservation estates over large landscapes;
The HPNR is isolated and cannot expand to include other areas under the
management authority of the SBM;
The SBM has no capacity to engage in stewardship arrangements with
neighbouring properties;
That the approach to this PAMP must rather focus on the identification of
Management Programmes that are supported with the identification of projects
and the implementation of actions. A high level strategic management
approach is therefore impractical in this instance;
Please note however that some of the principles of this approach are discussed in the
next section of the PAMP.
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6.1 Key determining factors
6.1.1 Local connectivity
Corridors link habitats, ecosystems or undeveloped areas and physically connect
habitat patches. Small patches of surviving habitat can also serve as “stepping stones”
that link fragmented ecosystems by ensuring that certain ecological processes are
maintained within and between groups of habitat fragments.
According to SANParks (2013) the HPNR is situated within the West Coast National
Park (WCNP) buffer area and therefore provides a critical contribution in the creation
of a buffer around the WCNP. This buffer area will guide the assessment of future
development that may have an influence or impact on the WCNP.
The HPNR is an important stepping stone to create a coastal inland corridor to the
east. This falls within the SANParks expansion strategy which aims to expand the
WCNP in an easterly direction to include more Endangered vegetation types. This
corridor is important to buffer the ecosystem types from the impacts of climate change
(both sea level rise, freshwater flooding and to allow for the movement of species) and
to provide valuable ecosystem services. As a consequence, the long-term integrity and
functioning of the HPNR is important as this is one of few remaining areas of Hopefield
Sand Fynbos that has not been developed. It must be noted that the HPNR is already
link with the WCNP to the southwest of Hopefield.
6.1.2 Vegetation
Hopefield Sand Fynbos is listed as an Endangered vegetation type with a conservation
target of 30%. Very small portions are currently protected within the WCNP while the
HPNR and the Jakkalsfontein Private Nature Reserve are contributing (2%) to the
conservation target. Some (40%) of this vegetation type is already transformed by
cultivation and grazing. Endemic taxa include the following; low shrubs Leucospermun
tomentosum and Relhania rotundifolia, Herbs – Heliophila patens and Lepidium
flexuosum as well as the Geophytic Herb, Oxalis suavis.
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See figure 4 – Vegetation type at the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
6.1.3 Other key determining factors
The following factor are additional and very important key determining factors at
HPNR.
The PA is within the identified Buffer Area of the West Coast National Park;
6.2 Management intent and desire state
The HPNR will be managed primarily for the protection of the Endangered Hopefield
Sand Fynbos vegetation type which is the only ecosystem type present within the
boundaries of the PA. The desired state is to achieve the in-perpetuity protection of
this vegetation / ecosystem type in a pristine condition.
6.3 Purpose
The purpose of the HPNR is the foundation on which all future actions are based in
keeping with the Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives of the SBM and objectives
of the Act.
According to Section 17 of the Act, the primary purpose of declaring protected areas
is: to protect ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological
diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes in a system of protected areas.
The HPNR can be declared for one or more of the following purposes:
to protect ecologically viable areas, representative of South Africa’s biological
diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes in a system of protected
areas;
to preserve the ecological integrity of those areas;
to conserve biodiversity in those areas;
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to protect areas representative of all ecosystems, habitats and species
naturally occurring in South Africa;
to protect South Africa’s threatened or rare species;
to protect an area which is vulnerable or ecologically sensitive;
to assist in ensuring the sustained supply of environmental goods and services;
to provide for the sustainable use of natural and biological resources;
to create or augment destinations for nature-based tourism;
generally, to contribute to human, social, cultural, spiritual and economic
development; or
to rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of
endangered and vulnerable species.
The purpose of the HPNR is therefore to contribute to the protection of a viable
area of Hopefield Sand Fynbos.
6.4 Threats
A number of threats have been identified that may impact on the ability of the HPNR
to achieve its purpose, these include:
Inappropriate fire regime (Medium): Too frequent or fires exceeding the
ecological threshold may have far reaching ecological impacts and may cause
impacts on the natural ecosystem;
Illegal hunting and poaching (Medium): This impact has its origin in the
neighbouring communities when people hunt within the PA and / or stray dogs
gain access to the PA.
Alien and invasive flora (Medium): Although infestation is currently at a very
low level it may worsen if active management interventions to prevent new
invasion, as noted above, are not sustained (Ranger and Du Plessis 2018).
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Unregulated utilisation of natural resources (Low): Harvesting and utilisation of
natural resources without authorisation undermines appropriate resource
management. Additionally, there is opportunity for improved environmental
awareness and a management authority understanding of sustainable
resource utilisation trends.
6.5 Summary of management challenges and opportunities The following management challenges and opportunities are applicable to the HPNR;
Aspect of management Challenges and Opportunities
Management of indigenous plant
and animal species.
Little is known of special, rare and endemic
species that occur on the HPNR and
activities should be focused on baseline data
collection to inform decision making and
management.
Fire management.
The vegetation type occurring on the site is
prone to fire. The primary management
activity would therefore be to prevent wildfires
and to prevent damage to the surrounding
smallholdings and infrastructure at the urban
interface of Hopefield. The SBM is a
member of the Greater Cederberg Fire
Protection Association (GCFPA) an institution
that promotes integrated fire management.
Invasive species management.
The plan has been completed and requires
funding for implementation.
Wildlife management. In this instance naturally occurring wildlife
should not require management – it is
important though that care is taken to manage
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stray domestic animals and illegal hunting /
poaching by visitors to the PA.
Rehabilitation. There are various roads and sites that need
rehabilitation after the completion of the well
drilling project.
Erosion prevention and control.
Soils are highly sensitive to erosion by wind
and management should focus on
prevention of impacts.
Monitoring and Baseline data
collection.
Little or no Baseline data exists for the PA and
this should be a high priority management
activity for implementation.
Biodiversity security.
The local authority PA was proclaimed in
1982. The staff organogram needs attention,
staff need to be trained and partnerships
established with other institutions or civil
society organisations to enforce the laws.
Sufficient funding should be secured to
ensure that the entrance gate is operational
at all times to control access.
Environmental awareness and
education.
Environmental awareness and education
levels need to increase to ensure buy-in from
politicians and the surrounding community.
Legal compliance. The responsibility for legal compliance rests
with the Management Authority (SBM) and
the management challenge are to ensure
available capacity within the organisation to
comply with the legislative requirements.
Maintenance and development of
Infrastructure.
Effective maintenance and development
programs are needed to keep the Protected
Area safe, secured and operational to
prevent the degradation of a sensitive
environment.
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Administration. Effective and efficient administration
systems are needed. Fill any vacant
positions, train staff members, appoint
service providers and ensure stakeholder
involvement.
Costing of the PAMP. The SBM must use the APO provided as part
of this PAMP to cost all management
activities, ensure that management costs
associated with the HPNR are incorporated
in the IDP Process and with the assistance
of the PAAC secure external funding.
Management effectiveness. Management effectiveness using the METT
will be audited annually. The audit should
feed back into the Management Plan and its
associated activities. The Management Plan
must be adapted based on the outcome of
the audit process as needed.
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6.6 Vision
The HPNR provides an opportunity to strategically, and adaptively, manage a PA to;
Provide for the protection of an under-represented vegetation type that is
endangered.
Provide a building block in the landscape supporting the creation of a natural
climate change corridor,
Manage possible impacts caused by alien invasive species and uncontrolled
fires.
The vision for the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve therefor is … “to manage, conserve the natural assets and aesthetic values in a sustainable way for the
benefit of current and future generations”.
6.7 Goals and objectives
Goals are underpinned by strategies, objectives and indicators and are fundamental
for the assessment of protected area management effectiveness and the process of
management.
These goals and objectives aim to maintain the healthy ecological infrastructure which
supports life on earth and which provide climate change resilience. To reach these
goals management needs to achieve the following objectives:
The following objectives have been identified for the PA;
Objective 1: To protect representative areas, ecosystems, habitats and
species that are occur naturally in the PA;
Objective 2: Maintain habitat integrity to secure ecological processes and
linkages via the West Coast National Park inland corridor.
Objective 3: Rehabilitate and restore degraded areas;
Objective 4: Ensure the implementation of effective conservation
management interventions to enhance biodiversity conservation and
rehabilitation;
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Objective 5: Ensure that a functional administrative system exists that can
contribute to the management effectiveness and stakeholder involvement;
Objective 6: Ensure the protection of historical, archaeological and
paleontological resources and
Objective 7: Ensure that funding is available to implement the PAMP.
6.8 Key performance areas
These management objectives were derived from the vision and aims and are grouped
into Key Performance Areas (KPA’s), the achievement of which must be obtained to
support the management purpose for the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve.
Objectives are prioritised through the development of action plans which are set out in
the Operational Management Framework.
Table 2 sets out the key performance areas, the objective for each key performance area and the key deliverables, required to realise the objectives.
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Table 2 Key Deliverables, Objectives and Strategies for the Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
Key Performance Areas Objective Strategies
BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
FIRE MANAGEMENT
Fire management - The vegetation type on the PA is Hopefield Sand Fynbos (Endangered) which is fire prone and will burn at frequencies between 12 and 15 years.
Adhere to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act.
Reduction/Prevention of the spread of uncontrolled / wild fires.
Facilitate and forge partnerships to improve fire management.
Maintain partnerships to improve fire management i.e. Maintain membership of the Greater CederbergnFire Protection Association.
Improve fire awareness.
Reduce wildfires resulting from human negligence and accidental fires that may be ignited by visitors to the PA.
ALIEN INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Invasive species management - Very scattered alien invasive plant species occur on the PA. While domestic pets (cats and dogs) from the Hopefield may impact on the PA.
Enhance biodiversity protection and conservation.
All alien and invasive species are already mapped.
Ensure conservation of species and ecological processes by maintaining and improving ecosystem function.
Implement the approved alien invasive species control programme.
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Implement effective integrated alien invasive control program.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
Wildlife management - In this instance naturally occurring wildlife should not require management.
To enhance biodiversity protection and conservation.
Prevent the introduction of Alien Invasive Species.
Ensure conservation of species and processes by maintaining and improving ecosystem function.
Implement a program to remove all domestic animals from the PA.
Adhere to CapeNature policies relating to the introduction and translocation of species.
Identify species that are poached on a regular basis.
Prevent poaching of wildlife.
EROSION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Erosion management – Erosion, especially wind erosion can accelerate on recently denuded areas after the establishment of the Hopefield borehole system.
Prevent erosion impacts.
Rehabilitate damaged and impacted areas.
Prevent access to those areas to halt further degradation.
Prevent and mitigate soil erosion.
Institute a monitoring system to assess the success of
Ensure the conservation of biodiversity.
Monitor the success of erosion control strategies.
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management interventions.
REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation - Successful rehabilitation of denuded areas after the construction of the borehole system.
Ensure the conservation of biodiversity.
Prevent any impacts that negatively influence the rehabilitation process e.g. wind erosion.
Identify methods to fast track rehabilitation as and when needed.
Identify methods to be implemented that are able to fast track the rehabilitation interventions.
Monitor the success of rehabilitation.
Institute a monitoring system and process e.g. fixed point photos may be used to monitor rehabilitation success over time.
MONITORING AND BASELINE DATA COLLECTION
Baseline data collection and monitoring – Baseline information is needed to build an inventory of biodiversity on the PA and to determine further management interventions and activities. Projects should focus on aspects such as species inventories and rehabilitation success.
Improve the biodiversity baseline knowledge of Hopefield Private Nature Reserve
Collect and collate baseline and research data from adjacent areas if available.
Priority specimens should be submitted to CapeNature Scientific Services.
Establish the HPNR as a research site at tertiary academic institutions.
Ensure that Priority Specimens are included in the
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Access control and law enforcement – prevent illegal
activities in the PA.
Enhance long term
biodiversity protection
and conservation.
Implement access
control and prevent
illegal activities.
Ensure funding is
available for law
enforcement
activities.
Ensure conservation of
species and ecological
processes by
preventing negative
Engage in partnerships with other institutions such as SAPS and SANParks to ensure
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impacts and illegal
activities.
their participation in law enforcement within the PA as relevant.
PREVENT NEGATIVE IMPACTS CAUSED BY UNCONTROLLED ACCESS
ACCESS CONTROL, EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Control mechanisms - Effective access control mechanisms are needed to prevent degradation of the environment. It must be noted here that no access gates are present, no fences exist and no recreational opportunities are allowed within the PA. Control should rather focus on a much softer approach to access control.
Design and produce signboards that inform the public that they are entering a PA and this sign must also showcase what is permitted in the PA.
Various education and awareness materials are available – Establish formalised partnerships with partners to obtain and distribute available materials.
Design and erect site-specific awareness signage at strategic points.
Develop and erect awareness and education signs.
Ensure that all law enforcement staff are trained, equipped and capacitated to enforce the rules and regulations of the PA.
Train, equip and build capacity of law enforcement officers.
Law enforcement – Effective law enforcement capacity is required to prevent any negative impacts on the PA caused by illegal activities.
Enforce National Acts, Municipal By-Laws and the general rules and regulations of the PA.
Ensure that law enforcement officers are capacitated to enforce National Acts, By-laws and general rules and regulations of the PA.
Enforce National Acts, Municipal By-Laws and
Ensure that law enforcement officers are capacitated to enforce National
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the general rules and regulations of the PA.
Acts, By-laws and general rules and regulations of the PA.
To implement effective management systems.
Complete the annual METT assessment.
To implement effective management systems.
The auditing system has informed management decision making.
INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT
Infrastructure management and maintenance - is required for effective biodiversity management and to prevent degradation of the PA and the surrounding environment. Maintenance of existing infrastructure (roads and well points is needed).
Maintain roads to prevent erosion.
Ensure that budgets are available for maintenance.
MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS
Management effectiveness - will be audited annually and this
Management Plan and its associated activities must be
adapted as required
Undertake METT
Assessments.
Ensure report back
of the outcomes of
management
effectiveness audits
to PAAC and DEA.
Ensure that audit
recommendations
feed into the
adaptive
management cycle
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ADMINISTRATION
Administrative management - is required to support the implementation of the PAMP.
Filling of all vacant positions, training of staff, effective and efficient financial procurement, partnerships and stakeholder engagement are needed to support the implementation of the PAMP.
Ensure legal compliance with all relevant legislation and policies.
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SECTION 7 – ZONING PLAN
7.1 Protected Area in the Context of Municipal Integrated Development planning
The HPNR is described in the SBM IDP (2019 – 2022), but no evidence of potential
conflict development is noted in the IDP and SDF which may influence the PA. See
regional and local planning in Section 2.5 and 6.1.1. It is very important that projects
identified in this PAMP are included in the IDP.
7.2 Protected Area Zonation
Protected area zonation provides a standard framework of formal guidelines for
conservation, access and use for particular areas and is underpinned by the
sensitivity analysis.
Zonation goes beyond natural resource protection and must also provide for:
Appropriate visitor experience;
Access and appropriate access management;
Environmental education and commercial activities that remain aligned with
the protected area objectives and purpose.
The HPNR does not provide any visitor facilities and therefore the entire PA will be
zoned as a “Species and Habitat Protection Zone”.
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Table 3 – Zonation guidelines for the HPNR (Adapted from CapeNature 2018)
Zonation Category
Description Activities allowed Applicable areas at HPNR
Species and
habitat protection
zone
Areas for the
protection of
species or habitats
of special
conservation
concern.
None - only the
maintenance of the
boreholes, alien
invasive plant
clearing and the
establishment of
fire breaks.
The entire PA
will fall within
this zonation
category due to
the PA
contribution to
the national
conservation
targets of
protecting the
Endangered
Hopefield Sand
Fynbos – the
PA is one of the
largest areas
that still are
intact.
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7.3 Protected Area Zone of Influence
According to the Norms and Standards attached to the Act require that a Zone of
Influence (ZOI) must be identified for each protected area and that such programmes
must focus on the following;
Encouraging the development and maintenance of good relations with
neighbours,
Facilitate regular interaction between protected area management and
neighbours,
that protected area staff regularly collaborate with partners, local communities
and other organisations and
that neighbouring communities have relevant input into decisions relating to
the protected area management (GG 382 of 31 March 2016).
The ZOI should thus facilitate integration and mainstreaming of conservation and
sustainability in the surrounding land (Cape Nature 2018).
Thus, the ZOI provides a spatial scope of proactive engagement for any activities,
developments, tourism and economic activity in the area that may require
collaboration between SBM and its neighbours and stakeholders for management
input and / or action.
The ZOI must include all proposed new developments that may have an impact on
the HPNR, however as a commenting authority the Saldanha Bay Municipality must
ensure that no developments that may affect or impact on the PA should be allowed.
Important to notice here as the HPNR falls within the West Coast National Park buffer
zone – these are areas where land use changes could affect a National Park. The
buffer zone, in combination with guidelines, will serve as a
basis for identifying the focus areas in which park management and scientists
should respond to EIA’s,
helping to identify the sort of impacts that would be important at a particular site,
and most importantly,
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serving as the basis for integrating long term protection of a national park into
the spatial development plans of municipalities (SDF/IDP) and other local
authorities .
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SECTION 8 – ACCESS AND FACILITIES
The Hopefield Private Nature Reserve has no infrastructure except the recently
approved Langebaan Road Aquifer Groundwater Infrastructure development project
and the Elandsfontein access road (this is a registered servitude). This project was a
disaster management project (drought relief) and entailed the construction and the
development of roads, boreholes (X10), pipelines and powerlines. See Attachment 4 : Environmental Authorisation (DEAP&DP REFERENCE: 3/5/R (2018/40).
8.1 Public Access and Management
Travelling from Malmesbury, the PA may be reached by turning off the R45 at the
second turnoff into Hopefield. Follow Oak street, turning right at the Old Vredenburg
Rd, turn left at the Skilpadbessie Rd, follow this dirt road to the edge of town. The PA
will be on your right-hand side. No formal access gate is in place as this PA is not
open for recreation purposes or access by the public.
8.2 Flight corridors
No registered flight corridors exist in the PA, however the military aircraft fly over the
PA during training flights. These flight paths cannot be made public. South African
Civil Aviation Authority provides rules regarding flights over PA, this includes a
restriction of 2500 ft. above the highest point of the protected area.
8.3 Administrative and other facilities
No infrastructure exists on the PA (except as mentioned above relating to the
development of the well field and associated infrastructure and the Elandsfontein
access road a registered servitude. The SBM however have an administrative office in
Hopefield. The operational support to the PA is delivered from the Vredenburg offices.
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8.3.1 Roads
Roads provide access to the boreholes for maintenance. The Elandsfontein access
road is a registered servitude on the PA. Wind erosion may become a management
problem in the future along these access routes. See Section 11 – Strategic Plan.
8.3.2 Buildings
No buildings are present in the PA. No buildings are planned, this is due to the
sensitivity of the PA in terms of vegetation.
8.3.3 Fences
Fences are in place in some sections of the PA. This aspect of management requires
attention. See Section 11 – Strategic Plan.
8.3.4 Signage
Signage is not present and needs to be designed and erected. Additional
recommendations are contained in Section 11 – Strategic Plan. NB the signage
should also focus on prohibited activities.
8.5 Servitudes
The access road to Elandsfontein is a registered servitude.
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