CAPRICORN DISTRICT BIOREGIONAL PLAN

Transcription

1 CAPRICORN DISTRICT BIOREGIONAL PLAN Draft for Comment Complied by: Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) March 2018

2 The purpose of this draft bioregional plan document is to provide the reader with the look and feel of the layout and content of the final bioregional plan document. As such, much of the district specific information is not final or has not been gathered yet. The purpose of the stakeholder engagement process is to achieve this. This document is based on the Waterberg, Mopani and Vhembe District bioregional plans, so where we do not have the final content for this document we give representative examples of the final text from these other bioregional plans. Where this is done, the text is highlighted in RED. We encourage the reader to critically apraise this document and to provide the authors with written feedback on where the document can be improved. We can be contacted at the following addresses: Bryony van Niekerk - bryony@nuleafsa.co.za Philip Desmet - drphil@ecosolgis.com Your valued consideration is greatly appreciated. Preface This is the first bioregional plan for the Capricorn District Municipality and, therefore, does not replace any existing bioregional plan. The Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) falls within the Limpopo Province of South Africa and is comprised of Blouberg, Lepelle-Nkumpi, Molemole and Polokwane Local Municipalities. The bioregional plan for the CDM covers the extent of the district municipal boundaries. The bioregional plan serves as the primary biodiversity informant to a range of planning and land-use authorisation processes, although it is important to recognise that the bioregional plan does not replace any planning and decision-making processes and does not grant, limit or remove land-use rights. NuLeaf Planning and Environmental (Pty) Ltd compiled the Capricorn District Bioregional Plan with support from the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), South African National Parks (SANParks) and various stakeholders within the Capricorn District. This bioregional plan was developed in 2018 and is based on data sets and information available at that time. The Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) forming part of the Limpopo Conservation Plan V2, 2013 (LCPv2) were discussed in terms of physical aspects and various planning instruments and informants. Additional detail is provided in Appendix 1: Supplementary Information. During this process, real and potential threats and non-alignment between the LCPv2 and the assessed aspects, as well as, the various instruments and informants were identified. A detailed description of the alignment process is contained in the Process and Consultation Report. Resolutions were agreed upon with key stakeholders, specifically the Local and District Municipalities in response to potential threats to biodiversity conservation within the District. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment i

3 Acknowledgements Sections of the Capricorn District Bioregional Plan are extracted directly or adapted from the bioregional plans for the Vhembe, Mopani and Waterberg District Municipalities. These sections pertain specifically to the purpose, objectives, users, monitoring and review of bioregional plans. The Guideline Regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the Preparation and Publication of Bioregional Plans (DEAT, 2009) was also used extensively to guide the report structure and content. The Map of Critical Biodiversity Areas for the Capricorn District Municipality is based on the provincial product developed in the Limpopo Conservation Plan V2 (Desmet et al., 2013). Acknowledgements are extended to all the stakeholders within the Capricorn District Municipality who contributed to the alignment of this bioregional plan with the spatial plans, programmes and policies applicable to the Capricorn District Municipality. Special thanks are extended to the following persons: Karen Steenkamp (LEDET) Errol Moeng (LEDET) Grace Matseba (SALGA) Theo van Rooyen (Capricorn District Municipality) Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment ii

4 Contents Preface... i Acknowledgements... ii Contents... iii List of Tables... v List of Figures... v List of Appendices... v List of Abbreviations... v Executive Summary... vii PART 1: INTRODUCTION Purpose and objectives Need for a bioregional plan Intended users and uses Mandatory users Recommended Users Underlying Biodiversity Plan and limitations Physical context... 4 PART 2: BIODIVERSITY PROFILE Physical environment Natural environment Significance of biodiversity Terrestrial ecosystems Threatened ecosystems Level of endemism Protection level Important terrestrial features Aquatic ecosystems Freshwater features Important ecological processes Man-made environment Land cover Mining Activity and Mineral Deposits Cultural historic features Land claims Planning environment Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment iii

5 2.4.1 Protected Areas planning Protected Areas Conservation areas Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA) Integrated Development Plan Protected Area Expansion Strategy Multi sectoral planning Environmental Management Framework Integrated Development Plans Spatial Development Frameworks Other informants Biosphere Reserves National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Strategic Water Source Areas Important Bird Areas Centres of Endemism PART 3: CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AREAS PART 4: GUIDELINES FOR DECISION MAKING Land management objectives and land-use guidelines Protected Areas Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA1 and CBA2) Ecological support Areas (ESA1) Ecological support Areas (ESA2) Additional guidelines PART 5: ADDITIONAL MEASURES Data collation and management Capacity building Effective biodiversity management Invasive alien management Biodiversity management plans Protected Area expansion Biodiversity offsets River health Priority areas for rehabilitation Building a biodiversity economy Ecotourism Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment iv

6 5.4.2 Wildlife economy Skills development and training Natural resource use Expanded Public Works Programme Awareness raising PART 6: MONITORING AND REVIEW Role and Resonsibilities Performance indicators Review Updating PART 7: GIS FILES REFERENCES APPENDIX 1- SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION List of Tables Table 1: Table 2: Table 3: Table 4: Table 5: Table 6: Table 7: Summary of map categories Extent of Critical Biodiversity Areas in Capricorn District as per the LCPv2 Guidelines: Protected Areas Guidelines: CBA1 and CBA2 Guidelines: ESA1 Guidelines: ESA2 Summary of roles and responsibilities for monitoring and review of the Capricorn District Municipality Bioregional Plan List of Figures Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 7: Figure 8: Location of the Capricorn District Local Municipalities in the Capricorn District- new designations Local Municipalities in the Capricorn District- previous designations Map of Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas for the Capricorn District Endemic Vegetation Protection Levels Integrated Landcover Protected Areas List of Appendices Appendix 1: Supplementary Information List of Abbreviations CBA CBD Critical Biodiversity Area Convention of Biological Diversity Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment v

7 CDBRP Capricorn District Bioregional Plan CDM Capricorn District Municipality CSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial Research DEA Department of Environmental Affairs DMR Department of Mineral Resources DWS Department of Water and Sanitation EA Environmental Authorisation EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIP Environmental Implementation Plan EMF Environmental Management Framework EMPr Environmental Management Programme EPWP Extended Pubic Works Programme ESA Ecological Support Area GIS Geographic Information System GLTFCA Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area Ha Hectares IBA Important Bird Area IDP Integrated Development Plan ILU Integrated land Use IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature LCPv2 Limpopo Conservation Plan Version 2, 2013 LEDET Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC Member of the Executive Committee MSA Municipal Systems Act (Act No. 32 of 2000) NBA National Biodiversity Assessment, 2011 NBF National Biodiversity Framework NEMA National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) NEM:BA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004), referred to in this document as the Biodiversity Act NEM:PAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) referred to in this document as the Protected Areas Act NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NNR No Natural (Habitat) Remaining NSBA National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment, 2004 NWA National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) OLCEMF Olifants and Letaba Catchment Environmental Management Framework ONA Other Natural Areas PES Present Ecological State PNR Private Nature Reserve SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SANParks South African National Parks SAPAD South African Protected Area Database SDF Spatial Development Framework SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SEMP Strategic Environmental Management Plan SEZ Special Economic Zone SPLUMA Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (Act No. 16 of 2013) UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation WHS World Heritage Site Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment vi

8 Executive Summary Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment vii

9 PART 1: INTRODUCTION This is the first bioregional plan for the Capricorn District Municipality and, therefore, does not replace any existing bioregional plan. The Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) falls within the Limpopo Province of South Africa and is comprised of Blouberg, Molemole, Polokwane and Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipalities. The bioregional plan for the CDM covers the extent of the district municipal boundaries. The bioregional plan serves as the primary biodiversity informant to a range of planning and land-use authorisation processes, although it is important to recognise that the bioregional plan does not replace any planning and decision-making processes and does not grant, limit or remove land-use rights. The two main economic sectors in Capricorn District are agriculture and tourism. The CDM is home to the renowned Kruger National Park and the Mapungubwe National Park. Cultivated land is concentrated in southwestern and eastern parts of the Capricorn District. There are also two existing Agricultural hubs in the district: Levubu and Nwanedi valleys while the third hub, which is Nandoni hub, is still at the planning stage. These primary activities result in habitat modification, land degradation and ultimately the loss of biodiversity within the affected areas. Additionally, the Capricorn District has experienced a steady population growth. From 2001 to 2011, the population of Capricorn increased by people- a 7.9% increase (CNdV Africa, 2015). During the 2000 to 2004 time period, the Capricorn District's growth rate exceeded that of South Africa. This places further pressure on already stressed natural resources in the municipality. The bioregional plan for the Capricorn District is, therefore, an appropriate tool for addressing the management and conservation of biodiversity. 1.1 Purpose and objectives The declaring of bioregions and the gazetting of bioregional plans forms part of the legislated tools identified by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), hereafter referred to as the Biodiversity Act, to aid in the conservation and management of South Africa s biodiversity. The purpose of a bioregional plan is to facilitate the safeguarding of biodiversity within identified biodiversity priority areas that fall outside of the Protected Area (PA) Network (NEMA, 2004). Additionally, the aim of a bioregional plan is to provide a map of biodiversity priorities with accompanying land use planning and decision making guidelines to inform land-use planning, environmental assessment and authorisations, and natural resource management by a range of sectors whose policies and decisions impact on biodiversity. Bioregional plans are intended to feed into multi-sectoral planning and assessment processes such as Environmental Management Frameworks (EMFs), Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) (DEAT, 2009). A bioregional plan is the biodiversity sector's input into various multi-sectoral planning and authorisation processes. The Capricorn District Bioregional Plan is consistent with the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), the Biodiversity Act and the National Biodiversity Framework (NBF) in that the bioregional plan identifies and recognizes Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and provides guidelines for the management and conservation thereof. Furthermore, it also supports the principles of integrated development planning and sustainable development by ensuring that the CBAs identified are not in conflict with other land-use activities. The bioregional plan provides a spatial representative of CBAs and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) within the Capricorn District Municipality. CBAs and ESAs are areas required to meet targets for biodiversity pattern and / or ecological processes. The bioregional plan aligns CBAs and ESAs with existing planning instruments and / or requires alignment by existing instruments. The primary objectives of the bioregional plan are: To avoid and/ or prevent loss and degradation of biodiversity in the priority areas (CBAs, ESAs); Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 1

10 To inform land-use planning and decision-making. 1.2 Need for a bioregional plan A bioregional plan for the Capricorn District Municipality is warranted based on the following: Biodiversity value: Capricorn District has a range of diverse ecosystems which support many threatened flora and fauna. These ecosystems include savanna, grasslands, indigenous forests, mountain escarpments (Soutpansberg) and numerous wetlands including a RAMSAR Wetland (Makuleke Wetland). Three Important Birding and Biodiversity Areas occur within the municipality. Almost the entire Capricorn District is covered by endemic and near endemic vegetation and 2 ecosystem types are listed as threatened in the National Biodiversity Assessment of 2011 (NBA). Pressures on biodiversity: Agriculture expansion, human settlement expansion and new mining developments are the main pressure sources that are exerted on biodiversity within the Capricorn District. Uncontrolled creep of rural and urban settlements and associated land uses threaten to encroach on CBAs and ESAs alike. There are six (6) active mines in the CDM, where the Venetia mineone of the largest, is located just outside of Mapungubwe National Park. Mining is also concentrated around Musina LM. Coal belts extend from the KNP in the east to the Langjan Nature Reserve in the west which could result in an increase in mining activity. Additionally, forestry activities are concentrated on the southern slopes of the Soutpansberg which is a centre of endemism, biodiversity hotspot and in areas with high levels of endemism. Protection of biodiversity: The Limpopo Protected Area Expansion Strategy (LPAES, 2014) plays a central role in conserving biodiversity through the creation of formal protected areas. This strategy, however, is only one of a suite of mechanisms in aimed at protecting the natural environment. Other important mechanisms that focus environmental management of the whole landscape include this bioregional plan as well as integrated of municipal management and environmental planning tools such as, SDFs, EMFs and SEAs. 1.3 Intended users and uses The bioregional plan has both mandatory and recommended users. Mandatory users are obligated to take the bioregional plan into consideration, while recommended users could find the bioregional plan to be a useful planning and development tool. The intended users of the bioregional plan, as stated in the Biodiversity Act (DEAT, 2009) are as follows: Mandatory users Local and District Municipalities i.e. Capricorn District Municipality and the 4 local municipalities which fall within it. All CBAs identified in the bioregional plan must align with municipal planning tools (i.e. SDFs) or vice versa. Any organ of state that must prepare an Environmental Implementation Plan (EIP) or Environmental Management Framework (EMF) in terms of Chapter 3 of National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998). Environmental decision makers who are required by section 2(1)(6) of NEMA to apply the NEMA section 2 principles in their decision-making: National: o National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA); Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 2

11 o o o National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) which should take bioregions(s), bioregional plan(s) and identified Critical Biodiversity Areas into account in their authorisations (e.g. for ploughing virgin land, and for subdivision of agricultural land); Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) which should take bioregion(s), bioregional plan(s) and identified Critical Biodiversity Areas into account in their decision-making, for example in granting water licences; Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) which should take bioregion(s), bioregional plan(s) and identified Critical Biodiversity Areas into account in their authorisations for prospecting and mining. Provincial: o o o o o Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET); Limpopo Department of Agriculture (LDA) which should take bioregions, bioregional plans and identified Critical Biodiversity Areas into account in their comments on applications; Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA); Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (LDPW); Local and District Municipalities which should take account of bioregion(s), bioregional plan(s) and identified CBAs in issuing planning authorisations Recommended Users Government departments and agencies whose decisions and actions impact on biodiversity and the natural environment, but whose core business and expertise is not biodiversity conservation: o o o o o o o o Local and District Municipalities should integrate CBAs and other relevant guidelines and recommendations from the bioregional plan into EMFs. National and Provincial environmental departments should take the provisions of bioregional plans into account in the development of provincial supplements to NEMA, EIA regulations, EMFs and National and Provincial Guidelines. Provincial conservation authorities should use bioregional plans to guide their inputs into land-use planning, land-use decision-making and natural resource management, if they have these functions. Provincial departments responsible for spatial planning should take bioregional plans into account in the development of Provincial SDFs. Catchment management agencies should integrate the relevant bioregional plan(s) in their Catchment Management Strategies and their planning about water allocations. Department of Rural Development and Land Reform should take bioregional plans into account in planning and implementing land reform programmes, and in the development of policy, legislation or guidelines for land-use planning and management. The Department of Human Settlement should avoid CBAs in identifying suitable sites for new housing developments. The Department of Public Works should take bioregional plans into account in identifying appropriate locations and routes for roads and other infrastructure. Working for Water, Working for Wetlands, Land Care and other programmes that deal with maintaining and restoring natural resources, should take bioregional plans into account in planning and scheduling their activities, prioritising CBAs where possible. Environmental and planning consultants undertaking Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), EIAs, or the development of IDPs, SDFs or EMFs for a municipality. Conservation Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), whose core business is biodiversity conservation. These organisations should use bioregional plans to guide their comments on planning tools such as SDFs and on development applications. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 3

12 Private landowners - individuals and companies who want more information about the biodiversity value of their landholdings and who wish to make a contribution to conserving the nation's natural heritage by ensuring that the use of their land is compatible with biodiversity conservation and/or by securing priority sites in stewardship contracts. 1.4 Underlying Biodiversity Plan and limitations A bioregional plan must be a spatial plan showing terrestrial and aquatic features in the landscape that are critical for conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functioning. The Capricorn District Bioregional Plan is based on the CBA maps developed in the Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (2013), the current systematic biodiversity plan for the province undertaken by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). A systematic biodiversity plan is a plan that identifies priority areas for biodiversity conservation based on internationally recognised systematic biodiversity planning principles, methodologies and techniques. A systematic biodiversity plan should possess four crucial features, namely: the principles of representation and persistence, setting of quantitative biodiversity targets, and efficiency and conflict avoidance in the spatial configuration (DEAT, 2009). The Limpopo Conservation Plan v2, 2013 fulfils all of these requirements. A revised and updated version of the vegetation types described in Mucina and Rutherford (2006) was utilized and wetland and river systems were included, as well as, data on the distribution and habitat of threatened species. The LCPv2 also focuses on three key aspects (namely climate change, hydrological processes and species requirements) to ensure that biodiversity persists in the future. Additionally, biodiversity targets were set for both biodiversity pattern and ecological process features indicating how much of each feature is required to ensure representation and persistence (Desmet, Holness, Skowno and Egan, 2013). The following limitations apply to this bioregional plan: The bioregional plan does not negate the need for site assessments, particularly EIAs required in terms of NEMA. On site verification of identified CBAs and ESAs is still required. The systematic biodiversity plan is designed to be used on a 1: scale which provides a broad overview of the entire Limpopo Province. While this plan can be used at a finer scale, specialist interpretation of the specific features identified will be required on a site level. The LCPv2 was developed using nationally prescribed methods and based on the best available data at the time of its development. The limitation of input data needs to be acknowledged during development planning processes, particularly at the site-level. Continuous changes to land use and land use patterns may result in encroachment into natural areas / CBAs, and as a result, additional areas may need to be reassigned or designated as CBAs in order to meet biodiversity targets as set out in the Limpopo Conservation Plan. 1.5 Physical context Capricorn District municipality is situated in the centre of the Limpopo Province. It shares its borders with four district municipalities namely; Mopani (east), Sekhukhune (south), Vhembe (north) and Waterberg (west). The district is situated at the core of economic development in the Limpopo Province and includes the capital of the province, the City of Polokwane. It is bordered by Botswana to the north. The Limpopo river valley forms the border between the District and its International neighbour. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 4

13 The District spans a total area of Ha ( km²) which extends north from the Olifants River to the border of Botswana. Refer to Figure 1. Capricorn District Municipality consists of four Local Municipalities (LMs), namely: Blouberg LM (9 540 km 2 ) Molemole LM (3 628 km 2 ) Polokwane LM (5 054 km 2 ) Lepelle-Nkumpi LM (3 484 km 2 ) Up until recently, Aganang Local Municipality formed part of Capricorn District Municipality. However, after the August 2016 municipal elections, Aganang LM was disestablished and its municipal boundaries were merged into Blouberg, Molemole and Polokwane LM. Refer to Figures 2 and 3. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 5

14 Figure 1: Location of the Capricorn District Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 6

15 Figure 2: Local Municipalities in the Capricorn District - new designations Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 7

16 Figure 3: Local Municipalities in the Capricorn District- previous designations Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 8

17 2.1 Physical environment PART 2: BIODIVERSITY PROFILE The majority of the CDM landscape is characterized by undulating rolling hills with flat plains occurring in the east. The topography of the CDM is also characterized by the Soutpansberg, the northern most mountain range in South Africa. Its altitude ranges from 250 meters above mean sea level to 1748 meters at Letjuma, the highest peak. The Limpopo River System on the northern part of the district is considered to be the life blood of the Northern Capricorn semi-arid area. Limpopo River is the country s third most important river which provides sustenance to the predominantly hot and drylands. There is also the Mutale and Luvuvhu Catchments area with a number of tributaries emanating from the catchments (Capricorn District Municipality Integrated Development Plan, 2011/12). The Luvuvhu Catchment forms part of the larger Limpopo system, which extends into Mozambique. The Luvuvhu River and some if its tributaries (including the Mutshindudi and Mutale Rivers) rise in the Soutpansberg Mountains and flows for approximately 200 km before it joins the Limpopo River near Pafuri in the KNP. Other main rivers in the CDM are the Sand River, Luvuvhu River, Nzhelele River and the Shisha River (Capricorn District Municipal Spatial Development Framework V2, 2015/16). Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information in this regard. 2.2 Natural environment Significance of biodiversity The Savanna biome covers approximately 63% of the Capricorn District with the remainder being made up of Forest (4%), Grassland (21%) and Azonal (13%) biomes. Capricorn District has 24 different vegetation types. Four of the 24 vegetation types are classified as Threatened ecosystems, namely Sekhukhune Plains Bushveld, Polokwane Plateau Bushveld and Spingbokvlakte Thornveld which is classified as Vulnerable in the national list of threatened ecosystems published in terms of the Biodiversity Act (DEA, 2011). It should also be noted that Woodbush Granite Grassland, located on the eastern border of the District in the south eastern portion of the District, is classified as Endangered. Fourteen (14) of the vegetation types occurring within the District are classified as endemic and two (2) as nearendemic. Three centres of endemism can be found within the CDM, namely; the Soutpansberg, Wolkberg and Sekhukhuneland Centres of Endemism. The Soutpansberg Centre of Endemism, the northern most mountain range in South Africa, stretches from east to west covering an area close to 130 Km. The Soutpansberg is truly diverse and home to approximately recorded vascular plant taxa, 594 tree taxa, 510 bird species, 116 reptile species and 145 mammal species (The Soutpansberg, 2003). This area also functions as an important biodiversity hotspot, ecological corridor, centre of endemism, Important Bird Area and Strategic Water Source Area. A small part of both the Wolkberg and Sekhukhuneland Centres of Endemism are located in the southern portion of the CDM. Designated Protected Areas (in terms of South African Protected Area Database 2017 (SAPAD)) covers 8.4% of the District. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 9

18 75% of the vegetation types found in the District are under-protected which is the collective term used to refer to ecosystems that are unprotected, poorly protected and moderately protected. In addition, the Haenertsburg-Modjadji focus region is one of the highest scoring sites in the province, being particularly valuable in terms of Freshwater features and Critical Biodiversity Areas. Other high value Focus Regions located in the District are Blouberg and Drankensberg-Stydpoortberge Terrestrial ecosystems Threatened ecosystems Ecosystem threat status refers to the degree to which an ecosystem is still intact, or alternatively losing vital aspects of its structure, function or composition. Ecosystems are listed as threatened based on their risk of extinction as a result of irreversible loss of natural habitat, ecosystem degradation and loss of integrity. The main purpose of listing threatened ecosystems is, therefore, to counteract this risk. Vulnerable ecosystems are located in the south of the District, extending predominantly to the south of the Wolkberg Mountains. o Polokwane Plateau Bushveld o Sekhukhune Plains Bushveld o Springbokvlakte Thornveld Critically Endangered ecosystem is located in small pockets along the south eastern boundary of the District o Woodbush Granite Grassland Based on analysis done for LCPv2, Tzaneen Sour Bushveld has changed from Vulnerable (NBA 2011) to Endangered, based on high levels of natural habitat conversion (>35%), as well as high levels of degradation due to alien vegetation and proximity to rural settlements that is not captured in the land-cover. This is not an application of a new criterion for listing of threatened ecosystems but rather the application of existing criteria (A1 and A2) where the quantitative assessment using only land-cover has been adjusted based on expert information relating to incompletely mapped degradation. This change is not yet reflected in the national list of threatened ecosystems. Additionally, Sekhukhune Plains Bushveld has been adjusted from Least Threatened to Vulnerable based on: a) high levels of natural habitat conversion (>30%); b) better finer-scale sub-vegetation type mapping of features; and, c) high endemism. Three information sources were consulted, the LCPv2, 2013, the NBA and updated ES2017 to determine the ecosystem threat status. Where there are conflicting threat statuses, the highest designation was used. Refer to Table 1 and Figure 4. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 10

19 Table 1: Overview of the vegetation types found in Capricorn District Municipality No Vegetation Type Biome Area in CDM (Ha) Endemism in Province Ecosystem Status LCPv2 & NBA Ecosystem Status ES2017 Biodiversity Target (%) Provincial Levels of Protection Provincial 1 Central Sandy Bushveld S Least Threatened Least Threatened 19 Poor 2 Granite Lowveld S Least Threatened Least Threatened 19 Not 3 Limpopo Ridge Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 19 Well 4 Limpopo Sweet Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 19 Not 5 Makhado Sweet Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 19 Not 6 Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 24 Poor 7 Musina Mopane Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 19 Poor 8 Northern Escarpment Afromontane Fynbos G Least Threatened Least Threatened 27 Not 9 Northern Escarpment Quartzite Sourveld G Least Threatened Least Threatened 27 Well 10 Northern Mistbelt Forest F Least Threatened Least Threatened 30 Well 11 Ohrigstad Mountain Bushveld S Near-endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 24 Poor 12 Polokwane Plateau Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Vulnerable 19 Poor 13 Poung Dolomite Mountain Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 24 Poor 14 Roodeberg Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 19 Poor 15 Sekhukhune Plains Bushveld S Endemic Vulnerable Vulnerable 19 Poor 16 Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 24 Poor 17 Soutpansberg Summit Sourveld S Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 24 Poor 18 Springbokvlakte Thornveld S Vulnerable Vulnerable 19 Not 19 Strydpoort Summit Sourveld G Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 24 Moderate 20 Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation Az Near Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 31 Well 21 Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands Az Least Threatened Least Threatened 24 Poor 22 Subtropical Salt Pans Az Least Threatened Least Threatened 24 Well 23 Wolkberg Dolomite Grassland G Endemic Least Threatened Least Threatened 27 Well 24 Woodbush Granite Grassland G Endemic Critically Endangered Critically endangered 27 Poor Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 11

20 Key: Biome: S = Savanna, F = Forest, G = Grassland, Az = Azonal Vegetation Endemism: Endemic = More than 80% of national extent occurs in Limpopo Province; Near Endemic = More than 60% of national distribution within Limpopo Province. Levels of Protection: Not Protected = Zero or less than 5% of biodiversity target; Poorly Protected = 5 49% of biodiversity target; Moderately Protected = 50 99% of biodiversity target; and, Well Protected = >100% of biodiversity target. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 12

21 Figure 4: Ecosystem Threat Status Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 13

22 Level of endemism 67% of the vegetation in the District is classified as endemic or near endemic (i.e. 58% endemic and 8% nearendemic). Endemic ecosystems predominately cover the southern portion of the Capricorn District Municipality. Small pockets of endemic vegetation are found near the centre of the District near Blouberg Nature Reserve. Near endemic vegetation fringes the edges of the endemic vegetation in the south. The remainder of the Distrct is covered with non-endemic vegetation. Refer to Figure 5. Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information in this regard. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 14

23 Figure 5: Levels of endemism Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 15

24 Protection level Ecosystem types are categorised as not protected, poorly protected, moderately protected or well protected, based on the proportion of each ecosystem type that occurs within a Protected Area (PA) recognised under the Protected Areas Act. The Protected Areas Act sets out several categories of PAs, namely Special Nature Reserves, National Parks, Nature Reserves and Protected Environments. It also recognises World Heritage Sites, Marine Protected Areas, Specially Protected Forest Areas and Mountain Catchment Areas, all of which are declared in terms of other legislation (Driver et al, 2012). Determining the ecosystem protection level is significant in that it highlights which ecosystems are under protected within PA s. The ecosystem protection level status is assigned as follows: Well Protected: If an ecosystem type has more than 100% of its biodiversity target met in Protected Areas. Moderately Protected: When less than 100% of the biodiversity target is met in Protected Areas. Poorly Protected: If less than 50% of the biodiversity target is met in Protected Areas. Not Protected: If less than 5% of the biodiversity target is met in Protected Areas. In terms of the LCPv2, Protected Areas cover 4% of the Sekhukhune District Municipality. Designated PAs in terms of SAPAD 2017 cover 8.4% of the Capricorn District Municipality. Within Capricorn District, 73% of the ecosystems are under protected. Five (5) ecosystems are not protected at all, thirteen (13) ecosystems are poorly protected inclusive of the Endangered Tzaneen Sour Lowveld, as well as, the Critically Endangered Woodbush Granite Grassland, and one (1) ecosystem is moderately protected, well six (6) are well protected. In general, well and moderately protected ecosystems lie in the southern and northern parts of the District which correlates with the three centres of endemism, as well as, along the northern border along the Limpopo River. The remainder of the central portion of the District is poorly protected. Refer to Table 2 and Figure 6. Table 2: Summary of protection level of vegetation in Capricorn District Municipality Not Protected (<5% of the biodiversity target is met) Granite Lowveld Bushveld Limpopo Sweet Bushveld Makhado Sweet Bushveld Northern Escarpment Afromontane Fynbos Springbokvlakte Thornveld Poorly Protected (<50% of the biodiversity target is met) Central Sandy Bushveld Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld Musina Mopane Bushveld Ohrigstad Mountain Bushveld Polokwane Plateau Bushveld Poung Dolomite Mountain Bushveld Roodeberg Bushveld Sekhukhune Plains Bushveld Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 16

25 Soutpansberg Summit Sourveld Woodbush Granite Grassland Moderately Protected (<100% of the biodiversity target is met) Strydpoort Summit Sourveld Well Protected (>100% of biodiviersty targets are met) Northern Escarpment Quartzite Sourveld Limpopo Ridge Bushveld Northern Mistbelt Forest Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation Subtropical Salt Pans Wolkberg Dolomite Grassland *Not Classified: Sekhukhune Norite Bushveld Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information in this regard Important terrestrial features Threatened species: Plants: Both the Soutpansberg Centre of Endemism and the Wolkberg Centre of Endemism (Northern Mistbelt Forest) can be found in the district, as such the northern portion of the Disrict is truly diverse and home to approximately recorded vascular plant taxa and 594 tree taxa of which 50 are endemic. Whereas, the southern section consisting of the Wolkberg flora, is prolific with more than 40 species endemic or near endemic to the dolomites, and 90 species to the quartz and shale derived substrates. 38 endemic plant taxa are known to occur in the Soutpansberg, where approximately 58% occur within the mist belt region and where 30% are restricted to it. 41% of all plant genera and 68% of all plant families occurring in the southern African region are represented in the Soutpansberg Centre of Endemism (Hahn, 2017). The monotypic genus Zoutpansbergia is the only genus endemic to the mountain, comprising one species. The Blouberg Nature Reserve is home to South Africa s largest concentration of Baobabs- a nationally protected tree species. These majestic trees can grow up to 25 m in height, 28 m in circumference and can live up to 3000 years old (Musina Nature Reserve, 2017). Mammals: Samango Monkey Cercopithecus albogularis, Ground Pangolin Manis temminckii and Leopard Panthera pardus are threatened mammals that occur in the Soutpansberg. Yellow Golden mole Calcochloris obtusirostris (Near Threatened), Four-toed Elephant-shrew Petrodromus tetradactylus (Near Threatened), Water Rat Dasymys robertsii (Vulnerable), Schwarz s White-collared Money Cercopithecus albogularis schwarzi (Endangered), Thin Mouse Shrew Myosorex cf. tenuis (Endangered, restricted to the Soutpansberg), African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus (Endangered) are all found within the Capricorn District. Gunning s Golden Mole, Amblysomus gunning, (Endangered) is endemic to Limpopo. They are known only to occur in the Grootbosch Forest and the Agatha Forest Reserve. Reptiles: Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 17

26 The Soutpansberg rock lizard Australolacerta rupicola, Warren's Girdled Lizard Cordylus warreni and Spotted Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus ocellatus, Soutpansberg worm lizard, Soutpansberg dwarf gecko and the Soutpansberg flat lizard are all endemic to the mountain range. Methuens Dwarf Gecko, Lygodactylus methueni, (Vulnerable) are endemic to the Woodbush Forest area and Haenertsburg Common. Birds: Six (6) Red Data listed species, classified as Vulnerable, are found in the Soutpansberg, namely the Whitebacked Night Heron Gorsachius leuconotus, Cape Vulture, Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus, African Finfoot Podica senegalensis, Grass Owl Tyto capensis and Pel s Fishing Owl Scotopelia peli (Tarboton et al, 2017). Amphibians: The Forest Rain Frog, Breviceps sylvestris, (Endangered) is endemic to the Limpopo Province occurring on the Blouberg, Soutpansberg, Wolkberg and Drakensberg ranges. Insects: Four (4) butterfly species: Swanepoel s widow Dira swanepoeli (Least Concern), Forest King Emperor Charaxes xiphares bavenda (Least Concern), Soutpansberg Silver-barred Emperor C. druceanus entabeni (Least Concern), Emperor Swallowtail Papilio ophidocephalus entabeni (Rare) are all endemic to the Soutpansberg (le Roux, 2017). Wolkberg Zulu Butterfly, Alaena margaritacea, (Critically Endangered) is endemic to Limpopo where a small one colony can be found near Haenertsburg Aquatic ecosystems Freshwater features The CDM lies within two of the water management areas (WMA), namely the Limpopo WMA and the Olifants WMA. Within these two water management areas there are numerous Fresh Water Priority Areas (FEPA) (Atlas of Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas of South Africa, Nel et al, 2011). On the northern and central half of the CDM, the central section of the Limpopo WMA is encompassed within the boundary and most of the area is made up of FEPA catchments including River FEPAs, Phase 2 FEPAs, Fish Support Areas and Upstream Management Areas. These catchments include numerous Flagship Free-flowing Rivers, namely the Mogalakwena River, Limpopo River, Brak River, Ga-Mamasonya River, Hout River, Bloed River, Sand River and Olifants River, just to name a few, and numerous Fish Sanctuaries for Vulnerable or Near Threatened species. There are also numerous FEPA wetlands and wetland clusters within the District with the most noticeable collection located in the northern eastern portion of the District between the Mogalakwena and Sand Rivers. Fish Sanctuaries for Critically Endangered and/or Endangered species do not occur within the border of the CDM. The southern portion of the CDM (between Polokwane and the Olifants River) is made up of the Olifants WMA and the area comprises of FEPA catchments including River FEPAs, Phase 2 FEPAs, Fish Support Areas and Upstream Management Areas. The north eastern section of the Olifants WMA occurring within the CDM contains various Fish Sanctuaries for Vulnerable or Near Threatened species. No RAMSAR sites are located within the District. There are a number of small localised wetlands. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 18

27 2.2.4 Important ecological processes The Capricorn District is important for supporting a range of ecological processes which are critical for ensuring long term persistence of biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services especially in the context of climate change. Well-functioning, largely undisturbed and natural ecosystems can improve the natural resilience to the adverse effects of climate change and the vulnerability of people thereto. Riparian corridors and buffers; areas with temperature, rainfall and altitudinal gradients; areas of high diversity; areas of high plant endemism; refuge sites including south-facing slopes and kloofs; and priority large un-fragmented landscapes are all features in the environment which are more significant than others for supporting this resilience (Holness, 2015). A District-wide network of intact natural habitat in an ecologically viable configuration maximises the retention of valuable ecological infrastructure and should be viewed as the primary climate change adaptation strategy adopted by district and local authorities. Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information in this regard, and specifically pertaining to the following: Ecosystem services and ecological infrastructure; Hydrological processes; Climate change mitigation; Climate change adaptation. 2.3 Man-made environment Land cover The land cover data for the District 1 shows that the most extensive and widely dispersed land cover is natural. Human settlement is concentrated in the central and southern portions of the District between the Blouberg Mountains and the Olifants River with concentrated areas at Polokwane, Seshego, Matoks, Thabamoopo and Senwabarwana. Agriculture (irrigated fields) is concentrated in the central eastern portion of the District, south of the Blouberg Mountains and norths of the Sand River. Nodes also occur north of the Wonderkop Mountain in the north and along the Limpopo River. Dryland fields (subsistence farming) occurs predominately throughout the central portions of the District, with limited expansion into the northern portion of the District. Two Plantation nodes are located along the eastern and south eastern boundaries of the District, one east of the settlement of Nthabiseng and the other south of Haenertsburg. Gully (degradation) is most noticeable west of Polokwane and Seshego, other smaller nodes are located south and south west of Polokwane. The land cover data indicates that 72.5% of the Capricorn District is in a natural state. This high percentage is partially due to the proportion of the District which lies PAs and the largely rural nature of the District. 21.5% is altered by agriculture, plantations and degraded areas and a further 5.6% is severely or irreversibly modified by towns, settlements and mining. Table 3: Overview of land cover classes in Capricorn District Municipality Landcover description Extent (Ha) % of District Mine 8216, Irrigated Field 40629, Water 16422, Natural , Land Cover, DEA (30m resolution) as updated in 2017 by Dr Philip Desmet Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 19

28 Settlement , Dryland Field , Old Field 71052, Gully 15961, Plantation 1354, Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information in this regard. Refer to Figure 7. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 20

29 Figure 7: Integrated Land cover Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 21

30 2.3.2 Mining Activity and Mineral Deposits The mining sector is considered to be one of the three pillars of the Limpopo Province and is, therefore, strategically important to the development of the economy of the District. Active and continuously producing mines are scattered throughout the District with clusters occurring around Polokwane / Seshego and in the southern section of the District near the R 519. A number of abandoned mines are also found within the District, predominately in the southern portion of the District. Two (2) belts of mineral deposit (coal fields) areas are found in the District, with a further one (1) belt (coal field) encroaching slightly. These belts are located in the northern portion of the District covering portions of the Blouberg (coal field) and in the south spanning from the western boundary to the R37. Another three (3) nodes of platinum mineral deposits are located along the western boundary and in the southern portion of the District. These are areas where mining is possible in the future. Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information in this regard Cultural historic features The Capricorn District Municipality, with its air of myth, legend and prehistoric civilization, is a popular ecotourism destination in Limpopo, with no shortage of natural, historical and cultural attractions. The district takes its name from the Tropic of Capricorn, one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth and which runs directly through this diverse landscape. The region is dominated by mountains and forests but also includes the provincial capital of Polokwane, which is a popular stopover en route to the Kruger National Park. The city of Polokwane has a variety of places of interest, including but not limited to; jacaranda-lined avenues or the architecture of times gone by, the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Museum (an open-air living museum demonstrating Sotho culture), The Hugh Exton Photographic Museum and the Polokwane Game Reserve (one of the biggest municipal-owned game reserves in South Africa). The Blouberg Nature Reserve, located in the northern portion of the District, has the world s largest breeding colony of Cape Vultures - situated on the southern cliffs of Blouberg Mountain. Other cultural heritages sites include the Zion Christian Church Headquarters located at Zion City Moria, the Zebediela Citrus Estate, the Polokwane Museum, the Polokwane Smelter and the towns of Alldays and Houtbosdorp (CDM Website) Land claims A total of 135 land claims from the district have been lodged with the Regional Land Claims Commissioner. Most of these land claims have not yet been investigated and gazetted as stipulated in the Land Restitution Act. Land claims make spatial planning very difficult. Land claims were mainly concentrated in the north-west, centralwestern and southern extents of the municipal area (CDM IDP). 2.4 Planning environment Protected Areas planning Protected Areas Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 22

31 PAs are declared and formally protected under the Protected Areas Act, and include National Parks, legally declared Nature Reserves, World Heritage Sites and Protected Environments that are secured by appropriate legal mechanisms. The following are some of the PAs occur that within the Capricorn District 2 : Blouberg Nature Reserve Maleboho Nature Reserve Wonderkop Nature Reserve Machaka Nature Reserve Turfloop Nature Reserve Polokwane Game Reserve Kuschke Nature Reserve Bewaarkloof Nature Reserve Serala (Wolkberg Wilderness Area) Wolkeberg Caves Nature Reserve Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information in this regard. Refer to Figure Conservation areas Conservation areas are areas of land not formally protected by law but informally protected by the current owners and users; and managed at least partly for biodiversity conservation. Because there is no long-term security associated with conservation areas, they are not considered a strong form of protection. Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information in this regard. 2 The listed Protected Areas include both statutory protected areas and designated private nature reserves as identified by SAPAD 2016 and made available for public use. In addition to this database, the SANBI Protected Areas was accessed to cross check designation of private nature reserves. Discrepancies between the databases exist, and ultimately for the purpose of this Bioregional Plan, the SANBI data was utilized. Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 23

32 Figure 8: Protected Areas Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA) Integrated Development Plan In the late 1990s a transfrontier conservation initiative for the area situated at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers straddling Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe was mooted culminating in the formal establishment of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA). Even though the GMTFCA does not fall within the CDM, it s proposed land uses, according to the GMTFA Integrated Development Plan, fall within the most north eastern corner of the District. The spatial planning of the GMTFCA is also addressed by spatially representing the concept development plans required to unlock the inherent ecotourism potential of the conservation area in a sustainable and equitable manner. The aspect provides insight into the access, use, development and infrastructure requirements of both the Transfrontier Park (core area) and the Transfrontier Conservation Area (buffer area) (GMTFCA IDP). The land use zones applicable are: Ecotourism and wildlife: Secondary Intensive utilisation: Agriculture Capricorn District Bioregional Plan Draft for Comment 24