Page 24 - State of Biodiversity Report 2022/2023

D’MOSS AWARENESS LAUNCH: WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT
BIODIVERSITY
The eThekwini Municipality, Biodiversity Management Department and the community of Zwelibomvu showed a spirit of togetherness in a Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D’MOSS) awareness launch that took place at Zwelibomvu on the 22nd of May 2023, in celebration of the 2023 International Biodiversity Day. The Launch was attended by the local councillor (Ward 100), local traditional authority, Traditional Healers Organization, Officials from different Municipal Departments, external government Departments, and the Zwelibomvu community. The aim of this workshop was to raise awareness about Durban Metropolitan Open Space System and the importance of preserving these important environmental assets.
One of the speakers, Zodwa Ngubeni presented about the D’MOSS Spatial layer stating that these are areas that have been identified as ecologically important within eThekwini and there are important for ensuring the continuous supply of ecosystem service, and therefore it is important that there are managed and conserved. She further emphasised the need for traditional authorities to contact the Biodiversity Management Department when planning any development within these areas.
Bheka Nxele spoke about different municipal restoration programmes including the Fire and Invasive Species Control (FISC) and Working for Ecosystems, stating that these programmes aim to tackle the problem of IAPs in Durban. He added that these programmes further aim to alleviate poverty and develop skills by employing people to manage aspects of the environment.
Bongumusa Shaba from the Department of Agriculture shared knowledge around sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure both ecological and agricultural sustainability.
Traditional leader (Induna) Mr. Magcaba said “We need to recognize that our activities are destroying valuable ecosystems and threatening species that are important for human livelihood”. He further commended the BDM for this initiative, saying it is time to turn a narrative about the Zwelibomvu area which was known as the Land of Blood due to past conflicts, but by working closely with various departments, Zwelibomvu can be known for its rich biodiversity and spectacular landscapes.
Mr. Simon Maphumulo of the KwaXimba Conservancy emphasized the importance of having the conservancy in all traditional community wards in order for communities to have biodiversity champions that will ensure sustainable use of natural resources and protection
of biodiversity within these areas. He also encouraged the community that they must get up and do things for themselves and be responsible for their environment.
The key message that came from various speakers at the launch was that it is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment around us. Biodiversity conservation is our life-support system upon which we depend for our livelihood, it should be protected and preserved for the current and future generations.
22 STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2022/2023