Page 34 - UGU Dstrct Mun IDP Report '21-22

3.1.4.7 Conservation and Environmentally Sensitive Areas
The Conservation areas comprise a composite of Core Environmental areas, steep slope areas unsuitable for development and the 30m flood line buffers. There are two important grassland areas to the south and east of Odidini. These grassland areas are of high conservation value as they form part of the Interior South Coast Grasslands Belt, a Critically Endangered ecosystem. These grasslands occur within a Traditional Authority Area and have relatively low levels of settlement. Imfume is an area of grassland to the east, which is also of high conservation value as it forms part of the Interior South Coast Grasslands Belt, a Critically Endangered ecosystem. This area also provides an important wildlife corridor between the conservation areas along the iLovu River, Umgababa River, and the Umkhomazi River. This grassland occurs within a Traditional Authority Area and has relatively low levels of settlement.
Umkhomazi River Valley is a large area of Eastern Valley Bushveld, situated in the upper catchment of the Umkhomazi River, and which forms the northern boundary of the Ugu Municipal Area. Other formal environmental areas include Umtamvuna, Mbubazi, Mpenjati, Skyline, and Oribi Gorge. This area occurs within a Traditional Authority Area and has relatively low levels of settlement due to the steep topography. There are also a number of unprotected environmental areas within the area which are undeveloped /untransformed and consist of grassland, dense bush and forests. High biodiversity areas represent a substantial fraction of the area.
Mpambanyoni River Valley is an area of Ngongoni Veld (Vulnerable) and Eastern Valley Bushveld situated in the upper catchment of the Mpambanyoni River. This area occurs within a Traditional Authority Area and has relatively low levels of settlement. Other river valleys which the district considers crucial, endangered, vulnerable and environmentally sensitive areas, include Fafa River Valley, Mtwalume River Valley, Quha River Valley, Kwa-Malukaka Valley, Mzumbe River Valley, and Umzimkhulu River Valley. There are several pockets of Scarp Forest occurring within and surrounding Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve. These forests occur on private properties, between areas of commercial sugarcane. Other forests which are environmentally sensitive, endangered and must be protected include Ntimbankulu Forest and Weza State Forest.
3.1.4.8 Industrial Hubs
There are several industrial hubs which are observed within the region, and they include Weza Sawmill Merensky which is a theatre of manufacturing and storage/ warehouse activities within Umuziwabantu area, Izotsha Industrial Development Corridor which is a theatre of manufacturing and storage/ warehouse activities within the RNM area, Other industrial activities are found in towns such as Marburg and Port Shepstone which also extensively contribute in the economic growth of the municipality. The areas that are currently zoned as industrial areas within Umdoni include 1 Area in Scottburgh (adjacent to the N2), 1 Area in Park Rynie (adjacent to the N2 off ramp), 1 Area in Esperanza (south), Specific sites in Umzinto North and Specific sites in Umzinto South.
3.1.4.9 Tourism Activities and Farms
Tourism is a key sector which can and should be developed through the development of tourism products based on the diverse natural and cultural resource base of the municipality. within the area of Umzumbe, it is identified as one of the economic opportunity areas that requires attention and investment. The district has identified several tourism opportunities and projects in Umzumbe, with the focus being on agri-heritage and cultural tourism.
Tourism assets which Umdoni area is richly blessed with include; Beaches: Scottburgh Beach and its grass-covered banks is one of the main attractions as it has established itself as the popular holiday resort destination for South Africans and foreign dwellers; Golfing: Along the South Coast Umdoni is identified as one of the hidden treasures of the Golf coast. The Golf course has 18 holes and is situated on 200 hectares of indigenous coastal forest. It has fauna and flora and magnificent vistas that make it a breath- taking experience to explore; Caravan Parks and Camp Sites. Scottburgh Caravan parks are privately owned seaside resorts and campsites are owned by the municipality. TC Robertson Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is located within just a 10 min walk from the centre of Scottburgh and from the main beach area. It has become a popular picnic venue with over 180 species of birds, bushbuck, grey duiker and blue duiker and Croc World.
This tourist attraction was established in 1985 and it is popularly known for its spectacular inland valley views and indigenous trees and plants. It houses a large collection of snakes and showcases endangered other species such as tortoises and therefore described as the reptile and bird park. Adventure tourism is already an important draw card for the Ugu District, but to date the focus has been on coastal adventure tourism activities such as diving, fishing and related water sports. Other tourism activities ensue from Oribi Gorge and include but not limited to hiking, river crafting, zip line, wild swing and sliding.
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