Page 10 - State of Biodiversity 2019-2020

4. Indicators
4.1.Total Area of D’MOSS
The Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D’MOSS) is a system of open spaces incorporating areas of high biodiversity value (private- and public-owned) comprising a variety of habitat types linked together in an ecologically viable network. In 2019/2020, D’MOSS comprised 95 000ha of open spaces, representing one third of the eThekwini Municipal Area (EMA) (Figure 2). This represents the D’MOSS that was originally adopted in December 2010 by the eThekwini Council and amended in 2017/2018 financial year. D’MOSS is a
spatial layer, based on a systematic conservation planning approach that identifies key areas that are selected to ensure representation and persistence of biodiversity and the supply of ecosystem services.
D’MOSS is incorporated into the City’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), associated Strategic Development Framework, regional Spatial Development Plans, and into the municipal Town Planning Schemes as a controlled development layer.
D’MOSS
Durban Metropolitan Open Space System
AREA OF D’MOSS
95 000ha (approved 2017/2018)
THIS IS EQUIVALENT TO
1/3 of the EMA
TOTAL ASSET VALUE OF NATURAL AND SEMI-NATURAL AREAS
R47.8 billion
ANNUAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICE FLOW VALUE
R4.2 billion
% of D’MOSS AREA PROTECTED
7.03%
Figure 2: Map of D’MOSS Areas
6 STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2019/2020