Page 38 - State of Biodiversity 2018/19

THE VAN RIEBEEK PARK ECOSYSTEM RECREATION PROJECT:
PROGRESS UPDATE
The VR Park project was born out of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the redevelopment of the Clairwood Racecourse.The EIA outcome required that the loss of wetland habitat be offset.The nearest suitable offset site was identified on the north bank of the Tugela River, approximately 100km from the development site and outside the eThekwini Municipal area.While EPCPD agreed that the offset was sufficient in terms of the regional biodiversity targets, it felt that more was required to retain the biodiversity and environmental services within the local community.VR Park was identified as a prime candidate for a wetland/coastal grassland/forest restoration and management project.
With the support of the local ward councillor, some community members and municipal line functions, a considerable amount of progress has been made with the implementation.To date, a large proportion of the site has been cleared of alien invasive plants, shallow basins have been excavated based on surface topography and lined with clay material and indigenous wetland species have been planted within the basins. Activities such as construction of boardwalks and bird hides are projected to follow once the rehabilitated wetland systems have settled and established themselves more firmly.
Van Riebeeck Park has been added to the list of sites being continuously managed by EPCPD through the Working for Ecosystems Programme. Management will include alien plant management and control as well as maintenance of paths and facilities. Like any other project, it hasn’t been without challenges. Challenges experienced include illegal dumping onsite, concerns of soil contamination, and attempted land invasions. Response measures such as fencing off the access road, putting ‘No Dumping’ signs, testing the soil, land invasion investigations and community consultations have been undertaken by the department.
Positive gains have already been observed on the rehabilitation site.The wetland is showing signs of functioning as expected: water is being retained after rainfall, wetland species are establishing themselves and avifauna have been sighted.There has also been more positive feedback from community members. With such gains, the EPCPD is confident that upon completion, the project will be a green lung for the South Durban Industrial Basin.
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