Page 27 - State of Biodiversity 2023-2024

4.2.2. Nature Reserve Proclamation
eThekwini Municipality collaborated with Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW) in proclaiming 11 Protected Areas in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEM: PAA, Act No. 57 of 2003) in 2018. The current focus of the proclamation process is to ensure that the other three sites (Treasure Beach, Monteseel and Georgedale) are also given the same level of biodiversity protection. Biodiversity and ecosystem services assessments of the three sites have been conducted in collaboration with the EKZNW. The assessment involved determining biodiversity value of the sites and recommending interventions that can improve management of the sites.
The Monteseel site was presented to the KwaZulu-Natal Biodiversity Working Group, and it was allocated a Nature Reserve category. Subsequently the category letter, confirming the eThekwini Municipality’s acceptance of
Table 3: Proposed Protected Area Proclamation Progress
the Nature Reserve category for Monteseel, was sent to the EKZNW. Support that has been provided to the site by the Monteseel Conservancy, Natural Resources Division, EKZNW and other stakeholders is highly appreciated. The next step is to prepare the site’s Management Plan and other proclamation documents that will be authorised by the relevant authorities.
The municipality also collaborated with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and EKZNW in proclaiming its Widenham Wetland, by making use of Section 28 of NEM: PAA, as the first Protected Environment within eThekwini Municipal Area. The EWT is continuing to work with the Municipality on the implementation of the rehabilitation plan that would improve habitat for the Pickersgill’s Reed Frog, and eThekwini Municipality is grateful of the partnership and support from the EWT. Please see Table 3 for more information on proclamation progress.
Proposed Protected Area
Survey diagrams complete (Yes/No)
Approval by EM Heads and Executive Committee
Biodiversity Assessment
Approval by EKZNW
Proclamation Endorsed by the EM City Manager
Proclamation Documents Submitted to MEC
Public Participation Process approved and commenced
Gazette Notice
Monteseel Yes Yes Yes Yes Georgedale Yes Yes Yes No
No No No No No No No No
Treasure Beach
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Widenham Wetland
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2023/2024 25