Page 5 - State of Biodiversity 2023-2024

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The State of Biodiversity (SoB) report for 2023/24 contains information on the latest statistics relating to the protection and management of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D’MOSS); land acquisitions for environmental protection; and an update on the proclamation process for ensuring biodiversity protection on four municipal owned sites (Treasure Beach, Monteseel, Georgedale and Widenham). The SoB also contains an update on the Red Duiker survey and new features on the use of camera traps for conservation monitoring at Hawaan Forest and the initiation of the Ingwe Conservation Area. In addition, the SoB includes the launch of the first IsiZulu State of Biodiversity Report and the Nature Positive Cities platform, which is a World Economic Forum initiative, amongst other exciting initiatives that are part of both advocacy and communication and conservation partnerships. For example, the SoB has inserts by external partner organizations such as the Kloof Conservancy, eZemvelo KZN Wildlife, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
Some of the threats to biodiversity in eThekwini Municipality, where they are well understood, have also been reported and the various responses for dealing with climate change and alien invasive species, and a report on how the Department has been handling sand mining as a threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services and livelihoods.
Furthermore, findings from the eThekwini Municipality’s Park audits to determine the number of National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM: BA, Act 10 of 2004) listed species that are present has been reported; and updates were provided on the distribution of House Crows and the importance of the Silverglen Muthi Plant Nursery.
There is a need for long-term monitoring and data collection, and in this report, there are statistics relating to the declining abundance of KwaZulu Dwarf Chameleons at Chameleon Park due to limited management interventions. The value of research to support biodiversity protection, management and restoration cannot be overemphasized, as eThekwini Municipality, we have provided updates on the Durban Research Action Partnership (D’RAP) and included an addition from the Natural Science Museum on the surveillance of mosquito populations and the likely implications from a human health perspective.
Lastly, the activities from the large-scale environmental management projects, which are not just important for biodiversity but also for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprise (SMME) development, human capital and capacity building, and from a socio-economic perspective. The project continues to make a meaningful contribution to human well-being and development.
STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2023/2024 3