Page 58 - State of Biodiversity 2023-2024
P. 58
56 STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2023/2024
Illegal Sand Mining:
A threat to Biodiversity in the eThekwini
Municipal Area
Mkhanyisi Cele
Email: Mkhanyisi.Cele@durban.gov.za
Illegal sand mining is one of the major threats to biodiversity in the eThekwini municipal area. It is not only responsible for the destruction of riverine ecosystems. Unauthorised sand mining also affects grasslands, wetlands and forest ecosystems.
It does not only compromise natural ecosystems and associated fauna but is also to the detriment of ecosystem goods and services, provided by the natural environment. Affected ecosystem goods and services include flood attenuation provided by rivers, forests and wetlands, soil erosion control and carbon sequestration that help in the fight against climate change.
What constitute Illegal sand mining?
Illegal sand mining is conducted without authorisation by legally mandated authorities including, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
The DMRE regulates mining and related activities (incl. issuing mining rights) in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002, while the DWS regulates water use and related activities (incl. issuing water use authorisation/licence) in terms of the National Water Act 36 of 1998.
