Pretoria – Members of the public have been invited to comment on the Orange River Mouth and Durban Bay individual estuarine management plans (EMPs) which were recently published in the Government Gazette.
“The main purpose of developing these EMPs is to facilitate a balance between ecological processes and human activities while considering sustainable use of estuarine resources.
“This is achieved by identifying management actions that need to be implemented by various sector departments,” the Department of Environmental Affairs said.
The Government Gazette No. 39347 was published for public comment on Friday by the Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa.
The Orange River Mouth is regarded as the second most important estuary in South Africa in terms of conservation importance.
“It is one of very few estuaries along this coastline that is believed to provide an important role in linking fish populations among Angola, Namibia and South Africa and offers valuable tourism opportunities for communities in the area that can contribute to the long-term economic viability of the region,” the department said.
South Africa has approximately 300 estuaries along a coastline of around 3 400km, which are under threat due to minimum management.
These estuaries provide high biodiversity and productivity and provide a range of environmental and socio-economic benefits.
“The condition of these estuaries continues to deteriorate due to negative human activities such as habitat alteration, over-exploitation of living resources, change in water quality and quantity. When their conditions deteriorate, the socio-economic and environmental benefits are also reduced,” the department said.
The Durban Bay estuaries fulfil important social and economic functions. The Port of Durban is a leading container port in the southern hemisphere and one of the national economy’s key assets.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit, within 30 days after the publication of the notice in the Gazette, written representations on or objections to the draft plans.
Written representations received after this time may not be considered.
All representations must be submitted in writing toThe Deputy Director-General, Attention: Mr Xola Mkefe, Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans & Coasts, 2 East Pier Building, East Pier Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town or by post to: The Deputy Director-General, Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans & Coasts, P.O. Box 52126, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, Attention: Mr Xola Mkefe or by e-mail to: estuaries@environment.gov.za.
For more information contact Ntombovuyo Madlokazi on 021 819 2473 or go to https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/orm_sitestrategic_estuarinemanagementplan.pdf or https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/durbanbay_estuarinemanagementplan.pdf. - SAnews.gov.za
