The Future Herald COP17 Newspaper

the climAte & decemberjobs edition 2020 capital reaches carbon targets Page 3 spot the difference: spekboom rehabilitation is not only an effective climate change response, but also a major source of jobs in the eastern cape.ApocAlypse now Averted jobs jobs jobsNATIONAL – A decade of careful planning and mitiga- This network of wetland corridors – along with thetion appears to have successfully halted the four horsemenof the Apocalypse – flood, drought, fire and storm – all in rehabilitated wetlands and grasslands upstream – is able to absorb up to 40% more water than its degraded counter- the municipality’s decision tothe space of a few months. The recent heavy rainfall in the Gauteng region parts. Unhindered, this water would have burst riverbanks across the city, washed away homes and businesses and left invest in the restoration Page 10was the highest in almost 200 years. This, along with thesevere drought in the Eastern Cape, weeks of raging fires communities in tatters. There is another, equally important spin-off to of the city’s rivers andon the Cape Peninsula and six days of Hurricane Sizwepounding the KwaZulu-Natal coast, would have had dire this investment in the province’s biodiversity corridors and urban greening projects. Almost 18 000 permanent jobs wetlands nine years agoconsequences ten years ago. Each of these events wouldhave spelled disaster for tens of thousands of South Afri- have been created for families who, ten years ago, had no income and limited employment opportunities. has saved them seven timescans and crippled local economies back in 2010. So whatsaved us in 2020? While Johannesburg was experiencing its wettest summer in recorded history, a similar disaster on the op- that amount today Our biodiversity. Or more specifically, critical in- posite end of the weather spectrum was unfolding in thevestment in important corridors of biodiversity that acted Eastern Cape. Most of the province, and particularly the The alien clearing project saw thousands of hec-as buffers against this barrage of onslaughts from Mother Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, faced the driest summer tares of water-hungry invasive plant species being removedNature. in just over 130 years, and its second devastating drought in and the land rehabilitated with indigenous species in the Following the recent floods across greater Johan- under a decade. upper catchment. This regularised the water flow in thenesburg, the annual recorded rainfall for Gauteng has al- As with Johannesburg, it was only thanks to the catchment, allowing 30% more summer rainfall to reachready passed the previous highest figure recorded back in rehabilitation of healthy biodiversity corridors that a situ- dams and ensured water was still flowing in the rivers dur-2011. And while the floods of 2011 wreaked havoc and leftthousands destitute, it also served as a crucial wake-up call. ation far worse than the drought of summer 2010 was avoided. Substantial investment in two major projects – the ing the dry winter months. This has almost certainly spared the city from a complete water shortage. However, water what’s on at the rioThe municipality’s bold decision to invest R2 billion in the Subtropical Thicket Restoration Programme and an alien restrictions are unlikely to be lifted soon and investigationsrestoration of the city’s rivers and wetlands nine years ago clearing project with Working For Water – have been more are underway to pipe water from the rainfall heavy north to meet the region’s water shortages. pavillion?has saved them almost seven times that amount today. than vindicated. continued on page 3 Page 12citizens unite AgAinst wAter thieves The incremental water use of alien plants was equivalent to the annual run-off of the Vaal River. And, by 2011, it was estimated that South Africa would have lostKURUMAN – This unlikely Northern Cape town was the (WfW) set out to control the effect of invasive species on R48,2 billion a year in ecosystem services had WfW not in-scene today of the final battle between humans and invad- the quality and quantity of our water, as well as protect the vested in biological control of invasive species. Extrapolateing water thieves. A battle that, fortunately, we humans have functioning of our natural ecosystems. that number to 2020, and the significance of today’s an-won quite convincingly. Hundreds of people gathered on a Extreme water shortages and a dramatic increase nouncement really starts to hit home.rocky slope about 2km out of town to witness the symbolic in fires from 2005 to 2011 led to WfW issuing a bold and But the water numbers only tell half the story. Asend of the last of them – in this case, a South American highly ambitious target statement of “invasive-free by an employer of unskilled labour, WfW makes its biggestmesquite plant – and to declare South Africa officially free 2020”. Initially met with skepticism, it soon became clear impact on communities. For the period 1995 to 2009, be-of water hungry invasive plants. that this was a real target with real milestones, driven by a tween 22 000 and 56 000 work opportunities were created It’s the culmination of almost a decade of toil for team of people for whom failure is not an option. annually. This number ramped up significantly when thethe Working for Water programme as they finally achieved A quick glance at some figures might help to dem- “invasive-free by 2020” target was announced back in 2011.their target of clearing all invasive trees in South Africa. onstrate why they are so keen to succeed: More than 7% of And in true sustainable fashion, nothing goes to www.ogilvyearth.co.za Established in 1995, and successfully marrying a our annual run-off was being lost to invasive vegetation, and waste. Under the banner of WfW Value Added Indus-massive job creation drive with the biggest environmental this number was growing rapidly. Invading alien plants were tries, cleared invasive plants become furniture, décor, toys,programme on the African continent, Working for Water using three times more water than commercial forestry. screens, fences, baskets and even coffins.

02record highsfor gArdenroute tourismKNySNA – “This is only the beginning. Watch this space.”These were the confident words of a spokeswoman for theEden District Tourism Board after the region recorded itshighest ever number of visitors for the period of Septemberto December 2020. What makes this achievement remarkable is the spreAdingfactor goescheer Kanna’s feelgood the globalfact that everywhere else in the world tourism numbers, andparticularly long-haul destinations, are facing sharp declines NOURIVIER – Local communities gathered yesterday The last decade has seen massive sustainable growth in thedue to stringent carbon emissions taxes. This, coupled to celebrate the opening of the tenth commercial Kanna farm in industry thanks to the correct ecological management of resources.with a string of extreme weather events such as prolonged the country. This small yellow shrub has brought happiness to the This ensured a sustainable supply of cultivated indigenous plants,droughts and severe coastal storms, should have been world, and economic development and cultural preservation to the thereby reducing pressure on indigenous wild populations.enough to scare visitors away from the Southern Cape. Khoi, San, Nama and other indigenous people. With the start of the boom in the industry in 2013, climate So why the profound change in fortune? The short Kanna, or Sceletium Tortuosum, is well known around change in particular put new pressures on the cultivated variety,answer: biodiversity. the world as the most commonly used natural mood enhancing threatening the viability of the industry. But through the effective The Garden Route Conservation Plan, imple- substance. However, just ten years ago the secrets of this highly management and protection of the wild genetic stock, these threatsmented by the South African National Parks a decade ago, commercialised plant was known only to those traditional knowl- were negated.saw the integration of conservation and economic develop- edge holders, the San people of South Africa. The Sceletium project has provided numerous benefits toment for the region on an unprecedented scale. It required Early movers, HGH Pharmaceuticals, already recognised indigenous stakeholders, not to mention the economy of Southsubstantial investment, but the pay-off is nothing short of the potential of Kanna in 2009, and received an integrated export Africa as a whole. The cultivation and sustainable use of Sceletiumastounding. To date in 2020, a staggering 360 000 tourists and bioprospecting permit for commercialisation. The rest of the has contributed to thousands of employment opportunities overhave visited the region, many of whom then went on to visit world took a year or two to catch on, but since then the cultivation the last ten years. This includes jobs ranging from the labour inten-other destinations in South Africa.That’s more visitors than of Sceletium has grown into one of the most lucrative business sive cultivation of the plant to management and skills developmentthe total number brought in by the Soccer World Cup back prospects yet to come from the multifaceted biodiversity sector. with the development of commercial farms.in 2010. This commercialisation process could have easily resulted Once a San secret to mood enhancement, Sceletium is in the unfair exploitation of South Africa’s indigenous biological now truly making the world smile, one small yellow flower at a time. resources and traditional knowledge. However, timely and relevant testament to the success of this policy, such as the Regulations on Bioprospecting, Access and Ben- efit Sharing (BABS), meant that these resources could be properly sAnparks project is the inclusion of governed, and authorities ensured that the communities continue to reap the economic and ecological benefits. the tsitsikamma national park as an 8th natural wonder of the world due to its unique resilience to biodiversity loss. trAns-frontier Not only has this planning resulted in a touristdestination rich in natural wonders, but thanks to thebuffering effects of these corridors, tourism infrastructure nAtionAl pArKs the worldwide percentageis safe from the harsh effects of our changed climate and nature knows no boundaries of reptile, bird and mammalprovides natural carbon sinks to offset travel. This providestravellers with a safe environment in which to enjoy what is species in south Africa RICHTERSVELD – The second annual People for Peace Parkselsewhere a dwindling biodiversity resource. Corridors of Conference was held this month to discuss the future of this col-healthy ecosystems are proven to be far more robust in the laboration effort between the six Transfrontier Conservation Areas Against the backdrop of Africa’s turbulent history, it is clearface of extreme weather patterns and offer plants, insects, (TFCAs) in Southern Africa. Eighteen delegates representing com- that the Peace Parks have brought a sense of unity amongst neigh-birds and mammals a rich range of options for adapting to munities and governments from each region, met to discuss how bouring countries and established a common platform to addressthese changes. they could work together more effectively to facilitate and promote economic, social, and environmental goals. The official collabora- Testament to the success of this SANParks project regional peace, co-operation and socio-economic development. tion efforts were kick-started in 2012 when numerous large carbonis the inclusion of the Tsitsikamma National Park as an 8th Represented were the six conservation areas of the !Ai-!Ai finance projects, brokered at the 2011 COP 17 Conference in Dur-natural wonder of the world due to its unique resilience Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, ban, were initiated in the TFCAs.to biodiversity loss. And while this park is the jewel in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Area, Maloti-Drakensberg These projects were launched in order to stimulate invest-crown of the Garden Route Conservation Plan, it is by no Transfrontier Conservation and Development Area, Great Lim- ment into rehabilitating woodlands, conserving wildlife, avoidingmeans the only winner here. popo Transfrontier Park and the Lubombo Transfrontier Conser- deforestation, and promoting fire management. They also boosted The almost R2 billion spent on rehabilitating vation and Resource Area. tourism with the establishment of Tourist Access Facilities that ena-the networks of corridors that crisscross the province has For eight years these regions have worked together to miti- bled tourists and officials to move with ease across borders into thealready been repaid tenfold in tourism revenue alone. It is gate climate change by ensuring that interlinked ecosystems are parks in order to explore walking trails and cycling adventures.estimated that around 25 000 new jobs were a direct result well managed for the benefit of all countries. From this collabora- In the course of the last eight years these have combined toof the investment – a figure that looks set to rise even more tion the annual People for Peace Parks Conference was established become multifaceted development and conservation programmes,as we head into the peak holiday season. to strategise future collaboration. enabling vital fundraising to invest back into local green economies Good news for our marine and coastal environment The TFCAs, or Peace Parks, consist of large areas of in and around the Peace Parks in support of the biodiversity and– the conservation plan is not limited to terrestrial biodi- pristine nature conserved for the vital ecosystem services they pro- resilience of the environment.versity. Vast marine protected areas around Knysna have vide to countries that straddle international borders in the region. The result today is economic growth and the developmentresulted in this being one of the few remaining places on Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Member of permanent job opportunities in the communities, who also nowearth where visitors can indulge in a wealth of sustainably States committed themselves almost two decades ago in 2003 to have the skills and training to maintain the TFCAs, TAFs and herit-harvested local seafood. The protection of fish breeding “promote the conservation of the shared wildlife resources through age sites while managing self-sustaining tourism businesses.grounds along this stretch of coast has allowed fish stocks to the establishment of transfrontier conservation areas”. The trans- The 3rd annual People for Peace Parks Conference is sched-not only stabilise, but in fact thrive. location of fauna is an ongoing enhancement to the strategy. uled for December 2021 at the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

03ApocAlypse now Avertedcontinued from page 1 The third event, fire, came in the form of the worst cApitAl reAches cArbon tArgetsfirestorms to have hit the Cape Peninsula since the late 1950’s.At least eight separate fires – a natural part of the fynbos ecol-ogy – were aided by very hot and dry conditions combined withunusually heavy winds for this time of year. Had these fires broken out several years earlier, the costin terms of lives and livelihoods would have been severe. Butthanks to the implementation of pre-emptive fire managementthrough ecologically based controlled burns, the removal of tshwAne leAds the wAy in climAte governAncehundreds of hectares of alien vegetation and well-organisedWorking on Fire units, the worst damage was limited to the PRETORIA – It’s official. As of 2 December 2020,city’s outer limits. the City of Tshwane has reached its goal to become a carbon 2020 also saw the first ever Category Four tropical neutral capital city. This important and prestigious milestonestorm hit our shores as Hurricane Sizwe battered the KwaZulu- was announced at a special parliamentary session today, asNatal south coast for almost a week. Seafront properties from almost ten years of planning and work finally paid off.Margate to Durban were under threat from gale force winds Following the United Nations Framework Conven-and some of the biggest waves ever recorded on our coastlines tion on Climate Change in Durban back in 2011, the presi-for six consecutive days. Coastal storms of this magnitude were dency realised the importance of setting an internationalunthinkable just a few decades ago. standard in good climate governance. Partnered with the If it weren’t for a similar storm in 2012 the eThekwini Tshwane Metro, they laid out a ten-year plan with strict car-Municipality might never have implemented measures such as bon target milestones. This included substantial investmentthe rehabilitation of mangrove swamps and dune systems to in reducing emissions in the city as well as increasing theact as buffers against storms of this nature. The R2.2 billion carbon storage capacity of ecosystems within the city limits.invested over the last decade in these projects, along with the in- According to a spokesman for the presidency, this Crucial to the success of this project were partnerstroduction of planning regulations preventing new property de- was truly an investment in the future of our country. “We such as the Department of Environmental Affairs Biodiversityvelopments within 1km of the coastline, has saved billions more realised at Cop17 that we did not have many more opportu- and Conservation Branch, SANBI’s Grasslands, Working forin damages that could have resulted from this year’s storms. nities to get it right. We wanted to send a strong message to Wetlands and Municipal Planning Programmes, South Afri- It is telling to note that all these initiatives were made the world, and we did it with almost a year to spare.“ can National Parks and the Natural Resource Managementpossible due to large – and now justified – increases in invest- The biggest investment was in the restoration and Programmes.ment in the DEA’s Biodiveristy and Conservation Branch, in rehabilitation of wetlands and grasslands in and around the Other initiatives included planning biodiversity cor-partnership with the Natural Resource Management Pro- city to increase their carbon storage capacity. According to ridors into the urban landscape, ensuring habitat for species,gramme, SANParks and the SANBI. the CEO of the South African National Biodiversity Insti- space for residents to relax, the use of rooftop food gardens, Evidence for the catalyst for this dramatic increase in tute, the notion that forests alone are the carbon stores of our vertical gardens, resource efficient architecture, the creationinvestment in restoring our natural ecological infrastructure planet is not simply true. “Grasslands and wetlands, along of urban green spaces and the greening of transport routesappears to point towards the COP17 Climate Change Con- with mangrove swamps and subtropical thickets, account for through walkways, cycle lanes and buses.ference back in 2011 in Durban. Delegates negotiating at far more of our carbon storage. Keeping them healthy is the While the gauntlet has now been thrown down tothat critical event in our recent history recognised the role of best investment we could possibly make. But destroy them, other capital cities across the globe, South Africa is not goingbiodiversity management in adapting to the effects of climate and all that carbon gets released into the atmosphere. It’s an to rest on its laurels. Both Durban and Cape Town have planschange. Those delegates acted in time. incredibly delicate situation.” of their own to become carbon neutral in the near future. orAnge dry country: river where else, so everyone needs to know what they can and can’t do. The administrators of the Orange River Ecosystem Fund If we don’t maintain the flow of the river from its source all the way (OREF) admit that it’s a tricky process to earmark the money for to the sea, millions of people will suffer.” specific projects. “The Orange River is the longest river in South Since the festival’s inception, it has generated several mil- Africa, and the catchment covers about 77% of the land area of life blood of A lion Rands in donations from the private sector, which Govern- ment has pledged to match Rand for Rand. “Maintaining ecosystems has so many benefits,” a spokesperson said yesterday. “It helps South Africa. Complex systems of dams and inter basin transfers are involved in shifting water to where it is needed both inside and outside the basin. For now, we’ve made the Vaal River Barrage VIOOLSDRIF – Thousands of people from South Africa and with climate regulation, it maintains marine resources, it protects Reservoir our biggest priority. We’ve launched a major operation neighbouring countries congregated today on the banks of the food sources, it’s a failsafe in times of drought… If we’re serious to clean it up, and it should be back in use within the next two to Orange River to pay homage to the river that impacts all of our about liberating ourselves from conditions that hinder progress, three years.” lives in some way, however indirect. this is something we simply have to do.” By far the biggest success story, however, is the rehabilita- The annual Orange River Festival, established in 2012, tion of land use practices in Lesotho. By 2011, approximately 2% the orange river is the longest functions not only as a showcase of the region’s produce and in- of topsoil in the Lesotho highlands was being lost every year, silting dustry, but also serves to raise awareness and highlight the river’s up dams and even forming sandbars in the river mouth hundreds vital function as a life-sustaining force on a continent where water river in south Africa, and the of kilometres away. The negative impact on the marine ecosystem scarcity is more often the rule than the exception. of the Benguela current had the potential to be devastating, but The festival was the brainchild of a number of South Af- catchment covers about 77% of the timely intervention of the OREF significantly reduced the risk. rican delegates at the 2011 COP17 Climate Change Conference. “We had no idea that this was happening,” a farmer from The chairwoman of the festival committee explains their rationale: the area told a documentary crew at the festival. “But now we know “Every action in the Orange River basin has a consequence some- the land area of south Africa how to farm better. And when you know better, you do better.” Harnessing Nature’s Forces in Response to Climate Change Biodiversity underpins the ecosystems on which all life depends. Ecosystem based adaptation provides a natural solution to many of the problems associated with climate change, and millions of nature’s creatures play an important role. Through ongoing investment in the science and policy of natural capital and ecological infrastructure in South Africa, the South African National Biodiversity Institute is helping to defend against climate change by proving the power of natural solutions and building the green economy. SANBI Leading the way for ecosystem-based adaptation science, policy and action. tel: 012 843 5000 email: info@sanbi.org.za www.sanbi.org SANBI Biodiversity for Life

feAture 04soil is A diAmondcArbon credits fund improved AgricultureTHABINA, LIMPOPO PROVINCE – yesterday, the Lim- but also of the hard work, cooperation and financial supportpopo province declared the first fully rehabilitated agricul- that made the rehabilitation a reality.tural area in South Africa – a success that can be wholly at- While the joint efforts of local municipal and devel-tributed to a R200 million soil conservation project started opment planners and the community contributed greatly toin 2011. the reversal of the desertification of the soil, adequate fund- The idea behind the project was to build on the ef- ing is key to the success of a project of this magnitude, andforts of the Department of Environmental Affairs’ (DEA) here the DEA played an integral role.Social Responsibility Programme, which, at the time, was According to the DEA, COP17 presented Southfocused on the agricultural rehabilitation of the Thabina Africa with the opportunity to spread awareness about thearea. Representatives of several interest groups attended the importance of issues such as soil investment. The first stepunveiling of a monument in Thabina yesterday, celebrating towards land rehabilitation is the realisation that soil is thea success that started there and which has had far reaching substrate that all living plants depend on. Healthy soils thatrepercussions in the last decade and a half – from creating are maintained with a good groundcover of vegetation pro-thousands of jobs in the province to boosting food security vide minerals and nutrients to plants, maintain soil moisturefor the nation as a whole. and provide a massive carbon sink. Organisers of yesterday’s celebration pinpointed “People don’t realise that soil is in many ways moreThabina as the logical choice for the festivities. Today, if you valuable to South Africa than diamonds or gold or any ofvisit Thabina, you find yourself in a hub of agricultural de- our other major resources,” said a spokesman for one of thevelopment where man and nature coexist to the benefit of major investors in the project. “If we want the land to takeboth. But this “beehive thinking” has not always been the care of us, we have to take care of the land. Perhaps in future successful soil rehabilitation means food security for the country as well as jobs where they are needed most.case. By 2010, 70% of South Africa was facing widespread we will have a greater awareness of our impact on the soil.”degradation from erosion caused by water and wind on Environmentalists remain positive that Limpopopoorly managed lands. In Thabina, as early as 2006, the situation was dire: Province’s success story will be but one of many to come out of the soil investment project. However, the challenge faced people don’t reAlisemillions of tons of soil had eroded into the rivers and the by the project is immense. 91% of South Africa is made up thAt soil is in mAny wAys more vAluAble tofreshwater supplies. Nearby rivers became shallower and the of water stressed areas known as Drylands – areas whichamount of good quality freshwater available in storage dams are highly prone to desertification. Still, if investors keepdecreased significantly. The soil became shallow, renderinglarge tracts of land unsuitable for agriculture, and as the soil on pledging their support, it is possible to continue making headway in the process of rehabilitating the agricultural loci south AfricA thAn diAmondsbecame poorer, so did the inhabitants of the area. The DEA’s social responsibility programme, working of our country. According to the DEA there is no reason to drag our or gold or Any of our otherwith an investment of R9.5 million, brought much neededrelief to the Thabina area – not only in terms of restoring the feet on this. Soil investment is not money wasted – it creates jobs, boosts food security and mitigates the threat and dam- mAjor resources”land, but also by creating close on two hundred jobs between age of natural disasters such as flash floods, landslides and2006 and 2011. The monument that was erected yesterday storms.is intended as a symbol, not only of the hardship of the past,pArtners in biodiversity

biodiversity, wAter & cArbon storAge 10% of south AfricA 7% of south AfricAn 91% of south AfricA is 70% of south AfricA is covered by invAsive rAinwAter is lost to clAssified As drylAnd is Affected by erosion plAnt species invAsive plAnts disAster prevention $ $ the world bAnK estimAtes thAt every dollAr spent on ecosystem bAsed disAster prevention sAves seven dollArs in the cost of nAturAl disAsters store cArbon (heAlthy) emit cArbon (dAmAged)40% heAlthy grAsslAnds 20% 50% wetlAnds Act As dAmAged grAsslAnds sponges controlling 30% heAlthy wetlAnds 10% dAmAged wetlAnds the flow of wAter in ecosystems thAt buffer AgAinst floods And droughts natural regulatory systems of water in ecosystems that buffer against floods grAsslAnds and droughts www.ogilvyearth.co.za

06worK for All 01 biodiversity gets south Africa working 02 03 0401. The rehabilitation of wetlands across South Africa unites people, biodiversity and engineering to create thousands of climate friendly jobs.02. Conservation officials at Addo Elephant National Park support a burgeoning tourism economy in South Africa’s poorest province.03. Value added industries that use wood from invasive plant clearing projects create jobs and ensure school children get strong, sustainable desks.04. Carefully managed indigenous nurseries ensure that South Africa’s gardens are increasingly water wise and biodiversity friendly.05. Entrepreneurial teams are being up-skilled nationwide through rehabilitation and restoration work in the biodiversity sector. 05

07 0607 08 06. Teams of fire fighters prepare themselves to manage the wildfires that ravage09 millions of hectares of South Africa every year. 07. A burgeoning wild flower industry supports the sustainable management of South Africa’s rich biodiversity while fuelling low-carbon economic opportunities. 08. Various ‘working for the environment’ programmes created hundreds of thousands of work opportunities across South Africa between 1994 and 2011. 09. Highly skilled fire fighters save South African cities from increasingly www.ogilvyearth.co.za intense wildfires.

biodiversitypowering A green economy r55.9billion r27.9 billion total foreign direct spend from all tourism in south Africa 486 000 worK opportunities creAted (r28 billion more than gold exports) in environmentAl rehAbilitAtion progrAmmes since 1995r27.2 weAlth generAted AnnuAlly in south AfricA from economic Activitiesbillion directly supported 1 025 830 by biodiversity jobs creAted AnnuAlly in south AfricA from economic Activities directly supported by biodiversity the south AfricAn fishing industry AnnuAlly generAtes 70 000 jobs & r1 billion 27 000 jobs & generAted AnnuAlly through gAme r4.5 billion rAnching Activities in south AfricA www.ogilvyearth.co.za

business 09mArine protected AreAssAve fishing industryfrom collApsePRETORIA – The Department of Environmental Affairs(DEA) today announced an increase of 10% in revenue fromthe fishing industry since 2011. The official press releasestates that “an increased focus on Marine Protected Areas inthe wake of the 2011 COP17 Climate Change Conference,coupled with government’s previous commitment to theprotection of wetlands and estuaries as nurseries for fishingstocks, has allowed fish stocks in all the major fishing centresof the country to be replenished on a continual basis. Thishas resulted in bigger catches, a greater contribution to the government intervention in safeguarding marine protected areas has reaped rewards for subsistence fishermen and the commercial industry alike.country’s GDP and, consequently, the creation of a substan-tial number of new jobs and a marked decrease in crime infishing communities.” adoption of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries manage- “The subsistence fishermen are just as important to us as the The upturn in the fishing industry has been wel- ment (EAF), which took full effect in 2012. big guys,” a government representative said in 2011, as thecomed by economic analysts from all quarters. In 2011, the This approach is supported by a comprehensive EAF initiative was being finalised. “In this country we all de-South African commercial fishing industry contributed 0,5% body of research, which points out that the protection of serve equal consideration. Fishing is no exception.”to the national GDP, and 28 000 households in 147 com- nurseries can prevent the depletion of fish stocks. The re- Today, nearly a decade later, the government’s timelymunities across the country were dependent on subsistence verse is equally true: Forbes et al (1994) estimated that “the intervention in the fishing industry has reaped real rewards,fishery for their survival. A marked decline in the catch rate loss of the Richards Bay Harbour’s nursery area could re- as is clear from the massive increase in revenue from the in-since the 1950s did not bode well for either commercial fish- duce the offshore catch of prawns by 30-40%”. Since the dustry. But what about subsistence fishers? Did government’sing or subsistence fishing; aside from the obvious economic KwaZulu-Natal crustacean trawl fishery alone amounted to promise hold true?and socio-economic implications such as decreased revenue, an industry of roughly R12.1 million per year in 2011, EAF “Now we can all make a living,” commented a fish-job loss, poverty and the concurrent hikes in the crime rate, was the logical approach to adopt in order to sustain the fisherman from Richards Bay when approached by a journalistsubsistence fishing also represents a valuable part of South ing industry. from a local paper. “We can now get licences every season.Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Research suggests that of the Furthermore, two thirds of fish species targeted by My children have food. My wife is happy. I feel proud to be28 000 households that practice subsistence fishing, 80% subsistence fishers in KZN are estuary dependent, com- a fisherman again. And now I tell everyone: my governmenthave done so for more than 50 years. pounding the importance of implementing an approach to did that.” Government’s first significant step towards prevent- marine conservation based on the establishment and safe-ing a total collapse of the fishing industry manifested in the guarding of marine protected areas. sAfAri Airline boosts Make a beeline . . . wildlife economy for the DURBAN – Today marks the touchdown of world-re- nowned Safari Airline’s 1000th flight at Durban’s dedicated The idea of a dedicated wildlife tourism airline just made sense. By 2005, tourism was already a major economic Freshlyground wildlife travel airport, Hippo International. From Durban the flight will depart for Kruger International Airport. driver in South Africa with a Total Foreign Direct Spend of R55.9 billion. This was R28 billion more than gold exports. Concert While several distinguished guests, including the American president and other public figures from the worlds By 2010, the wildlife industry was worth R1 billion a year, creating 70 000 jobs in job scarce provinces like Limpopo, and the Living of politics, entertainment and nature conservation are ex- pected to arrive on the special flight, the true focus of the the Northern Cape, and the Eastern Cape. Beehive excitement is the flight itself. With its 1000th flight, Safari Airline officially becomes the world’s first fully operational, sAfAri refer dedicated, daily wildlife tourism airline, by proxy designating South Africa the African safari destination of the world. to this As the Safari Airline has struck up a direct partnership with conservation and rural development initiatives across South Africa. This has allowed the airline to invest directly in car- “corridors of hope” Join COP17 ambassadors Freshlyground bon sequestration activities through a series of ‘payment for Consequently, in 2012, a vision was born to advance ecosystem services’ projects countrywide. These projects the possibilities of the rural communities of South Africa allow rural communities to generate income for managing based on the expansion of the vibrant “economy of wild- at Durban Botanic Gardens their biodiversity assets while providing visitors with magnifi- life”. Safari refer to this vision as the “Corridors of Hope” cent landscapes to enjoy during their travels. vision, since the idea was to showcase the South African nat- on the 8th December at 7pm in laying the path for beehive thinking about biodiversity and climate change . . . Safari Airline initially attracted international me- ural and cultural treasures which lay dormant in seemingly forgotten corridors of South Africa. Go to www.webtickets.co.za or buy tickets at the door dia attention when it launched its first test flights in 2016. Book a Corporate spot through laurenl@wildlands.co.za “It’s been a slow process,” said a spokeswoman for the air- Statistics SA has confirmed that the initiative has line, “but considering the success of the Airline, we are very yielded 500 000 new jobs in the rural provinces of Mpu- pleased. Our vision from the get-go was to draw on South malanga, KZN, the Eastern Cape and the Free State since Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage in order to create its inception. And, of course, it has helped South Africa to sustainable jobs and to unlock the immense human potential become the most sought after and diverse safari travel desti- of the rural people of South Africa.” nation in the world. Safari Airline hostess Janice Adams just The first steps towards making Safari Airline a real- laughs when asked if she could have conceived of this when ity were taken at the COP17 Climate Change Conference in Safari started out. “Seeing your dreams become a reality Durban in 2011, when co-founders first presented their blue- is part of what it means to be a South African. If we want print for the airline to various government representatives. something, we make it happen.”

jobs10biodiversity hAve you considered:invests in gAme rAnger A cAreer in tAxonomy?humAn cApitAl Various science museums and research centres offer you the Employment opportunities are available for dedicated and hard opportunity to work in the field of Taxonomy and Systematics. working individuals to become Game Rangers in one of South Africa’s numerous National Parks. This comprises the describing, naming and classifying of nature, and studying its origins and interrelationships.driving growth in Knowledge The individual must have practical knowledge and a love for nature, This forms the basic building blocks of the study of nature, and comprises a key discipline of science on which manyeconomy through skills development be able to use a firearm, and be fluent in English, Afrikaans and preferably a third African language. Responsibilities will include tasks others depend. such as capturing game, culling, monitoring actions, fencing, and Specific employment for individuals with the necessary CAPE TOWN – The start of our journey towards support to research projects. The Game Ranger will also be qualifications include opportunities in the field of Ornithology,a nation with employment and equal opportunities for all responsible for law enforcement in the protected areas. Mammalogy, Entomology, Palaeontology and Herpetology.by 2030 may have been credited in the history books to theNational Planning Commission’s vision almost ten years Individuals who are interested in the positions available can send theirago. However, if you look closer, you will find that part of applications to the National Parks Board before 30 December 2020.this journey started much earlier, in 2005. At the halfway mark of the NPC’s 20 year vision,South Africa can look back at a fruitful decade in which thegovernment and the biodiversity sector joined hands to trulyutilise the country’s rich natural resources. What this meant eco-tourism: nAture-bAsed tour guidesfor the country with the third richest biodiversity in the environmentAl officer (eo)world was economic development, job creation and poverty Motivated individuals with an in-depth knowledge of plant and Positions are available to act as Environmental Officers for theeradication. It also contributed to the preservation of the animal species (especially game) and strong interpersonal skills Department of Environmental Affairs in various locations around Southecologically and economically sustainable resources enjoyed are invited to apply for positions available as Tour Guides in the Africa. Prospective Environmental Officers need to be in possession of aby all South Africans today. Eco-tourism industry. qualification in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Six years before the NPC released its vision for or Nature Conservation. Responsibilities will include reporting on2030, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan The position will entail providing nature-based services to tourists specific issues related to work areas and providing feedback to stakehold-(NBSAP 2005) had already outlined the need for capacity by communicating information and imparting knowledge on the ers, preparing policy discussion documents, and facilitating stakeholderand transformation in South Africa’s biodiversity sector. natural aspects, such as game, fauna and flora, as well as the consultations with relevant multilateral institutions, organisations, forums However, there were numerous challenges to cultural heritage aspects of the Protected Area. and partners.achieving these objectives. For starters, far too few resourceswere allocated to Natural Resource Management (NRM) Training can be obtained through affiliation with the Field Guid- The Environmental Officer will also have to conduct research relatedand conservation. The development of this sector also had ing Association. Individuals who fit the above description must to their area of operation, whereby the Officer will have to apply thelimited institutional capacity, limited human capacity and send their applications to the Field Guide Association before the Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit Sharing Regulations in terms ofinappropriate development concepts. 30th of December 2020. Chapter 6 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. The skills shortage in the sector, in particular,created a cycle of underdevelopment: without the skills to Qualified individuals must send their applications to the Department of Environmentalmanage our biodiversity optimally, recruiting a high level of Affairs before 30 December 2020.qualified – and demographically representative – managersand scientists was near impossible. environmentAl mAnAgement A strategy development in 2008 (and rebranded inspector (emi) wildlAnd fire fightermore accurately in November 2011) along with contribu-tions by the National Revenue Fund and private sector Positions are available to act as an Environmental Management youth from marginalised South African communities are invited to joinpartners, enabled the South African National Biodiversity Inspector for the Department of Environmental Affairs, Provincial the Working for Fire team to help fight unwanted wildland fires andInstitute to invest heavily in education and recruitment. Environmental Departments and Provincial Organs of State. implement integrated fire management initiatives.This lead to large scale skills development and job creationin areas such as green engineering, agricultural extension Successful applicants will be designated as EMIs after completing an Successful applicants will receive extensive training in fire awareness andin conservation farming, biodiversity system analysis and EMI training course. The position requires the employee to enforce education, fire prevention and fire suppression. They will make up groupsmodelling, resource economics, wetland specialists, and the specific environmental legislation including the National Environ- of fire fighting ground crews stationed at bases around the country.educators specialising in human capacity development. mental Management Act pertaining to Biodiversity, Air Quality, and Additionally, the fire fighters will educate local communities about fire The National Revenue Fund and the National Protected Areas. safety and highlight the potential benefits of responsible custodianshipBiodiversity Institute are currently busy establishing measur- of their environment.able strategic goals for their journey forward, of which the Responsibilities will include route inspection, investigation, enforce-primary objective remains combining ecological development, and exercising administrative duties. All suitable applicants can Any individual interested in this opportunity must get into contact withment and conservation with eradicating unemployment and send their applications to the Department of Environmental Affairs Working for Fire. No previous experience required.inequality by 2030. before 30 December 2020.

trAvel 11somKhAndA: A plAce whereconservAtion And development meet A little piece of paradise – This is what you will find when you start exploring the various natural jewels in the KwaZul-Natal region. A flourishing estate The Somkhanda Game Reserve and Pongola Bio- sphere Reserve is not just a tranquil retreat where you can developed on 200 experience this beautiful region at its best, but by visiting hectares of this land this reserve you will also be contributing to over ten years of Black Rhino conservation and development of the local also benefits the local communities. community and The Somkhanda Game Reserve is 16 000 hectares contributes towards of biodiversity heaven located between Mkuze and Pongola, bordering the Pongola Biosphere Reserve. With the original the management land claim by the Gumbi community, land was set aside for of the reserve. housing and subsistence farming. With the help of a long established partnership with the eLan property group, The Green Trust, WWF and The Wildlands Conservation Trust, the reserve has grown into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most successful tourism and conservations sites. A flourishing estate developed on 200 hectares of this land also benefits the local community and contributes towards the management of the reserve. In addition to a weekend hide-away, breathtaking sights, luxury camps and superb African cuisine, your stay nselweni bush lodge contact 033 845 1000 or at the Somkhanda Game Reserve will also help build further employment opportunities and expand conservation efforts. Weary travellers and nature lovers alike will find bookings@kznwildlife.com The community has played a pivotal role in taking ownership of the WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, a home away from home on the sandy banks of the Black Mfolozi River. The Nselweni Bush Camp is situated in the for further details as well as serving the greater scope of Biodiversity manage- Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park and it was originally built as a joint ment through bush clearing and invasive plant control initia- venture with members of the surrounding community. tives inside and outside the reserve. Nestled in a stand of well grown uMtombothi trees, The community’s role in developing the reserve and the camp consists of four two-bed elevated sleeping units, a its conservation efforts has been invaluable. Through the central lounge and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. creation of employment opportunities, local residents have Staff can attend to a maximum of 16 guests and cooks can produce a variety of tasty meals with the food of choice pro- for further details, taken ownership and joined hands with the reserve to share in the fruits of their labour and celebrate together the birth vided by the visitors. contact the reserve of every new Black Rhino. This mutually beneficial relation- Bush camps only cater for one party at a time and on 034 414 1094 ship has been the cornerstone for the success in protecting guests can enjoy the relaxed privacy of their camp, or a field ranger can lead visitors on walks into the corridor area of the the once endangered Black Rhino and celebrating eight “poacher-free” years. Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.rocKing the crAdle JOHANNESBURG – Just under two years from now, in 2022, UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention will celebrate its 50th anniversary. And, in what has been described as a major coup for South Africa, the official venue of the half-centenary celebrations will be the Cradle of Humankind, just outside Johannesburg. world heritage convention celebrations scheduled for fossil site According to a UNESCO statement released earlier in the week, the awarding of the honour to this world famous fossil hominid site was in recognition of the pioneering work in safeguarding the area against the effects of climate change. climate change was identified as the most important threat to the 936 heritage sites Extensive wetlands and grasslands rehabilitation projects over the past eight years have meant that the area, including the Sterkfontein Caves complex, was spared from the devastating effects of floods and the subsequent erosion following Gauteng’s record breaking rainfall this summer. Following the COP17 conference in Durban in 2011, climate change was identified as the most important new threat to the 936 cultural and natural world heritage sites spread across 153 countries. Related impacts include the forced migration of species, the loss of archeological evidence, coastal erosion as well as aesthetic impacts due to visual degradation. South Africa has been strengthening its efforts to ensure the effective management of its world heritage properties and those of the African Region for more than a decade. South Africa is well represented on the prestigious list with eight sites: iSimangaliso, Robben Island, Richtersveld, Mapun- gubwe, Vredefort Dome, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg, Cape Floralconstructed to resemble a massive burial mound, the maropeng visitor centre at the cradle of humankind offers a truly world class experience. Region and the Fossil Hominid Sites, comprising of the Cradle ofmaropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in setswana. Humankind, Taung and Makapan Valley.

what’s on at the rio conventions pavilion? pongola room, networking marquee, climate change response and expo 101 bram fischer road, durban weeK one weeK two tue 29 indigenous peoples & locAl Knowledge mon 05 climAte smArt cities: locAl 10:00-12:00 Indigenous Peoples: Key proposals for mitigation Conservation Intl. governments plAnning for nAture and adaptation actions based on the sustainable use and management of their land, territories 10:00-12:00 Climate Smart Cities: Synergies of Adaptation ICLEI, DEA & and resources and Mitigation TCPA 13:30-15:00 Taking Community Voices to COP17 through DEA & 12:30-14:00 Cities as Green Economic Drivers: Ecosystem the medium of Photo Stories and Theatre Resource Africa Services for Climate Smart Cities 15:30-17:00 Outcomes of the New Partnership for Africa’s DEA & DST 14:30-16:00 Cities Becoming Productive Producers: Panel Development (NEPAD) Agency, International debate and audience Q&A Student Conference on Climate Change and Indigenous Knowledge Systems 16:30-18:30 Happy Cities: Reception Event 17:30-18:30 Pavilion Opening Event DEA & Pavilion Chair: Mr Mketeni DEA DDG B&C ; Key note: Min- ister DST opening; followed by welcome reception Partners tue 06 lAnd dAy 5: Achieving zero net lAnd degrAdAtion: impActs on climAte chAnge issues wed 30 gender And the rio conventions 09:00-10:00 Registration 10:00-14:00 Gender Mainstreaming in the Rio Conventions Rio Conventions 10:00-11:15 Opening & Keynote Address DEA,UNCCD & ICRAF 13:30-15:00 Gender High-Level segment: Deputy Minister of Water DEA 11:15-13:00 Panel 1: Can the world afford not to go land and Environmental Affairs: Mrs. Rejoice Mabudafhasi; degradation neutral? Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities; Chief Executive Officer: South Africa National Biodiversity 15:00-15:40 Panel 2: How will land degradation neutrality impact climate change issues such as adaptation, mitigation Institute: Dr Abrahamse; Chief Operations Officer: DEA: and resilience building? Ms McCourt 15:50-17:30 Panel 3: Potential contribution of ‘zero net land deg- 15:30-17:00 Gender and the Art of Implementation IUCN radation target’ in driving the synergy agenda at all levels: best practices and successful case studies 17:30-19:30 One World: The Musical Responding to Climate 17:30-18:00 Summary and Closing Educating about the impacts of climate change Change (E. King) 18:00-19:00 Evening Reception with UNCCD Drylands Ambas- thu 01 redd+ sador and South African Gospel Star, Deborah Fraser 10:00-12:00 wed 07 Building Capacities for REDD+ UN-REDD, UNDP & IUCN business, mitigAtion, 13:30-17:00 Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape IUCN & GPFLR economics And synergies Restoration – Restoring 150 million hectares by 2020 08:30-10:00 Business Engagement in the Rio Conventions CBD (D. Steuerman) – Breakfast event 17:30-19:30 Biocultural protocols: Safeguards lessons for Natural Justice & REDD+ from the CBD IPACC 10:00-11:30 Managing Coastal Ecosystems for Blue Carbon (D. Herr) Climate Mitigation fri 02 AdAptAtion 12:30-15:00 Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainable Devel- South Africa, DEA & opment - Harnessing Synergies for Premiums World Bank Venue TBC 09:00-12:30 Ecosystem-based Adaptation in UNDP, UNEP & Mountain Regions IUCN 15:30-17:00 Integrated economic assessment – Unlocking the The Global investment potential of land resources and ecosystem Mechanism 13:30-15:00 Landscape Approach to Adaptation DEA & SANBI services 15:30-17:00 EBA as a key component of SA government DEA & SANBI 17:15-18:45 Innovative Financing DEA & National Treasury Climate change response. Convener: Dr Guy Preston 17:30-19:30 Connect4Climate: Smart-Crowding 4 Climate Change 2.0 Connect4Climate thu 08 protected AreAs & closing event sat 03 AdAptAtion 10:00-12:00 CSOs for Land Restoration: A land degradation neutral green economy breakfast event UNDDD & IATF 12:30-16:30 Protected Areas: Nature’s Response to DEA, SANParks & 10:00-12:00 Ecosystem-based Adaptation: Lessons learnt from IUCN/EC & GLISPA Climate Change MDTP islands’ experience and proposing EBA guidelines 12:00-13:30 Pacific Voyage to Climate Change Adaptation SPREP 17:00-19:00 Rio Conventions Pavilion Closing Event: DEA & Pavilion Looking Forward to Rio+20 Partners 13:30-15:30 Exploring the Synergies between Ecosystem ELAN and Community based Adaptation 15:30-17:30 Practical design and implementation of joint The Nature Conservancy Ecosystem and Community based adaptation strategies at sub-national levels in Least Devel- oped Countries and Small Island States oceAns dAy (separate venue) 10:00-17:45 Raising awareness of the central role of oceans DEA, Global Ocean in global climate processes, followed by a cocktail event at 18:15. Featuring talks by: Forum, IOC-UNESCO, GEF UNDP/UNEP, pleAse recycle After reAding Deputy Minister Mrs. Rejoice Mabudafhasi, DEA; African LME projects Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain, President, Global Ocean Forum; www.ogilvyearth.co.za Dr. Wendy Watson-Wright, Executive Secretary UNESCO sun 04 forest dAy (olive convention centre)

The Future Herald COP17 Newspaper

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