Browsing by Author "Quinn, Nevil Wyndham."

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Assessing riparian habitat : an approach for planning rehabilitation.
(2001) Challen, Duncan Nicholas Rance.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
Riparian systems perform many critical ecological functions and services. Riparian areas are in urgent need of rehabilitation to restore their natural functioning. In order to successfully implement rehabilitation efforts in riparian areas, a management plan for rehabilitation is required. An important facet of a management plan would be the assessment of riparian habitat quality. The aim of this study is to produce a riparian habitat assessment approach that would be helpful in developing a rehabilitation management plan. The approach needs to assess habitat from a landscape scale through to a site scale, be concise, user friendly, effective and be able to be used by all land managers. It must also allow for the identification of areas of high asset value that will be prioritised for rehabilitation efforts. Existing local and international habitat assessment methodologies reviewed did not satisfactorily meet all the above objectives. Accordingly, a new methodology for riparian habitat assessment was developed, consisting of a 3-leve1 approach which assesses habitat from a landscape scale (macroscale assessment), a reach scale (intermediate-scale assessment) and at a site scale (microscale assessment). The approach was tested in a case study of the Rivers Bend farm in the Nkwaleni Valley, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The developed methodology allows for an assessment technique of riparian areas that now explicitly includes landscape attributes, local characteristics of the river system (reach scale) and site scale level of assessment. Both the macroscale and the microscale assessments produced spatial representations of asset values within the study area. These areas were prioritised for rehabilitation efforts. Although these assessments produced results for identifying asset sites, the scoring· systems did not reflect the changes in habitat quality with enough detail. It is recommended that the characteristics determining the quality ratings and the scoring systems of these assessments be reassessed. The intermediate-scale assessment produced relevant stream profiles and gradient classes, but the application of the assessment did not successful1y delineate the river into homogenous segments. Further study is required to better integrate the 3-levels of the developed methodology.
Environmental reporting disclosure in South Africa, a comparative study of the expectations of key stakeholder groups.
(2003) Mitchell, Clyde Geoffrey.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
Part A of this dissertation, represents the literature review and project outline for this study, and includes the definition of the research problem, aims, objectives and the proposed methodology. The literature review considers the emergence of environmental accounting and reporting in the context of the escalating environmental crisis. It reviews the role of accounting prior to the development of the concept of sustainable development, and subsequently focuses specifically on the rise to prominence of environmental reporting and accounting thereafter. It reviews major academic works in this field as well as major international guidelines, standards, protocols and charters on environmental reporting. In addition, the study also reviews the limitations and problems associated with traditional and environmental accounting, and environmental reporting. It proposes a framework that considers the forces influencing environmental reporting, and briefly examines the previous evidence of the contrasting attitudes and perceptions of both preparers and users of such environmental reports. Arising out of this literature review, a study was developed that would measure and compare the expectations of three key stakeholder groups with regard to environmental accounting and reporting, namely: • The companies responsible for preparation • Environmental professionals, who assist in the preparation of these reports or attest as to their validity, and • Environmental activists, pressure groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that rely on such reporting to assess the impact of a company's activities. The study would look at the perceived importance of environmental reports, the areas that are reported on, and the levels of disclosure. It would then contrast the expectations of the above three groups and compare these to the minimum reporting levels required by the only officially endorsed international reporting guideline in South Africa, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The second part of this dissertation (Part B), is presented in the form of a research paper, and is presented in the specific format required by the academic journal Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, a Wiley InterScience publication, to which it will be submitted for publication, (after final editing to reduce its overall length). This second part includes a brief review of key literature, the aims, objectives and hypothesis of the study. It then details the methodology and the findings, which are discussed in depth. These findings include significant differences that were found between the expectations of the three groups, and differences between these expectations and the reporting specifications of the GRI. The environmental activists and pressure groups were found to expect greater levels of disclosure than professional environmental consultants, who in turn expected higher levels of disclosure than companies and their representatives. There were also significant differences between the responses of the three groups with regards to the importance of specific areas of environmental disclosure. The responses were more skewed towards considering most specific areas of disclosure as very important or extremely important, by the environmental activists and pressure groups. This was more so than for the environmental professionals or company respondents who also considered most of these areas as important or very important.
An evaluation of environmental impact assessment in Eritrea.
(2003) Zeremariam, Tedros Kubrom.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
This paper reviews environmental impact assessment (EIA) policy and practice in Eritrea against a set of evaluation criteria. These include: institutional aspects of the EIA system (policy development, legal basis for EIA, institutional strength and responsibilities for EIA administration, and resources adequacy); the EIA process (screening, scoping, EIA study, documentation, review, decision-making, and monitoring and auditing); and other features of the EIA system (coverage, consideration of alternatives, public consultation and participation, system monitoring, the cost and benefit of EIA system and strategic environmental assessment (SEA)). To assess the extent of EIA practice, the EIA report review criteria developed by the Impact Assessment Unit (IAD) of Oxford Brookes University were used to review case studies of two sectoral EIA reports: the Massawa International Airport Project and the Keren Water Supply Project. Additionally, a literature review was undertaken and interviews with different stakeholders were conducted to collect the required information. The review indicated that, in principle and at a policy level, the current EIA system in Eritrea meets ten of the 17 evaluation criteria, partially meets three and fails to meet four. The major weakness relates to the legal provisions for EIA;. adequacy of resources (human and environmental data/information); centrality of EIA findings in decision making; and the formal provision for SEA for programmes, plans and policies. In practice, however, the overall EIA system in the country is weakly established. Thus, to strengthen the current EIA system in the country increased environmental awareness, continuous training in EIA for government officials, consultants, and research and educational institutions is required. Most importantly, revision and subsequent proclamation of the draft legislation is required to provide a sound legal basis for EIA in Eritrea.
An evaluation of small scale forestry in the Kwambonambi region of KwaZulu-Natal.
(1997) Othusitse, Botshabelo.; Mander, J.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.; Myles, M.
South Africa is a country poorly endowed with natural forests, which account for less than 1% of the total land area. Due to the increase in the demand for forest products in the 1970's and 1980's, which could not be met by the natural forests , the two South African pulp and paper giants, Sappi and Mondi, started the Project Grow and Khulanathi schemes respectively. One of their objectives was to encourage rural communities, through financial assistance, to plant trees on their farms for sale to the forestry companies. Planting of trees by farmers on their own land for their economic, social and environmental (reafforestation) benefits is called social forestry . Social forestry should bring economic activity, capacity building and community empowerment. The benefits from social forestry are two dimensional. The growers benefit from the financial assistance and the readily available market provided by the company, while the company satisfies its demand for timber (pulpwood). The primary objective of this study is therefore to identify factors that influence the choice of trees as a land use in communal areas, and to recommend ways of improving benefits accruing to the growers in particular and the community in general. The factors were determined through structured face to face interviews consisting' of both closed and open-ended questions. The results of the study show that the major motivating factor in tree planting is the perceived financial benefits while lack of land is the major limiting factor. Even though tree planting contributes to social upliftment , it was found that there is 'insufficient capacity building, community empowerment and environmental awareness among growers. Cooperatives are recommended as institutions that will enhance growers' participation in tree planting and maximise the grower benefits from trees . As institutions, cooperatives will be better placed to access relevant information in areas such as marketing and have more bargaining power than individual growers. It is further recommended that the afforestation permit system should be reformulated to include permits for communally owned areas.
An evaluation of the Riparian Vegetation Index (RVI) in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2003) Clarke, Simon.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
No abstract available.
An evaluation of the use of environmental management plans in integrated environmental management in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2004) Hlela, Sibusisiwe Bongiwe Patience.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) details mitigation measures and monitoring thereof as well management of the whole project implementation. As a management tool, the concept of an EMP was developed to ensure proper environmental management throughout the life-cycle of a development project. Despite EMPs having been in existence for quite some considerable period, environmental damage still persists. Furthermore, the environmental legislation of different countries and in particular South Africa does not use/make development of an EMP a specific requirement. This has implications on a number of issues such as EMP purpose, EMP implementation and the whole rationale behind an EMP. The motivation to investigate EMPs stemmed from a discussion I had with Dr Quinn, my supervisor, about my research proposal. He mentioned EMPs and encouraged me to investigate further. A review of literature about EMPs revealed the importance of EMPs in Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). A lot of questions arose as I was reading: • Are the provincial departments actually doing what is said in the literature? • Does the current use of EMPs achieve its purpose? • What is the whole rationale behind EMPs? • How are they implemented internationally and nationally? • What are the problems affecting EMP implementation? • How can the current situation be improved? As these questions came into my mind I thought the best way of discovering problems and solutions with respect to EMP implementation is to actually work with people whom I thought are knowledgeable about the subject. I then chose environmental authorities as the professionals who review EMPs and environmental consultants as the professionals who prepare EMPs as respondents. I hope some of the strategies suggested here will be implemented by the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (DAEA) as the relevant authority in terms of section 22 of Environment Conservation Act (ECA) No. 73 of 1989. DAEA requests EMPs to be submitted as part of the conditions of approval when authorizing projects in terms of the ECA of 1989. If submitted, DAEA is also responsible for assessing and authorizing EMPs. I also hope that in the future there will be a study to investigate any improvements in the EMP implementation. This dissertation is presented in two parts, Component A and Component B. Component A includes the theoretical underpinnings for the results and Component B includes the analysis. Component A consists of the three chapters which are; the introduction, the literature review and the methods and conceptual framework used for the study. The referencing system used in this component complies with the Harvard System. Component B is written in preparation for submission to the Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal Journal but the format is in keeping with Component A. However, the referencing system used in this component complies with the journal requirements. The abstract has been placed at the beginning of component B as per the requirements of the journal.
Factors preventing the successful implementation of the polluter pays principle : a case study of the Bayne's Spruit.
(2002) Pole, Adrian Leonard.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
Despite the pollution control provisions provided in national and local legislation that explicitly or implicitly give effect to the polluter pays principle (PPP), certain rivers continue to suffer from persistent industrial pollution. This research focuses on one such river, the Bayne's Spruit, as a case study. The Bayne's Spruit is a small river that is located within an urban catchment, and which has been subjected to wet industrial pollution for over a decade. Much of this pollution is associated with the Pietermaritzburg edible oil industry. This pollution impacts negatively on a downstream community that uses the river for irrigation of subsistence crops, for recreation and for subsistence fish harvesting. The pollution has also severely degraded the riverine ecosystem. This research commenced with a literature review of the PPP in its international, national and local context. It was noted that the current legislative framework for implementation of the PPP with regard to pollution of rivers in South Africa comprises primarily of the National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA), the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, and the Pietermaritzburg-Msunduzi industrial effluent bylaws of November 1998. The case study was approached using a largely qualitative methodology, although quantitative data was also relied upon where feasible. The historical context of the case study was provided by conducting a review of newspaper reports, a review of. government inspection records, and a review of water quality data (including biomonitoring and chemical data). The current status of the Bayne's Spruit was then explored by conducting in-depth historical interviews with community members, and by conducting direct observation of the environmental status of the Bayne's Spruit. This data was supplemented by an analysis of the test results of sampled industrial effluent, and by information obtained from representatives of two edible oil companies. In-depth, purposively selected interviews were conducted with various role players. (local government, regional government and industry) to identify what factors are preventing the successful implementation of the PPP in the case study area. Factors identified include a lack of environmental ethic within the edible oil industry, with some of these companies free riding on the Bayne's Spruit to maximize their profits. At a local level, factors preventing implementation of the PPP include deficiencies in the local industrial effluent bylaws, failures to administer and implement provisions contained in the bylaws, capacity restrictions and institutional paralysis. National legislation is not being successfully implemented because the government agency empowered under the NWA is deferring primary responsibility for dealing with pollution to the local authority. Factors also include difficulties associated with monitoring of rivers, including lack of capacity to engage in monitoring, and confusion over the functions of the various spheres of government. Finally, enforcement complexities are a major factor preventing successful implementation of the PPP. These problems relate to inadequate penalties, enforcement arrangements, capacity problems, separation of authority to operate the municipal sewer works and to enforce the industrial effluent bylaws, difficulties in identifying the offending polluter (causation), problems with access to company premises, the open access character of the storm water drainage system, previous failed prosecutions and reliance on the criminal justice system.
A framework for effective urban stream corridor management : a case study of Pietermaritzburg. Component A.
(2003) De Lange, Marthinus Arnoldus.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
Not only does urbanisation have a negative impact on the establishment of natural open space areas but also has serious implications for urban stream corridors (USCs), the focus of this study. For the purpose of this study USCs are defined as the aquatic, the riparian and the terrestrial zone. The principle objective of this study is to develop a set of policies, based on international and local experiences (Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Open Space System) to guide municipalities in implementing effective USC management practices. The literature review lead to the identification of both the value of USCs and the threats thereto. The value of USCs includes habitat and biodiversity, purification, amenity, cultural, recreational and eductional valueas well as flood attenuation value. Conversely, threats to USCs include the impacts of urbanisation on stream hydrology, erosion, decline in water quality, loss of natural open space (NOS), alien infestation, littering and unnatural fence barriers. Urban stream corridor management is subject to specific legislation, municipal capacity and importantly, public involvement, which were also evaluated. This process lee;td to the establishment of a conceptual framework containing the critical considerations associated with USC management such as the value of USCs for nature and man, the need for public involvement, effective implementation structures supported by implementation policies and the integration of use management in urban planning. Key to the success of USC management is public involvement. As a consequence, the methodology included a survey to be undertaken with 40 urban riparian households along two streams in Pietermaritzburg to establish their opinion regarding natural open spaces (NOSs) and USC management. A reconnaissance survey of two streams was undertaken to inform the questionnaire and later debate on the issue. The results from this exercise together with the findings of the interviews with stakeholders in the USC management process will form the basis for the establishment of an USC management policy, which will be contained in a separate report (Component B).
An integrated modelling approach to the management of freshwater inflow to South African estuaries.
(1998) Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.; Breen, Charles Mackie.; Hearne, John W.
Estuaries are recognised for their biological diversity and productivity, as well as the vital role they play in providing habitat for organisms which utilise them as nurseries and feeding grounds. In many parts of the world concern has been expressed that the important functions and values of estuaries are being increasingly impacted upon by human activity. In South Africa diminishing freshwater inflow is a particular concern as this has led to an increase in the frequency and duration of mouth closure, which together with other factors has resulted in a marked deterioration in the condition of many estuaries. Global environmental imperatives require an approach to ecosystem management that is defensible and sustainable in the long term. Current approaches to estuary management in South Africa do not meet these criteria, and consequently, this study set out to develop methodologies to address these shortcomings. Three modelling approaches are presented, which can be used independently, or conjunctively, in defining the freshwater requirements of estuaries. The models assess the consequences of change in freshwater inflow for (i) juvenile fish which utilise estuaries as nurseries, (ii) the availability of intertidal and species specific habitats, and (iii) the population structure and production of a common estuarine invertebrate (Upogebia africana), endemic to the region. These techniques are applied in a case study of the Great Brak estuary (Western Cape, South Africa). The results indicate the utility of the approach and are supported, in part, by the findings of a long-term monitoring programme. The study also recognises the need for resource management to occur in the context of an integrated framework, which includes the explicit definition of ecological goals. Such a framework is presented, and is consistent with the Ecological Society of America's guidelines on sustainable ecosystem management. As this approach has been devised to be applicable to South African estuaries, characterised by poor data availability, it is anticipated that methodologies will be equally applicable to estuaries in other developing countries with a similar lack of data. The methodologies also extend current international approaches to the management of estuary freshwater inflow, and would therefore be of value to estuaries in the United States of America, Australia and other regions where diminishing freshwater inflow has been raised as a concern.
Investigating the role of Ezemvelo KZN-wildlife in environmental impact assessment.
(2003) Mthembu, Dumisani Emmanuel.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the systematic identification and evaluation of the potential impacts (effects) of proposed projects, plans, programmes, or legislative actions relative to the biophysical, cultural, and socioeconomic components ofthe natural environment (Canter 1996). The overall purpose ofEIA is to assist in shaping the development process, not to prevent development from taking place and to ensure that the environmental consequences of development proposals are systematically assessed and taken into account . Since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, there has been a substantial increase in the adoption ofEIA worldwide (Sheate 1996). The main aim of this report is to investigate the role of Ezemvelo Kwazulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZN-Wildlife) with respect to EIAs inside and outside the protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. It has four objectives. • To establish the role EKZN-Wildlife should play in the EIA process inside and outside protected areas • • • To establish which institutions should manage the EIA process for EKZNWildlife developments To ascertain ifEKZN-Wildlife can be designated as a relevant authority To establish if EKZN-Wildlife should consult professionally in IEM for income generation The research method used to achieve these objectives were qualitative, with respondents purposefully chosen from EKZN-Wildlife, DAEA and environmental consultants. A selfadministered questionnaire method was used to collect data, and both open-ended and closed questions were asked. Techniques such as Likert scale and semantic differential were used to allow respondents to express feelings by ratings with respect to opposing concepts. The data analysis was mainly through reduction and displays in the form of tables and graphs. This report, amongst its fmdings, found that apart from being an lAP, the role ofEKZNWildlife in EIA should be that of providing specialist input in particular to biodiversity related issues during the EIA process. It was also found that appointing EKZN-Wildlife as a relevant authority would be inappropriate and could .have negative consequences. Concerning the scheduled activities that EKZN-Wildlife undertakes, the report found that self-assessments could be considered for small projects but not for big projects. This report also found that an environmental consulting role for EKZN-Wildlife may not be a viable option to generate income. This report recognizes that EIAs incorporate much more than mere consideration of green issues and recommends that EKZN-Wildlife should adopt an interdisciplinary team approach when dealing with EIAs. EKZN-Wildlife should also engage the relevant authority in a constructive dialogue so that its role during the EIA process can be defined explicitly. This report also recommends that EKZN-Wildlife should investigate the nature and the possibility ofproviding the necessary specialist review during the EIA process.
An investigation into the classification of river environments using GIS : the case of KwaZulu-Natal rivers.
(2005) Sebake, Malete Daniel.; Ahmed, Fethi B.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
According to the National Water Act No. 36 of 1998 (DWAF 1999), classification of the water resources in South Africa is the initial step towards the implementation of protection or management programmes. This study reviews different methods and systems of classifying river environments, in order to recommend a convenient, efficient and flexible classification scheme for describing the conditions of river environments. To meet this challenge, the study proposes the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) as a tool to link different controlling variables of river environments and thereafter analyse their spatial relationships. The study supports the use of GIS in river environment classification, with special emphasis on its functionalities that make it possible to explore and manipulate data interactively and easily. The GIS allows the user a flexible way to analyse the geomorphologic and ecological controlling variables of the river system. Thus , it enables different arrangements of these controlling variables for a number of classification purposes. The methodology used involves the GIS (database) analyses and map analyses to explore the relationships between geomorphologic and ecological controlling-variables of the river ecosystem. A case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Rivers demonstrates that valuable information for river environments could be derived from available geomorphologic and ecological datasets using methods of analyses within the GIS. In addition, the case study illustrates that it is possible to develop a working classification scheme for a particular purpose. The developed classification scheme can be improved by considering influential factors such as, the use of up-to-date datasets, consistent projection parameters and relevant scale.
Magnetic susceptibility as an indicator of layering in soils at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2002) Barker, Tanya Lynn.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
All matter has a specific magnetic signal , due to their magnetic properties. These range from a high susceptibility to become magnetised (ferrimagnetic) to a low ability to be magnetised (diamagnetic). Magnetic susceptibility measures the degree to which a substance can be magnetised, and this can be used to identi fy minerals within material and used as an indicator for processes Le., erosion. Therefore magnetic susceptibility has been widely used to investigate soil related research as the values obtained correspond with the types of magnetic mineral s in the soil, mainly the iron oxides such as magnetite and maghaemite (higher MS), and haematite and goethite (lower MS). Thus MS acts as a signature for different types of soils allowing them to be categorised. The amount of magnetic minerals present in the soil is largely dependent on soil processes active in the profile and external factors, such as parent material. Soil processes influence the type or amount of magnetic mineral in the soil, or the strength of the magnetic signal. Lower MS values are associated with horizons that have undergone gleying, eluviation, leaching and reductive weathering. Higher MS values are found in horizons that have undergone illuviation, and hydrolytic and oxidative weathering. Diamagnetic materials, such as calcium carbonate, decrease the magnetic susceptibility by diluting the magnetic signal. The relationship between MS and iron in soil is influenced by both external factors such as parent material ; climate; topography; land use history of the area and time. Similarly these factors significantly contribute to soil genesis and are highly interactive. Parent materials that are igneous are found to form soil with higher magnetic susceptibility, and sedimentary and metamorphic rocks form less magnetic soils. However, it has also been found that materials such as slate are related to soil with high susceptibility, which is argued to result from more rapid weathering and the release of iron in the ionic form. Climate has a direct affect on the soil processes that drive magnetic susceptibility, thus in warm tropical climates magnetic susceptibility is expected to have higher values . Topography has been shown to alter magnetic susceptibility values , and generall y the top and foot of the slope have higher values than the slopes. Land-use history influences magnetic susceptibility as cultivation is likely to disturb the soil causing magnetic susceptibility values to be lower due to mixing of the upper and lower soil layers. Time relates to the age of the soil and older soil either has large magnetic susceptibility values due to more prolonged pedogenesis, or the magnetic particles have weathered out of the profile and magnetic susceptibility is lowered. Past research has found topsoil to have higher frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility than lower soil horizons. Frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility measures fine-grained ferrimagnetic particles with grain sizes between 0.013 and O.027f.lm. Two measurements at low and high frequency (0.46 and 46 kHz respectively) are used to calculate frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility. These are measured using a Bartington MS2B sensor and certain measures need to be taken in order to obtain an accurate measurements of magnetic susceptibility. Frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility values are influenced by factors including burning, organic matter and pedogenesis. However, the nature of contribution of these is still highly debated. Many South African soils are considered to be old soils and the amount of magnetic minerals in these is unknown. It has been found that magnetic minerals such as maghaemite have been depleted due to erosion cycles. Very little research has been undertaken regarding the applicability of magnetic susceptibility for South African soils as most of the research on magnetic susceptibility in soils has been carried out in countries of the northern hemisphere, where soil materials are much younger than in South Africa. The ability of frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility to differentiate between topsoil and subsoil allows it to be used as a method of assessing topsoil erosion. Topsoil erosion has a detrimental effect on the environment and it is vital a rapid field indicator is developed to assess erosion in order to curb the process.
A prototype decision support system for streambank rehabilitation.
(2001) Schoeman, Kilaan Christopher.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
The condition of a stream is often judged by the state of its banks. This, the lack of adequate advice for streambank rehabilitation, and the drive by legislation, particularly the National Water Act, 1998 (RSA Act no. 36 of 1998) and the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (RSA Act no. 107 of 1998), to restore South African riparian areas, created a need for more information into such systems. Identifying a gap in what we know about rehabilitating degraded streambanks led to the development of a decision support system for the selection of streambank rehabilitation techniques. The Streambank Rehabilitation Decision Support System, or SR-DSS, aims to provide riparian managers with advice on choice of technique at degraded streambank locations along a river system. Techniques were sought from the scientific literature and organised to recommend appropriate techniques for combating certain erosive processes. Rutherford et al. (1999) conclude that placing priority on sites of lower importance may be an inefficient manner of spending the resources at hand. Foreseeing this likelihood, a priority setting system was developed and based on the principles of Rutherfurd et al. (1999). These principles aim to prioritise human interests without compromising ecological interests. Along a given stream, the areas of degradation that compromise property will nearly always have the highest priority. Once these have been addressed, sites of ecological value are taken into consideration followed by sites that require substantial effort to restore. It is argued that sites taking substantial effort to restore have the least to 'loose' should they degrade further. To enable the use of these principles a site scoring system was developed, so that sites could be prioritised. This was based on the value and threat rating tables developed by Heron et al. (1999). It was soon realised that a framework was needed within which the above could be set. For this purpose, Kapitzke's (1999) planning and design procedure was adapted to form an eleven-step framework which would guide the rehabilitation venture from priority setting, to the treatment outcome. The rehabilitation approach was tested in the case of the Foxhill Spruit. The small size of the catchment allowed the different segments of the approach (framework, priority setting model, field assessment sheet and SR-DSS) to be tested in real world conditions. The approach was found to have a number of strengths. The framework brought to the attention of the user, the dominant forces at play at each site, and was useful in determining the recommendation given by SR-DSS. The priority setting model allowed sites to be arranged in order of priority, that, according to Rutherfurd et al. (1999), would be the most efficient in terms of ecological value maintained, and resources saved. The field assessment sheet was consistent in rating the degree of intervention required, and in each case directed the user to the appropriate sections in SR-DSS. SR-DSS recommended appropriate techniques that would match the erosive forces occurring at each site. Comparing the technique chosen by SR-DSS to techniques that may have been recommended instead substantiated this finding. The techniques chosen by SR-DSS were found to be superior. This approach considers all aspects of sound streambank rehabilitation and may be used to gain advice on small streams in South Africa.
A review of environmental assessments undertaken for phases 1A and 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
(2000) Musasa, Naison Telmore.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
The construction of large dams has become a contentious issue throughout the world. Environmentalists, human rights activists, NGOs, academics and local communities have all contributed to the debate. On the one hand, proponents have highlighted the role of dams in alleviating poverty, improving the quality of life of communities, and their positive impact on local and national economies. Opponents of large dams have argued that the negative impacts on the environment and local communities outweigh any perceived benefits. Methods for assessing the environmental impact of large projects have been used since the 1970's. By 1988 most of Europe had adopted methods such as environmental impact assessment for evaluating the impact of proposed projects. These procedures aim to inform decision makers and authorities of the potential impact that a proposed project may have. World financial institutions, such as the World Bank, have also adopted the use of these assessment methods as part of their evaluation of projects that are seeking funding. This research establishes the environmental standards and requirements that were in place internationally, nationally and regionally, during the planning, design and implementation of Phase 1A and Phase 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The products of the environmental investigations during successive phases of the project (1986-1999) are assessed to establish whether the parties involved conform to these standards. In addition, the research highlights affected communities' experience of the project implementation, as well as the impact of the project on their lives. The research suggests that in the early phases of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (feasibility and Phase 1A), studies failed to meet environmental assessment standards and requirements, Studies undertaken during Phase 1B represent a considerable improvement and conform more closely to World Bank standards. Although the participation of interested and affected parties has improved, there still appear to be areas of major concern to affected communities. The study highlights the need for greater transparency during the assessment phase of projects, and in particular, more effective involvement of the local communities. Future environmental assessments of this nature are likely to be subject to more stringent requirements including the systematic assessment and quantification of downstream impacts and the incorporation of the costs of all impacts in the project costs. Further phases of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, will therefore need to demonstrate environmental sustainability in the long term.
Risk, resilience and social-ecological systems in natural resource-based development in South Africa.
(2015) Bowd, Rebecca.; Kotze, Donovan Charles.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
Ecosystem services, which are dependent on ecological and socio-economic variables, can be viewed as having the potential to help alleviate poverty in rural South Africa. These variables do not act in isolation, but rather form a complex adaptive social-ecological system (SES) whereby the ecological and socio-economic aspects interact with each other at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Although ecosystem services frameworks have been developed which balance resource conservation and use according to how society values consumptive and non-consumptive ecosystem services, projects that have successfully achieved both conservation and economic objectives are relatively rare. Part of the reason for this has been attributed to the hiatus between theory and practice, where there is a dearth in decision support systems for guiding the use of ecosystem services as a means of poverty alleviation. Compounding the complexity of SESs in South Africa is the broad socio-political context (e.g. an immature democracy, new policies, new institutions, old legacies, new tenure arrangements, disease and poverty). Development in South Africa is evolving at a rapid rate, and with the potential for detrimental ecological and socio-economic impacts throughout the country if not controlled. The aim of this research is to integrate SES theory into natural resource management practice, so that the concepts of resilience, risk and ecosystem services assessment can be applied effectively in the understanding of natural resource-based enterprises. To achieve this aim, four contexts representing successive development of SES theory are examined, the objectives of which are as follows: i) Integrate ecosystems services evaluation and SES theory to derive a conceptual framework to identify and assess opportunities for natural resource-based economic empowerment at two estuary study sites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa; ii) Apply and adapt the resulting SES conceptual framework to enhance understanding of the resilience of a SES supporting a wetland-based craft enterprise in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; iii) Apply and adapt the resulting SES conceptual framework to an EIA setting to evaluate whether such a framework would constitute a useful tool in EIA practice; and iv) Apply and adapt the resulting SES conceptual framework to build understanding of key issues linked to the pellet bioenergy sector in South Africa. This study produced four papers each of which addresses one of the four objectives. For Objective 1, a conceptual ecosystem services framework, with a practical toolkit comprising an ecosystem services inventory and risk assessment, was developed. This work was based on estuarine ecosystem services as it was commissioned as part of the Eastern Cape Estuaries Management Programme. This toolkit was tested at two estuaries in the Eastern Cape (Umngazi and Tyolomnqa), South Africa. For Objective 2, the conceptual framework and associated toolkit developed in Paper 1 was applied and adapted to investigate the threats and opportunities associated with the commercialisation of a natural product-based enterprise (NRBE) located at Mbongolwane, 30km inland of Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. For Objective 3, the conceptual framework was adapted to develop a systematic framework for EIA practice, which supports and promotes public participation, and which encourages the description, understanding and investigation of the impacts of a proposed development on a receiving SES, in an integrated manner. The framework was applied to two developments: i) a community-based accommodation enterprise at Umngazi estuary; and ii) a proposed wine estate located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. For Objective 4, the resulting conceptual framework was applied and adapted to the woody-biomass industry in South Africa. This industry pelletises wood waste for use as an alternative fuel to coal and gas, and is highly developed throughout the US and Europe. However all four woody-biomass plants which were established in South Africa closed within five years of having been commissioned. The toolkit developed to address objective 4 highlights the threats to establishing and operating a resilient resource-based enterprise which has the potential to contribute to poverty alleviation at a national scale, though job creation and power provision. This thesis is centred on the Anderies et al. (2004) framework for studying the robustness of SESs, and incorporates elements of the Ostrom (2007, 2009) and McGinnis and Ostrom (2014) framework for identifying the social-ecological variables that affect the resilience of a SES. The methods utilised in this study comprise literature reviews, initial development of conceptual frameworks and toolkits using the reviewed literature, the testing of these using stakeholder engagement for a variety of different scenarios, and finally their assessment using published literature and lessons learned through application. Social-ecological system theory was applied in this study to: i) identify potential resilient NRBEs (Paper 1); ii) assess the resilience of selected NRBEs with the view of providing strategies (mitigation measures) to increase the resilience of these enterprises (Papers 1, 2 and 4); iii) assess the resilience of natural resource-based enterprises which have previously been established, and failed (Papers 2 and 4); iv) assess the resilience of proposed natural resource-based enterprises which have not been previously established (Papers 3 and 1); v) assess the resilience of natural resource-based enterprises which are based on ecosystem services (i.e. which do not need to be altered prior to utilisation, are not physically infinite and are unquantifiable) (Papers 1 and 3); and vi) assess the resilience of natural resource-based enterprises which are based on a production process where an ecosystem 'good' is an input, which is processed to form an output which is sold for revenue (Papers 2 and 4). In summary, previous SES conceptual frameworks proved more applicable when used to identify potential natural resource-based enterprises, to assess a proposed enterprise which has yet to be established, and for an enterprise which is based on ecosystem services which do not need to be altered in order to be utilised. The theory proved to be less applicable for assessing an enterprise which has previously been established, and for an enterprise which processes an ecosystem good through a production process. As previous SES theory has focused on analysing the robustness or sustainability of SESs, and is not centred on enterprise dynamics, such as internal business interactions or a production process (as these are not specific to social-ecological interaction), the results are not unexpected. The resulting SES conceptual framework addresses both these shortcomings, as well as the incorporation of ecological component interactions which was also identified as a shortcoming of SES theory when applied to NRBEs. Thus, previous SES theory is more applicable when used at a broad, strategic, long-term level, than at a short-term, operational enterprise level, where internal business dynamics play more of a key role with resilience. Combining SES theory with the concepts of resilience, risk and ecosystem services has proven to be very appropriate for contributing towards natural resource management practices which help alleviate poverty. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how EIA practice could benefit from incorporating SES theory as a way of encouraging the EIA practitioner to co-create a conceptual model of the current and future social-ecological system. This probably constitutes the first attempt to apply and formalise SES constructs to EIA practice within a regulated procedure. Although this study has identified limitations with applying SES theory to assessing the SESs which surround natural resource-based enterprises, SES theory has provided a strong foundation for achieving resilient natural resource-based enterprises which will contribute toward poverty alleviation. This research furthers SES theory in the realm of NRBEs and provides the first ever theoretically-based methodology for selecting, assessing, evaluating and operating resilient NRBEs. The developed conceptual framework and practical contributions have the ability to not only help towards poverty alleviation, but proved applicable to sophisticated entrepreneurial activities for the more affluent. The contributions, both theoretical and practical take into consideration the complex nature of South African SESs, and are applicable to a variety of types and scales of NRBEs. The contributions strongly encourage stakeholder identification, consideration and engagement, and this emphasis contributes towards the balancing of both economic empowerment and sustainable resource use. Although not directly aimed at governmental decision-makers, the contributions show versatility as they have the potential to help inform and guide policy development at a strategic level. By applying SES theory to the development of a conceptual framework specifically for NRBEs, and through the development of practical applications based on the conceptual framework, this research has helped towards addressing the hiatus between theory and practice which has widely been documented.
Spatial modelling to establish priorities for erosion control in commercial forestry plantations.
(2002) Horswell, Michael Wilbur.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
Commercial forestry is recognized for both its economic contribution as well as its environmental impact. Of particular concern, is the soil erosion and sedimentation of watercourses associated with forestry plantations. Environmental laws regulate many of the activities of the forestry sector. It is critical that the forestry sector ensure that its operations are compliant with the legal requirements that govern its use of natural resources. In pursuing legal compliance it is necessary to ensure that erosion control strategies are developed so as to ensure the positive effects of any interventions are optimised. The identification of areas that are particularly at risk to erosion or contribute to sediment delivery is an essential component in prioritising areas for management interventions. Establishing the erosion potential for commercial forestry areas is readily accomplished through the application of existing models. Process based erosion models generally have greater data requirements than the empirically derived USLE-based models. Given the paucity of data available, the latter approach was adopted. Two methods of topographic sub-factor derivation were investigated, those associated with the RUSLE (Renard, Foster, Weesies & McCool1991) and the Unit Stream Power method presented by Moore and Burch (1986). Since no existing methods identifying delivery risk areas existed, a method was developed based on principles and factors identified in the literature. Additionally, methods for identifying topographic assets, in terms of sediment attenuation, were developed. From these models three indices were derived; sediment supply, delivery risk and sediment attenuation. Thereafter, the mean Sediment Supply Index was divided by stream length for small catchments defined within the landscape to derive an index of sediment loading to streams. This index is used to identify priorities for management intervention across the landscape. The mean slope and sediment supply is used to develop buffer width recommendations for the streams draining the catchments, using a method developed by Karssies and Prosser (2001). Using the three indices in conjunction it is possible to make on-site and off-site erosion control recommendations as well as identify and exploit any natural features that can be utilized in erosion control.
Towards a macroinvertebrate sampling protocol for monitoring water quality of wetlands in South Africa.
(2005) Bowd, Rebecca.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.; Kotze, Donovan Charles.
The degradation of wetlands and loss of their associated ecosystem services is widely recognised in South Africa, however, at present there is no standard method of biologically assessing wetland health in this country. Internationally, particularly in the U.S.A and Australia, wetland bioassessment techniques using macroinvertebrates are well established. A number of these wetland bioassessment protocols have been derived from local river biomonitoring techniques, as there is a belief that river and wetland ecology and macroinvertebrate assemblages at family level are similar. However, some authors consider wetland macroinvertebrate assemblages and ecological processes to differ greatly from those found in rivers, and believe that such techniques are not transferable. South Africa has a well established macroinvertebrate biomonitoring protocol for rivers called SASS5 (South African Scoring System Version 5). This study is a preliminary investigation into the extent to which the SASS5 scoring system is applicable to the assessment of nutrient enriched wetland water quality. Macroinvertebrates are particularly suitable as biomonitoring tools: they respond to a variety of stressors, have life cycles that allow for integrated responses to episodic pollution, and are relatively easy to identify to family level. When selecting wetlands for the development of a biomonitoring protocol, wetlands should all be of the same; classification (Le. palustrine), geomorphological and climate setting, hydrological regime and dominant vegetation class. Sampling was restricted to sedge-dominated palustrine wetlands in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, with similar hydro-geomorphological settings. Due to wetlands and rivers having different biotopes (e.g. no riffles present in wetlands), the SASS5 sampling protocol could not be used, thus a pilot investigation was undertaken to derive a suitable sampling technique for \ collecting a representative and diagnostic sample of aquatic macroinvertebrates from a wetland. This technique was developed based on published methods. Both sweep net and activity trap sampling were conducted, and each evaluated for their effectiveness at macroinvertebrate collection. Sweep net sampling was tested over a range of sweep intensities (2-6 sweeps), and activity traps were placed at four different depths: at the water surface, just below the surface, 0.10.15m below surface and on the substrate. A total of 32 taxa identified to family level were identified in the samples. Taxon diversity and composition did not differ in the activity traps placed at the four depth locations. Taxon diversity did not differ significantly between different sweep intensities; however there was a significant difference in taxon composition between the different sweep intensities and between activity trap and sweep net samples (p<0.05). Sixty-eight percent of taxa appeared more frequently in sweep net sampling compared to activity trap sampling. Six taxa were found exclusively in sweep net samples, and two taxa were recorded exclusively in activity traps. There was no trend in either method collecting more or missing any unique trophic group. In conclusion, activity traps are not required to supplement sweep net data, and a technique using a sweep net with a sweep intensity of five would be suitable to collect a representative sample of wetland macroinvertebrates. Using the derived technique, four reference and three wetlands impacted by dairy effluent were sampled. Six macroinvertebrate samples were collected from each of the seven wetland, together with data for selected physico-chemical variables, macrohabitat condition, biotope suitability and organism detectability. For each sample, the macroinvertebrates were identified and assigned a predetermined SASS5 tolerance score between 1 and 15, with higher scores indicating increased sensitivity to poor water quality. 11 A total of 39 taxa, identified to family level, were collected during sampling. SASS5 scores ranged from 15-82. Five of the wetlands had mean SASS5 scores of between 46 and 59. Five of the wetlands had an intra-wetland SASS5 score range greater than 30. ASPT values ranged from 3.3 to 5.5, and few high scoring (~8) taxa were collected. There was no significant difference in SASS5 scores between samples collected above, at and downstream of an effluent discharge point within the same impacted wetland. SASS5 scores for reference wetlands were also not significantly higher than those recorded for impacted wetlands. Comparison of ranked SASS5 scores and environmental data did suggest a relationship between the variables, but was not significant. Based on the SASS5 score water quality guidelines, all sampled wetlands were considered to have impacted water quality; however, this was not supported by the macrohabitat and physico-chemical results. Possible reasons for the low SASS5 scores include: the lack of 'stones in/out current' biotopes in wetlands, lower levels of dissolved oxygen present compared to rivers, and the limited detectability of organisms due to large amounts of substrate in the samples. A wetland adaptation of SASS5 would require the reassignment of modified scores to certain taxa based on their distribution in wetlands of varying water quality. The SASS5 score level of 100 and the ASPT value of 6 (as specified in the SASS5 score water quality guidelines) were found to be inappropriate for wetlands. It is suggested that, either the range of taxa tolerance scores be increased (1 to >15), or the score level of 100 be lowered. The ASPT value should also be reduced. Although SASS5 appears unsuitable for assessing wetlands, variations in taxon composition between sampled wetlands, identified through CA analysis, suggests that macroinvertebrates are responsive to changes in wetland condition, and thus have potential as indicators of wetland water quality. Nine taxa responsive to the presence of nitrogen have been identified as being potentially good indicators. iii Further research should focus on the testing of SASS5 throughout the year, in a range of wetland types, and in wetlands moderately to severely impacted by pollutants other than dairy effluent. It is recommended that a habitat or biotope index be developed and used in conjunction with any future wetland macroinvertebrate bioassessment protocols.
Towards the development of a multi-criteria decision support system for selecting stormwater best management practices.
(2001) Duncan, Peter Neil.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
The aim of this dissertation was to develop a multi-criteria decision support system (MCDSS) to allow a specified manager to select with confidence one or many of these BMPs for a particular site. The principal design approach was a review of South African and international literature pertaining to stormwater management techniques, in particular BMPs. This information was formulated into a primary matrix using a rank-and-weighting method. The scores were then checked against the literature to ensure that they were reasonable, culminating in the initial MCDSS. The MCDSS was then provided with seven scenarios, described in the literature, and the output reviewed. Although, the MCDSS would select appropriately when given few criteria for selection when these were increased, inappropriate outcomes resulted. Consequently, weighting factors were assigned to each criterion. The MCDSS was further tested using all the selection criteria and the output deemed satisfactory. The MCDSS was then tested in a case study of the Town Bush stream catchment at eleven sites along the river network and the results were adequate. Taking into consideration the economic aspects of BMP implementation a need also arose for the sites to be allocated to certain authorities depending upon ownership or responsibility. The sites were prioritised depending on potential threat to property and lastly by the hydrological nature of the stream at each site. A stormwater plan for the study area was also proposed. Although the MCDSS was functioning adequately it was not without its limitations. Limitations included the use of drainage areas as a surrogate measure for peak discharge thus, not allowing the user to design a series of BMPs or treatment chain. A second limitation was that initially the BMPs were designed as offline systems where stormwater is managed before entering the channel but in this study they were used as inline systems. Hence the ultimate selection was biased towards those BMPs able to deal with large drainage areas. Recommendations for further improvement include the development of a surrogate measure for drainage area thus allowing the user to design a treatment chain of BMPs; testing the MCDSS in more diverse circumstances; developing a more comprehensive set of selection criteria; and developing a clearer priority-setting model as the one used was rather simplistic. In conclusion the MCDSS provides the user with a useful tool where the selection and implementation of BMPs no longer has to take place in an ad hoc manner.
Transboundary water resource management of the Pongolo River/Rio Maputo.
(2002) Tompkins, Robyn.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
In the Twenty-first Century, sustainable water management is likely to be humanity's greatest challenge in a world of ever-increasing demand. Legal instruments both international and national regulate and provide a general framework for the use and management of international waters. Future basin management agreements can be informed by examining the degree of success, in terms of sustainability and equity, achieved by such agreements. That success can be influenced by the degree to which such agreements support the human right to water implicitly stated in international customary law, through a collaborative management approach. Since 1988, attempts by communities on the Pongolo floodplain to be involved in Pongolopoort Dam releases, have met with little success. Recently, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has begun to support those efforts, but the approach remains a sectoral one, and is primarily concerned with water issues. The South African National Water Act 36 of 1998 provides for environmental management and public participation, as well as providing explicitly for the rights of individual water users, but its implementation is hampered by an overwhelming emphasis on technical considerations and a lack of political will to embrace collaborative management systems. Little effort is expended on collaborative management methods, though the level of transparency in water management is improving, despite remaining highly centralised. The level and extent of incentives for local community participation is low, and systematic monitoring is in its early development. International river basin agreements generally take a top-down or state-driven approach, though there are some examples where local cross-border communities have participated successfully in the implementation of international agreements and management of transboundary basins. South Africa, Swaziland and M09ambique signed the Interim Incomaputo Agreement, which includes the Maputo basin, in August 2002. Once again, the approach to this agreement has been highly sectoral in that negotiations were handled entirely by water officials in the relevant countries. A lack of transparency has prevailed in the negotiation stages, though through the basin studies, which will inform implementation plans, the level of participation should improve. There is overwhelming consensus that integrated management is the key to sustainable international river basin management. Formal and systematic methods for inter-departmental communication, both nationally and internationally are currently not being implemented, which has significant negative impacts on integrated management. Research in this area represents an opportunity to explore collaborative management of an international river basin in an area that is, as yet, unstressed in terms of population and water supply.
The use of magnetic susceptibility measurements to delineate wetlands in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2002) Watson, Megan.; Quinn, Nevil Wyndham.
The aim of this research was to investigate the possibility of using soil magnetic susceptibility to differentiate wetland soil from non0wetland soil, thereby enabling the identification of a wetland boundary. The initial methodology to test the viability of using magnetic susceptibility for wetland delineation was carried out at nine sites in three areas of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Changes in vegetation were used to identify the permanently, seasonally and temporarily wet zones at each site to provide a quick indication of the various boundaries. At least one transect was studied at every site, extending from the outer edge of the temporary zone to the water's edge. Magnetic susceptibility readings, soil samples and/or elevations were taken in each zone. It was found that the magnetic susceptibility readings could be used to differentiate between the various wetland zones but boundaries were not identified due to the reconnaissance nature of the work, a specific protocol had yet to be discovered. This methodology was a reconnaissance phase to assess the potential of using soil magnetic susceptibility. A second methodology was designed specifically to identify a wetland boundary. The wetland zones were identified using vegetation indicators from the South African field procedure for delineating wetlands. Magnetic susceptibility readings were done on transects perpendicular to the suspected boundary and a critical value was identified. A magnetic susceptibility boundary was marked according to the critical value and verified by taking readings along transects parallel to it on both sides. The boundary was then identified using South African field procedure according to soil indicates. The soil data showed a similar boundary to the magnetic susceptibility boundary but indicated a 'boundary zone' of approximately l2m in width rather than a specific line. A final methodology was planned to improve the resolution of the magnetic susceptibility boundary. A grid was laid out over a strip through the wetland including the boundary area on both sides. This was to provide accurately spaced points at which to take magnetic susceptibility readings and elevations. The critical value, a value that separates wetland from non-wetland soil, was identified and verified using soil indicators. The field procedure was more difficult to carry out than using the magnetic susceptibility sensor, yet both methods identified the same boundary with a resolution of about 3m. This initial study demonstrates the potential for using magnetic susceptibility for wetland delineation. Although the results at the final site proved the method to be successful, it was not suitable for use at all sites and the results were often difficult to interpret. Limitations include factors such as plinthic horizons close to the soil surface and shallow, rocky soils. Thus further research is required before magnetic susceptibility can be used to delineate wetlands in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.