Browsing by Author "Trotter, Dayle Carey."

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Achieving local economic development through natural resource-based tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2003) Trotter, Dayle Carey.; Hill, Trevor Raymond.
A number of development strategies and programmes are currently being explored in South Africa as a part of a renewed ihitiative to overcome the imbalances persisting from the apartheid era with respect to development, wealth, income and opportunity, and in order to address problems increasing unemployment brought on by the decline of traditional employment sectors. Local Economic Development (LED) is one such strategy that seeks to utilize local resources and skills in order to promote economic growth and create employment opportunities. Similarly, tourism, which has become one of the most critical forces shaping the world's economy, has been recognised as a potential growth alternative in South Africa, and is being increasingly implemented into LED strategies across the country. Although the studies that have identified the link between tourism and LED are increasing, it is clear that research on the topic remains limited. This research therefore contributes to the existing literature, and investigates how three localities in Kwazulu-Natal have identified the tourism potential of the locally available natural resources, and how different actors have embarked on tourism-based projects that have sought to achieve LED. A series of semi-structured interviews formed the principle research method and information was obtained over a period of a year from a number of key stakeholders and role-players in each case study. It was found that all three case studies have created employment opportunities and have empowered local communities through skills development and training. This research attempts to highlight the potential opportunities and limitations of the pursuit of natural resource-based tourism as a catalyst for local economic development, such that other localities that are seeking to adopt a similar approach may learn from these experiences.
Carbon sink reforestation projects : a community perspective from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2012) Ramanand, Sarisha.; Trotter, Dayle Carey.; Hill, Trevor Raymond.
Climate change has exacerbated environmental degradation processes, causing an imbalance in the natural concentrations in atmospheric greenhouse gases. This has resulted in a myriad of socio–economic effects which have focused global attention on methodologies to reduce these effects, such as carbon sequestration. To achieve long term sustainability and success, community involvement in the technical and social aspects of carbon sequestration projects is necessary and must be acknowledged. One such mitigation methodology which incorporates the ideals of community proactive participation is carbon sink reforestation projects. This study is based on a community perspective of a carbon sink reforestation project, carried out in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study provides a holistic perspective of the concept of carbon sequestration drawing together technical aspects of carbon sequestration reforestation projects and the inclusion of the role of communities. The methodology comprised of questionnaires with industry experts and a local community, following a thematic data analysis. The current perception from industry is that the South African government lacks significant technology, capacity and finance to effectively manage national forest carbon sequestration regimes. Project participants expressed the view that these types of projects provided a sense of belonging and hope and articulated their gratitude for the environmental knowledge they gained from the project experience. Technical and social aspects of such projects such as carbon calculations and participatory rural appraisal techniques enhance a country’s ability for successful implementation of such projects. Findings reveal a need for technology, capacity building and finance; and the effects participation in these projects has on individuals. This is followed by recommendations and a ‘How To Guide’ developed by the researcher. This guide intends to enhance the collaboration of the technical aspects and involvement of communities throughout the project implementation process. Carbon regimes in this century will continue to grow in size and complexity. Stakeholder participation will be a strong factor in the success or failure of carbon sequestration reforestation projects.
Exploring post-authorisation follow-up and EIA effectiveness in South Africa: case studies from KwaZulu-Natal.
(2016) Cele, Sinethemba Charity.; Trotter, Dayle Carey.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is recognised internationally as a tool for identifying and addressing the potential adverse impacts of a proposed development on the environment. The effectiveness of an EIA depends on the successful performance of the EIA follow-up. EIA follow-up aims to improve environmental protection during project implementation and provide feedback on EIA processes. However, minimal attention is often paid to the post-authorisation follow-up procedure which has compromised the effectiveness of the EIA process as a tool to enhance environmental protection. The aim of this study is to investigate follow-up activities and understand the implications for EIA effectiveness in South Africa by using case studies from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This was achieved by exploring the procedural criteria, the substantive outcomes of follow-up as well as the participants’ perceptions on the EIA follow-up. By adopting a case study approach, primary data were collected through conducting in-depth interviews with participants in the follow-up process and accompanying Environmental Control Officers (ECOs) on monthly site audits, while secondary data were collected through audit reports and environmental management plans for three selected case studies. The case studies consisted of the Moss Kolnick Interchange Project, the Dickens Road Retaining Wall and BASF Chemical Plant in the eThekwini Municipality, KZN. Other data sources were used to explore the success of the EIA follow-up and its impact on the success of EIA. Through the follow-up procedure, mitigation measures were successfully employed and the environment was protected during development which contributes to the effectiveness of EIA. Overall, it is recommended that the regulator’s role in monitoring and enforcing compliance needs to be actively encouraged and supported.
Exploring the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Adaptive Management (AM) at a local scale: a case study of the uMngeni Catchment, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2020) Awuah, Akosua Kyerewaa.; Trotter, Dayle Carey.; Stuart-Hill, Sabine Ingrid.
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Adaptive Management (AM) are internationally recognised approaches to water resource management. IWRM promotes the application of principles such as integration, participation, inclusion, equity, accountability and efficiency which guide the water sector thus creating an enabling environment for practitioners and decision-makers to be more integrated. AM complements IWRM by embracing uncertainty in water resource management attributed to climate change effects and ineffective governance regimes. AM promotes the institutionalisation of social learning within organisations operating in the water sector by incorporating experimental management practices to inform decision-making. The uMngeni catchment in the province of KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa, faces numerous challenges that threaten the availability and quality of water resources. The aim of the study is to assess the institutional aspects that may or may not facilitate the implementation of IWRM and AM and to provide recommendations for effective management. Therefore, a case study approach was utilised to gain an understanding of the implementation of IWRM and AM at the local scale. There were twenty-one semi-structured interviews which were conducted in the Msunduzi Municipality and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. A range of environmental, development and water service governance tools were analysed. Through the collected data, several key findings emerge. Firstly, it is evident that the delay in the establishment of an operational Catchment Management Agency (CMA) and the absence of Water User Associations (WUAs) is hindering the implementation of IWRM and AM. Despite the lack of an authoritative body (CMA) and bridging agents as represented by WUAs, role-players in the catchment are actively attempting to improve integration among water users and to address this void. Secondly, the protection and conservation of water resources is governed by the National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS) at a national level and the draft proto-Catchment Management Strategy (CMS) at a regional level. Even with these tools, participants from non-governmental organisations stated that water resources have been managed (regional and national level) for water service provision rather than resource protection. In addition, the overlap and misunderstanding of catchment management roles and responsibilities between municipal departments and private landowners is negatively affecting the degree of integration as well as learning occurring in the catchment. Lastly, most of the participants’ acknowledged the importance of participation and integration, but also indicated that the application of the concept of IWRM is not ideal at the local level particularly in a developing country. Many participants do not understand AM. The limited practice of social learning in the catchment can be attributed to key strategies i.e., CMS not being official, and information sources (e.g., river health reports) not being updated. There is a recommendation to include previously excluded groups into water resources management through the application of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) model. The model will assist in relationship building and fostering partnerships to improve catchment management and to create a culture of accountability and stress the urgency of this for water resource management.
Investigating livestock dynamics in relation to livestock water productivity in smallholder mixed crop-livestock systems : a case study of Ntshiqo in the Eastern Cape.
(2016) Dedekind, Lynton Jason.; Trotter, Dayle Carey.
Livestock provide net benefits such as food production (milk, meat), raw materials (wool), draught, manure, cultural practices, income and investment, and can improve the resilience of smallholder mixed crop-livestock farmers in developing countries, against external vulnerabilities such as water scarcity and climate change. A Livestock Water Productivity (LWP) framework represents ways to increase livestock production and benefits derived from animals without depleting water resources or causing environmental degradation for smallholder mixed crop-livestock systems. It is comprised of technical interventions (feed, water and animal management), supportive institutions and enabling policies. The research focuses on the technical feed management component of the LWP framework, in relation to livestock production in Ntshiqo, Eastern Cape. Sourveld regions in South Africa generally experience forage quantity and quality deficiencies during winter. The impact of a 17 month rest (exclosures versus grazed areas), a short (Oct 2014 - January 2015) and a full (Oct 2014 - June 2015) summer rotational resting experiment, on forage quantity and quality (Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Crude Protein (CP) and Phosphorus (P)) were tested. Additionally, the influence of a protein lick on the body condition of sheep during the winter months (June - September) was tested. A significant difference (p<0.05) in forage quantity was found between the exclosures and grazed areas, and the short and full summer rest. No significant difference (p>0.05) was evident in the forage quality between the exclosures and grazed areas. There was a significant difference between the ADF values of a full and short summer rest, whilst no significant difference was evident between the other feed quality variables. The protein lick had a significant (p<0.05) positive effect on the body condition of sheep over winter. Fodder crops (vetch and oats), were a viable additional form of supplementary feed to improve forage quality and intake. Smallholder farmer perspectives were obtained from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), which informed and supplemented the results of the technical feed management interventions. Additional alternative management interventions (burning, re-seeding) are proposed. Technical interventions have positive influences on LWP in smallholder farming systems in developing countries. A collaborative or integrative management approach is recommended for long term crop, livestock, land and water management, which are crucial in improving LWP in smallholder mixed crop-livestock farming systems.
Investigating the contribution of the biodiversity stewardship programme in achieving grassland biome conservation in KZN, South Africa.
(2014) De Jong, Angela.; Trotter, Dayle Carey.
Research into biodiversity stewardship and its potential as a mechanism for conservation implementation in South Africa is limited. Conservation implementation tools aimed at achieving conservation targets are espoused in systematic conservation planning (SCP). This research investigated the SCP approach in South Africa and sought to develop a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of the biodiversity stewardship programme as a tool for grassland conservation in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Geographical Information Systems (GIS) operations were performed to ascertain current site selection and identify potential future site suitability, and to understand the implications of these outputs in meeting grassland biome conservation. A case study analysis of three biodiversity stewardship sites was undertaken to provide an overview of the KZN biodiversity stewardship programme and to understand the role it plays in grassland biome conservation. Biodiversity stewardship site assessments were conducted at all three case study sites by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW), to identify and assess the biodiversity value, threats associated with the land uses and the potential for conservation based on the principles of SCP. This research utilised these assessments extensively to answer key objectives and the GIS operations was used to understand the spatial considerations. Primarily, this research sought to understand the implementation prospects of biodiversity stewardship and develop insights into how implementation can be improved. A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with a number of key stakeholders in the biodiversity stewardship programme. Through a thematic analysis and coding process, the key themes, which emerged included lack of capacity, lack of funding and poor follow-up. Despite the obstacles and risks identified, the perceptions of the key stakeholders towards the biodiversity stewardship programme were found to be mostly positive. Strengthening linkages with NGOs is perceived by many stakeholders to be the key to overcoming capacity problems within the biodiversity stewardship programme. The strengthening of aspects of management is fundamental in achieving grassland conservation, as the effectiveness of biodiversity stewardship achieving targets is based on the probability of the management objectives being met. Improved support, follow up and extension on grazing, burning and IAS clearing will aid in successful management of the grassland biome. The implementing of biodiversity stewardship is seen as a credible process to secure critical grassland biodiversity.
Linking ecosystem goods and services to sustainability, risks and opportunities : informing decision-making in the Msunduzi Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2012) Jorgensen, Paul William.; Trotter, Dayle Carey.; Hill, Trevor Raymond.
Sustainable development’s wide scale adoption has resulted in the rapid emergence of the field Sustainability Science. This trans-disciplinary field of research attempts to understand the interconnectedness, relationships and complexity between the natural environment and society. To understand these relationships and integration between the natural environment, the economy and society within a sustainability context, an ecosystem goods and services (EGS) approach can be taken. EGS research is being incorporated into mainstream environmental decision-making and strategic thinking, particularly within the corporate sector, however, adoption has been slow. The Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) is a framework, developed by the World Research Institute (WRI), which aims to assess the dependence and impact that a company has on EGS through a systematic approach. This methodological framework can be adapted into a tool that assists in more informed environmental decision-making at a local government level. This adapted tool highlights EGS issues within particular open spaces and links these issues to sustainability targets and identifies risks and opportunities for local government. For this research, the ESR tool was tested on open spaces within the Msunduzi Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, by adapting the ESR methodological framework to relate to local government decision-making and by incorporating existing tools and strategic documents, namely the Environmental Management Framework (EMF) and the Spatial Development Framework (SDF), into the EGS assessment tool. Site-specific EGS issues were identified at two open space study sites through posing different development scenarios, and results from testing the tool revealed linkages between EGS and risks and opportunities for sustainability. The tool has applicability to local level decision-making, particularly in the early stages of development planning, by providing a more holistic input into the environmental decision-making process.
Methodologies used for determining impact significance and the implications for EIA effectiveness in South Africa : case studies from KwaZulu-Natal.
(2015) Chetty, Manogrie.; Trotter, Dayle Carey.
The evaluation of impact significance is an important but less understood component of EIA theory and practice. Studies of EIA effectiveness, in terms of impact significance, reveal marginal to poor performance levels in determining impact significance in impact evaluation. A review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) literature in South Africa found that there is very little information that addresses the effectiveness of the EIA in South Africa. The Lee and Colley review method was adopted to review impact significance assessment methods in ten Basic Assessment Reports (BARs). In addition, questionnaires were completed by respondents in the EIA field to obtain their perspectives on the impact significance assessment methods and the effectiveness of the EIA process. The study found that the EIA process overall is considered as being moderately effective and the method of impact assessments used by EAPs do not fully comply with the relevant environmental legislative requirements (i.e. the 2010 EIA Regulations) and guidelines (i.e. DEAT Guideline Series 5). This in turn has an effect on the overall effectiveness of the EIA process in terms of impact significance. Recommendations are provided to improve the impact significance assessment methods which can ultimately contribute to EIA effectiveness.
The use of the toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) protocol in the Port of Durban, South Africa.
(2011) Parsons, Gary Angus.; Vosloo, Andre.; Trotter, Dayle Carey.; Cooke, John Anthony.
The Port of Durban, with its close proximity to industrial, urban and agricultural activities, receives a number of chemical pollutants that settle out and accumulate in sediments. Chemical analysis of these sediments has indicated elevated levels of chemicals that, according to sediment quality guidelines, might cause adverse biological effects. However, elevated concentrations alone do not necessarily imply that chemicals are present in bioavailable concentrations high enough to be harmful to organisms that come into contact with them. Thus, chemical tests alone cannot provide an accurate indication of the potential adverse biological effects of these chemicals. In this regard, toxicity tests of sediment porewaters have been developed using sea urchin gametes to assist in determining the bioavailability of chemicals present in porewaters. Further, procedures such as Toxicity Identification and Evaluation (TIE), which involves the manipulation and/or treatment of toxic porewater, have also been developed to assist in the isolation and identification of chemicals causing porewater toxicity. In this research, on a number of sampling occasions between July 2007 and July 2009, three replicate sediment samples were extracted from a site in the Port of Durban known to contain sediment with potentially toxic porewater. Results of initial toxicity tests, using the sea urchin fertilisation test indicated the presence of toxic porewater although, in some instances, porewater toxicity was highly variable between replicate samples. However, results from TIE procedures performed to reduce potentially toxic concentrations of metals, ammonia and organic compounds did not resolve the primary cause of porewater toxicity. Further research indicated that chemicals including hydrogen sulphide, which can occur naturally in organically enriched sediments, may have been confounding factors that masked the potential toxicity of other chemicals present in the sediment samples. Consequently, a sampling strategy and modified TIE procedure have been recommended. The sampling strategy has been designed to assist with detecting and understanding any sample variability that may occur. The modified TIE procedure, which suggests initial procedures to determine and reduce/remove the possible confounding effects of potential naturally occurring compounds such as hydrogen sulphide from the porewater, could be used in future to understand and evaluate the quality of contaminated sediments from similar environments.