Co-management of mussel resources : the case studies of Sokhulu and Coffee Bay projects in South Africa.
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Date
2002
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Abstract
In this thesis, the researcher has attempted to analyze the full complexities of employing
the co-management system in conservation of brown mussels (Perna perna) through the
use of the case study areas, namely: Sokhulu in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Coffee Bay in
the Eastern Cape (EC) Provinces of South Africa. This study is a comparative approach
of 2 coastal areas, Sokhulu, in the northern part of KZN and Coffee Bay near the Wild
Coast. Communities currently involved in brown mussel resource management in
Sokhulu are part of the joint resource management team. The project, started in 1995 by
Dr. Harris of KZN Nature Conservation Services (KZN NCS), has proven to be
successful in its mission of ensuring wise use of the brown mussel resources. The Coffee
Bay project, which was started in 2000, has no local resource management structures yet
in place. The research information was gathered with the assistance of household questionnaire;
open-ended interviews; literature review; visual review, and commentaries. Experiences
drawn from Sokhulu mussel project in KZN have indicated a need for the establishment
of a mussel co-management structure at Coffee Bay for the conservation of the resource,
and the well-being of the community.
Some recommendations for implementation of a co-management system at Coffee Bay
have been made. The recommendations are in line with the efficient conservation
strategies and utilization of brown mussel resources and blend the needs of the
community of Coffee Bay, sound resource use principles provided by the resource
managers, and practical management requirements. The study does not present
statistically significant conclusions hence it has been highlighted that there is a need for
follow-up studies with respect to co-management concept if one is to understand more
fully the processes involved.
Description
Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.
Keywords
Mussels., Mussels--Food--South Africa., Coffee Bay Project., Rural development projects--South Africa., Conservation of natural resources--South Africa--Citizen participation., Theses--Environmental science.