Biodiversity Sensitivity Analysis – Garden Route Dam

Year: 2021

Summary:
An area adjacent to the Garden Route Dam has been selected for the proposed development of a tertiary education precinct, housing, student accommodation, sports fields and recreational open spaces. We conducted a biodiversity sensitivity analysis within the targeted development area to determine the vegetation in terms of general sensitivity to disturbance and highlight the development opportunities and constraints for the receiving environment. The biodiversity sensitivity analysis was undertaken in compliance with NEMA, EIA Regulations and all other applicable legislation.

The majority of the original and natural vegetation of the study site has been impacted upon and can now be regarded as transformed. Sensitive habitat variations and important ecological areas suitable for restoration efforts were, however, able to be identified within the study site. These were listed and described as vegetation and habitat sensitivity classes. The sensitivity analysis identified the following habitats and areas (illustrated in the map on the left): Sensitive Garden Route Granite Fynbos, sensitive Wetland habitat, sensitive Fynbos habitat restoration opportunity area, Sensitive Forest/Thicket habitat restoration opportunity area, low sensitivity disturbed former plantation, and highly disturbed and transformed areas.

The biodiversity sensitivity analysis highlights that the study site has conservation and development opportunities alike. The low sensitivity, disturbed and former plantation areas provide an opportunity for development, as there were no significantly sensitive areas or plant species located. Identifying these areas in this analysis has highlighted those areas that the municipality should consider for development. Careful consideration should however be given to the environmentally sensitive areas, and any form of development in these areas (such as road access or pipeline placement) should have necessary mitigation measures in place to minimize disturbance. There are also opportunities for conservation in the study site, particularly with the management of invasive alien plants and combating soil erosion in the sensitive areas.