Environmental Management Plans for invasive alien species control on SANRAL properties, firebreaks and road reserves

Project Type:
Environmental Management Plan
Client:
South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), Masututsa Consulting, and Lathiso Consulting Engineers

Consultants:
Apex Conservation Services

Location:
A total of 291 properties and firebreaks spanning from Nature’s Valley to near Swellendam, Western Cape, and 463 sites in road reserves in and around Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

Year:
2024 – 2025

Click on images to enlarge

1. Rachel Putzier undertaking the IAS assessment along one of SANRALs road reserves

2. Dense stand of a mix of invasive alien plants in the road reserve

Invasive Alien Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plans for SANRAL properties, firebreaks and road reserves

Summary:

Apex has undertaken three invasive alien species (IAS) assessment projects for South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL). The projects each consist of three key deliverables:

  1. An IAS field survey and the compilation of an IAS Inventory.
  2. The compilation of an IAS Monitoring, Control, and Eradication Plan (IASMC&EP).
  3. The compilation of an Environmental Management Plan for the implementation of an IAS control (IASC) programme across the SANRAL properties and road reserves.

The approval, by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and effective implementation of the IASMC&EPs by SANRAL, fulfills the legal requirements regarding IAS. The EMPs have however been compiled to ensure that undue or reasonably avoidable adverse impacts of the IASC programme are prevented; and that the potential benefits of the IASC programme are enhanced.

In support of these purposes, when implemented, the EMPs will help to:

  • Ensure compliance with the relevant IAS legislation and national guidelines
  • Provide the roles and responsibilities of the landowner (SANRAL), contractors acting on behalf of SANRAL, stakeholders and role-players in this IASC programme
  • Provide a guideline on the activities associated with IASC and their potential impacts
  • Outline mitigation measures to prevent or reduce potential impacts if they cannot be avoided
  • Provide communication and reporting structures to determine and communicate the environmental performance of the IASC programme
  • Provide a guide on monitoring requirements and frequencies, outline the persons responsible for monitoring impacts and assessing the effectiveness of mitigation measures
  • Provide a dynamic approach for the improvement of environmental performance through auditing and reviews
  • Ensure the necessary Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) measures are implemented

 

The EMPs provide broad-scale identification of sensitive areas in the sites and surrounding properties, as well as mitigation measures to protect these areas. This includes the identification of vegetation types, ecological threat status, critical biodiversity areas, ecological support areas, strategic water source areas, and National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA). The EMPs also provide comprehensive guidelines and guiding principles for invasive plant and animal control methods, biomass management, rehabilitation, and a variety of other activities associated with IASC. Potential impacts associated with these IASC activities are identified and measures to avoid or mitigate these impacts are provided for each.

The control of IAS on SANRAL properties will provide environmental, economic and social benefits across the project areas. The implementation of the EMP will ensure that these benefits are maximized by avoiding or mitigating potential negative environmental, social and economic impacts, and ensuring that the IASC programme is implemented effectively.