Conclusions
Rapid population growth, and the consequent high demand for resources such as food and energy, has resulted in transformation of large areas of land (86% of the country) to cultivation and livestock production; and large quantities of urban and industrial emissions and wastes. Mismanagement of these processes has resulted in degradation of the land in some areas, and reduced capacity to continue to support life. Historical and current land use planning practices and policies, combined with uneven distribution of wealth and a high poverty rate, have resulted in uneven settlement patterns and intensified the demand for resources in some areas. Urban and international demand for certain biological resources, for medicinal or horticultural purposes, also places pressure on populations of these often rare or endangered species. Human activities resulting in the introduction of alien species have had serious consequences for most natural habitats, in terms of changes in biodiversity, and altered functionality of ecosystem processes.
Recent reassessment of the state of land degradation in South Africa indicates that many areas previously thought to be degraded are in relatively good condition. Commercial rangelands have benefited from government support in the form of science and technological research, and biassed policies and intervention schemes. The Northern Province, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape are the provinces with the highest levels of degradation. Areas with steep slopes, low rainfall and high temperatures are significantly more degraded, especially in communal areas (which are associated with conditions of poverty). However, these trends may be slowing, as alternative sources of income gain in importance and standards of living rise. Recent and ongoing political and social transformation in South Africa will facilitate this. Specific problems of soil degradation (such as acidification, salinity, pollution and erosion) need to be addressed, where applicable. A more holistic view of soil utilization, embodying conservation tillage practices to increase soil organic matter, needs to be adopted. Attention needs to be given to both the commercial as well as the communal sectors and it is anticipated that the differences between them will diminish. Monitoring of agricultural output and rangeland condition will be a critical component of attempts to improve rangeland condition and facilitate sustainable development.
Plantation forestry has developed in South Africa in response to domestic and international demand for wood and wood products, and now occupies about 1.5 million hectares of land (1.2% of the country). The trends in the development of the industry have placed significant pressures on land, water, natural habitats, and biological diversity. However, forestry has also contributed to conservation of natural habitats and cultural heritage, as well as social upliftment, and economic growth. Government responses to ensure a more sustainable approach to plantation forestry include provisions in the National Forestry Action Programme and the National Forests Act, the National Water Act, and the National Environmental Management Act. Community forestry projects are also contributing to social and environmental improvement. Initiatives in the private sector include agreement on environmental norms in forestry, and implementation of international environmental management standards.
South Africa is ranked as the 3rd most biologically diverse country in the world. However, exploitative use of natural resources, and conversion and fragmentation of natural habitats, contribute to South Africa also having the highest concentration of threatened species, and high extinction rates. Poverty alleviation, population stabilisation, and formalisation of the production of plants and animals for medicinal and horticultural markets, will go a long way to reducing pressures on scarce biological resources. The success of the cut flower industry and game farming enterprises demonstrate how resources can be managed for the benefit of the ecosystem as well as the economy.
Over 8% (10 million hectares) of South Africa has been invaded to some extent by alien plant species. Alien species impact on water resources and threaten biodiversity. For example, aliens in the Northern and Western Cape use about 15% to 16% of mean annual rainfall, and almost half of the threatened plant species in the Western Cape are threatened with extinction from invading alien vegetation. At a conservative expansion rate of 5% per annum, the impacts of aliens could double in 15 years. Alien removal is therefore a priority, although it is estimated to cost R5.4 billion per year. The Working for Water scheme cleared 107,565 hectares of alien infested areas, 128,648 hectares of follow-up clearing, and employed 23,662 people in 1998/1999.
The generation and disposal of waste and pollutants is a major concern. Large volumes of general and hazardous waste are produced, and current rates, there will be insufficient landfill space available by 2010 (DWAF 1997). Of even greater concern is the widespread illegal dumping and high incidence of spillages of hazardous wastes, which increases the risk of contamination of soil, water and air. The Integrated Pollution and Waste Management Policy and its strategy for implementation, the National Waste Management Strategy, aim to prevent pollution and waste, rehabilitate polluted environments, promote recycling and cleaner technologies, and involve all stakeholders in waste management, including prosecution of offenders.
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There is also information about Terrestrial Ecosystems in the following reports:
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Metropolitan reports:
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Affairs and Tourism. All Rights Reserved.
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Last update: October 1999
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