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The UDP WHS Wilderness Area Management Plan i

The UDP WHS Wilderness Area Management Plan ii

uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

South Africa

Wilderness Area Management Plan 2006-2011

Compiled by

Sonja Krüger Regional Ecologist West uKhahlamba

Assisted by

Brent Corcoran John Crowson

Oscar Mtimkhulu Rob Faure

Charl Brümmer Chris Wex

Henry Hibbett Drummond Densham

Citation Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. 2005. Wilderness Area Management Plan: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg, 41 pp. plus figures and appendices.

The UDP WHS Wilderness Area Management Plan iii

uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site Wilderness Area Management Plan

Authorisation

Compiled and recommended by the Wilderness Management Steering Committee, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of: Emzemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, uKhahlamba Region Sonja Krüger Regional Ecologist West uKhahlamba John Crowson Conservation Manager, South Oscar Mthimkhulu Conservation Manager, Central Rob Faure Conservation Manager, North Charl Brümmer Office in Charge- Kamberg Chris Wex Officer in Charge- Cobham Henry Hibbett Officer in Charge- Garden Castle Emzemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, Head Office Brent Corcoran Protected Area Planner Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project Duncan Heard Protected Area Management Planning Facilitator Non-Governmental Organisations Drummond Densham Wilderness Action Group

Recommended*:

NAME and TITLE SIGNATURE AND DATE Mr. Bheki Khoza Chairperson: EKZNW, uKhahlamba Regional Operations Committee

Mr. K. Mkhize Chief Executive Officer: EKZNW

Dr. M.P. Sokhela Chairperson: KZN Nature Conservation Board and the Authority for the Park

Dr J. Mjwara Head of Department: Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs

Inkosi S. H. Gumede Chairperson: Portfolio Environment & Conservation Committee

Prof. L.B.G. Ndabandaba KwaZulu-Natal MEC: Agriculture & Environmental Affairs

APPROVED: Mr. M. van Schalkwyk National Minister: Environmental Affairs and Tourism

* Since the Wilderness Area Management Plan forms part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site Integrated Management Plan (IMP), any recommendation and approval of the IMP will include the Wilderness Area Management Plan.

The UDP WHS Wilderness Area Management Plan iv

CONTENTS Page Title Page i Authorisation Page ii Contents Page iii INDEX OF FIGURES v INDEX OF APPENDICES vi ABBREVIATIONS USED vii 1. INTRODUCTION TO WILDERNESS 1

1.1 Definition of Wilderness 2 1.2 The Scarcity of Wilderness 2

1.3 Definition of “Leave No Trace” 3 1.4 The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site Wilderness Resource 3

2. VALUES AND BENEFITS OF WILDERNESS 4

2.1 Experiential 4 2.2 Scientific 4 2.3 Symbolic and Spiritual 5 2.4 Economic 5

3. LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 6

3.1 Protection Status 6 3.1.1 International Protection 6 3.1.2 National Protection 6 3.1.3 Provincial Protection 7 3.1.4 Local Protection 7

3.2 Expansion and Restoration of Wilderness 7 3.3 Integrated Environmental Management Procedure 8 4. WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT 8

4.1 Introduction to Wilderness Management 8 4.2 Aims and Objectives of the Wilderness Area Management Plan 9

4.3 Vision for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site 9 4.4 Wilderness Management Principles 10 4.5 Wilderness Management Steering Committee 11

5. ZONATION OF THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE 12 5.1 The Recreational Opportunity Spectrum 13

6. CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT WITHIN WILDERNESS 13 6.1 Management of Fauna 13

6.1.1 Indigenous Fauna 13 6.1.2 Alien Fauna 14 6.1.3 Problem Animals 14 6.1.4 Injured Animals 14 6.1.5 Monitoring 14

6.2 Management of Flora 15 6.2.1 Burning 15 6.2.2 Alien Plant Control 16

6.3 Extractive Resource Utilisation 16 6.3.1 Flora 16 6.3.2 Fauna 17

6.4 Erosion, Reclamation and Rehabilitation 17 6.5 Security and Law Enforcement 17 6.6 Waste Disposal 18

6.6.1 Waste from Recreation Activities 18 6.6.2 Waste from Management Activities 19

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6.7 Structures within Wilderness 19 6.7.1 Signage 19 6.7.2 Infrastructure 19 6.7.3 Trails 20 6.7.4 Cultural, Historical, Archaeological and Living Heritage Sites 20 6.7.5 Caves / Rock Shelters 21 6.7.6 Research and Monitoring Sites 21

6.8. Access 21 6.8.1 Roads 21 6.8.2 People with Disabilities 22 6.8.3 Aviation 22 6.8.4 Trails 23 6.8.5 Search and Rescue (Including Casevac Procedures) 24

7. VISITOR MANAGEMENT WITHIN WILDERNESS 25

7.1 Present Wilderness Use 25 7.2 Future Wilderness Use 25 7.3 Wilderness Experience Spectrum 25

7.3.1 Current Wilderness Experience Spectrum 25 7.3.1.1 Guided or self guided trails 25 7.3.1.2 Nationally recognised trails 26

7.4 Role of the Private Sector / Neighbouring Communities 26 7.5 Visitor Activities 27

7.5.1 Horse Trails 27 7.5.2 Hiking 27 7.5.3 Camping 28 7.5.4 Mountaineering 29 7.5.5 Mountain Biking 29 7.5.6 Fishing 30 7.5.7 Sporting Events 30 7.5.8 Filming Events 30

7.6 Limits of Sophistication for Visitor Activities 30 8. LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE CHANGE 31

8.1 Introduction to the Limits of Acceptable Change Concept 31 8.2 Recreational Impact Focus of the Limits of Acceptable Change Process 31 8.3 The Limits of Acceptable Change Process 32 8.4 The Procedure 32 8.5 Establishing Use Limits 33 8.6 The Way Forward 34

9. RESEARCH AND MONITORING 35

9.1 Current Research and Monitoring 35 9.2 Future Research and Monitoring 35

10. WILDERNESS AWARENESS PROGRAMME 36 10.1 Target Audience 36

10.1.1 Staff 36 10.1.2 Neighbours 36 10.1.3 Public (at large) 37 10.1.4 Public Users 37

10.2 Information (Teaching Aids) 37 10.3 Marketing 39

11. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 39 TABLES 1 & 2; FIGURES 1 – 4; APPENDICES 1 - 12 40-83

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INDEX OF FIGURES FIGURE 1: THE PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS OF THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG

PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE. FIGURE 2: CANDIDATE WIILDERNESS AREAS WITHIN THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG

PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE. FIGURE 3: RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM ZONATION OF THE UKHAHLAMBA

DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE. FIGURE 4: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD

HERITAGE SITE PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS.

FIGURE 4 a Royal Natal and Rugged Glen (no proclaimed Wilderness in these sections)

FIGURE 4 b Poccolan (no proclaimed Wilderness in this section)

FIGURE 4 c Cathedral Peak

FIGURE 4 d Monks Cowl

FIGURE 4 e Injisuthi

FIGURE 4 f Hillside (no proclaimed Wilderness in this section)

FIGURE 4 g Witteberg (no proclaimed Wilderness in this section)

FIGURE 4 h Highmoor

FIGURE 4 i Kamberg (no proclaimed Wilderness in this section)

FIGURE 4 j Mkhomazi

FIGURE 4 k Lotheni

FIGURE 4 l Vergelegen

FIGURE 4 m Cobham

FIGURE 4 n Garden Castle

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INDEX OF APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: THE PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE FOR THE UKHAHLAMBA

DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

APPENDIX 2: IUCN CLASSIFICATION OF WILDERNESS. APPENDIX 3: INSTRUMENTS PROVIDING FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE

UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE WILDERNESS AREAS.

A: THE NATIONAL FORESTS ACT NO. 84 OF 1998. B: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: PROTECTED AREAS ACT NO. 57 OF 2003. C: KWAZULU-NATAL NATURE CONSERVATION ORDINANCE NO. 15 OF 1974.

D: THE KWAZULU-NATAL NATURE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT ACT NO. 9 OF 1997 AS AMENDED.

E: KWAZULU-NATAL NATURE CONSERVATION SERVICE POLICY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF WILDERNESS AREAS.

APPENDIX 4: THE 13 WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES. APPENDIX 5: THE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM AS A ZONATION SYSTEM

FOR THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE. APPENDIX 6: THE FORMAT FOR SIGNAGE IN THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK

WORLD HERITAGE SITE. APPENDIX 7: AN INVENTORY OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE PRESENT WITHIN THE

UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE WILDERNESS AREAS (SEE ALSO FIGURE 3).

APPENDIX 8: A: FLIGHT PATHS OF COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATORS AT

CATHEDRAL PEAK. B: FLIGHT PATHS OF COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATORS AT

MONKS COWL. APPENDIX 9: EMERGENCY RESCUE PROTOCOL FOR THE UKHAHLAMBA

DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE. APPENDIX 10: ACTIVITIES MATRIX FOR THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD

HERITAGE SITE. APPENDIX 11: MOUNTAIN CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA KWAZULU NATAL SECTION: USE OF

FIXED PROTECTION AND BOLTING IN THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

APPENDIX 12: THE LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE CHANGE.

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ABBREVIATIONS USED AMAFA: Amafa aKwaZulu Natali

EKZNW: Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife

IEM: Integrated Environmental Management

IMP: Integrated Management Plan

LAC: Limits of Acceptable Change

LNT: Leave no Trace

LOS: Limits of Sophistication

MDTP: Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project

MCSA: Mountain Club of South Africa

OiC: Officer in Charge

ROS: Recreational Opportunity Spectrum

SAAF: South African Air Force

SAPS: South African Police Service

The Park: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

UDP WHS: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

WAG: Wilderness Action Group

WLS: Wilderness Leadership School

WOS: Wilderness Opportunity Spectrum

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The UDP WHS Wilderness Area Management Plan 1

THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE WILDERNESS AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. INTRODUCTION TO WILDERNESS

The Wilderness concept originated in the twentieth century in North America and was introduced into South Africa and adopted in the 1950s. The American concept was one of land and water where natural ecological processes operate as free of human influence as possible and with primitive recreation opportunities and solitude. This concept has spread internationally and the globalisation of the concept is evolving in both developed and developing countries. In developing countries, however, people are more concerned with meeting basic needs such as food, medical care and education and they have little understanding of Wilderness preservation. What a white man may perceive as “wild land” or Wilderness, may be another man’s home who considers it “tame” land. It is important to note though that many of the same ecological and social values secured in American Wilderness are protected in other countries under different land use classifications. In South Africa, protected area management dates back over a century and the protection of Wilderness dates back over 30 years. The first two Wilderness zones were declared in 1958 in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and in Umfolozi Game Reserve largely through the efforts of Ian Player. The idea of Wilderness conservation also evolved amongst the foresters in the early 1970s headed by Danie Ackerman. Danie Ackerman obtained legal protection for Wilderness in state forests through the Forest Act in 1971, the first of its kind in Africa. In the United States the perception of Wilderness has evolved from that of a forbidding landscape to that of a valued cultural resource. In addition, substantial economic and social values are linked to the protection of Wilderness. In South Africa, Wilderness is evolving from the perception of being a predominantly white concept to one which is widely recognised by all cultures. The Wilderness resource encompasses two central concepts namely; naturalness and solitude. Naturalness encompasses biodiversity conservation, which for Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife’s (EKZNW) purpose forms the central part of the Wilderness concept and definition.

Wilderness in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

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1.1 Definition of Wilderness

According to the 3rd edition of the Wilderness Management Handbook (2002), a Wilderness manager’s most important tool is a deep philosophical understanding of Wilderness grounded in the knowledge of its legislated and inherent ecological and social values.

But what is Wilderness? This question affects all Wilderness designation and management decisions. On the one hand Wilderness can be defined from a legal perspective as per existing legislation, and on the other hand it is whatever people think it is. These two extreme definitions are called legal Wilderness and sociological Wilderness. Since perceptions of Wilderness vary widely, it is difficult to find an acceptable definition of sociological Wilderness. People from different cultures and countries have widely different perceptions of what Wilderness is. The legal definition of Wilderness however, is much more precise, namely;

The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003 defines a Wilderness area as; “an area designated ……for the purpose of retaining an intrinsically wild appearance and character, or capable of being restored to such and which is undeveloped and roadless, without permanent improvements or human habitation.”

The KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 15 of 1974 defines a Wilderness area as; “an area where little or no human intrusion is permitted so that the natural processes will take place largely unaffected by human intervention.”

Based on the legal definition, Wilderness is placed on the “untrammelled / undeveloped” or “primeval” portion of the environmental modification spectrum. It is characterised by large tracts of land in its natural state, an area which contains no permanent inhabitants or infrastructure and anyone that exists in Wilderness must depend exclusively on his own effort for survival. Since the Wilderness Area Management Plan is primarily about managing legally designated Wilderness, our definition of Wilderness will be that defined in the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003.

1.2 The Scarcity of Wilderness

The Wilderness concept is one which was created for people, by people, for conservation. However, Wilderness must also be protected for the sake of conservation and not only for people’s sake. Political changes, however, may result in an area being developed to address housing needs rather than protecting it for biodiversity needs. Wilderness must be argued from a conservation perspective. EKZNW must manage against incremental creep- the continual development encroaching on Wilderness both from within protected areas as well as on the boundary of protected areas. More Wilderness is required for this experience to be available to a wider spectrum of the South African public. The rehabilitation of existing areas and the proclamation of additional Wilderness areas must be pursued.

The total extent of Wilderness remaining in South Africa is unlikely to be more than an estimated 0.3% of the land surface, about 2.1% of the existing protected areas of South Africa, which themselves constitute only a small (8%) percentage of the country. The Wilderness areas within the Park comprise 36% of proclaimed Wilderness in South Africa and 97% within KwaZulu-Natal. All land in the country is likely to be subjected to some form of development within the next decade, increasing the threat that Wilderness will be lost completely, as happened in Western Europe where no true Wilderness areas exist today. In KwaZulu-Natal, 32% of the land is irreversibly transformed, and much of the rest is impacted upon. The above percentages emphasise the need for identifying candidate Wilderness areas in the province and country to secure this resource for future generations.

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1.3 Definition of “Leave No Trace”

The “Leave no Trace” (LNT) principles of outdoor ethics form the framework of LNT's message. In order for these principles to be applicable to the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site (the Park), the original principles have been amended to suit the South African mountain environment (APPENDIX 1).

The management policy for Wilderness areas is to “leave no trace”- that is to retain the wild character of these areas by prohibiting all forms of man-made developments (roads, buildings etc.). Although people may gain access on foot or horseback, recreational opportunities within Wilderness areas are managed to allow for an experience of solitude within an intrinsically unaltered natural environment, and thus to provide opportunities for inspiration, enrichment, self-reliance, and physical adventure.

In Wilderness, man is a visitor who does not remain. When visitors leave evidence of their journeys, the next visitor loses the sense of solitude and undisturbed recreation opportunities. Wilderness visitors can take responsibility for being unnoticed and leaving no trace. They should pack all litter out of the Wilderness, use a lightweight stove instead of a fire, keep group sizes small, camp and wash at least 100 m or 5 minutes walk away from trails and water bodies, and leave cultural resources in place.

1.4 The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site Wilderness Resource

Almost the entire area of the Park is in an unmodified, near-pristine condition. A portion of the Park has been formally protected for almost a century, being amongst the oldest areas set aside for conservation in Africa. The Park, although used by man for a long time, has never been occupied by significantly large human settlements, nor has the area been subjected to significant man-induced land disturbances. The past presence of hunter-gatherers and Iron Age agriculturalists in the Park is likely to have contributed to the diversity of habitat types in some areas. The largest areas of the Park that have been transformed in recent history, represent less than 5% of the total area (242 813 ha) of the Park. These are areas of alien plant infestation (where programmes of elimination and rehabilitation are in place) and transformation. The latter includes a system of roads used by visitors and for management purposes, established mainly at lower elevations within the Park, and sensitively planned accommodation which is provided within designated development nodes. Hutted accommodation is provided at Royal Natal, Cathedral Peak, Giants Castle, Kamberg and Injisuthi. Campsites occur at Mahai, Rugged Glen, Cathedral Peak, Monks Cowl, Injisuthi, Hillside, Highmoor, Lotheni, Cobham, Vergelegen and Garden Castle. Since such a low percentage of the total area of the Park is transformed by both alien plant infestation and infrastructural development, the natural ecological and geomorphological processes therefore function with little or no significant detrimental interference from the activities of man. Where there have been impacts, the Park management approach is to restore such areas to their former status following the Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) process which will include assessing whether funding is available for rehabilitation.

The spatial configuration of the Park is a challenge to Wilderness managers within the regional context. Since the Park is a long and narrow piece of land which is tilted on its side, it is not substantially buffered on the eastern and western boundaries. This makes the demarcation of a buffer to the Park a critical management action in order to provide an adequate buffer to Wilderness areas.

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2. VALUES AND BENEFITS OF WILDERNESS

The Wilderness cause can be argued around four distinct themes namely; experiential, the direct value of the Wilderness experience; the value of Wilderness as a scientific resource and environmental baseline; the symbolic and spiritual values of Wilderness to the nation and the world; and the value of Wilderness as a commodity or place that generates direct and indirect economic benefits. 2.1 Experiential

• The Wilderness experience is seen as valuable in its own right. • The experience includes the closeness to nature, education, freedom, solitude, and

simplicity, as well as the spiritual, aesthetic, and mystical dimensions of Wilderness. • The spiritual Wilderness qualities of freedom, solitude and the beauty of the

mountains can satisfy all human needs. • Wilderness furnishes perhaps the best opportunity for pure aesthetic rapture

(Marshal, 1930). • The restorative powers of Wilderness can help prevent moral deterioration. • Recreational use of Wilderness ranks among the highest of all possible uses because

of the moral benefits associated with it. • Wilderness provides exceptional opportunities for environmental education through

interpretation of all the biological, ecological, archaeological, and other components of Wilderness.

• Wilderness also provides the ideal opportunity for training in many aspects of nature conservation and Wilderness management techniques. The experiential value of Wilderness includes personal growth and healing. Wilderness experience programmes take people into Wilderness to develop their human potential through education, personal growth (including leadership and organizational development) or therapy and healing for those dealing with various forms of trauma. These programmes derive from a belief that, in the natural environment (ideally Wilderness), away from the social pressures, excessive stimuli, and diversions, we can confront our true and deeper selves, identify our values and priorities, derive great personal benefits (such as emotional and spiritual renewal, improved self- esteem, improved physical or mental health), test our outdoor survival skills and recover a sense of wholeness.

2.2 Scientific

• Wilderness is the world’s living laboratory. Wilderness areas provide valuable

opportunities for scientific studies that collect benchmark data on ecosystem processes and natural ecosystem functioning. As a result of their undisturbed setting, Wilderness areas act as yardsticks for measuring changes in the developed world.

• Wilderness is a laboratory to study land health. Paleontology provides abundant evidence that Wilderness has maintained itself for immensely long periods.

• Wilderness areas have remained undisturbed over long periods of time therefore they are reservoirs of genetic constructs that have evolved over eons of time. Large undisturbed tracts of land are important sources of genetic diversity and thus stability in the animal and plant populations and are essential to retaining genetic pools.

• The relationship of humans to the world around them can only be understood by analysing biological systems that have escaped human impact. Understanding how ecosystems have evolved outside of human influence helps prevent errors as we shape and modify the earth to our purposes.

• Wilderness provides large tracts of unmodified habitat that some threatened species need to survive. Such Wilderness also offers the opportunity to study these species to ensure their maintenance.

• Wilderness also provides an important laboratory for scientists studying human behaviour. The isolation of small groups of people and their close interdependence in

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the face of the challenges of Wilderness experiences provides valuable behavioural research opportunities.

2.3 Symbolic and Spiritual

• Wilderness symbolises comforting stability and simplicity. • Wilderness is a symbol of respect for the naturalness and solitude that has been

displaced by civilisation on most of the earth. • Wilderness is a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the

geography of hope. • There are many important human values derived from Wilderness- it is a source of

inspiration, insight, and personal peace. • Spiritual development from a Wilderness experience is defined as a deep sense of

connection to all things, such as the larger universe, a higher power, nature, a feeling of oneness, and what is referred to as "connection to other" as opposed to "connection to self”.

2.4 Economic

The wide variety of economic values of Wilderness is a very real and powerful social and political force for protecting and managing Wilderness. • Wilderness provides direct and indirect income from recreation and thus economic

benefits for local, regional and national economies. • Several non-use values of Wilderness include the;

bequest value- that of the protection of natural ecosystems and national heritage for future generations,

existence value- the protection of natural processes and conditions just to know that there are places that are relatively unimpacted by humans, and

the option values- maintaining the option to either protect or develop the area in future.

• Local residents benefit from Wilderness through the enjoyment of a high quality local environment with natural amenities.

• Recreation users service several businesses to support their trips and Wilderness experiences.

• Proximity to Wilderness as a setting for travel and tourism can bring in income from providing goods and services to tourists who enjoy Wilderness from a distance but may not actually hike there.

• Wilderness protection protects the economic future of communities by preserving high quality natural environments that are increasing in demand around the country.

• Ecological services are benefits that people obtain from ecosystems, including products such as food, water, fuel and fibre, and genetic resources; regulating benefits from the regulation of ecosystem processes, including climate regulation, disease and flood control and detoxification; and cultural non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems which include spiritual, recreational, aesthetic, inspirational, educational, community and symbolic values (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment website, 2003).

• The Wilderness areas in the Park have a particular economic importance in terms of water production since they are located in the Drakensberg Catchment Area which is of national importance (see 3.1.2).

Wilderness values will grow in the future as improved methods of estimating benefits are applied, and as the supply of Wilderness diminishes and the demand for its services increases.

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3. LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK

3.1 Protection Status 3.1.1 International Protection

In terms of the IUCN system of classification of protected areas, Wilderness areas

are classified as Category I b (APPENDIX 2): Where a Wilderness area is a protected area managed mainly for Wilderness protection and is defined as a; “large area of unmodified or slightly modified land, and / or sea, retaining its natural character and influence, without permanent or significant habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural condition.”

3.1.2 National Protection

The Wilderness areas of the Park are statutory in terms of proclamation and zonation. In 1973, two large areas within the Park were proclaimed as Wilderness Areas in terms of the Forest Act No. 72 of 1968. These were the Mdedelelo, 27 000 ha (G.N. 791 of 1973) and the Upper Mkhomazi, 48 000 ha (G.N. 791 of 1973) Wilderness Areas. They were two of the first three Wilderness Areas to be so proclaimed in South Africa. Subsequently, the Mzimkulu, 28 340 ha (G.N. 1563 of 1979), the Mlambonja, 6 270 ha (G.N. 961 of 1989) and the Lower Mkhomazi, 8155 ha (G.N. 962 of 1989) Wilderness Areas were proclaimed. These areas comprise 48.5% of the Park (FIGURE 1). These areas are currently managed according to the National Forest Act No. 84 of 1998 (APPENDIX 3A). The following component areas (incorporating Wilderness areas) were set aside by the Government of South Africa, Forest Act No. 122 of 1984, as amended: • Cathedral Peak State Forest (Mdedelelo and Mlambonja Wilderness Areas) • Monks Cowl State Forest (Mdedelelo Wilderness Area) • Highmoor State Forest (Mkhomazi Wilderness Area) • Mkhomazi State Forest (Mkhomazi Wilderness Area) • Cobham State Forest (Mzimkulu Wilderness Area) • Garden Castle State Forest (Mzimkulu Wilderness Area) In addition, the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003 (APPENDIX 3B) provides for; the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes, the establishment of a national register of all national, provincial and local protected areas, for the management of those areas in accordance with national norms and standards, intergovernmental co-operation and public consultation in matters concerning protected areas; and for matters in connection therewith. The Act recognises Wilderness areas and the specific management requirements of these areas. The draft regulations in terms of the World Heritage Convention Act No. 49 of 1999, in connection with the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, also refer to Wilderness in Section 4(e) where the need for a Wilderness Area Management Plan is expressed as follows:

“Establish and implement in addition to the Integrated Management Plan (IMP, previously known as the Concept Development Plan) related subordinate plans, including, without limitation precinct plans, wilderness areas management plans and other appropriate plans.”

The Drakensberg (including its Wilderness areas) is also of national importance as a water production area. The National Department of Forestry demarcated the

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eastern boundary of the Drakensberg Catchment Area (Proclamation 209 of 1948 and Proclamation 96 of 1951 of the Soil Conservation Act) by identifying the Natural Physiographic Catchment Boundary. All land within this area is to be managed primarily for water production, but provision will be made for certain low intensity, recreation activities��

3.1.3 Provincial Protection

Part 1 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 15 of 1974 (APPENDIX 3C) makes provision for the Establishment of National Parks, Game Reserves, Wilderness areas and Nature Reserves (Amended by PN 4942/1993).

The following component areas of the Park (incorporating Wilderness areas) are covered by the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act No. 9 of 1997 (APPENDIX 3D): • Lotheni Nature Reserve (Mkhomazi Wilderness Area) • Vergelegen Nature Reserve (Mkhomazi Wilderness Area)

3.1.4 Local Protection

The KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service Board has also established a policy (Policy File No. 3.17, 1999) on the “Management of Wilderness Areas” (APPENDIX 3E) where the board recognizes; i) that Wilderness is an enduring natural resource, ii) the classification of Wilderness, iii) the importance of these areas, and iv) the experience that Wilderness provides. The Park is the core conservation area and an integral part of the Special Case Area as well as the Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project region. A Special Case Area Plan (SCAP) was produced by the Natal Town and Regional Planning Commission and incorporates planning principles, regional zonation and recommendations (Management Series Volume 90, 2001). Other policies relevant to the management planning of the Park include the Drakensberg Policy Statement (Natal Town and Regional Planning Report Volume 34, 1976), the Southern Drakensberg Policy Statement (Natal Town and Regional Planning Report Volume 49, 1981) and the Drakensberg Approaches Policy (Natal Town and Regional Planning Report Volume 74, 1990).

3.2 Expansion and Restoration of Wilderness Of the total area of the Park, 48.5 % (117 765 ha) comprises the four legally proclaimed Wilderness areas described above. A further 17% (41 388 ha) has been zoned as Wilderness based on various criteria (see 5). From the areas zoned as Wilderness, candidate Wilderness areas have been identified (FIGURE 2). The candidate areas are currently being evaluated for proclamation. The priority candidate area is within Giants Castle which has been chosen because of the relatively large size of the Wilderness zones which constitute a vital link between the proclaimed Wilderness areas in the north and south of the Park. If deemed suitable, a proposal will be prepared for the proclamation of this area under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003. It is recognised that sections of proclaimed Wilderness may no longer possess the Wilderness qualities that allowed them to be designated as such. In order to ensure that Wilderness areas represent a pristine landscape, those Wilderness areas / zones requiring restoration will be identified as part of the operationlisation of this management plan (see Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. 2007. Wilderness Area Action Plan: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg).

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3.3 Integrated Environmental Management Procedure

An IEM policy (Policy File No. 3.01, 1992) has been approved and adopted by the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service Board (APPENDIX 3F). This policy will be implemented for development projects or activities within Wilderness. In Wilderness areas, development projects include all management programmes (e.g. game monitoring, alien plant control, and resource utilisation programmes).

For those annual programmes that follow a set procedure on a continual basis, any deviation from these set procedures, detailed in the original IEM, will require a scoping

exercise to be undertaken.

All scoping reports must be approved by the Officer in Charge, Hospitality Manager (where relevant), Conservation Manager, Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator, Eco-tourism Coordinator (where relevant), Ecological Advice Coordinator and Coordinator IEM. Recommendations may only be implemented after approval is received from the Regional Operations Committee, the Development Committee and the Coordinator IEM. Where the proposed development is a listed activity in terms of the National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998, authority is sought from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (national) and / or the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (provincial) who issue a Record of Decision. All approved scoping reports should be filed on station, an audit of all approved developments will be undertaken and monitoring standards will be set. The IEM policy includes a monitoring and auditing process which should be completed at regular intervals.

4. WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT

4.1 Introduction to Wilderness Management

The concept of Wilderness management is, in many ways, a paradox. On the one hand, Wilderness conveys impressions of freedom, of land beyond the control of man. Management, on the other hand, suggests control and manipulation. However, in today's world, Wilderness can be preserved only by deliberate management to minimize man's influence, i.e. "management" involves a range of options, including "no action". There are three philosophical poles regarding Wilderness management. The first is grounded in the notion that providing for man's "use and enjoyment" of Wilderness should have precedence over other values (thus an anthropocentric view). The opposing view places its emphasis on the maintenance of the natural systems at the expense of recreational and other human uses, if necessary (the biocentric view). The third pole, namely the theistic pole, is one which considers a Wilderness landscape an access or connection point to the divine. This association is attributed to the purity of the landscape which is described as a “the place where you can see the land as God made it”. A balanced consideration between the biocentric, the anthropocentric and theistic views of Wilderness management is needed. This document recognises all three views and strives to obtain a balance in developing management strategies. In most conflicts between the biophysical Wilderness resource and human desires, the resource and its preservation will be given priority because all Wilderness values depend on the natural character of Wilderness areas. Human influences should be managed so that the natural conditions of Wilderness ecosystems are not altered beyond agreed-upon standards. The manager should use only the minimum tool, force and regulation necessary to meet the natural character objective. Although Wilderness is for people, the Wilderness environment should not be managed to suit people. Managers must also recognise that Wilderness areas do not exist in a vacuum. The effects on people and resources outside of Wilderness areas must be considered when making decisions within Wilderness, and vice versa.

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Wilderness is a unique resource, a living, biological laboratory having utility for society, often with a value lying beyond economic measures. It is a composite resource with inseparable parts, and the central focus of management must be on the inter-relationships of the whole, not on its component parts. The dynamics of the ecosystem and resulting trajectory of successional change (e.g. plant succession, competition, species population dynamics), should proceed without disruption or distortion by man. In Wilderness management, one cannot develop isolated management strategies for water, fire, wildlife, or recreation; rather, one integrated Wilderness management strategy must deal simultaneously with the interrelationship between these and all other component parts of Wilderness. The strategy must include an on-going process by which the unique character of the ecosystems can be defined over time, and then be monitored to ensure that the impact of human use, in all its forms, is not disrupting natural succession. If the successional process has been altered by human intervention, a decision to restore the natural trajectory should be reached, after careful consideration, and with full understanding of the consequences of the decision.

Process-based management has been adopted in the Park, but Wilderness management takes this one step further in that management decisions are effected with consideration to the minimum tool concept. Process-based management is based on the philosophy that change to the system is natural and the system must be managed to allow these natural changes to take place, with minimum intervention. Natural processes will be allowed to operate, e.g. predation, plant succession, competition, natural stress, and where absent, e.g. resource utilization, dispersal, burning etc., these will be simulated.

4.2 Aims and Objectives of the Wilderness Area Management Plan

i) To maintain and manage to a higher (more natural and pristine) state, the pristine

character of the landscape and the opportunities for solitude it provides.

ii) Identify candidate Wilderness areas. iii) To secure for all the people of South Africa, of present and future generations, a

significant portion of the country’s Wilderness.

iv) To provide a comprehensive management plan for the effective management and sustainable utilization of the Park Wilderness areas.

v) To refine a management philosophy that can be tested and evaluated through

dialogue with Wilderness managers and other interested parties.

vi) To promote the values and benefits of the Park and to ensure that these processes are allowed to operate with minimal interference.

vii) To promote understanding, acceptance, and support of the Wilderness

management philosophy by politicians and organizations such as the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, protected area managers and users that, hopefully, will extend beyond the Park to other organisations that administer Wilderness areas.

viii) To produce human benefits, such as providing appropriate opportunities to access

Wilderness, whilst maintaining the Wilderness character.

4.3 Vision for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

The core function of EKZNW, namely “Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism through Partnerships”, must form the focal point of Wilderness management. Appropriate and responsible ecotourism can generate funds to support conservation.

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The future desired state of the Park with its Wilderness areas is captured in; i) the vision of the Integrated Management Plan for the Park:

A consolidated and extended Transfrontier Park that is secured, protected, representative of the biodiversity of the mountain grassland landscape, and which is supported by the people of Southern Africa and contributes significantly to the economic development of the region through heritage-based tourism as well as providing sustained and tangible benefits to people.

ii) the mission of the Integrated Management Plan for the Park:

To manage and conserve the Park for it’s globally significant natural, cultural and Wilderness values and life support systems through co-management with partners and all stakeholders, and to provide a flow of benefits beyond the boundaries of the Park.

and,

iii) the management objectives of the Integrated Management Plan for the Park of which two are specific to Wilderness;

a) respect and give access to the park’s biodiversity, cultural and Wilderness values in order to realise the acceptable tourism potential for the Park, it’s surrounding areas and stakeholders;

f) develop a comprehensive plan for the effective management and sustainable use of Wilderness as an integral part of the Integrated Management Plan for the Park.

4.4 Wilderness Management Principles

To ensure that Wilderness is managed and preserved as an "enduring resource", a set of management principles has been developed to direct the development of specific management objectives and goals, maintain Wilderness ethics and ensure the achievement of the aims of the Wilderness Area Management Plan.

The 13 Wilderness management principles (Hendee and Dawson, 2003) have been demonstrated by South African Wilderness managers to be effective. See APPENDIX 4 for an explanation of the following principles: 1. Manage Wilderness as the most pristine extreme on the environmental

modification spectrum.

2. Manage Wilderness holistically not as separable parts. 3. Manage Wilderness, and sites within, under a non-degradation concept.

4. Manage human influences, a key to Wilderness protection.

5. Manage Wilderness biocentrically (for its intrinsic value) to produce human

values and benefits.

6. Favour Wilderness-dependent activities, discourage non-Wilderness-dependent activities (see also APPENDIX 10).

7. Guide Wilderness management using written plans with specific area objectives.

8. Set carrying capacities as necessary to prevent unnatural change (see 8). 9. Focus management on threatened sites and damaging activities.

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10. Apply only the minimum tools, regulations, or force1 to achieve Wilderness-area objectives.

11. Involve the public as a key to the success of Wilderness management. 12. Monitor Wilderness conditions and experience opportunities to guide long-

term Wilderness stewardship. 13. Manage Wilderness in relation to the management of adjacent lands.

4.5 Wilderness Management Steering Committee

To ensure the integrity of Wilderness management, a steering committee will be established and constituted to fulfill the following functions: • Assess comments received on the draft copy of this management plan. • Advise and guide management staff with the implementation of this management plan. • Maintain contact with Wilderness developments in other countries and other

organisations. • Maintain staff involvement in professional training. • Pursue all avenues for attaining the highest possible recognition of the Park

Wilderness areas. • Ensure guided walks and Wilderness Leadership School (WLS) trails operations

continue to operate within the parameters of their operation manuals and that school and adventure groups adhere to the Wilderness principles.

The composition of this committee will consist of no more than fourteen people, including the following: • uKhahlamba Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator • Protected Area Planner • Conservation Manager North uKhahlamba • Conservation Manager Central uKhahlamba • Conservation Manager South uKhahlamba • Regional Ecologist • Officers in Charge (OiC) of management units incorporated within the Mlambonja,

Mkhomazi, Mzimkhulu and Mdedelelo Wilderness areas • Community Conservation Officer • Ecotourism Coordinator • Up to two specialists, with recognised Wilderness training / experience, who may

not necessarily be EKZNW employees e.g. Wilderness Action Group (WAG) and WLS.

• Honorary Officer representative.

A “Friends of the Park Wilderness” group may also be formed. This group would be able to assist the Wilderness Steering Committee with fundraising, and Wilderness management activities such as cleaning caves, trail maintenance etc. This group may be sourced from the existing honorary officer group and could form a sub-set of this group in the uKhahlamba Region.

1 The minimum tool option is the “softest” option that can be applied, the option that will have the least impact on the environment and on the Wilderness qualities of naturalness and solitude.

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5. ZONATION OF THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE

See also: The Park Zonation Plan, March 2003 (BJ Corcoran, R Porter & AC Blackmore).

Zonation within reserves and Wilderness areas is an internationally accepted practice for the purpose of effecting management and recreation opportunities. The use of a nationally standardised system of classification which clearly characterises the various zones, will ensure that Wilderness managers and users have a clear indication of the management and recreational opportunities within the various zones.

The Recreational Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) has been used for zoning the Park. This system was developed by the United States Forest Service and has been applied by Parks – Canada amongst others. The ROS system enables the protected area to be zoned, in context, according to seven categories. These categories are spread along a continuum, from Wilderness to rural recreational development namely; Pristine Wilderness, Primitive Wilderness, Semi-Primitive Wilderness, Semi-Primitive Non-Motorised, Semi-Primitive Motorised, Roaded Natural and Rural (see APPENDIX 5 and FIGURE 3). Of the seven categories, the Pristine Wilderness, Primitive Wilderness and Semi-Primitive Wilderness zones fall within the Wilderness areas and collectively form the Wilderness Opportunity Spectrum (WOS) within the ROS. Each category within the WOS and ROS is defined in terms of activity, setting and experience opportunities which guides both the manager and the recreationist. The manager can provide the opportunity for obtaining the experiences that the recreationist expects within a particular category. The ROS zonation system recognises and reflects: • the sensitive features associated with the reserve (i.e. biophysical, cultural and sense of

place), • the range of existing and potential visitor experiences in and adjacent to Wilderness, • the influence of existing development and use on these features and experiences, • the opportunities and constraints (biophysical, social or managerial constraints) for use, • the existing / potential threats to Wilderness either within or adjacent to Wilderness, and • the opportunities for extending Wilderness into Lesotho as part of Maloti Drakensberg

Transfrontier Project (MDTP) and the influences on Wilderness from across the Lesotho border.

As a result, the final management zonation is a composite of ecological zonation (based on natural and cultural resource sensitivity), sense of place, cultural features, patterns of environmental settings, and existing development and use patterns. The final zonation map is represented as a desired state with respect to the Wilderness zones, i.e. directing management towards a vision for each zone, which reflects and respects the broader conservation and ecotourism objectives for the reserve, and the existing state in terms of the non-Wilderness zones. A zonation table (APPENDIX 5) detailing the boundaries and rationale for each zone, as well as the zone’s natural and cultural features supports the zonation map (FIGURE 3). Biophysical features that are readily located on the ground have been used to demarcate and delineate the zone boundary.

Initial critiques of the zonation approach have highlighted a concern regarding the objectivity, defensibility and transparency of zoning protected areas. The ROS is based on recreational use of Wilderness areas and does not adequately describe or define land-units of biodiversity significance or integrity. In the Park, an attempt has been made to include the biodiversity component in the zonation process and further refinement of this zonation will seek to establish a base zonation highlighting biodiversity and cultural values of the protected area. This will ensure that within� the Park, the ROS and WOS will provide an effective means of implementing management of the natural resources as well as the recreational component of Wilderness.

The use of the ROS and WOS system for the developing the zonation plan for the Park has been undertaken as a basic desktop mapping exercise. A digital elevation model will be used to further refine the zonation system.

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5.1 The Recreational Opportunity Spectrum See also APPENDIX 5 for a detailed description of the setting. Pristine Wilderness The purest form of Wilderness possible is characterised by having absolutely no sight or sound of man (except for commercial aircraft passing overhead), or visual evidence of man having manipulated the ecosystem and landscape in any way and at any time past or present.

Primitive Wilderness Characterised by having no evidence of past or present human manipulation of the immediate ecosystem and landscape (apart from formalized trails), although views of human habitation etc., are visible in the distance (i.e. more than 10 km away).

Semi-Primitive Wilderness Characterised by an unmodified environment where a near-Wilderness experience is possible. Formalised trails are used at a medium intensity. Visual and audio impacts occur from outside, but at a medium distance.

Semi-Primitive Non-Motorised Zone This zone forms the Wilderness support zone or a buffer zone to the Wilderness area. Intervention by man in terms of past manipulation is present in the form of old tracks and settlements. There is evidence of Wilderness recreation facilities and uses, which are non-permanent and Wilderness compatible. Semi-Primitive Motorised This zone forms a transitional buffer between Semi-Primitive (Non-Motorised) and Roaded Natural. The influence of man's activities is becoming evident. This is limited to the minimum requirements to effectively administer and provide law enforcement to the Wilderness area. Only infrastructure and ecological management activities that are deemed essential are permitted. This zone is characterized by low intensity tourism nodes.

Roaded Natural This zone is the traditional access zone to the reserve’s office and camp facilities. The zone has the associated road infrastructure (2 x 4 gravel or tar road), picnic sites, view sites, self-guided trails, etc. and also includes all administrative infrastructure. This zone is characterized by medium to high intensity use. Rural This zone is essentially a resort type development rather than a nature-based tourism facility. The area is characterised by a substantially modified natural environment. The zone is a high intensity use zone with sophisticated facilities to cater for a large number of people. Sights and sounds of man are very evident.

6. CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT WITHIN WILDERNESS 6.1 Management of Fauna

6.1.1 Indigenous Fauna

No dead removals (hunting or culling), dry hunts2 or capture of animals will be allowed in Wilderness areas. Any required removals including those for problem animal control, should take place outside Wilderness areas, e.g. eland can be

2 Hunts where gundogs but no weapons are used and where quarry is not chased, injured or killed.�

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herded to areas that are more accessible for removal. If, however, it is essential to remove animals in Wilderness areas, the minimum tool must be applied, e.g. animal products (meat, horns) must be walked out. Under no circumstances are vehicles allowed to enter Wilderness areas. The IEM procedure must be followed before any game removals will be considered. The higher a species is on the South African Red Data Book categorisation, the more stringent the IEM procedure will be viewed. Specific management programmes may be implemented with respect to endangered, endemic or threatened species, e.g. specific burning regimes for oribi.

6.1.2 Alien Fauna

There should be no alien animal species in Wilderness areas. Currently trout are the only known alien species in Wilderness areas. A management strategy that will minimise the negative impact of alien fish is to be developed in accordance with the IMP (Action Project 6.4.2.2(iii) of the IMP). Animals that did not occur historically in Wilderness areas (and as such are alien to the area) will not be introduced into or allowed to remain in Wilderness areas e.g. blesbok and black wildebeest in Giants Castle, Highmoor and Lotheni, and zebra and black wildebeest in Garden Castle. The merits of each species will be considered as part of Action Project 6.4.4.3 (i) of the IMP and species and site specific decisions will be taken as to the continued existence of these species in Wilderness areas.

6.1.3 Problem Animals

Problem animals can be defined as animals (including feral animals) that become a danger or excessive nuisance to persons and property due to either habituation or aberrant behaviour or whose presence in the area conflicts with the management goals for the area. If necessary, problem animals may be removed from Wilderness areas according to the strategy as per Action Project 6.4.4.2(i) of the IMP. In all cases the minimum tool principle must be applied and the impact on user groups must be considered. For dead removals, animals must be hunted on foot and preferably driven / chased out of Wilderness areas.

Rabid animals must be shot regardless where they occur. 6.1.4 Injured Animals

Animals may be destroyed if they are injured or snared as a result of man-made influences (e.g. an eland breaking a leg). If the injury has resulted from natural causes (e.g. fighting or falling over a cliff) then nature should take its course. However, it is recognized that firstly, the cause of injury may not be known and secondly, destroying the animal would be the preferred management action from an animal rights and moral perspective.

6.1.5 Monitoring

The following are the programmes that are necessary for the effective management of fauna in Wilderness areas, and the guidelines which must be adhered to: • Eland monitoring will take place annually using a fixed wing aircraft. This is

considered the minimum tool for counting eland because the entire Park cannot be covered on foot. It is important to inform hospitality managers and

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visitors etc. that the counts are taking place so that Wilderness users are aware of the potential visual and audio impacts.

• Aerial vulture surveys are considered the minimum tool to obtain an accurate estimate of the status of vulture nest sites along the escarpment, although this is not the preferred method. These aerial counts are infrequent and will be followed up by alternative counting techniques (intensive ground counts).

• Annual crane monitoring (this currently does not take place in Wilderness areas).

Any monitoring flights over Wilderness areas will be executed according to the Park aviation policy (in prep.) and will only be implemented after the IEM process has been followed and all parties have been consulted.

6.2 Management of Flora

6.2.1 Burning

It is recognised that fire is an essential management activity in the Park Wilderness areas. The Park’s Annual Burning Plan, the 10-year Burning Programme (Action Project 6.4.1(ii) of the IMP) and the Park Fire Best-Practice Manual (Action Project 6.4.1(i) of the IMP) apply throughout. Burning specific management blocks has been adopted as the management strategy for the Park. The objectives of this strategy are as follows; • to maintain biodiversity, • to maintain the vigour of the grass layer by removing moribund grass, • to create a heterogeneous mosaic of burnt and un-burnt patches, • to create a heterogeneous mosaic of patches within the burnt area, in

different stages of re-growth, and • to maintain open grasslands.

This strategy has been adopted in order to achieve the Park objective of ensuring that those natural processes responsible for generating and maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems services continue to function.

Where possible, block burns should take the place of firebreaks in Wilderness areas. The resultant burns would look more “natural” than the rigid firebreaks.

Arson fires throughout the Park must be managed or controlled generally by using a back burn technique. Lightning fires in Wilderness areas must be left to burn unless they threaten infrastructure, peoples’ lives or moribund plantations on the boundary of the Park.

Exclusion blocks or limited fire frequency blocks do occur in Wilderness areas (see Park Fire Best-Practice Manual). These have high scientific value and are compatible with Wilderness principles provided the minimum tool concept is applied.

The equipment that is used in Wilderness areas must be assessed in terms of the Wilderness principles (no mechanized equipment in Wilderness areas). No vehicles may be used to access existing or candidate Wilderness areas (e.g. Injisuthi jeep track and Cathedral Peak tracks beyond Arendsig). The use of Gramoxone (herbicide) on firebreaks to prepare tracer lines is considered minimum tool in the Drakensberg Wilderness areas.

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6.2.2 Alien Plant Control

The primary alien plants in the Park include inter alia wattle and blackwood (Acacia spp.), gum (Eucalyptus spp.), pine (Pinus spp.), St. John’s wort (Hypericum spp.), Cotoneaster and bramble (Rubus spp). Area specific infestations include: Northern ‘Berg: General: Gum and pine in the Mdedelelo and Mlambonja

Wilderness areas and light infestations of bramble throughout.

Central ‘Berg: Injisuthi: Gum, wattle, pine and bramble along the Delmhwazini river (Mdedelelo Wilderness). Hillside: Wattle and bramble near KwaNyikinya Outpost. Witteberg: Wattle and bramble along the Injisuthi jeep track and wattle and bramble at Pines Outpost. Highmoor: Silver poplar, wattle and gum at Louisdale Outpost, and bramble at KwaZondi ruin and KwaPhathuza.

Southern ‘Berg: General: Light infestations of bramble throughout. Alien plant control programmes (management plans) will be developed for the Park. Removal programmes will include rehabilitation of the affected area following removal. Priority for control will be given to areas where alien plants threaten biodiversity. Once these sites have been treated, priority will be given to the removal of alien plants in lightly infested areas including especially Wilderness areas. Removal programmes within Wilderness areas must also be prioritised.

The minimum tool concept is to be effected in alien plant control with the use of non-mechanised tools, i.e. picks, cane-knives, bow saw, etc. Any deviation from this requires an internal scoping report. No chemicals will be used in Wilderness areas. Ring barking must be considered the first option in Wilderness areas, rather than chemical control. If the plant is too small for ring barking to be effective and if manual control is not effective, chemical use may be considered e.g. if coppicing will be more detrimental ecologically. In this case, an IEM process must be followed and environmentally friendly chemicals (and mixes) must be used. Environmentally friendly (EKZNW approved) herbicides / chemicals include Mamba, Chopper and Garlon. Pines do not require chemical control. Any stumps that are too big to remove, or if it is not desirable to remove them until after treatment has killed the plant, must initially be camouflaged to disguise the scars from the use of saws, and all signs must be totally removed within one year.

6.3 Extractive Resource Utilisation

No extractive utilization of indigenous flora and fauna is permitted in Wilderness areas, subject to the guidelines below. Alien resource harvesting will be permitted in Wilderness areas. The minimum tool for removing any resource must be used e.g. sickles and cane-knives. Indigenous resource harvesting is only permitted outside Wilderness areas and is subject to a sustainable utilization assessment which will set an annual quota per resource or area. 6.3.1 Flora

• Alien vegetation may be harvested extractively using non-mechanized tools.

• No firewood may be collected from Wilderness areas unless from alien plant programmes.

• The harvesting of bedding material (grass species only) for use in caves (see also 6.7.5) is allowed on a very small scale. It is recognised that this cannot be policed / controlled and it is a traditional form of vegetation use.

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6.3.2 Fauna • No hunting will be permitted in Wilderness areas (see 6.1.1). Fishing,

however, is permitted in Wilderness areas (see 7.5.6 and 6.1.3).

6.4 Erosion Reclamation and Rehabilitation

All evidence of man's activities in Wilderness areas must be removed and the sites must be reclaimed and rehabilitated back to a “pristine / primitive” character (see also 6.7). All man-induced erosion (including historical erosion), such as that resulting from roads and trails, will be reclaimed and preventative measures will be effected. Natural erosion will not be prevented or interfered with, unless it is threatening a sensitive site or feature. Prevention is subject to the IEM process.

OiCs will establish what erosion, if any, is evident in their reserves. Sites for reclamation and rehabilitation will be identified and prioritized. Once priorities are set, funds must be budgeted for by the Conservation Manager on the annual budget estimates. The minimum tool concept will be used throughout the reclamation and rehabilitation process. Managers should utilize indigenous soil, rocks, plants and seeds, etc. for reclamation and rehabilitation, and not introduce exotic materials that will compromise the area's natural character. Managers should strive to recognise the human behaviour patterns that cause damage to Wilderness and should increase efforts to educate and secure the cooperation of the users. All trails throughout the Park will be assessed and prioritized for maintenance and proposed for closure if necessary. The rehabilitation of all closed trails is essential (see 6.7.3). Materials such as poles and droppers are considered minimum tool for trail maintenance without which environmental damage would be considerable i.e. soil loss through erosion of trails that are not maintained. Gabions on trails, such as the Eagle Trail at Lotheni, may be minimum tool (site specific).

In the event of the discontinued use of any current structure or facility in any Wilderness area, these must immediately be removed and the area rehabilitated by the user department (at their expense), within six months. All current non-Wilderness dependent structures (APPENDIX 7, FIGURE 4,) will be evaluated to determine whether they should be removed immediately or remain until such time as it is financially feasible to remove these structures to alternative sites outside Wilderness. All existing structures may not be used for any purpose other than that for which they are presently being used, i.e. present users are regarded as the "last users”.

In the event of rehabilitation of rock art sites, OiCs will collaborate with Amafa aKwaZulu Natali (AMAFA) according to the Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the Park. Trees interfering with rock art may need to be trimmed if they pose a fire hazard. However, water falling on paintings is considered natural weathering and will not be addressed (e.g. diverting a stream so that it does not impact on a site is considered unacceptable). Any management intervention at rock art sites will be in collaboration with AMAFA and with due consideration of ecological processes.

In the event of an unforeseen event such as an airplane crash, etc. in the Wilderness area, once the immediate threat to life has been reacted to, removal of debris should be effected in order to return the area back to its pristine condition by means of the minimum tool. Financial implications are to be covered by the owner.

6.5 Security and Law Enforcement

It is of paramount importance that the integrity of the Wilderness is up-held and any illegal activities are reacted to. The apprehension of perpetrators will be effected using the minimum tool concept.

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The current law enforcement establishments are peripheral to Wilderness areas. All patrols emanating from any of these bases will be conducted into Wilderness areas on foot or horse-back only. The outposts adjacent to Wilderness areas are as follows:

Northern ‘Berg: Royal Natal: Amphitheatre Outpost (not in use), Witsieshoek Outpost, Lions Camp Outpost. Cathedral Peak: Solar Cliffs Outpost. Central ‘Berg: Injisuthi: Khethelakhe Outpost, Ntabamnyama Outpost, GG Inspection Quarters. Hillside: KwaNyikinya Outpost. Witteberg: Pines Outpost. Highmoor: Louisdale (Ncibidwane) Outpost. Southern ‘Berg: Cobham: Makhakhe Outpost. Garden Castle: Bushmans Nek Outpost. Vergelegen: Burnera Outpost.

The Park experiences stock theft problems, arson fires and the movement of contraband substances within its boundaries. In addition, border protection is essential. Some police and army patrols take place within Wilderness areas, e.g. the South African Police Service (SAPS) undertakes stock theft follow up over which EKZNW has very little control. If the South African Air Force (SAAF) or SAPS are required to act within the Park, they must do so subject to the principles of the Wilderness Area Management Plan. Insensitive operational methods by external personnel will not be tolerated in Wilderness areas. The education and awareness programme (see also 10) must inform users of acceptable methods of operation within Wilderness areas. SAAF and SAPS must be made aware of the LNT principles with regard to camping (tents and caves). These principles should be included in the list of operational guidelines. Supervision of troops is essential. Stock theft follow-up may only take place on foot or on horseback. Horse use must be limited in Wilderness and roads must not be used at all in Wilderness areas. EKZNW reserve staff are also responsible for the security of visitors to the Park. Apart from the security of visitors, it is the function of the OiC to monitor (on a regular and formal basis using the LAC process) all visitor activities in Wilderness to ensure that the policies and ethics, in terms of the Wilderness Area Management Plan, and other relevant Acts and policies, are not contravened.

6.6 Waste Disposal

6.6.1 Waste from Recreation Activities

Human Waste (including toilet paper and hygiene products): • The LNT principles must be followed. Faeces and hygiene products must

be buried using the cat hole method- a hole must be dug at least 30 cm deep and refilled. People must ablute at least 100 m or 5 minutes walk away from caves and campsites, water bodies and trails.

• Toilet paper that breaks down easily should be used, and should be sold at the camp office.

• Groups must be educated on toilet hygiene in the Drakensberg (e.g. the “Tips on Fynbos Hygiene: of Squits and Squats” pamphlet issued by the Cape Nature Conservation, and hiker information pamphlets for the Park; “Its Tough at the Top”, “How to Enjoy the Drakensberg” and “Drakensberg Wilderness”).

• Alternative forms of waste disposal must be developed for the High ‘Berg where waste from the high level of use does not break down efficiently at high altitude, e.g. on top of the Amphitheatre.

Solid waste: • The principle of “pack it in, pack it out” must apply. This includes all organic

matter, such as food scraps etc.

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6.6.2 Waste from Management Activities

Waste is generated by management infrastructure within the Roaded Natural zone and by Field Ranger outposts which are located adjacent to Wilderness. All waste must either be removed from the Park or strictly processed according to the Integrated Waste Management Plan for the Park, as per Action Project 6.11.8.1(i) of the IMP, which strongly supports recycling.

6.7 Structures within Wilderness

A map of all existing structures in Wilderness areas is attached (FIGURE 4). Structures that are not compatible with Wilderness principles will be identified and prioritised for removal. Note that any structures older than 60 years require the permission of AMAFA prior to removal.

Any development proposals for structures within Wilderness areas must follow the IEM procedure.

6.7.1 Signage

• Signage is permitted in Rural, Roaded Natural, Semi-Primitive Motorised

and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized zones only. Signage is not permitted in the Wilderness zones. An exception may be made in the Semi-Primitive Wilderness zone under exceptional circumstances only.

• The signage format will be that of a boulder / rock (APPENDIX 6). These rocks will be made from an existing mould, and writing will be stenciled on the boulder but will not be painted.

• A boulder / rock sign will be placed at each point where a major trail enters a Wilderness area.

6.7.2 Infrastructure

• No infrastructure such as homesteads, huts, lookout towers, meteorological

stations, fences, repeater sites, roads, bridges, chain ladders, car and airplane wrecks, concrete weirs, telecommunication infrastructure, energy-related infrastructure (wind turbines) and similar structures are permitted in Wilderness areas (subject to 6.7.4 below).

• An inventory and a map of all existing infrastructure within the Park Wilderness areas is appended (APPENDIX 7 & FIGURE 4). Each station will have an infrastructure map in the station-specific management plan as well as a prioritized programme for the removal of any such structures. Giants Hut, Bannermans Hut and Centenary Hut in Witteberg are situated in a candidate Wilderness area. The decision to close and remove these huts will be revisited. Their viability status in terms of security and maintenance must be determined. The procedure must include a public participation process. Centenary Hut was donated3 by the MCSA (Mountain Club of South Africa) and decisions regarding its future must involve their participation. The huts must be accurately aged and if they are older than 60 years, AMAFA must be consulted. The area must be rehabilitated following any removal process. Concrete, stone, etc. must be removed from the site.

• Structures such as trig beacons and survey beacons may be removed only if permission has been obtained from the Surveyor-General. Cairns are not permitted in Wilderness areas, and must be removed / broken down.

3 According to Board’s Joint Venture Scheme Policy (Policy File No. 5.7, 2003), the annual occupancy for a unit constructed mainly of brick is 30 days with an occupancy period of 20 years. Centenary Hut was constructed in 1990, therefore the occupancy period lapses in 2010.

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• Old and disused repeater sites exist in Highmoor and on the Malungane ridge. These sites consist of aerials, steel and concrete and must be removed.

• Fences between stations and internal fences in Wilderness areas must be removed. Fencing material can be bundled and removed using the minimum tool method. Fences must also be removed around cave sites (subject to consultation with AMAFA) in Wilderness areas (e.g. Mkhomazi).

• Bridges and weirs are permitted for ecological reasons only, i.e. if the bridge will minimize ecological impact, then it is permissible. Bridges constructed for peoples’ convenience are not permitted in Wilderness areas.

• All chain ladders and similar mechanical devices (such as cables, wires and bolts) are to be removed from Wilderness areas. A scoping process is to be followed prior to their removal. If their removal will result in a significant negative environmental impact, then their removal will be reassessed.

6.7.3 Trails

• No new trails are to be constructed without the relevant scoping procedure

being followed. It is also essential that resources are available to rehabilitate any closed trails or sections thereof.

• No concrete is to be used for trail construction and maintenance in Wilderness areas. Concrete or alternative methods may be used in the non-Wilderness areas only because of the high intensity of use in these areas. Methods such as rock packing are appropriate for Wilderness areas.

• The LAC (Limits of Acceptable Change) trails assessment criteria will be used to monitor trails within the Park (refer to the Trails Auditing and Trails Maintenance manual).

6.7.4 Cultural, Historical, Archaeological and Living Heritage Sites

The management of cultural, historical, archaeological and living heritage sites within Wilderness areas will be undertaken in consultation with AMAFA at all times and in accordance with the Cultural Heritage Management Plan. • Removal, tampering with, or damage to artifacts or remains of historical

structures may not take place. If such sites or materials should become of scientific importance or significance then a decision will be made subject to the implications of Section 28 of the National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998.

• Structures such as existing homesteads and graves are permissible in Wilderness areas only if they have historical or cultural value.

• Structures such as vehicle and aircraft wrecks and sheep dips etc. may have historical value and AMAFA must be consulted before these are removed.

• No cultural, historical or archaeological sites within Wilderness areas may have plaques identifying them as national monuments. These sites can be identified as national monuments by a sign at the camp office. The Wilderness plaque, commemorating the declaration of the Mkhmozai Wilderness area in Highmoor must be relocated to the boundary of the Wilderness area or the camp office.

• AMAFA may not use identification tags for cultural or historical sites within the Wilderness areas. Identification tags are currently used at archaeological sites and their continued use is permitted provided they are placed unobtrusively.

• Rehabilitation of disturbed sites or scientific study of cultural, historical and archaeological sites: No mechanical devices are to be used for rehabilitation or study of such sites, although the minimum tool concept will

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be applied. Each situation will be assessed according to its merits. AMAFA is to consult EKZNW prior to any rehabilitation or experimental procedures being implemented.

• Any pilgrimages into Wilderness areas to living heritage sites must follow the LNT principles.

6.7.5 Caves / Rock Shelters

• No fires are permitted in any caves / rock shelters. Only candles in the

form of candle lanterns are permitted in caves / rock shelters. • A limited use of bedding material (grass only) will be permitted. Any

existing bedding in caves / rock shelters should not be removed, instead it should be utilized to prevent further destruction of the vegetation. No trees, shrubs, bushes or forbs may be destroyed for bedding material.

• No structures such as steel cupboards or trunks are permitted in caves / rock shelters. Existing modern structures are to be removed.

• The walls of a painted rock shelter may not be cleaned or tampered with without prior consultation with AMAFA.

• Overnighting is not permitted in caves / rock shelters that contain rock art, unless in an emergency situation.

6.7.6. Research and Monitoring Sites

• Equipment for research and monitoring, such as data loggers and fixed

point photograph sites, are considered of scientific value and are permitted in Wilderness areas provided they are removed and the area is rehabilitated when the project is completed.

• Past research projects, such as vegetation plots marked with fence droppers, must be assessed and terminated if no longer of value and the equipment removed.

6.8 Access

There shall be no permanent road within any Wilderness zone. Roads that have been closed and rehabilitated may not be used. There shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft (unless in emergencies) and no other form of mechanical transport within any Wilderness areas. See TABLE 1 for access limitations in Wilderness.

Unregulated visitor access must be controlled by providing hotels and neighbours to the Park and Wilderness areas with the necessary information of access points, entry costs, reserve boundary etc.

6.8.1 Roads

Although there is evidence of several historically utilized tracks, these may not be used. They should be allowed to return to a natural state and active rehabilitation and reclamation must take place. Where there are existing roads in the Wilderness, these may only be used in an emergency (life threatening) situation, once all other options have been considered and exhausted. The use of a helicopter as minimum tool must be considered because it will result in less ecological damage than the use of a road, and the impacts are short term.

The following Wilderness areas have historical management tracks: Lotheni: Road to Kerrys- currently used (within zoned Wilderness). Kamberg: Road to Game Pass- currently used (within zoned Wilderness). Highmoor: Old jeep track from the office to the contour path- closed and

rehabilitating naturally.

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Witteberg: Old Lotheni jeep track from above the camp to the contour path towards Lotheni- closed and rehabilitating naturally.

Jeep track from the gate to Injisuthi Outpost- currently used and falls within a zoned Wilderness area.

Cathedral: Road to Tseketseke Hut- closed and rehabilitating naturally. Road to Phillips Folly- open to cyclists only.

6.8.2 People with Disabilities

No allowances will be made for people with physical disabilities which compromise Wilderness principles. For example, people unable to walk into Wilderness areas will not be allowed to fly over Wilderness to experience it. Wheelchair access will not be possible to Wilderness areas, but opportunities for wheelchair access have been created in the other areas (e.g. Cathedral Peak and Royal Natal).

6.8.3 Aviation4

The term aviation in this context includes all forms of use of the air space. The various aviation methods that may be encountered in the Drakensberg include helicopter (military, police, private), fixed wing aircraft (commercial, EZKNW, private), microlights, gliders (sailplanes, hangliders), paragliders and hot air balloons.

The Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003 addresses the use of aircraft in a special nature reserve or world heritage site. The Act considers ‘‘aircraft’’ to mean an airborne craft of any type whatsoever, whether self-propelled or not, and includes a hovercraft; and a special nature reserve or world heritage site includes the air space above the reserve or site to a level of 2 500 feet above the highest point of the reserve or site.

According to the Act (Chapter 4, Part 3): Use of aircraft in special nature reserve or world heritage site 47. (1) A special nature reserve or world heritage site includes the air space above

the reserve or site to a level of 2 500 feet above the highest point of the reserve or site.

(2) No person may land or take off in an aircraft in a special nature reserve or world heritage site, except— (a) on or from a landing field designated by the management authority

of that special nature reserve or world heritage site; and (b) with the permission of, and on conditions determined by, the

management authority. (3) No person may fly over a special nature reserve or world heritage site at

an altitude of less than 2500 feet, except as may be necessary for the purpose of subsection (2).

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply— (a) in an emergency; or (b) to a person acting on the instructions of the management authority.

(5) The Minister, acting with the concurrence of the Cabinet member responsible for civil aviation, may prescribe further reasonable restrictions on flying over protected areas.

4 Note: An aviation policy is currently being developed for the Park and its buffer zone.

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Landing: • All stations have a helicopter landing pad in the intensive use zone (rural /

Roaded Natural zones). • No landings are permitted in Wilderness areas unless in an emergency

rescue situation. No landing is permitted in ecologically-sensitive sites, except under life threatening circumstances.

• Any existing airstrips in the Wilderness, and in the Park in general, must be closed and rehabilitated. An airfield exists at Giants Castle, however, this airfield is currently not maintained and is considered closed.

Flying: • Helicopters are used by the SAAF (training, operational and rescues),

SAPS (operational), EKZNW (monitoring vultures) and by Champagne Sports and Racket Hotel, Dragon’s Peak Hotel and Cathedral Peak Hotel for tourism and rescue purposes. Apart from the use of helicopters for tourism, all of the above are considered minimum tool.

• Commercial operators at Cathedral Peak and Monks Cowl have set flight paths to which they are restricted (APPENDIX 8). These may need to be amended following the outcome of the Park aviation policy.

• If flight paths need to be established, they must be restricted to follow ridgetops (reduced noise impact) and avoid valleys and water bodies.

• Aircraft may only be used in life threatening situations once all other options have been exhausted.

Recommendations: • Manage towards eliminating aircraft impacts in Wilderness areas and

restricting the impacts of aircraft within other areas. • An educational responsibility rests with EKZNW to ensure that aircraft

operators understand the Wilderness principles and principles of protected areas management (see 10).

• Undertake temporal and spatial zonation of the Wilderness areas’ airspace with respect to aircraft use in an attempt to minimise the impacts.

• Current flight paths / zones must be negotiated and revised as part of the “air space use policy”.

• In the interim, only existing contracts will be honored. No new agreements will be entered into.

• No aircraft may land within a Wilderness area (unless for Casevac reasons).

• Flight log data should be available at all times and should detail the area flown, height above ground and distance away from the escarpment.

6.8.4 Trails

• There will be an overall net reduction in the number of trails within the Park

and in particular in Wilderness areas. Future trail management will be in accordance with available resources.

• Any proposed trails in Wilderness areas will undergo a strict scoping exercise.

• The existing trail network will be rationalised to ensure that there is sustainable utilization of the trails network.

• Where necessary, trails will be closed and actively rehabilitated. • LAC must be applied to the trails system.

Trail Maintenance: • Logs will be used as a minimum tool to address erosion problems. Logs

will carried to where they are required.

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• Remove existing concrete on trails in Wilderness areas. • Where possible, use rocks rather than concrete. • Reroute trails that are too steep. • The use of a brushcutter is not acceptable. Slashers may be used. • Metal tags required for identification as part of trail auditing and

maintenance purposes may be implemented and will be considered minimum tool. These tags will be installed with Wilderness principles in mind.

6.8.5 Search and Rescue (Including Casevac Procedures)

• All individuals executing and coordinating rescues must be aware of the

Wilderness principles. • Search and rescue operations and recoveries should be conducted in a

manner that ensures the least possible impact on the physical, biological, and recreational conditions of Wilderness with due regard to the seriousness of the situation. See APPENDIX 9 for a copy of the current emergency rescue protocol / procedures.

• Wilderness principles may be compromised if the rescue team is at risk or if the patient will die if immediate action is not taken. The precautionary principle may be used if personnel on site are not adequately trained to assess the extent or the seriousness of the injuries. It is important to take note of the legal issues involved i.e. “people first” before Wilderness principles.

• Each situation will be addressed according to its merits. A debriefing must take place after each rescue. Procedures must be updated and lessons learnt must be communicated to all.

• The minimum tool concept must be adhered to under the following guidelines:

� The “right to risk” phrase must be tested legally and indemnities must be considered. People must be informed that they are hiking in a Wilderness area where rescues are executed in accordance with Wilderness principles (except for emergency situations). Education is critical but difficult at unmanned access points.

� Although the first option for an evacuation procedure is access on foot or on horseback, motorised use may be considered where the latter would be less ecologically detrimental, or to evacuate critically injured or ill persons, or if personnel on site are not adequately trained to assess the extent or the seriousness of the injuries.

� It must be borne in mind that flying will only take place in good weather conditions. If conditions are such that access by helicopter under the above circumstances is impossible, the method most compatible with the Wilderness ethic, but with due regard to the seriousness of the injury, should be used to get medical help to the patient, or to get the injured person to an accessible point. Objective discretion will obviously have to be used, after prior consultation with a doctor or other qualified person, e.g. broken or fractured limbs do not necessitate motorised casevac (except a broken or fractured femur). The patient can be treated on site until the weather clears and evacuation is possible. The unnecessary use of motorised vehicles for a “casevac” will be viewed in a serious light. The use of international distress beacons must be borne in mind and addressed, i.e. the seriousness of the situation must be assessed by the OiC and action taken accordingly.

� Bodies may only be removed by helicopter if the stretcher and horse option has been considered first and is found unsuitable.

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7. VISITOR MANAGEMENT WITHIN WILDERNESS

7.1 Present Wilderness Use

Present Wilderness use is limited to guided or self guided day walks or overnight hikes. For access to certain rock art sites, the use of a guide is mandatory.

7.2 Future Wilderness Use

Currently the Park is considered underutilized in terms of its visitor numbers. However, EKZNW marketing efforts and the popularization of the World Heritage Site and the MDTP will result in increased volumes of visitors to the Park and its Wilderness areas. The carrying capacity, in terms of visitor use, needs to be determined as a high priority. The LAC process will be used as a proactive process to manage the volumes of visitors and the associated impacts.

7.3 Wilderness Experience Spectrum

The Wilderness experience spectrum refers to the range of recreation opportunities provided for the Wilderness enthusiast. There is potential for a spectrum of Wilderness experiences, depending on the requirements and physical capabilities of the user.

In planning Wilderness experiences, by virtue of the very nature of Wilderness, the more primitive (in terms of sophistication) the experience, the less communal the experience, thus the better chance of experiencing the solitude qualities of Wilderness.

The most important criteria for a Wilderness experience opportunity is that it must be Wilderness-dependant and compatible. The question should always be asked "can the experience offered (and the market targeted) be successful if accommodated outside the Wilderness in another area of the Park?" If the answer is "yes, it can", then so it should be. 7.3.1 Current Wilderness Experience Spectrum

The following are the experiences that occur in the spectrum: 7.3.1.1 Guided or self guided trails and mountaineering routes Wilderness Experience:

• Visitors hike on the formal trail network. Facilities provided:

• Apart from well demarcated trails, no facilities are provided. • Visitors provide everything they require.

Activities: • Visitors may be unaccompanied or accompanied by a guide such as a

community guide, part of a WLS trail, Spirit of Adventure trail or a similar group led by experienced teachers / MCSA / Hiking Club members.

• The maximum group size allowed will be dictated by the size of the facility e.g. cave for overnighting, but group sizes may not exceed 12.

• Visitors report on arrival at the designated office, sign the mountain rescue register and proceed into the Wilderness with only their maps, compasses, and whatever they can carry in their packs. Visitors must have pre-plotted routes and may camp anywhere within the designated area (caves require prior booking) and must follow a no-trace camping ethic.

• Visitors may undertake mountaineering activities along the trail or at a destination if they are suitably qualified (see also 7.5.4).

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Experience: • Formalised trails also involve a degree of risk in terms of terrain and

climate conditions. The OiC may assess individuals or parties to determine their competence level.

• A basic level of "outdoorsmanship" skills is required. 7.3.1.2 Nationally recognised trails (i.e. The Giants Cup Trail)

Wilderness Experience:

• Visitors experience a higher level of sophistication than 7.3.1.1 above. Facilities provided:

• A well designated trail which is well signposted. • Beds, tables and ablution facilities are provided.

Activities: • Visitors may be unaccompanied or accompanied by a guide. • The trail caters for groups of 30 hikers, but a group size of 12 hikers or

less is recommended. • Visitors book at reservations, arrive and leave their vehicles at the

designated office and proceed along the trail. Visitors carry their requirements in their pack and must follow the Leave no Trace principles.

Experience: • Low degree of risk. • Minimal "outdoorsmanship" skills are required.

7.4 Role of the Private Sector / Neighbouring Communities

Both the private sector and neighbouring communities can play a role in the recreational opportunities that are offered to the public. Currently community guides are available to lead hikers to rock art sites or specific destinations such as The Bell (Cathedral Peak) or the source of the Tugela River (Royal Natal). Similarly, the WLS operate five-day trails that are currently limited to one or two during the winter period in the southern section of the Park. These trails are very primitive and no established routes are followed. If there was a need for a more formalised guided trail system (such as the WLS guided trails in the Park) and EKZNW does not have the infrastructure, capital, or for whatever reason is not able or willing to offer this, the opportunity may, taking into consideration existing policies, be offered to the private sector. The private sector can also be used to reach certain markets that do not conflict with the EKZNW markets. Stakeholder groups such as a “Friends of the Park Wilderness” initiative could be established to ensure that the integrity of Wilderness is maintained. Wilderness custodians can also be established in the buffer zones and an accreditation system followed for their establishment.

7.5 Visitor Activities

Only Wilderness dependent activities should take place in Wilderness (see 7.1). Activities must be appropriate to, and compatible with, the zonation of the Park. The Activities Matrix (APPENDIX 10) must also be in line with the zonation of the Park. The LAC process (currently in progress) will be applied to the activities listed in the matrix.

7.5.1 Horse Trails

Apart from the horse rides offered at Rugged Glen (non-Wilderness zones), horses and donkeys are to be used only by EKZNW staff in the execution of their duties (a policy is currently being prepared as part of the IMP (Action Project

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6.4.2.2.(i)). Horses are considered the minimum management tool, in areas where staffing levels are up to 5000 ha per person, for law enforcement, fire management and emergency response activities. Horses and donkeys may be used to gain access to the Pristine Wilderness zone, but camping with horses and donkeys is only permitted in the Primitive and Semi-Primitive Wilderness zones and in the non-Wilderness zones. At present horses and donkeys are underutilised throughout the Wilderness areas.

Issues: • Erosion of trails on slopes if these are regularly used. • Disease transmission to wildlife (unknown risks and unlikely). • Introduction of alien plant seeds through defecation (unlikely if the horses

are fed within the reserve, although supplementary feed in winter may contain alien seeds).

• Not an issue from a solitude perspective provided hikers have minimal contact with horse patrols.

• Inter-user conflict is not considered an issue since contact is infrequent and hikers have a positive perception when coming across staff on horseback.

• Illegal movement of horses and donkeys (and cattle) through Wilderness areas. Stolen stock is driven from South Africa to Lesotho through the Park and donkeys carrying contraband substances move from Lesotho through the Park to South Africa.

Mitigation Measures: • When camping with horses and donkeys, LAC and LNT must be applied. • Staff must be made aware of the possibility of alien seeds in horse feed /

bedding bought from surrounding areas. • The ROS and the Activities Matrix can be used as a general rule when

considering the possibility of concession areas for guided horse trails for visitors.

• Staff should not constantly ride on the same trails or only ride on well maintained trails. Where there are likely to be bottlenecks in the terrain, these areas need to be identified and managed for high erosion impacts through limiting use or through maintenance and / or upgrade of certain trails or sections of trails.

• Riders in the Drakensberg must avoid riding up steep slopes.

Desired state: • MDTP should be used as a forum to address the movement of stock

between South Africa and Lesotho. • Horse feed / bedding must be managed so as to limit the risk of alien seed

introduction. • Minimise the impact of horses and donkeys in Wilderness by increasing

staff awareness through LNT training.

7.5.2 Hiking

Hiking in the Wilderness areas by day visitors and overnight hikers is allowed.

Issues:

• Sensitive areas, e.g. plateaus, wetlands, oribi breeding habitats, in terms of erosion or disturbance.

• Trail alignment– people take the path of least resistance / minimal effort, which could lead to erosion (see Trail Auditing and Maintenance Manual).

• Drainage barriers (e.g. creosote poles) and mini gabions, held by short metal standards, are considered minimum tool structures for trail maintenance in Wilderness areas (except in the Pristine zone).

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• Since there are no formal paths in Pristine Wilderness there should be no need for structures.

• Both official and unofficial access points into the Park need to be assessed in terms of trail maintenance because they influence the patterns of use in Wilderness.

• Bright clothing and equipment colours (positive from a safety point of view but negative from a Wilderness experience point of view).

Mitigation: • LNT must be applied by hikers. • LAC must be applied to manage hiker impacts. • Hiker information pamphlets; “Its Tough at the Top”, “How to Enjoy the

Drakensberg” and “Drakensberg Wilderness”, are available at all management units.

• Trail management– undertake an audit as a review of the existing trail network then either upgrade, maintain or close trails.

Desired State: • Pack it in and pack it out, and LNT principles to be enforced (educational

materials). • Manage for intensity of use (in terms of materials, structures) and manage

for potential increased demand, especially at peak use times.

7.5.3 Camping

Camping is allowed throughout the Park apart from within the buffer around intensive use zones. No designated camp sites exist within Wilderness although there are preferred sites regularly used by visitors, which are referred to as “informal” camp sites.

Issues:

• Sensitive sites should be zoned no camping areas. • Popular sites should be recognised as being heavily utilized sites and

managed accordingly (e.g. Windy Gap, Amphitheatre, Keith’s Bush). • Tent and equipment colours– neutral versus bright colours. Although bright

colours are positive from a safety point of view, they are negative from a Wilderness experience point of view.

• Tent density- high numbers of tents (relative to the zone) spoil the Wilderness experience.

• Allow camping for climbers in certain areas for accessibility to certain climbs (e.g. Tunnel Cave for accessing Devils Tooth).

• Fires for cooking and warmth- no fires are allowed in Wilderness areas or in the Park as a whole. Fires damage rock art in the caves and pose a threat to the grassland ecosystem. Fluid ignition stoves (i.e. benzine stoves) or portable camping stoves may be used for cooking.

Mitigation: • LAC must be applied. • LNT principles must be applied when camping- campsites must be at least

100 m or 5 minutes walk away from the trail and any water body. • Undertake an assessment of designated or popular campgrounds as part

of the LAC process.

Desired State: • Hikers information pamphlets and LNT information must be distributed. • Biodegradable products should be used by all hikers and campers. These

should be available at the camp office / curio shop.

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7.5.4 Mountaineering

Mountaineering is compatible with Wilderness principles and is accommodated as an acceptable activity in the Park. Sections of the Park have been zoned for Wilderness quality and for ecological integrity and it must be recognised that mountaineering takes place in an area sensitive in terms of biodiversity and cultural concerns. As such, a policy has been developed together with MCSA to prevent possible detrimental impacts due to climbing in the Drakensberg (APPENDIX 11). The MCSA has zoned the Drakensberg as a traditional5 climbing area as opposed to a sports6 climbing area. The use of fixed protection7 is allowed but discouraged since prolific use thereof erodes Wilderness qualities and the uncertainty inherent to Wilderness climbing. Removable protection8 and other temporary devices may be used provided they are removed after the climb.

Issues: • Fixed protection is permanent. The removal of which can be more

damaging than leaving them. • The negative impact of mountaineering in close proximity to large raptors,

such as Bearded Vulture and Cape Griffon nesting and roosting sites. • Although fixed protection devices will only be seen by mountaineers,

people’s perception of the Wilderness area can be impacted by knowledge of an anchor being present, even if they are not climbers and cannot see the anchors.

Mitigation: • The LAC and the IEM policy must be applied. • Use the Hiking and Mountaineering Liaison Committee and the Wilderness

Steering Committee as forums for addressing mountaineering issues. • Assess existing routes for sensitivity (e.g. close proximity to bird nest

sites). • Identify and implement management responses to areas of conflict.

Desired State: • The MCSA to assist EKZNW in monitoring compliance with the established

bolting policy. • Make relevant mountaineering books / journals available to hikers and

climbers (sell these in curio shops).

7.5.5 Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes are currently not used in Wilderness areas and are considered mechanical devices that are not compatible with Wilderness principles and are not Wilderness dependent. Their future use will not be considered because of the potential ecological impact, impact on the sense of place and the inter user conflict.

Trails dedicated to mountain biking outside Wilderness areas have been, and will be developed.

5�In traditional climbing the climber places protection measures on the rock / route himself whilst climbing.

6 In�sports climbing, the protection measures are already in place on the rock / route for the climber to use whilst climbing.�

7 Fixed protection is defined as pegs and bolts. Pegs are hammered into natural weaknesses in the rock whilst bolts are inserted into pre-drilled

holes. Pegs are regarded as a traditional form of protection and have been utilised on a very limited basis and mainly as emergency protection

ten there is no other safe alternative. 8

mechanical camming devices (“friends”), wire stoppers, slings and other such devices typically inserted into the rock by the first climber (the leader) and removed by the last member of a climbing party, thereby leaving nothing behind in the rock.

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7.5.6 Fishing

Fishing is allowed in Wilderness areas. However, the removal of indigenous fish species is a form of resource harvesting and is therefore not allowed in Wilderness areas. Any indigenous species that are caught must be returned to the water body. The catching of alien fish species (e.g. trout) and the removal of these is encouraged in Wilderness areas. Mitigation and management of the impacts of fishing is essential (using LAC).

Issues:

None known. Desired State:

• Minimise the negative impact that alien species have on indigenous species in the rivers. • Trout fishing should be encouraged. • Compliance with EKZNW trout policy (Action Project 6.4.2.2(iii) of the IMP). • No stocking of Drakensberg rivers with alien fish species. • Dams should be stocked on foot. No vehicular access is allowed where roads

do not exist or where they are closed and rehabilitating.

7.5.7 Sporting Events Sporting events such as adventures races, running races, mountain bike races, canoeing races, orienteering events etc. will not be permitted in Wilderness areas if they are not Wilderness dependent and if they do not comply with the Wilderness management principles. Any event that is contrary to any of the statements in the Conservation Management (e.g. access and infrastructure) and Visitor Management sections (e.g. bicycle use) (see above) will not be permitted.

7.5.8 Filming Events

The filming of a feature film, documentary or similar production will not be permitted in Wilderness areas if the production is not Wilderness dependent and if any part of the production does not comply with the Wilderness management principles. Any form of production that is contrary to any of the statements in the Conservation Management and Visitor Management sections (see above) will not be permitted.

7.6 Limits of Sophistication for Visitor Activities

Limits of Sophistication (LOS) are necessary to ensure the maintenance of the Wilderness ethic and experience. Table 2 is an inventory of LOS for current activities within the Park which compliment the Wilderness ethic, and which are close to the desired level of sophistication. A successful Wilderness education and awareness programme will result in the desired levels of sophistication gaining popularity and support from the users. Mobile telephones (mobiles) are considered a modern technical device and their use is not compatible with the Wilderness philosophy. However their usefulness from a personal security, safety and management point of view is recognised. Management are also aware that they cannot forbid people from using their mobiles in Wilderness areas. Visitors must, however, be made aware of the issues around the use of mobiles in Wilderness. Mobiles should be switched off and only used in case of an emergency or when they would not disturb other Wilderness users. A Global Positioning System (GPS) may be used in the Wilderness. Two-way radios may only be used by EKZNW staff in the execution of their duties.

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All changes to Table 2, with respect to upgrading a recreational facility, would require implementation of the IEM policy. With respect to the administration of the area, no change in the LOS is permitted in, or allowed to impact on, the three zones of the WOS. Developments or upgrading of facilities and services in adjacent zones would only be permitted subject to the IEM process and in accordance with the objectives of the zonation plan.

Managers should be aware of the availability of products on the market that would enhance the Wilderness no-trace camping ethic, e.g. biodegradable soap. Once these products are identified, their use should be encouraged and ultimately made mandatory through sales at the camp office.

8. LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE CHANGE

The LAC is a reformulation of the recreational carrying capacity concept. The emphasis is on the desired conditions, namely the amount of change that is acceptable, rather than how much use an area can tolerate. The LAC concept aims to improve recreation management through definition of more explicit, measurable objectives in protected areas and particularly in Wilderness areas. LAC is a process which, when implemented properly, will indicate when the thresholds are about to be exceeded. The latter is an unacceptable state for Wilderness areas.

The LAC system is a framework for establishing acceptable and appropriate resource and social conditions in recreational settings. The LAC has been developed in response to the need of managers for a means of coping with increasing demands on recreational areas in a visible, logical, transparent and objective fashion. One of the objectives of the research programme is to develop the process for conservation management activities as well, because it is important that acceptable conditions are also set within a conservation setting. 8.1 Introduction to the Limits of Acceptable Change Concept

A major goal of Wilderness management is to maintain or restore the key Wilderness qualities of naturalness and solitude. These qualities, however, are threatened by a variety of human-induced changes from within (e.g. growth in Wilderness recreation use and various conservation management activities) as well as outside Wilderness boundaries (e.g. air and water pollution and overgrazing).

Such changes resulting from recreational and conservation activities could be eliminated if all such use was prohibited. However, Wilderness must be managed and these activities are recognized as a legitimate use of Wilderness and, with a few minor exceptions, such prohibitions are neither desired, possible nor feasible. Although not desirable, if eliminating recreation use were possible, human-induced change from non-recreation sources, both within and outside Wilderness, would remain a problem. Apart from recreation, the natural conditions such as use of Wilderness by animals (e.g. eland and baboon) and encroachment by alien plants must also be taken into account. The LAC process is proposed as the most relevant framework to be used for managing the recreation and conservation management impacts in the Drakensberg Wilderness. The amount of change that is allowed to occur will be defined explicitly by means of quantitative standards, the appropriate management actions that are needed to prevent further change will be identified, and procedures for monitoring and evaluating management performance will be established.

8.2 Recreational Impact Focus of the Limits of Acceptable Change Process

The LAC process requires managers to define desired Wilderness resource and social conditions and to undertake actions to maintain or achieve these conditions. A variety of influences affect these desired conditions, including recreation, Basutho use of the area, alien plant infestations, the use of airspace, fire and illegal grazing. Since recreation is a

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major influence, and non-recreational uses are protected by law and are covered by the IMP, the emphasis of the Wilderness Area Management Plan is on the management of recreational impacts. The management of conservation impacts will be addressed through the LAC process once it has been established effectively for the recreational impacts.

8.3 The Limits of Acceptable Change Process

The LAC process gives primary attention to the Wilderness conditions that exist and that are judged acceptable. Managers are interested in achieving certain conditions and in the relative effects of different management actions in achieving those conditions. Because use levels are of limited value in predicting either social or ecological impacts, this process focuses on defining what management actions are needed to achieve certain Wilderness conditions and management actions to avoid potential conditions. In summary, the process requires deciding what kind of Wilderness conditions are acceptable, then prescribing actions to protect or achieve those conditions.

Explicit recognition of the importance of providing diverse Wilderness conditions and the implementation of management actions to achieve or maintain conditions is also an important part of the LAC process. Given that any use produces at least some impact, the process requires managers to identify where, and to what extent, varying degrees of change are appropriate and acceptable. The conditions that characterize a particular type of opportunity and that distinguish it from others are specified by measurable objectives defining LAC.

Managers are faced with the dilemma of having to accommodate human use yet preserving an area's Wilderness quality. The LAC process outlined below and in APPENDIX 12 is intended to provide a framework for dealing with this dilemma.

The LAC process consists of four major components; • the specification of acceptable and achievable resource and social conditions,

defined by a series of measurable parameters; • an analysis of the relationship between existing conditions and those judged

acceptable; • identification of management actions necessary to achieve these conditions; and • a programme of monitoring and evaluation of management effectiveness. These

four components are broken down into ten steps to facilitate application.

This process can substantially improve Wilderness management because it follows general planning guidelines, establishes a monitoring programme, and, where necessary, provides estimates of appropriate and responsible levels of use.

8.4 The Procedure

The planning procedure consists of a series of interrelated steps leading to the development of a set of measurable objectives that define desired Wilderness conditions (see APPENDIX 12 for details per step). It also identifies the management actions necessary to maintain or achieve those conditions. • Step 1 involves identifying goals and future conditions. Statements of the goals

and desired conditions need to be made at the start of the process because they will provide the guidance needed to direct the entire planning process.

• Step 2 involves identification of area concerns and issues. In addition to legal guidelines and organizational policy, management of an area needs to reflect area-specific features and values in order that the role of the area at both regional and national levels can be assessed.

• Step 3 defines and describes the zones of the ROS system. The zones represent subunits of the area where different conditions are provided, thereby increasing the diversity of the area. These differences are measured through indicators,

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identified in step 4. • Step 4 involves the identification of indicators representing both existing and

potential resource and social conditions for which management is striving. Indicators should be capable of quantitative measurement but will include the option of qualitative measurement.

• Step 5 involves inventorising the existing conditions of the resource and social conditions. These data are recorded and mapped, and serve as the basis for the definition.

• Step 6 involves the setting of standards for each indicator in each zone. Basing the standard on inventory data helps ensure realism and also clarifies the nature and extent of the management activity that will be required to achieve standards.

• Step 7 involves identification of alternative allocations of the area among the various zones.

• Step 8 requires an analysis of the various costs and benefits of each alternative, in terms of environmental impacts and impacts on visitors as well as administrative costs, because different allocations will require different types of management.

• Step 9 involves the evaluation of the costs and benefits of each alternative and selection of a final alternative. This final selection will reflect the responsiveness of the alternative to the issues and concerns identified in step 2 and the management requirements identified in step 6.

• Step 10 involves implementation of the selected alternative and establishment of a monitoring programme. Monitoring is particularly important as it provides feedback on the effectiveness of the management actions employed, alerting managers to the need to consider more rigorous application or the use of other measures.

The use of LAC as a framework for the Drakensberg Wilderness areas is a conceptual process and not a policy. The process requires field application by managers who will, through their experience, modify it and improve upon it and thus continually refine the process.

8.5 Establishing Use Limits

Direct restriction of use is an important and legitimate management action that will need to be employed at times in some areas in order to achieve certain conditions. The obvious question confronting managers, however, is how and where can the use limits be established in a defensible and meaningful way?

If conditions under current use are well within established standards, it is difficult to project how much more use could be accommodated before the rising level of impact reaches the standards. This is simply because the understanding of the relationship between use and impact is so poor. Not only would any such number be close to meaningless, but also the very existence of a figure purported to represent the capacity could contribute to a false sense of security that, as long as present use was below it, everything was all right. Moreover, when conditions are well within standards, there is no pressing need to formulate a specific numerical capacity. All that needs to be said is that capacity is greater than current use. There is a need for an investigation into the above relationship to provide hard evidence for managers to base their decisions on. The focus of research will be on indicators for which no information exists. In the interim, the precautionary principle will be used.

If existing conditions are close to, or have reached, one or more of the standards, managers are alerted to a need to undertake some kind of management action. The concept of minimum regulation should guide management. Usually some action other than a limit on use numbers will suffice, such as increased efforts to get visitors to practice minimum impact camping. Visitor behaviour has a huge impact on how many

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people an area can sustain. If other actions will not suffice, however, or if the standards have been exceeded by a significant margin, then use limits need to be imposed.

If existing conditions are close to those described in the area standards, then managers reasonably can assume that current use levels approximate capacity and the numerical capacity would be set at a level close to the current use level. Monitoring will help demonstrate if this assumption was valid. If conditions worsen, then that use level must be reduced.

In reducing use, managers should examine the specific indicators for which standards have been exceeded. This should help determine the level of the reduction. Monitoring through a set research programme will help fine-tune the required use level.

Discussion of the LAC process has focussed largely on its technical details. It is important, however, to recognize that the process takes place in a political environment in which different interests with different views and values seek to achieve the goals important to them. Planning is inherently a political process. Although the LAC process and the associated data are important aspects of the planning effort they are only a part and planners will need to use sensitivity and judgment to make the process successful. Success is also tied to continued public participation. There is much expertise among public groups, and at each step in the process planners should seek to involve the public, both as a way of obtaining important information and as a way of developing support for and understanding of the process.

8.6 The Way Forward

The following aspects have been identified as requiring monitoring for the purpose of setting guidelines for LAC: • Informal camp sites • Trails (process underway- see Trails Auditing and Maintenance Manual) • Caves / rock shelters (overnight caves / shelters and those with rock art) • Mountaineering routes • Effect of peripheral development on Wilderness experience • Effect of aerial impacts on Wilderness experience • Roads and management tracks (outside Wilderness areas) • Reclaimed / rehabilitated sites (outside Wilderness areas)

The following activities have been identified as requiring monitoring for the purpose of setting guidelines for LAC: • Fire management • Horse use • Hiking • Camping • Mountaineering • Fishing • Flying • Research and monitoring sites • Harvesting

NB: Please note that the LAC process for the above aspects and activities is

currently being developed for the Park Wilderness areas.

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9. RESEARCH AND MONITORING

All applications for research projects within Wilderness areas will only be approved if they cannot be done outside Wilderness, i.e. if they are not Wilderness dependent. All approved research projects will be effected without contravening any of the policies and Wilderness principles contained within this management plan, i.e. research will be of a non-manipulative nature (e.g. no trapping of animals expect as a last resort and subject to the IEM procedure). Research and monitoring objectives specific to the Park’s Wilderness areas need to be identified. A research needs assessment was undertaken for South African Wilderness during 2002 by Maretha Shroyer, Alan Watson and Andrew Muir. The assessment identified the need to obtain more information on the following; * Wilderness type experiences * Wilderness qualities and the relationship between these and stakeholders * The significance of Wilderness qualities, threats, values and stakeholder groups to the

future of Wilderness conservation. * Sacred pools, rivers and landscapes * Privatisation and commercialisation of Wilderness opportunities * Pressures on Wilderness to produce income or subsistence * The threats to Wilderness quality and experience by, for example, off-road vehicles * The importance of biodiversity protection and endangered species values to local healers

and their communities The above should be considered for future monitoring and research projects (see 9.2). 9.1 Current monitoring

Current monitoring activities within Wilderness areas include: • Vulture nest and roost site location. • Fixed Point Photography. • Fire management (exclusion or limited fire frequency blocks). • Game observations. • Eland aerial counts. • Collection of climate data.

9.2 Future Monitoring

Desirable research input relating to the implementation of this document is as follows: • Establish an effective monitoring system for the trails network (i.e. the LAC

process of developing trail audit criteria). • Topocadastral map of zonation with detailed site specific explanation (in progress). • Topocadastral map of structures, erosion sites and alien plant distribution (in

progress). • Ecologically-sensitive sites and hot spots including ground truthing. • LAC criteria for a variety of visitor and management activities. • Visitor awareness. • Identify sites with spiritual and cultural values. Goals relating to the management

and protection of these sites must be included in the management plan. • Impact of aviation use on the Wilderness resource. • Features Use Matrix (identification of issues).

Further studies are required to gain insight into the economic and social benefits of Wilderness experiences and how maintaining or enhancing Wilderness naturalness and solitude through management can provide or increase them.

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10. WILDERNESS AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Education of all conservation management staff, user groups and interested and affected parties is important so that people understand and accept the principles detailed in this management plan. Success lies in education and awareness. Education with regards to the solitude aspect of Wilderness (the sense of place) is important particularly to enforce restricted access and to limit numbers in Wilderness areas. 10. Target Audience

10.1.1 Staff

Training: An essential first step to the awareness programme is training. No teaching aids can be implemented before staff are adequately informed of the principles and objectives of Wilderness management. Training requirements are as follows: • A one-day very basic Wilderness course for camp managers, front desk

clerks, field rangers, honorary officers, AMAFA, community guides, hotelliers etc. These staff need to have a basic understanding of the no-trace camping ethic because they advise the various user groups.

• A one-day Leave no Trace course for camp managers, front desk clerks, field rangers, honorary officers, AMAFA, community guides, hotelliers etc. These staff need to have a basic understanding of Wilderness because they advise the various user groups.

• All staff in the Park should be made aware of the values and benefits of Wilderness and the reasons for Wilderness protection.

• Comprehensive Wilderness management training, focusing on the value of the Wilderness resource, Wilderness ethics, low-impact camping, and the minimum tool concept. Both EKZNW and non-EKZNW (WLS, WAG) expertise should be utilized.

• Selected staff are to attend a facilitators course, to train them to facilitate a very basic Wilderness course.

• The community conservation staff are responsible for drawing up a formal awareness programme for the neighbouring communities with recommendations on the execution thereof.

10.1.2 Neighbours

It is important that neighbouring communities are aware of the values and benefits of Wilderness areas, especially those neighbours that have a common boundary with Wilderness. All activities on the boundary have an impact on the Wilderness resource, and could result in the degradation thereof in terms of the values. In order for the community to value the Park Wilderness areas, they must understand the Wilderness philosophy and recognise the values and benefits of Wilderness. Since Wilderness is a human concept, it has a unique expression in every culture. Generally the white South African community adopted the American Wilderness concept. The black South African community also has a link to Wilderness in that a form of the American Wilderness concept is part of their cultural history. For example, certain tribes name areas according to former kings of the area, which makes an area valuable to the tribe. The black community embrace Wilderness as an ancestral cultural heritage and Wilderness areas are recognised as a virtually unaltered landscape that is known by the ancestors. Through the Wilderness awareness programme, EKZNW should determine what the expression for Wilderness is amongst the various neighbouring communities and explore the values that these communities attach to particular areas.

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EKZNW must recognise that communities have “special places” within our protected areas or use our areas for special rituals. These places must be weighted equally with Wilderness. EKZNW must draw the link between the American Wilderness and the Wilderness that exists within other cultures. Areas with spiritual and cultural values must be identified (with the assistance of AMAFA), mapped and documented in the features matrix. These features must be taken into account when zoning the area and during the integrated development planning process.

With regard to the benefits of Wilderness areas to the neighbouring communities, awareness programmes need to focus on the values of the Wilderness resource to the communities. There are no natural resource values in terms of harvesting because no harvesting is allowed in Wilderness. However, Wilderness does have spiritual values, economic values and resource values such as rock art, waterfalls, sense of place and benefits from ecotourism (e.g. Wilderness trail guides could be employed from the community to guide trails into Wilderness). The benefits of Wilderness need to be explored further and a socio-cultural study of this aspect should be undertaken.

Education targets are the schools, traditional authority, conservation committees, traditional healers and farmers associations. Wilderness should be communicated as a management tool, a management approach as a component of protected areas. It should be included into the existing community conservation programmes to communicate the value of Wilderness to all neighbours.

10.1.3 Public (at large)

This category includes Parliamentarians, EKZNW Board members, political leaders and municipal officials. This category of Wilderness supporters is not targeted on site with awareness programmes since they generally do not directly use Wilderness areas. Awareness is, however, still vital because the public still derive benefits from the Wilderness values and can influence decisions around Wilderness. See 10.2 for the methods that will be used to target this group. The WLS on the other hand, do target decision makers, political leaders as well as future leaders with their Imbewu and Opinion Leader programmes9. The experience and expertise within the WLS results in a significant contribution towards enhancing the public’s appreciation and understanding of Wilderness.

10.1.4 Public Users

As part of the Ecotourism and interpretive strategy, a one-day very basic Wilderness course and LNT course should be held for school teachers, hiking and backpacking clubs, SAAF, SAPS, AMAFA, trail guides, custodians and the hotel trade.

10.2 Information (Teaching Aids)

An attempt should be made to encourage the general public to use the term "Wilderness" in accordance with the definition adopted by this management plan. The reason for this is that when the term "Wilderness" is used in association with a particular area or experience, the general public know what to expect. The media must be used as a vehicle for attaining the goal of promoting the Wilderness ethic.

9 The Imbewu programme enables South African youth, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, to reclaim their birthright to a quality experience of their game reserves though a four-day Wilderness trail. The Opinion leader programme brings together members of parliament and other key community and environmental leaders on a four-day Wilderness trail.

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The emphasis will be on improving the understanding of the Wilderness code of ethics rather than regulation and enforcement. Regulations must be presented in a positive, simple manner. Enforcement should be provided at a level commensurate with the Wilderness objectives and situation.

The various methods listed below could be used to increase Wilderness education and awareness. The target audience is given in brackets. • Wilderness management techniques manual, similar to the technical manual, but

which will be specific to the Wilderness concept, as outlined in this management plan (staff).

• Literature must be placed at the gate and perhaps also given to people when they make reservations (public users).

• A section on Wilderness should be included on the back of the hiking maps (public users).

• Provide an interpretive display on the Park Wilderness areas at the main camps. These will include a series of panels i.e. for fire management, Wilderness, rock art etc. (public users).

• Posters displayed on site explaining the concepts of Wilderness and LNT (public users).

• Provide a spectrum of Wilderness education and useful interpretive material on Wilderness values, ethics and principles etc., which would include pamphlets on no-trace camping ethics. Pamphlets should include a definition and vision as well as general regulations such as group size, safety, fire (public at large, public user groups).

• “Enviro facts” booklets can be produced for Wilderness; informing the public about the definition of Wilderness, ethics and philosophy, and educating the public on the values of Wilderness (staff, public users).

• Guided trails should enhance Wilderness awareness by developing and expanding on the aims and objectives of Wilderness through practical demonstration (public users).

• Audio visual presentations (neighbours, public at large, public users). • Wilderness information can be included in talk-packs which are presented to

schools- already in progress with respect to cranes, oribi, blue swallows etc. (neighbours).

• Interpretive posters on “Wilderness in the Park” can be given to schools (neighbours).

• Specialist wildlife publications, such as a series of articles on Wilderness in the Wildside Magazine (public at large, public users).

• Talks can be given e.g. at farmer’s days (neighbours, public users, public at large).

• Media coverage (e.g."50/50") on the Wilderness concept (public at large). • Theatre productions / plays and radio are other forms of successful

communication (neighbours, public at large, public users). • Information can be given out at tollgates (public at large, public users).

Actions: • Pamphlets: Revise or expand on the existing pamphlets by incorporating

Wilderness information. • The type of information given to the public must be prioritised. • Approach the MDTP for funding for a poster and pamphlets. Other funding options

are the relevant Tourism Authorities, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism poverty relief funds, Wildlands Conservation Trust and the Wilderness Foundation.

• The committee should identify key people to implement the various actions. • The formation of a “Friends of the Park Wilderness” group should be considered.

This group would form the key people who would co-ordinate the implementation

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of various actions. The group could also be a subset of the existing Honorary Officer group of EKZNW.

10.3 Marketing

EKZNW need to enhance their image as a Wilderness management agency, and create an awareness of the Wilderness philosophy.

Wilderness should be advertised as part of the ongoing advertising campaign of EKZNW conservation areas. Wilderness should not be advertised as a separate activity i.e. there should not be a major drive toward advertising Wilderness. Drawing people to a “novel” resource should be avoided. There is a danger in driving the masses towards Wilderness. Visitors to Wilderness can be educated and made aware of the Wilderness resource once they are there.

11. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Those members of the Wilderness Management Steering Committee that assisted with the compilation of this management plan (see page i), are thanked for their encouraging, dedicated support and contributions towards the daunting task of compiling a management plan to manage the Park Wilderness areas. The Wilderness Management Steering Committee is most grateful for the critical comments from numerous members of staff. In addition, Bergwatch, the Mountain Club of South Africa and the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs are thanked for their extensive comments. The Umfolozi Wilderness Management Plan was used as reference material to guide the compilation of this management plan (Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park: The Management Plan for the Umfolozi Wilderness, 2000, A.G. Anderson, A.J. Conway and A.H. Maddock).

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Table 1: Access limitations in the three Wilderness zones and the Wilderness buffer zone

WILDERNESS ZONE BUFFER ZONE ACTIVITY PRISTINE PRIMITIVE SEMI-

PRIMITIVE SEMI-PRIMITIVE NON-MOTORISED

Motorised

No (casevac only)

No (casevac only)

No (casevac only)

No (casevac only)

Bicycle

No

No

No

Yes*

Horse

Only transit and casevac

Transit and overnight



Donkey

Only transit and casevac

Transit and overnight Transit and overnight


Foot

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Canoe

n/a n/a n/a Yes

**Helicopter and Fixed Wing (flights)

If minimum tool for monitoring. If in transit, must be above 2500 ft.




**Helicopter and Fixed Wing (landing)

If minimum tool for monitoring and management. For casevacs.




* Requires IEM process to be followed. ** As per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003.

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Table 2 : Limits of Sophistication in the Wilderness zones and the Wilderness buffer zone

ZONE WILDERNESS WILDERNESS WILDERNESS BUFFER

ACTIVITY PRISTINE PRIMITIVE SEMI-PRIMITIVE SEMI-PRIMITIVE NON-MOTORISED

No sophisticated improvement for the convenience of users or managers that has short or long-term residual effect

A self "pack it in - pack it out" policy for all management and recreational activities



Limited camping, but no use of horses or donkeys overnight

"No-trace" camping ethic will be implemented to ensure that every trace of human presence is eliminated

“No-trace" camping ethic will be implemented to ensure that every trace of human presence is eliminated

No-trace" camping ethic will be implemented to ensure that every trace of human presence is eliminated. All building material must be natural, i.e. stone and thatch

Sophisti-cation Level

Users are to be self-reliant and self-sufficient



Accommodation

Caves or portable i.e. tent or bedroll



Caves or portable i.e. tent or bedroll, and hiking huts

Toilet Trowel Trowel Trowel Trowel / toilet in huts

Bathing River River River River / shower in huts

Lighting* Torch / candle or gas lantern

Torch / candle or gas lantern

Torch / candle or gas lantern

Torch / candle or gas lantern or electric lighting

Cooking Gas cooker Gas cooker Gas cooker Gas cooker

Seating Natural Natural Natural Natural / chairs in huts

Water Natural or self “pack it in”

Natural or self "pack it in"

Natural or self "pack it in"

Natural or self "pack it in" (on tap in huts)

Trails No formalised trails, no structures and no signage

Formalised trails but no structures (e.g. bridges**) and no signage

Well maintained formalised trails with structures and signage where necessary** in high use areas

Well maintained formalised trails with structures (e.g. bridges) in high use areas and formalized signage

Access On foot (any) or horse / donkey (staff only***)

On foot (any) or horse / donkey (staff only***)

On foot (any) or horse / donkey (staff only***)

On foot (any) or horse / donkey (staff only***) or bicycle**

* Candles that are not fully enclosed are prohibited because of the traces left by candles

and the danger of potential wild fires particularly during the dry season ** Structures such as bridges and some signs may be required in exceptional

circumstances and bicycles may be allowed on selected trails. Wilderness Management Steering Committee to decide.

*** Excludes Rugged Glen, where visitors may book horse rides.

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FIGURE 1: THE PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS OF THE UKHAHLMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK

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FIGURE 2: CANDIDATE WILDERNESS AREAS WITHIN THE

UKHAHLMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE

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FIGURE 3: RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM ZONATION OF THE

UKHAHLMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE (from the IMP)

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FIGURE 4 a: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS: Royal Natal and Rugged Glen

FIGURE 4 b: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS: Poccolan

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FIGURE 4 c: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS: Cathedral Peak

FIGURE 4 d: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS:

Monks Cowl

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FIGURE 4 e: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS: Injisuthi

FIGURE 4 f: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS:

Hillside

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FIGURE 4 g: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS:

Witteberg

FIGURE 4 h: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS:

Highmoor

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FIGURE 4 i: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS: Kamberg

FIGURE 4 j: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS:

Mkhomazi

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FIGURE 4 k: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS: Lotheni

FIGURE 4 l: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS:

Vergelegen

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FIGURE 4 m: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS: Cobham

FIGURE 4 n: STRUCTURES WITHIN THE UDP WHS PROCLAIMED WILDERNESS AREAS:

Garden Castle

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APPENDICES


APPENDIX 1: THE PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE

FOR THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE

PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area that you plan to visit. • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies. • Plan your trip to avoid times of high use in order to enhance your Wilderness experience. • Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of four to six. A maximum of 12 hikers per group

are allowed in Wilderness areas. • Repackage your food to minimise waste. • Use a map and compass or GPS to assist you. The use of rock cairns is not allowed in Wilderness. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES • Durable surfaces include established and formalised trails and campsites, rock, gravel and dry

grassland or snow. • Camp at least 100 m or 5 minutes walk from the trail. • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 100 m or 5 minutes walk from rivers or streams. • Good campsites are found and not made. Sites should not be altered under any circumstances. • Concentrate your use on existing trails and campsites in popular areas to minimize the impact or the

formation of new trails. • Walk in single file in the middle of the trail, where established trails exist, even in wet or muddy

conditions. • Keep your campsite small. Focus on durable surfaces where vegetation is absent if possible. • In pristine areas, where no trails or campsites exist, disperse use to prevent the creation of trails and

campsites. • Avoid places where impact is beginning to show. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY • Pack-it-in, pack-it-out! Inspect your campsite and picnic areas for waste and food scraps. • Ideally place solid human waste, hygiene products and toilet paper in “ziploc” bags and pack-it-out.

Alternatively, bury solid human waste, hygiene products and toilet paper in catholes dug 15 cm deep and at least 100 m or 5 minutes walk away from water, campsites and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.

• To wash yourself or your clothes / dishes, carry water at least 100 m or 5 minutes walk away from streams or rivers and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter the water.


LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND • Preserve our cultural heritage. Look at what you find, but do not touch cultural or historical artifacts

or structures. • No camping is allowed in caves containing bushman paintings or artifacts. • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them. • Avoid the introduction or transporting of alien plants or animal species. • Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. • Respect your environment. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS • No campfires are allowed in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Fires can

spread quickly and endanger the lives of visitors and can have a devastating impact on the environment.

• Use lightweight stoves for cooking. • Use candle lanterns, gas lanterns or torches for light as open candles pose a fire hazard and leave

wax behind. • Fire forms part of the Park management strategy and visitors should familiarize themselves with

burning programmes prior to planning a hike or visiting during the burning season (May to October). RESPECT WILDLIFE • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. • Never feed any animals. Feeding animals alters their natural behaviour causing these animals to

become problematic around humans which leads to the destruction of these animals. • Protect wildlife and your food by storing your food and waste securely. • Avoid disturbing wildlife during sensitive times such as mating, nesting and when they have young,

as this exposes them to predators and other dangers. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. • Be courteous. Yield to other hikers on the trail. • Take breaks and camp away from the trails and other visitors. • Let nature’s sound prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Take only pictures and leave only your footprints !


APPENDIX 2: IUCN CLASSIFICATION OF WILDERNESS

CATEGORY I: Strict Nature Reserve / Wilderness Area: protected area managed mainly for

science or Wilderness protection CATEGORY Ib: Wilderness Area: protected area managed mainly for Wilderness protection Definition

Large area of unmodified or slightly modified land, and / or sea, retaining its natural character and influence, without permanent or significant habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural condition.

Objectives of Management

• to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience understanding and enjoyment of areas that have been largely undisturbed by human action over a long period of time;

• to maintain the essential natural attributes and qualities of the environment over the long term;

• to provide for public access at levels and of a type which will serve best the physical and spiritual well-being of visitors and maintain the Wilderness qualities of the area for present and future generations; and

• to enable indigenous human communities living at low density and in balance with the available resources to maintain their lifestyle.

Guidance for Selection

• The area should possess high natural quality, be governed primarily by the forces of nature, with human disturbance substantially absent, and be likely to continue to display those attributes if managed as proposed.

• The area should contain significant ecological, geological, physiogeographic, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic or historic value.

• The area should offer outstanding opportunities for solitude, enjoyed once the area has been reached, by simple, quiet, non-polluting and non-intrusive means of travel (i.e. non-motorised).

• The area should be of sufficient size to make practical such preservation and use. Organizational Responsibility

Ownership and control should be by the national or other level of government, acting through a professionally qualified agency, or by a private foundation, university or institution which has an established research or conservation function, or by owners working in cooperation with any of the foregoing government or private institutions. Adequate safeguards and controls relating to long-term protection should be secured before designation. International agreements over areas subject to disputed national sovereignty can provide exceptions (e.g. Antarctica).

Equivalent Category in 1978 System

This sub-category did not appear in the 1978 system, but has been introduced following the IUCN General Assembly Resolution (16 / 34) on Protection of Wilderness Resources and Values, adopted at the 1984 General Assembly in Madrid, Spain.


APPENDIX 3 INSTRUMENTS PROVIDING FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE

UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE WILDERNESS AREAS

APPENDIX 3A: The National Forests Act No. 84 of 1998

The Act protects State Forests, Forest Nature Reserves and Wilderness Areas, and the plant and animal life contained therein. In addition the Act allows for management programmes to be established in order to prevent soil erosion and fire, maintain the natural genetic and species diversity and control plants and animals which are harmful to a particular area. The Act provides for the control and reasonable access to State Forests for the purposes of recreation, education, culture or spiritual fulfillment. Also, any person is prohibited from damaging State Forests or contributing to the threat of fire. Forest officers are empowered to arrest any person who has contravened this Act and may seize such person’s property.


APPENDIX 3 continued INSTRUMENTS PROVIDING FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE

UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERIATGE SITE WILDERNESS AREAS

APPENDIX 3B: National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003

The above Act provides for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes; for the establishment of a national register of all national, provincial and local protected areas; for the management of those areas in accordance with national norms and standards; for intergovernmental co-operation and public consultation in matters concerning protected areas; and for matters in connection therewith.

Extracts from the Act referring to Wilderness areas are as follows;

Chapter 2

9. of the Act recognizes that the system of protected areas in South Africa consists of the following kinds of protected areas:

(a) special nature reserves, nature reserves (including Wilderness areas) and protected environments; (d) specially protected forest areas, forest nature reserves and forest Wilderness areas declared in terms of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998); and….

Specially protected forest areas, forest nature reserves and forest Wilderness areas 15. (1) Chapter 1, this Chapter and section 48 apply to specially protected forest areas, forest nature reserves or forest Wilderness areas, declared as such in terms of section 8 of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998). (2) The other provisions of this Act do not apply to specially protected forest areas, forest nature reserves or forest Wilderness areas, but if any such area has been declared as or included in a special nature reserve or nature reserve, such area must be managed as, or as part of, the special nature reserve or nature reserve in terms of this Act in accordance with an agreement concluded between the Minister and the Cabinet member responsible for forestry.

Designation of nature reserve as specific type: Designation of nature reserve as Wilderness area 26. (1) The Minister or MEC may by notice in the Gazette designate a nature reserve or part thereof as a Wilderness area. (2) A notice under subsection (1) may only be issued—

(a) to protect and maintain the natural character of the environment, biodiversity, associated natural and cultural resources and the provision of environmental goods and services; (b) to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude; (c) to control access which, if allowed, may only be by non-mechanised means.

(3) Before designating a nature reserve or part of a nature reserve as a Wilderness area, the Minister or MEC must consult the management authority of the nature reserve.




APPENDIX 3C: KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 15 of 1974

Part 1 of Chapter II of the Nature Conservation Ordinance 15 of 1974 makes provision for the Establishment of National Parks, Game Reserves, Wilderness areas and nature reserves (Amended by PN 4942/1993).

Chapter II, Part I 2. (1) The Administrator may by proclamation in the Gazette declare that for the

purposes of this Part of this Chapter –

c) any place upon any land purchased, leased or otherwise acquired, whether by donation or otherwise, by the Natal Provincial Administration, or any place in any township governed by the provisions of the Commonages Act. 1904 (Natal Act No. 35 of 1904), shall be a Wilderness area or nature reserve;

[Amended by PN 4942/1993]

and assign a name to such a national park, game reserve, Wilderness area or nature reserve and define the boundaries thereof.

[Amended by PN 4942/1993]




APPENDIX 3D: The KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act No. 9 of 1997

as amended

This legislation provides for the institutional structures for nature conservation in the province and the establishment of control and monitoring bodies and mechanisms. The administration of the Act falls under the Member of the Executive Council responsible for the protection and conservation of the environment and nature conservation. This minister is also responsible for nature conservation policy, the implementation of the Act, and the proclamation of protected areas. The Act establishes a decision-making body in the form of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board having the primary functions of (i) directing the management of nature conservation, protected areas, the development and promotion of ecotourism facilities within protected areas, and (ii) ensuring an effective Nature Conservation Service under the direction of a Chief Executive Officer. Section 5(3)(c) of the Act requires that the Nature Conservation Board must ensure the protection and management of heritage resources within the protected areas according to the principles of the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act of 1997. All former proclaimed protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal have been listed in a Schedule to the Act and include all the component areas of the Park. The Act also makes provision for local protected area boards which provide a statutory basis for the direct involvement of communities living in the area in the decision-making for the protected area. The first local boards were established during 1999.




APPENDIX 3E: KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service policy

on the Management of Wilderness Areas

Management of Wilderness Areas DATE OF BOARD APPROVAL: 29 October 1999 BOARD MINUTE: 8.1.4 Policy File Number 3.17 The KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board RECOGNISING:

• Wilderness is an enduring natural resource, • Wilderness areas are classified in the South African and KwaZulu-Natal protected areas

system as Category 1 areas, • the importance of Wilderness areas in the conservation of wildlife resources in KwaZulu-

Natal, • the Wilderness experience is an important component of the spectrum of opportunities

available to protected areas visitors;

and REALISING that:

• Wilderness areas require special attention to preserve the resources of solitude and naturalness, as well as conservation of the natural environment and communities in largely unmodified state.

UNDERTAKES to:

1. Ensure that all Wilderness areas receive statutory protection. 2. Promote the identification and designation of appropriate areas. 3. Preserve the resources of solitude and an unchanged landscape in Wilderness areas

through appropriate conservation management. 4. Manage Wilderness areas using internationally accepted techniques based on the limits

of acceptable change. 5. Promote the appropriate use of Wilderness areas by visitors, in order to maintain the

quality of Wilderness resource while ensuring that visitors derive satisfaction and appreciate the value of Wilderness areas.

6. Prohibit the use of mechanical and motorised equipment in Wilderness areas. 7. Maintain a Wilderness ethic in the management authority and to promote a Wilderness

ethic among the public to ensure the long term protection of Wilderness areas. 8. Develop interpretative material for the enjoyment and education of the public and visitors

to Wilderness areas.


APPENDIX 4: THE 13 WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

(SOURCE: Wilderness Management: Stewardship and Protection of Resources and Values, J.C. Hendee and C.P. Dawson, 2003)

The principles provide basic concepts to guide Wilderness management. They provide a framework for reviewing and evaluating approaches to Wilderness management situations, issues and problems.

1. Manage Wilderness as the most pristine extreme on the environmental modification

spectrum. The environmental modification spectrum (or recreational opportunity spectrum) describes a continuum of settings that range from the totally modified landscape of modern cities to the most remote, pristine rural locations. South Africans, through the Protected Areas Act have decided to preserve Wilderness areas at the undeveloped and most pristine end of the environmental spectrum. At this end of the spectrum, naturalness and solitude distinguish Wilderness conditions. Any use that alters these two qualities, threatens to erode the threshold along this spectrum that separates Wilderness from other land. This principle mandates that a fundamental objective of Wilderness management is to maintain the distinctive qualities that define and separate Wilderness from other land uses.

2. Manage Wilderness holistically not as separable parts.

By virtue of its cultural value, Wilderness is a resource. One important attribute of the Wilderness resource is the natural relationship among all its ecosystem parts. Wilderness is a composite resource with interrelated parts, therefore management must be focused on the whole, holistically, not on its component parts. Criteria for controlling use of Wilderness must be based on the maintenance of natural relationships.

3. Manage Wilderness, and sites within, under a non-degradation concept.

Wilderness areas vary in the degree to which naturalness has remained unspoiled, or to which opportunities for solitude remain undiminished by current established uses. The variations within Wilderness provide a “Wilderness Opportunity Spectrum”. The non-degradation concept allows managers to work towards a reasonably uniform standard even though there is variation within and between areas. Non-degradation calls for the maintenance of existing environmental conditions if they equal or exceed minimum standards and for the restoration of conditions that are below minimum levels. The concept also provides an opportunity to upgrade or restore Wilderness quality.

4. Manage human influences, a key to Wilderness protection. The fragile and sometimes irreplaceable qualities of these areas are easily lost unless thoughtful and deliberate management protects them against direct impacts of use and the indirect but pervasive influences of civilization and global change. The preservation of Wilderness resources and the values and benefits they offer people, will depend on the stewardship and management of Wilderness areas. Wilderness management is basically concerned with the management of human use and influences to preserve naturalness and solitude.


5. Manage Wilderness biocentrically to produce human values and benefits. Wilderness is designated not just to protect its flora and fauna, but also for its enjoyment values and benefits (as Wilderness) for people. People may benefit from their Wilderness experience either directly (through recreation, education or spiritual renewal) or indirectly (by reading about it or knowledge from scientific studies done in Wilderness). The realization of human benefits to be derived from Wilderness preservation and use is implicit in the Wilderness ideology and philosophy. The continued protection of Wilderness naturalness and solitude as the source of human values and benefits, and access to Wilderness to experience them are fundamental goals of Wilderness stewardship. The biocentric approach must be applied by managers; namely keep the wild in Wilderness but allow as much use as is consistent with that goal.

6. Favour Wilderness-dependent activities.

Wilderness is the setting for many activities, some of which are dependent on the availability of a substantially unaltered ecosystems (e.g. some types of scientific study). Conversely other types of activities such as fishing, are not dependent on a Wilderness situation at all, although such a setting may enhance them. When there is conflict between one or more uses or competition for access, the principle for Wilderness dependency (which calls for favouring activities most dependent on Wilderness conditions) is used to guide visitor management towards preventing overuse. This principle intends to assure optimum use of Wilderness resources. In order to emphasize Wilderness dependent activities in designated Wilderness it is necessary to provide alternative non-Wilderness lands to which non-Wilderness dependent uses can be diverted.

7. Guide Wilderness management using written plans with specific area objectives.

Wilderness management actions must be guided by formal plans with specific objectives and detail on how these will be achieved. Managers and the public need plans to consider whether activities and strategies are appropriate for specific areas and consistent with the law. Public involvement in the management planning process is essential. Objectives in the management plan must be specific- clear statements of desired conditions- so proposed management actions can be evaluated for their contribution to a specific objective. Plans must guide judgments as to what actions are necessary and should provide continuity when managers are replaced. Objectives are also essential to monitoring progress toward achieving objectives and evaluating the success of Wilderness management.

8. Set carrying capacities as necessary to prevent unnatural change.

Wilderness has limited capacity to absorb the impacts of use and still retain its Wilderness qualities. Wilderness qualities may disappear with an increase in use. The carrying capacity concept is the amount of use an area can tolerate without unacceptable change in conditions. The concept is a framework for managing use to preserve Wilderness qualities. Wilderness managers must allow natural processes and change to occur, with an absolute minimum of human manipulation and influence. The standards of naturalness (the ecological integrity of processes and conditions) and human solitude that are established for an area- and the specific area management objectives that express these standards- help define the carrying capacity of an individual Wilderness. The concept of carrying capacity has two important parameters when applied to Wilderness namely; physical-biological (the amount and kind of use an area can sustain without undue evidence of unnatural impacts) and social-psychological (levels and concentration of human use an area can accommodate before the solitude of Wilderness experiences is unacceptably diminished).


9. Focus management on threatened sites and damaging activities. Management must be site or time / season specific so as to solve problems that may be restricted to one area only. Wilderness use and activities should be ranked according to their relative physical, biological and social-psychological impacts. When restrictions are necessary, those activities having the greatest long-term impact can be the first ones controlled. Thus to minimize excessive environmental and socio-psychological impacts, restrictions should be selective– to times, places, users, and activities having the greatest potential for damage.

10. Apply only the minimum tools, regulations, or force to achieve Wilderness-area

objectives. Only minimum tools, regulation, or force necessary to achieve established Wilderness area objectives are justified. Management actions may be direct (restrictions) or indirect (education). Wilderness management actions fall on a continuum, however, a key goal of Wilderness management is to use indirect methods where ever and when ever possible to delay and minimize the need for direct controls. One may have to increase management at high density sites to contain impact and then maintain standards of naturalness and solitude in surrounding lightly used areas.

11. Involve the public as a key to the success of Wilderness management.

Public involvement is an important tool for the successful development and implementation of Wilderness area management plans and actions. Any proposed Wilderness management action needs public involvement as a source of practical information and essential public support, without which its implementation will fail. Public involvement may also extend to Wilderness management work (volunteers). Public involvement in the day-to-day Wilderness management activities increases the recognition and appreciation of Wilderness values.

12. Monitor Wilderness conditions and experience opportunities to guide long-term

Wilderness stewardship. An essential part of any management plan is a monitoring system to evaluate progress toward stated objectives, and to guide its long term revision, adjustment and refinement. Only through monitoring (the systematic gathering, comparing, and evaluation of data), can one tell whether those objectives are being realized. Wilderness monitoring is also important for realizing the ultimate value of Wilderness areas for science and environmental assessment. Wilderness areas can be a benchmark source of information but only if sufficiently detailed information is collected and made available for use as environmental baselines. Wilderness monitoring can provide this information.

13. Manage Wilderness in relation to management of adjacent lands.

The principle- that management of Wilderness must consider the management of adjacent lands, is also related to the environmental modification spectrum. However the concept broadens from outdoor recreation opportunities to a variety of other resource uses and management practices. Wilderness does not operate in a vacuum- what goes on outside of, but adjacent to, a Wilderness can have substantial impacts inside its boundary. Conversely, the designation of an area as a Wilderness can substantially affect the management of adjacent areas. Impacts can also move from Wilderness to nearby non-Wilderness areas. Managers planning the allocation of various land uses should carefully define activities that are compatible with Wilderness and take steps to reduce incompatibilities through their location. The ROS is such an approach.


APPENDIX 5: THE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM AS A ZONATION SYSTEM FOR THE UKHAHLAMBA

DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE (SOURCE: ROS User Guide, United States Forest Service, as in the Advanced Wilderness Course Manual) Category Description of Criteria to be used for Zonation Setting descriptions (as from the ROS Handbook)

Pristine Wilderness

Unmodified, no development, not impacted by any sights or sounds of people (e.g. formalised trails). Not above the 2400 m contour (used as a guideline, until a visual impact assessment can be undertaken). No closer than 100 m to either side of existing trails.

No formalised paths, no signage.

e.g. valley between Eastman’s Ridge & the High ‘Berg escarpment.

Area is characterised by essentially unmodified natural environment of fairly large size. Interaction between users is very low, and evidence of other users is minimal. The area is managed to be essentially free from evidence of human-induced restrictions and controls. Motorised use not permitted.

Primitive Wilderness

Unmodified environment, except for formalised trails being used at a low intensity (no signage). Visual and audio impact from outside, but at a distance (>10 km). Everything above the 2400 m contour could be Primitive Wilderness. 100 m buffer of formalised trails passing through Pristine Wilderness zones will be Primitive Wilderness.

e.g. Ndedema Gorge.

Extremely high probability of experiencing isolation from the sights and sounds of humans, independence, closeness to nature, tranquility and self-reliance through the application of woodsman and outdoor skills in an environment that offers a high degree of challenge and risk.

Semi-Primitive Wilderness

Unmodified environment, near-Wilderness experience, formalised trails used at a medium intensity. Generally no surfacing of paths and no signage. Some trails may be concreted / surfaced and some signage may occur but only in exceptional circumstances where necessary (i.e. areas of medium intensity of use). Visual and audio impact from outside, but at a medium distance (5-10 km).

Natural environment intact.

e.g. Dooley’s Falls area, Amphitheatre beyond hut and trail area, area next to Duma’s Farm.

High, but not extremely high, probability of experiencing isolation from the sights and sounds of humans, independence, closeness to nature, tranquility, and self-reliance through the application of woodsman and outdoor skills in an environment that offers challenge and risk.

Semi-Primitive Non-Motorised

Closely related to the above zone, but usage of formalised trails at a high intensity – concreting / surfacing of trails where necessary. Natural environment experience, non-motorised use, usually a buffer between Wilderness and semi-Primitive Wilderness / Roaded Natural areas. Visual and audio impact from outside, at a short distance (<5 km). May be hiking huts or other types of low-scale accommodation, possible field ranger outposts.

e.g. immediate trail zone around Thendele, upper end of Rainbow Gorge and surrounds, outpost on Lions Ridge.

Area is characterised by a predominantly natural or natural-appearing environment of moderate to large size, interaction between users is low, but there is often evidence of other users. The area is managed such that minimum on-site controls and restrictions may be present, but are subtle. Motorised use is not permitted.

Semi-Primitive Motorised

4x4 trails and their area of impact (audio and visual). Visitor and management tracks and their zone of visual & audio impact (Use a view shed analysis to determine exact range of impact. An initial distance of 100 m other side has been set).

Rustic accommodation, or low-level, low intensity tourism nodes (no bigger than 10-20 beds).

e.g. Mikes Pass, Culfargie Valley.

Area is characterised by predominantly natural or natural-appearing environment of moderate-to-large size. Concentration of users is low, but there is often evidence of other users. The area is managed in such a way that minimum on-site controls and restrictions may be present, but are subtle. Motorised use is allowed.

Roaded Natural Small to Medium sized Camp nodes (20-100 beds), access control points, 2x4 roads (tar and gravel). Small to medium management nodes. e.g. Monks Cowl Office & development node, Giants Castle Camp and access road.

Area is characterised by predominantly natural-appearing environments with moderate evidences of the sights and sounds of humankind. Such evidences usually harmonize with the natural environment. Interaction between users may be low to moderate, but with evidence of other users prevalent. Resource modifications and utilisation practices are evident, but harmonise with the natural environment. Conventional motorised use is provided for in construction standards and design of facilities.

Rural A rural recreational node / area, rather than as a nature-based experience. Resort type development rather than a nature-based tourism facility. Sights and sounds of people are readily evident. e.g. Cathedral Peak Hotel and Didima, Royal Natal Visitor Centre and Mahai Camp Site, Border Posts.

Area is characterised by substantially modified natural environment. Resource modifications and utilisation practices are to enhance specific recreation activities and to maintain vegetative cover and soil. The zone is a high intensity use zone with sophisticated facilities to cater for a large number of people and the interaction between users is often moderate-high. Facilities are often provided for special activities. Moderate densities are provided far away from developed sites. Facilities for intensified motorised use and parking are available.


APPENDIX 6: THE FORMAT FOR SIGNAGE IN THE

UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE


APPENDIX 7: AN INVENTORY OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE PRESENT WITHIN THE

UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE WILDERNESS AREAS (SEE ALSO FIGURE 4)

MANAGEMENT UNIT

TYPE OF INFRASTRUCTURE

ZONE IN WHICH INFRASTRUCTURE IS LOCATED

REMOVAL DETAILS*

Poccolane None in Wilderness zones n/a

Rugged Glen None in Wilderness zones n/a

Royal Natal Water shed / pump house Semi-Primitive Wilderness Chainladder (Gorge walk) Semi-Primitive Wilderness

Cathedral Peak Hut Pristine Wilderness 3 Huts Primitive Wilderness Tseketseke Hut Primitive Wilderness Weir Primitive Wilderness 2 Weirs Semi-Primitive Wilderness Fire lookout tower (Leafmore,

Mikes Pass, Organ Pipes) Semi-Primitive Wilderness

Culfargie Man made structure Primitive Wilderness

Wilderness entry point Semi-Primitive Wilderness

Monks Cowl 3 Wilderness entry points Primitive Wilderness Hut / fire lookout tower Primitive Wilderness Fence Primitive Wilderness 3 Wilderness entry points Semi-Primitive Wilderness Old rondawel Semi-Primitive Wilderness

Hillside Old outpost Primitive Wilderness boundary Existing outpost Primitive Wilderness boundary Kraal Primitive Wilderness

Injisuthi Dipping tank Primitive Wilderness Outpost Primitive Wilderness Hut Primitive Wilderness

Witteberg 8 Buildings (including huts) Primitive Wilderness 22 Sign posts Primitive Wilderness Sign post Semi-Primitive Wilderness Metal pole Semi-Primitive Wilderness

Highmoor 4 Fence lines Primitive Wilderness 3 Old homestead Primitive Wilderness Fire lookout tower Semi-Primitive Wilderness boundary Wilderness plaque Semi-Primitive Wilderness Fence line Semi-Primitive Wilderness


MANAGEMENT UNIT

TYPE OF INFRASTRUCTURE

ZONE IN WHICH INFRASTRUCTURE IS LOCATED

REMOVAL DETAILS*

Lotheni Roof sheets Pristine Wilderness 200L drums Pristine / Primitive boundary Old outpost Primitive Wilderness Old outpost Primitive / Semi-Primitive

Wilderness boundary

Kamberg 11 Barbed wire Primitive Wilderness

Fence Primitive Wilderness 2 Dip tanks Primitive Wilderness Trig beacon Primitive Wilderness Old fence Primitive Wilderness

Mkhomazi Building ruins Semi-Primitive Wilderness 2 Gate posts Semi-Primitive Wilderness Drums Semi-Primitive Wilderness 2 Stone kraals Semi-Primitive Wilderness Cattle dip Semi-Primitive Wilderness Wilderness entry point Semi-Primitive Wilderness Repeater Semi-Primitive Wilderness Old fenced area Semi-Primitive Wilderness

Vergelegen Building ruin Primitive Wilderness

Cobham 6 Wilderness entry points Primitive Wilderness

Garden Castle 7 Wilderness entry points Primitive Wilderness Bolts on The Monk Primitive Wilderness 2 Wilderness entry points Semi-Primitive Wilderness

* To be completed as part of the Wilderness Area Action Plan.

Note: Apart from the structures tabled above, most paths within Wilderness have path maintenance related structures on them such as creosote poles held in place by metal droppers.


APPENDIX 8A: FLIGHT PATHS OF COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATORS AT CATHEDRAL PEAK


APPENDIX 8B: FLIGHT PATHS OF COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATORS AT MONKS COWL


APPENDIX 9: EMERGENCY RESCUE PROCEEDURES FOR

THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE (Updated February 2005)

MOUNTAIN RESCUE PROTOCOL a) Inform the OiC or their delegate so that they can start the procedures. If the OiC or their

delegate cannot be contacted then the Hospitality Manager or Conservation Manager must start the process.

b) It is best to phone the MCSA rescue organizer directly and tell him the situation and ask his advice (see MCSA call out roster and phone the names in the order that they appear on the list). Alternatively you can phone PHOC (Provincial Health Operation Center) at 0800005133 and tell them that this is a mountain rescue situation (they in turn will contact the MCSA rescue organizer who will then contact the OiC of the station).

c) Follow the steps as laid out in the “Mountain Rescue Protocol Flow Chart” below. d) Together with the MCSA rescue organizer decide on a plan of action. e) If you are dealing with an Aircraft crash you must contact ATNS (Air Traffic and

Navigation Services) at 031-4690005. Tell them the details of the accident and your action plan.

f) Telephone the EKZNW Media Liaison officer on 033-8451235 or 0824618887 (currently Jeff Gaisford) and inform him of the rescue and your plan of action so that he can keep the media informed if required. It is important to keep the media informed and avoid bad press releases or the embarrassment of telling the media that EKZNW does not know whats going on in its protected areas should the media telephone head office.

g) If an aircraft is required, get authorization from the Conservation Manager or their delegate.

h) If a local non-technical rescue aircraft is required the OiC can phone one of the local aircraft companies for assistance. Give the aircraft company an order number and process the payment through the normal channels, making use of the mountain rescue levy funds (make sure that the aircraft ordered has the technical ability of doing the job and has medical personnel on board the aircraft).

i) If the rescue is technical let the MCSA obtain the aircraft on EKZNW’s behalf (this would normally be a SANDF aircraft capable of winching).

j) All technical mountain rescue operations must be undertaken by the MCSA rescue team and not by EKZNW staff.

k) Carry out the rescue and fly the patient to the nearest medical facility (if the patient requests a specific hospital this can be arranged as long as the patient’s Medical Aid covers this extra expense).

l) In the case of a death do not remove the body. Contact SAPS and let them deal with the situation. Under no circumstances must bodies be moved without the authorization of SAPS.


APPENDIX 9 continued MOUNTAIN RESCUE PROTOCOL

FLOW CHART (Updated February 2005)

If dealing with AircraftCrash contact ATNS

(031) 4690005

OIC Assess the situation Liaison with MCSA

Evacuation / searchcarried out by OIC

(Assisted by MCSA if required)

OIC organises theevacuation / search


No

Evacuation / searchcarried out by MCSA

(Assisted by OIC if required)

MCSA organises theevacuation / search

Yes

Is it a technicalrescue ?

No

Evacuation carried outby OIC


OIC organises theappropriate local

aircraft

No

MCSA carries outevacuation / search

(Assisted by OIC if required)

MCSA organises theevacuation / search

and aircraft

Yes

Is it a technical rescue ?

OIC gets authorisationfrom Conservation Manager

Yes

Is a helicopter required ?

Inform Jeff Gaisford sohe can be prepaired

for any media enquiries

Decide appropriate action plan Liaison with MCSA

Call comes to EKZNW

Definitions:- Technical Rescue without aircraft means - A rescue operation where technical rope work and mountaineering techniques are used to evacuate a patient. Technical rescues may only be carried out by the MCSA’s mountain rescue team and not by EKZNW staff. Technical Rescue using aircraft means - A rescue operation where technical rope work and mountaineering techniques are used in conjunction with the winching systems of the aircraft to evacuate a patient. Technical rescues of this nature may only be carried out by the MCSA’s mountain rescue team and the SAAF and not by EKZNW staff.


APPENDIX 10: VISITOR ACTIVITIES MATRIX FOR THE

UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE WILDERNESS ACTIVITY

PRISTINE PRIMITIVE SEMI-PRIMITIVE

SEMI-PRIMITIVE NON MOTORISED

SEMI-PRIMITIVE MOTORISED

ROADED NATURAL

RURAL

HIKING �* � �* � � � � HORSE RIDING �* �* �* �* �* �* �* CAMPING �* �* �* �* �* �* �* BIRDING � � � � � � � BOTANISING � � � � � � � CANOEING � � � � � � � SWIMMING � � � � � � � SKIING � � � � � � � MOUNTAIN BIKING x X x �* � � � HUNTING x X x x x x x ABSEILING �* �* �* � � � � SPORTS CLIMBING x X x x x x x TRADITIONAL CLIMBING �* �* �* � � � � ICE / SNOW CLIMBING �* �* �* � � � � ORIENTEERING � � � � � � � CABLE CARS x X x x x x �* CHAIR LIFTS x X x x x �* �* FISHING (DAM) �* �* �* � � � � FISHING (RIVER) � � � � � � � GUIDED ROCK ART TRIPS �* �* �* � � � � GOLF x X x x x x x FLYING-FIXED WING x X x x �* �* �* HELOCOPTER FLIPS x X x x �* �* �* GLIDING x X x x �* �* �* HANG GLIDING x X x x �* �* �* PARAGLIDING x X x x �* �* �* MICROLIGHT x X x x �* �* �* SELFGUIDED 4X4 x X x x � � � GUIDED 4X4 x X x x � � � MOTOR BIKES x X x x x � � QUAD BIKES x X x x x � � 4X2 GRAVEL TAR x X x x x � �

X= not allowed; �= allowed; �*= allowed with restrictions (e.g. horses for staff use only, flights above a certain altitude and subject to the IEM policy).


APPENDIX 11: MOUNTAIN CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA KWAZULU NATAL SECTION:

USE OF FIXED PROTECTION AND BOLTING IN THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Note: This policy will guide the MCSA in the use of fixed protection throughout the high Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal. This should include currently unprotected areas outside of the uKkhahlamba Drakensberg Park such as the Mnweni area. Pre-amble The Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) KwaZulu Natal Section stands firmly for the conservation of Wilderness areas, including mountain areas and especially the Drakensberg. The MCSA KZN has a long and proud track record in this regard and a long standing and positive working relationship with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (and its predecessors) on many issues including Mountain Rescue and Conservation. There is also a long and rich heritage of mountain and rock climbing in the Drakensberg dating back to the early 1930s. Amongst the first recreational users of the Drakensberg were mountaineers and climbers. From the early days, the use of fixed protection in the form of pegs by these climbers was necessary for safety. Since then the development of removable protection has made climbing easier under some circumstances, however, such removable protection cannot be used in all instances. There are therefore still pegs in place on many routes in the Drakensberg and their existence is essential for the safety of the routes concerned. Similarly the use of fixed protection is necessary in establishing certain new routes where removable forms of protection cannot be used. The goal of the MCSA in presenting this policy is to strike a balance between preserving the unique Wilderness character of the Drakensberg and closing the door to adventure and the possibility of opening bold new routes. Background to Discussion on Fixed Protection in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park “The Wilderness resource encompasses two central concepts namely; naturalness and solitude” (Wilderness Area Management Plan, 2006). “Fixed climbing safety anchors are necessary tools which are allowed by the American Wilderness Act of 1964. They are considered substantially unnoticed ‘imprints of man’s work’ that climbers periodically must use and leave in place to protect the climber while ascending and / or descending a route” (American Alpine Club Policy on Fixed Anchors in Wilderness, 1999). MCSA is committed to supporting both of the above principles. It is thus committed to low impact and safe use of this unique resource. Based on these commitments the MCSA has worked with the Wilderness Steering Committee to clarify a policy on fixed protection that meets the needs and responsibilities of both Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the MCSA. It is in this spirit of engagement that the MCSA offer to work together with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in assessing any suggested placement of fixed protection. This includes recognition of the requirement to undertake a scoping process where appropriate, as outlined in this document.


Definition of removable protection Removable protection is defined as mechanical camming devices (“friends”), wire stoppers, slings and other such devices. They are typically inserted into the rock by the first climber (the leader) and removed by the last member of a climbing party, thereby leaving nothing behind in the rock. Suitable placements for removable protection devices are not always available, hence there is a need to use fixed protection on some routes. With regard to abseil points, climbing parties will be encouraged to remove old abseil tape from previous parties. Definition of fixed protection Fixed protection is defined as pegs and bolts. Pegs are hammered into natural weaknesses in the rock whilst bolts are inserted into pre-drilled holes. These forms of protection are usually left in place and are generally used as a last resort due to the extra expense and effort required for their use. Pegs are regarded as a traditional form of protection and have been utilised since the early days of climbing in the Drakensberg. They have been utilised on a very limited basis and mainly as emergency protection when there is no other safe alternative. Bolts have been used more recently (mainly in the last 10 years). They have also been used on a very limited basis and mainly on routes that have sustained sections with no removable protection and peg placements available. Use of fixed protection The use of fixed protection in the Drakensberg is supported by the MCSA KZN for the following reasons and subject to the stated conditions. Reasons for the support of fixed protection: • Fixed protection is essential for the safety of climbers who are an existing and long established user group of the area. • Fixed protection is already in place and has been for many decades. • Fixed protection has gone unnoticed for decades by all except climbers themselves. It is placed in the high berg and is therefore invisible to most user groups. • Fixed protection has no significant negative environmental impact. • Climbers and the fixed protection they use have one of the lowest impacts of all user groups in the Drakensberg. • Notwithstanding the above, the use of fixed protection in the Drakensberg, especially bolts, is extremely rare and is unlikely to increase given the arduous access. • The MCSA KZN and the Climbing Community already regulates itself in terms of a stringent code of ethics. Conditions for the use of fixed protection: � The Drakensberg is considered a traditional climbing area and this tradition will be firmly

protected by the MCSA. � Fixed protection should not be placed on any rock face that is accessible or visible to user

groups other than climbers so as to interfere with their enjoyment of the wilderness and other areas.

� Fixed protection should only be used as a means of last resort where removable protection does not enable safe passage.

� Where fixed protection is used, pegs should be the first choice and may be placed at the climbers discretion, provided that they are not visible to other user groups (see above).

� Where pegs cannot be used or are unsafe then bolts can be utilised (subject to the specific conditions below).

� The retro-bolting of traditional routes will not be tolerated (and there is no recorded case of this having occurred).


MCSA bolting policy

The MCSA has an existing bolting policy (available from the MCSA KZN as a separate document), which clearly indicates the club’s position on bolting in traditional areas (including the Drakensberg). Guided by that policy the following general principles for bolting in the Drakensberg are presented:

• There are cases when the placing of bolts is necessary to make a route safer or to supplement removable protection when it is necessary.

• It is permissible to place bolts in order to reduce the number of unsafe and / or unsightly abseil points.

• Bolts should be placed so as to minimise the impact on the character of a route. • Bolts should only be placed by competent and experienced climbers. • The materials and techniques used should enable the greatest strength and longest

possible lifespan of the bolts, based on technical information available at the time. Currently, the suggested option is stainless steel anchors (with a matt finish) with a chemical (epoxy) bond. The suggested minimum depth of placement is 90 mm. Drilling of holes for bolts should preferably be done using a motorized drill, due to the nature of the rock hand drills are not encouraged. At all times consideration must be given to the impact of excessive noise on wildlife and other mountain users.

• Only hangers with a matt finish and colour that blends with the surrounding rock may be used.

• Safety factors being equal, bolts should be placed in such a way as to minimise any negative aesthetic impact.

• Where a new route is not feasible without bolting an entire pitch, a scoping process must be undertaken. Any 50 m of climbing requiring more than 5 bolts should be considered as a bolted pitch. Bolt stations should be limited to 2 bolts. Bolt stations, whether containing 1 or 2 bolts, will be counted as one bolt for the purpose assessing the number of bolts in 50 m. The scoping process is two tiered with the first screen provided by the MCSA KZN. Where necessary the matter will be referred to the EKZNW Wilderness Steering Committee and the EKZNW Development Committee for final decision, with a recommendation from the MCSA. The aim is to streamline routine matters (where the need for fixed protection is clearly acceptable within the guidelines) whilst providing a mechanism to prevent possible detrimental impacts due to climbing in the Drakensberg.

• In cases where there is any doubt as to whether or not to place bolts, an approach should be made to the MCSA KZN for advice, before the bolts are placed.

Conclusion:

Given the nature and location of climbing areas in the Drakensberg, it will be very difficult to police and monitor the use of fixed protection in the Drakensberg if it were to be prohibited in Wilderness areas. The suggested participative approach provides a more effective means of control while allowing the freedom to enjoy the Drakensberg by those who seek its solitude and the grand adventure of climbing. With this freedom comes a moral and ethical responsibility on the part of the climbing community to treat the mountains in a responsible and respectful manner. This is based on a commitment to support the principles of: naturalness and solitude espoused in the Wilderness Area Management Plan, while at the same time recognising a commitment to the safety of people using these unique areas.

Thursday, 27 July 2006


APPENDIX 12: THE LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE CHANGE

Step 1: Identify goals and future conditions.

The planning process should begin with a review of the current legislation that is applicable to Wilderness areas. A perspective should be developed as to the position of a particular Wilderness area relative to others on the ROS, and to highlight the significance of the area to the region and national Wilderness area network. This information will describe the overall goals for any Wilderness, namely i) preserving or restoring natural conditions and processes, ii) maintaining or restoring outstanding opportunities for solitude, and iii) minimising restrictions on recreation behaviour to allow for a primitive recreation experience. Specific goals will vary between areas and will relate to the type of visitor or management use of that area. Statements of the goals and desired conditions need to be made at the start of the process because they will provide the guidance needed to direct the entire planning process.

Step 2: Identify area concerns and issues;

Helps managers to identify the values of the area and its role in the region and the Wilderness system. Take into account legal guidelines and organisational policy. Management needs to reflect area features and values. Consider the following: • Does the area contain outstanding ecological, scientific, recreational,

educational, historic or conservation values that warrant special attention? • Does the area provide critical habitats for threatened or endangered species? • Has public input identified areas or issues that merit special attention? • Do land uses on contiguous areas represent situations requiring special

management attention? (are developments planned, changes in access likely?) • Are there existing or potential non-conforming uses in that area that require

special attention? • Are there regional or national issues that need consideration? • What is the availability of Wilderness and dispersed recreation opportunities in

the planning area? • What is the regional demand for Wilderness and dispersed recreation? • Are the physical, biological features of the area found elsewhere in the region or

does it possess unique features? • Are the types of recreation opportunities offered by the area available in other

Wilderness areas or does the area offer opportunities not found elsewhere? Summary: Purpose • Identify features or values of particular concern to be maintained or achieved. • Identify specific locations of concern. • To provide a basis for the establishment of management objectives. • To guide the allocation of land to different zones. Process • Identify issues raised during public involvement. • Identify concerns raised by resource managers, planners and policymakers. • Review agency policy. • Analyse regional supply and demand. • Analyse opportunities in the area from a regional and national perspective. Product * Write-up identifying unique values, special opportunities and problems requiring special attention, to be featured in the management plan of the area.


Step 3: Identify and describe opportunity classes;

A zonation system provides a qualitative description of the kinds of resource and social conditions acceptable for that zone and type of management activity considered appropriate. They are hypothetical descriptions of the range of conditions that managers consider likely to be maintained or restored in that area. The zone definition provides a rationale against which the appropriateness of the indicators (step 4), standards (step 6) and management actions (step 8) can be tested. The zones follow the ROS system (Pristine, Primitive and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorised in Wilderness). Managers must consider a continuum of conditions within Wilderness (e.g. paths are heavily utilised at entry points but not further into the Wilderness), and must consider provision of a range of conditions within Wilderness boundaries to achieve resource and social objectives. Actions: • Select and name a set of zones that reflect the range of conditions that you wish

to provide in the area (consider conditions that exist as well as those you want to achieve); • resource conditions typically include the type and extent of recreational

visitor impacts • When looking at acceptable resource conditions for each opportunity class

address; • type of impact • severity of impact • prevalence and extent of impact • apparentness of impact

• Address social issues too such as • extent of interparty contact • location of interparty contact

• Must provide descriptive statements of managerial conditions because these will be the framework for what will be done to achieve resource and social conditions. The following issues need to be addressed; • presence of management personnel • on-site versus off-site management strategies • site modification • rules and regulations on behaviour

The resource, social and managerial conditions for each zone constitute the management objectives for the area. Throughout the process these objectives serve to determine what types of information are needed, what standards need to be developed, the appropriateness of various activities, and what management actions need to be instituted.

Summary: Purpose • To facilitate the provision and maintenance of inter- and intra-area diversity. Process • Review information collected during step 2 concerning area issues and concerns

and select number and names of opportunity classes. ��

Product • Narrative descriptions of resource, social and managerial conditions defined as

appropriate and acceptable for each opportunity class.


Step 4: Select indicators of resource and social conditions;

Identify indicators i.e. specific variables that are indicative of the condition of the overall zone. These measures allow managers to define desired conditions and to assess the effectiveness of various management practices. Firstly review the issues and concerns defined in step 2 that require attention. Describe the broad categories of issues and concerns as factors (resource and social). Within the categories, managers must identify indicators that reflect the overall condition of the factor. Criteria to guide selection of indicators;

• indicator must be capable of being measured in cost effective ways at acceptable levels of accuracy,

• the condition of the indicator should reflect some relationship to the amount and/or type of use occurring,

• social indicators should be related to user concerns, • the condition of the indicator should be, at least potentially, responsive to

management control, and • indicators must relate as directly as possible to the objective.

Summary: Purpose • Identify specific variables to guide inventory process (step 5). • Provide basis for identifying where and what management actions are needed. Process • Review information outlined in descriptions (step 3). • Review issues and concerns regarding specific conditions identified in step 2 and

select factors that reflect these issues and concerns.

Product • List of measurable resource and social indicators (quantifiable).

�

�

Step 5: Inventory existing resource and social conditions;

The inventory is guided by the indicators selected in step 4. The indicators specify the variables inventoried, they also identify the unit of analysis. Inventory data provide managers with a range of conditions of the indicators. This information is helpful when (in step 7) managers consider different allocations of zones, as it facilitates comparison between existing conditions and those defined as acceptable for an opportunity class. It is important that the limits of the data (data that is not complete or current) are recorded so that this becomes a priority in the monitoring phase (step 10).

Summary: Purpose • Knowing the range of conditions helps to establish meaningful standards. • Helps in decisions on allocations of land to different zones. • Critical step to knowing where and what management actions will be needed.

Process • Conduct field inventory of conditions of resource and social indicators and map

resulting information. Product • Map of existing conditions of each indicator throughout the Wilderness.


Step 6: Specify standards for resource and social indicators for each opportunity class;

Quantitative or highly specific measures need to be assigned to the indicators. The greater specificity is obtained by establishing standards (measurable aspects of the indicators identified in step 4. These standards provide a base against which a particular condition can be judged as acceptable or not. Using data collected in step 5, it is possible to specify standards that describe acceptable conditions for each indicator in each opportunity class. The process is subjective but must be logical and traceable and subject to public review. Standards are conditions that managers feel can be achieved over a reasonable time. They must be meaningful and attainable. The qualitative descriptions developed in step 3 provide clues as to the kinds of conditions characterising each opportunity class. When moving across the opportunity classes, the standards should describe a logical progression or gradation of conditions. Standards set for an indicator may be shared by opportunity classes but will be distinguished by other indicators. Shared standards are particularly appropriate where the range of conditions is low. Again, the descriptors will help managers decide when shared standards should be adopted. While a progression of standards across opportunity classes will be typical, there might be certain conditions that apply area wide and that do not discriminate between zones, e.g. air quality and water quality. Also, baseline standards might prescribe conditions that must be met in all areas; namely, under no situation could a condition in a Wilderness fall below this baseline standard. Standards are often best expressed in terms of probabilities. This recognises the fact that the high degree of resource and social variability in a complex Wilderness system often makes specific, absolute standards unrealistic. Choosing indicators and writing standards are crucial steps as they determine the future character of the Wilderness. Because monitoring and evaluation are an integral part of this procedure, management will be able to revise indicators and standards in response to improved information. Moreover, the judgments are made in a visible fashion so that they can be reviewed by others.

Summary:

Purpose • To provide a means whereby it is possible to evaluate where and what

management actions are needed by permitting comparison of existing conditions with those defined as acceptable for each indicator in each zone.

Process • Review opportunity class descriptions developed in step 3. • Analyse inventory data collected in step 5 for each indicator.

Product • A table of specific measures (quantified where possible) of acceptable conditions

for each indicator in each zone.


Step 7: Identify alternative opportunity class allocations reflecting area issues and

concerns and existing resource and social conditions

The objective is to decide what resource and social conditions (in the form of specific standards) are to be maintained or achieved in specific locations of the Wilderness area. It is a prescriptive step (establishing what should be) with input from managers and public. Analyse the inventory data collected in step 5, along with the area issues and concerns identified in step 2. These issues and concerns do not prescribe what should be done but they have to be balanced against the realities of what exists (maps of existing conditions for each indicator), as well as what is possible in terms of resources. Maps are produced of alternative zones, reflecting both area issues and concerns and existing resource and social conditions. Where issues might prove mutually contradictory ("increase opportunities for easier access into most portions of the Wilderness" and "provide greater opportunities for solitude"), managers can i) attempt to provide the full range of zones in sufficient amounts to satisfy the varying demands, or ii) they can manage primarily for only a couple of the zones, on the grounds that the other classes are adequately represented elsewhere in the region, or iii) they can propose a variety of management alternatives that reflect a range of zone mixes. The LAC Process and the Concept of Nondegradation: One possible zone allocation might involve a decision to allow a change in resource or social conditions. Managers might accommodate higher use levels in an area where current resource conditions show little human modification. The nondegradation concept calls for maintenance of present resource conditions if they equal or exceed minimum standards and the restoration of below-minimum levels. Applied to Wilderness, the concept seeks to prevent degradation of current naturalness and solitude in each Wilderness area and to restore substandard settings to minimum levels, e.g. allowing visitor levels to rise will result in higher visitor encounters and deterioration in resources therefore a violation of the concept. While accepting the essential features of the nondegradation concept, it is important to consider that, i) a major rationale underlying application of the concept to Wilderness is to prevent the conditions found in some heavily used Wildernesses serving as the minimally acceptable level to which other areas would be allowed to deteriorate, and ii) with rigorous application of the nondegradation concept, current conditions would set a base below which standards could not be set (could be higher). While application of the nondegradation concept throughout a Wilderness would ensure long-term preservation of areas where pristine conditions currently exist (which cannot be regained once lost), it would also accelerate the imposition of stringent management actions, such as rationing (cost implications). Alternatives that involve acceptance of increased impact levels must be carefully considered.

Summary:

Purpose

• A step toward defining what resources and social conditions will be provided in different parts of the Wilderness.

• Provision of allocation alternatives for public review and evaluation.

Process • Review information obtained from area issues and concerns, step 2. • Review information contained in opportunity class descriptions, step 3. • Review information derived from inventory of existing conditions of indicators, step 5 ��

Product • Maps and tabular summaries of alternative zone allocations.


Step 8: Identify management actions for each alternative;

After alternative packages of zones have been formulated, managers need to identify the differences, if any, that exist between current conditions (inventoried in step 5) and the standards (identified in step 6). This will identify places where problems exist and what management actions are needed. Then managers need to consider what actions will be instituted to achieve the conditions specified by each alternative and to evaluate the costs and appropriateness of implementing these actions. Where existing conditions are better than standards, there is little need for change in management, although there might be a need to evaluate whether existing actions should be changed or eliminated. Where conditions are close to or substantially worse than standards, managers must consider new actions. For any given alternative, there likely will be a number of possible management actions that could be undertaken to achieve the standards. The qualitative descriptions for each zone developed in step 3 serve as guidelines as to whether or not a particular management action is appropriate. However, these descriptions are not iron-clad rules, they are guidelines and not standards. As a general rule, apply the "principle of minimum regulation" i.e. use only that level of control necessary to achieve a specific objective. If existing resource and social conditions are consistent with the zone designation, then the management actions typically should be consistent with that designation. If, on the other hand, the existing resource and social conditions differ from those desired, then the management actions needed to achieve those standards, consistent with the necessity and minimum regulation proviso, should be employed, even if they are not consistent with the management condition descriptor written in step 3. Perhaps more restrictive management needs to be imposed until appreciable gains are made toward achieving the standards. Standards define minimally acceptable conditions sought in an area. Nevertheless, such standards do not preclude providing protection in part of a zone, above that specified by the standards. By maintaining conditions better than the standard requires, further diversity in Wilderness conditions is achieved.

Summary:

Purpose • Step toward evaluating the costs of implementing each alternative. • Step toward selecting a specific management programme.

Process • Review the managerial condition portion of the zone description defining the

appropriate types of actions. • Analyse the differences between existing conditions and those defined as

acceptable by the standards. • Analyse the alternative management actions for bringing existing conditions in

line with standards.

Product • List or map of all places where existing conditions are worse than standards and

identification of what management actions would best bring conditions up to standard.


Step 9: Evaluation and selection of an alternative;

The selection of a preferred alternative will reflect the evaluation of both managers and concerned citizens. There is no simple formula regarding how such a decision is made. Some questions to guide this selection are: • What user groups are affected and in what ways (does it facilitate or restrict use

by certain groups)? • What values are promoted and which are diminished? • How does a particular alternative fit into the regional and / or national supply and

demand considerations? • Does the alternative contribute a unique kind of Wilderness setting to the

system? • What is the feasibility of managing the areas as prescribed, given constraints of

personnel, budgets, etc.?

In the analysis of the alternatives, a variety of costs need to be considered. These would include the financial costs (personnel, materials), information costs (costs associated with acquiring information needed to implement actions), opportunity costs associated with not carrying out a proposed action, and other resource and social costs. These latter costs are difficult to quantify, particularly in monetary terms, but they are extremely important. While it is difficult to measure the costs and benefits of the various alternatives, their presence or absence usually can be identified. Even though it is difficult to measure their extent, recognition of their existence will improve the ability of managers and citizens to evaluate the alternative. Deciding what constitutes the "best" alternative is obviously not easy. Information on the issues identified above should clarify the costs and benefits associated with each alternative. Public participation plays an important role in selecting a final alternative because it ensures that important issues in the area have been identified and dealt with. Because the LAC focuses on conditions, and because the costs and benefits associated with achieving the different alternatives have been identified, public groups will be able to focus their comments on specific assumptions, actions, or areas in the alternatives. It will also enable different groups to better understand how different alternatives affect their own interests.

Summary:

Purpose • To finalise zone allocations and a specific management programme to achieve

this allocation.

Process • Analyse resource, social, and managerial costs- what are they, who pays, what

alternatives exist etc. • Analyse resource and social benefits- what are they, who receives them etc.

Product • Final allocation of zones and selection of a management programme.


Step 10: Implement actions and monitor conditions;

With selection of an alternative and its associated management programme, the programme must be implemented and its performance assessed. Monitoring provides systematic feedback on how well management actions are working and identifies trends in condition that require new actions. This is not a new step. Rather, it consists of periodically reassessing existing conditions (the inventory process described in step 5) and describing the difference between those conditions and the standards. Ideally, all indicators addressed by standards would be frequently monitored. Realistically certain indicators will be monitored less frequently than others and certain areas will be less closely monitored than others. Generally, priorities for monitoring should consider situations where: (i) conditions were very close to standards at the time of the last assessment, (ii) rates of resource or social change are judged to be the highest, (iii) the quality of the data base is poorest, (iv) the understanding of management action effects is poorest, or (v) there have been unanticipated changes in factors such as access, adjacent land uses, etc. The results of monitoring will help evaluate programme effectiveness and improve future programmes. If monitoring shows that conditions remain better than standards, then current actions can be maintained until monitoring shows that standards will likely be exceeded. If monitoring shows that previously acceptable conditions have deteriorated and now exceed standards, then new actions are called for. If conditions had previously exceeded standards and monitoring shows they still do so, then the actions can be judged ineffective, at least within the time since initiated. An action might prove ineffective for various reasons. Perhaps the action was appropriate, but its implementation was not effective or the programmes have not had enough time to work. Trends reflected in the monitoring data should indicate where the problem lies. Monitoring should yield feedback regarding the value of certain management actions in solving particular kinds of problems. Managers need to be alert to changes in external circumstances that could affect the resource and social conditions within the Wilderness. This would include such things as external access systems, adjacent land uses, population growth, or the relative availability of alternative types of recreational opportunities. In some cases, impacts stemming from such alterations can be coped with through different management actions. In the case of major changes, fundamental alterations in area management objectives might need to be considered.

Summary:

Purpose • To implement a management programme to achieve the objectives of the

selected alternative. • To provide periodic, systematic feedback regarding the performance of the

management programme. Process • Periodically re-inventory condition of indicators- essentially a repeat of step 5. • Compare indicator conditions with standards (repeat of step 9 but only for the

final alternative). • Analyse performance of management programme. Product • Summary of relationship between existing conditions and standards for all

indicators in all opportunity classes. • Recommendations of required changes in management programme in order to

obtain satisfactory progress towards bringing existing conditions up to standards.

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