1.0

To ensure wise use of the provinces natural resources

Data Origin Dr B J Escott : GIS Analyst (Terrestrial)

Critical Biodiversity Area 1 Mandatory (Value in legend field in the attribute table = R2)

The CBA1 designated planning units contain one or more features within an irreplaceability =2. This

means that there are no other localities which we have been able to identify as alternates to try an meet

the conservation target for this feature(s). The distribution of this/these features is not always applicable

to the entire extent of the PU however (except in the case of certain grassland vegetation types), but is

more often than not confined to a specific niche habitat e.g. a forest or wetland. Should this be the case,

and special mitigation measures would have to be considered to safeguard this feature are put in place,

then the potential for development (dependant on its nature of course) could be permitted in the area.

Obviously this is dependent on a site by site, case by case basis. This distribution dynamics outlined above

are the same for all 3 CBA's indicated in the MINSET.

Critical Biodiversity Area 2 Mandatory (Value in legend field in the attribute table = R1)

CBA2 indicate the presence of one (or more) features with a very high irreplaceability score. In practical

terms, this means that there are alternate sites within which the targets can be met, but there aren't

many. This site was chosen because it represents the most optimal area for choice in the systematic

planning process, meeting both the target goals for the features concerned, as well as a number of other

guiding criteria such as high agricultural potential area avoidance, falls within a macro-ecological corridor

etc. Whilst the targets could be met elsewhere, the revised reserve design (derived through MINSET)

would more often than not be slightly more 'land-hungry' in an effort to meet its conservation objectives.

The scarcity of the Biodiversity features contained within is, however, still the primary driver for this PU's

selection in MINSET.

Critical Biodiversity Area 3 Optimal (Value in legend field in the attribute table = R0)

CBA3 indicate the presence of one (or more) features with a low irreplaceability score. Derived in the

same way as outlined for CBA2 described above, the determination vision of these PU's is driven primarily

by the guiding layers.

The areas not highlighted in MINSET ARE NOT OPEN for wholesale development. Important species are

still located within them and should be accounted for in the EIA process. They are not highlighted as the

MINSET highlights the 'choice' areas from a biodiversity point of view only. Should one or more of the

CBA2 and CBA3 sites be utilised for development, it is obvious that the target for whatever feature(s)

where located within that PU will not longer be met. Ideally, MINSET would have to be re-run to calculate

the next optimal solution, the new PUs being 'extracted' from the currently blank/un-defined areas.

Biodiversity Area (Value in legend field in the attribute table = 0CO)

The areas not highlighted in MINSET ARE NOT OPEN for wholesale development. Important species are

still located within them and should be accounted for in the EIA process. They are not highlighted as the

MINSET highlights the 'choice' areas from a biodiversity point of view only. Should one or more of the

CBA2 and CBA3 sites be utilised for development, it is obvious that the target for whatever feature(s)

where located within that PU will not longer be met. Ideally, MINSET would have to be re-run to calculate

the next optimal solution, the new PUs being 'extracted' from the currently blank/un-defined areas.

Recommended Citation

EKZNW (2010) Terrestrial Systematic Conservation Plan: Minimum Selection Surface (MINSET).

Unpublished GIS Coverage [tscp_minset_dist_2010_wll.zip], Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division,

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

Available documentation:

SANS 1878

FGDC-STD-001-1998