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Basis of biodiversity sector plans for the four municipalities adjacent to Addo Elephant NP

A refined and updated CBA map for the planning domain was developed through integrating existing and new data. The principal inputs were the existing Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (Berliner and Desmet 2007), the Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas (Nel et al 2011) and a new land cover layer developed specifically for this project (Skowno and Brown 2012). Other input layers included, Addo Elephant National Park interface zones (SANParks pers com), Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve biodiversity assessment CBAs (Skown0 2007), Ndlambe Coastal EMF Desired State of the Environment layers (SRK, Stewart and Reeves 2010), NPAES focal areas (Jackelman et al 2008), MPAH priority Areas (Holness 2011) and National Climate Change Resilience Layers (Holness in prep).

The method and rationale of integration for each layer is discussed in the Frame work at the end of this report. No new optimised analysis of CBA and ESA was undertaken in this project. The CBA map indicates areas of land as well as aquatic features which must to be safeguarded in their natural state if biodiversity is to persist and ecosystems are to continue functioning. Land in this category is referred to as a Critical Biodiversity Area. CBAs incorporate: (i) areas that need to be safeguarded in order to meet national biodiversity thresholds (ii) areas required to ensure the continued existence and functioning of species and ecosystems, including the delivery of ecosystem services; and/or (iii) important locations for biodiversity features or rare species. Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) are supporting zones required to prevent the degradation of Critical Biodiversity Areas and Protected Areas. An ESA may be an ecological process area that connects and therefore sustains Critical Biodiversity Areas or a terrestrial feature.

Available documentation:

Skowno, A.L., and Holness, S.D. (2012) Addo Mainstreaming Biodiversity Project - Critical Biodiversity Area Map Technical Report. South African National Parks.

SANS 1878

FGDC-STD-001-1998