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The Northern Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan 2024 updates, revises and replaces all previous plans:

• Northern Cape CBA Map 2016

• Namakwa District Biodiversity Sector Plan 2008

• Cape Fine-Scale Plan Systematic Conservation Assessment 2008 (only the extent of areas in the Northern Cape)

• Richtersveld Municipality Biodiversity Assessment 2008

The NC BSP includes three components: Technical Report, Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Map and Land-use Guidelines. The identification of CBAs was undertaken using Systematic Conservation Planning approach to be consistent with the principles of the identification of biodiversity priorities, which ensure representation and persistence against quantitative biodiversity targets. The NC BSP further conforms to the minimum technical requirements set out in the Technical Guidelines for CBA Maps: Guidelines for developing a map of Critical Biodiversity Areas & Ecological Support Areas using Systematic biodiversity planning.

The NC BSP includes both terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem priorities, integrated into one

set of CBAs and ESAs.

Available data on biodiversity features (incorporating both pattern and process, and covering terrestrial and inland aquatic realms), their condition, current Protected Areas and Conservation Areas, and opportunities and constraints for effective conservation were collated. Targets for terrestrial ecosystems were based on established national targets, while targets used for other features were aligned with those used in other provincial planning processes. Marxan analysis was used to ensure that the required representation of biodiversity features was achieved in a spatially efficient manner which avoided incompatible land-uses and activities where possible. For further information, please consult the technical report.

The dataset is based on best available data at the time of development and most relevant

scale. The information in the dataset should be verified on the ground for accuracy.

The Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Map updates, revises and replaces all older systematic biodiversity plans and associated products for the province. These include the:

• Namakwa District Biodiversity Sector Plan

• Cape Fine-Scale Plan (only the extent of the areas in the Northern Cape i.e. Bokkeveld and Nieuwoudtville)

• Richtersveld Municipality Biodiversity Assessment

The identification of Critical Biodiversity Areas for the Northern Cape was undertaken using a Systematic Conservation Planning approach. Available data on biodiversity features (incorporating both pattern and process, and covering terrestrial and inland aquatic realms), their condition, current Protected Areas and Conservation Areas, and opportunities and constraints for effective conservation were collated. Priorities from existing plans such as the Namakwa District Biodiversity Plan, the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Plan, National Estuary Priorities, and the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas were incorporated. Targets for terrestrial ecosystems were based on established national targets, while targets used for other features were aligned with those used in other provincial planning processes. Marxan analysis was used to ensure that the required representation of biodiversity features was achieved in a spatially efficient manner which avoided incompatible land uses and activities where possible. The assessment approach and map categories are designed to be compatible with the Guideline Regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the Preparation and Publication of Bioregional Plans. Where possible, all targets are met in the identified set of CBAs. Note that the dataset can be considered fairly reliable for the formal protected area system, but is known to contain significant errors and omissions in the Informal Conservation Area system data.

For further information, please consult the technical report.

SANS 1878

FGDC-STD-001-1998