MORE ON BARBERSPAN

SPECIE LISTS

PARKS AND RESERVES

NORTH WEST ICONS

NORTH WEST REGIONS

Contents

The Planning Process

The policies and vision are the initial part of the planning process for each formally protected area under the jurisdiction of the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWP&TB). They provide management with the broad strategic direction necessary to manage this Park. These strategies are expected to remain relatively constant over the short to medium term and they provide the basis for secondary, more detailed planning components that include:

· A development plan which would identify the infrastructure and resources required to realise the objectives and policies articulated in the vision.
· An associated business plan to ensure the financial sustainability of the Park and the achievement of the objectives.
· An operational plan and manuals which would identify functions to be performed, by whom and at what frequency.
· An operating budget for the Park as set out in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) of Government.

The vision and policies impose a responsibility on park management that carries concomitant responsibility by the Board to assist and support management in achieving the envisaged objectives.

Parks in the North West Province are not planned and operated in isolation. Each plays a co-ordinated role in achieving collectively the objectives of the North West Parks and Tourism Board Act No. 3 of 1997, namely:

· To establish and manage parks to conserve representative indigenous biodiversity.
· To promote tourism in the Province.
· To encourage people from elsewhere to visit the province.
· To promote travel services and facilities in the province.
· To encourage the people within the province to travel.

The vision and policies were compiled at inter-active workshops involving park management, other stakeholders and interested parties combined with an open public participation process.

Overview of Barberspan Bird Sanctuary

Area: 3 118 ha (Approximately 2 000 ha water surface)

Locality: Situated 15 km north-east of Delareyville.

Main features: A permanent, 2000 ha shallow alkaline lake listed under the RAMSAR Wetland Convention of 1971. Internationally recognised waterfowl site.

Visitors: The number of visitors per annum is not recorded.

Visitor facilities: Three self-catering guesthouses
Camp sites

Environmental and economic ranking out of 15 NW parks:

Finance (2001/2002 Budget)

The following table shows historical financial comparisons:

The variation in income is partly due to the fact that no entry fees were charged in 1998/9 and only some fees were charged in 1999/00. It is possible to improve income slightly, but self-generated income will never cover expenditure at this Reserve.

Infrastructure:
Staff accommodation
Office
Entrance gate
Roads
Fence
Tourism facilities

Estimated value of infrastructure: More than R3.5 million.

Game

There is no game. Land is sometimes leased out for cattle grazing.

Partnerships

In keeping with the policy of the NWP&TB, Barberspan enjoys partnership relationships with a number of other public and private organisations. The following table itemises these organisations and lists the benefits that are expected to arise from the partnerships.

Historical and environmental background

Barberspan is situated 15 km north-east of Delareyville in the North West Province of South Africa (26º33'S; 25º36'E). It is a large (+ 2 000 ha) permanent, shallow (maximum depth 10 meters) alkaline lake, with its own catchment of 30 square kilometres Prior to 1913 it was not perennial; the level of water fluctuated continuously, depending on the rainfall. The pan dried up periodically and was formed (like all the pans in the area) by the prevailing northerly winds and herds of springbok and other animals trampling the bottom of the waterhole. It is the largest of a series of pans on the fossil bed of the Harts River and is named after Frederick Hugh Barber FRGS, who hunted along the Harts River in 1875.

In 1913 Jan Christiaan Smuts provided the labour and his foreman, Mr MS Basson, supervised the digging of a channel which diverted some flow from the Harts River into the lower lying pan. This had a dramatic effect, changing its nature from a pan that used to dry up intermittently, to a perennial water body.

Barberspan is situated in open flat grassland that can be described as a great undulating plain and described by Acocks as veld type No. 50, Dry Cymbopogon - Themeda veld.

However; many of the surrounding farms have been cultivated for summer crops, such as maize, sunflowers and groundnuts. A large percentage of the nature reserve surrounding the pan (60%) consists of old lands. These old lands are in various stages of succession. Relief patches of Rooigras (Themeda triandra) dominated grassland occur with scattered shrubs such as Bloubos (Diospyros lycioides subspecies lycioides) and Buffalo Thorn (Zizyphus mucronata). Thickets of Acacia karoo (Sweet Thorn) occur at the research station/ office and in the south-western corner of the Reserve with scattered individuals on other parts of the Reserve. From historical documents, it would seem that the area has been more of an open savannah with greater numbers of other Acacia spp. such as A.robusta and A.erioloba prominent. The average rainfall is 560 mm.

The only topographical features on the Reserve consist of high ground in the north-eastern corner, which has been formed by windblown soil from Leeupan to the north, and high ground in the southern part of the Reserve, which is only 20 m above the average water level of the pan, formed by wind-blown soil from Barberspan. It is here, on the calcareous soils, that patches of karroid scrub veld are to be found on the Reserve. Bluegums (Eucalyptus sp) were planted at various places on the Reserve by previous owners and these have over the years become important roosting and nesting sites for certain species of birds.

The pan is ecologically important since it is a large body of permanent water in an area of seasonal pans and vleis. The site is particularly important for waterfowl, many of which moult here. It regularly supports over 20 000 individuals and, together with the surrounding nature reserve, holds over 320 species of birds. Waterfowl congregate in large numbers during the dry season (April to October) when all the small wetlands in the surrounding districts have dried up completely and Barberspan is the only suitable habitat remaining in the area. It is also vitally important for regionally nomadic waterfowl and as a stopover site for palearctic migrant waders.

The marginal vegetation is comprised primarily of rushes and sedges. The aquatic vegetation is dominated by Potomogeton pectinatus which is heavily utilised by numerous species of waterfowl. The Potomogeton dies back on a large scale during the dry years when the dissolved salts in the water increase dramatically, as the concentration is higher because of the water loss through evaporation. This in turn attracts other species of birds such as the Flamingo and the Chestnut-Banded Plover.

The ecological importance of Barberspan was recognised worldwide and in 1975 was declared a RAMSAR site according to the Convention of 1971.

Overall Vision and Objectives for the Reserve

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary has a number of characteristics that are identified in the following analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. These were used to inform a vision and objectives for the Reserve.

Analysis of strengths , weaknesses, opportunities and threats:

Strengths

· A designated RAMSAR wetland site- a particularly important area for migratory birds
· Birdlife SA and birding world wide identify it as an important birding area with over 300 recorded species including many Red Data species and some very unusual sightings
· Good research and monitoring potential
· Modified to be permanently inundated
· Good outdoor recreation (fishing, birding and water sports)
· Popular hotel on eastern shore
· Important area for environmental education
· Has good infrastructure
· The canal has some historical interest
· Important for local cultural and religious ceremonies

Weaknesses

· Costs of managing anglers is high relative to income
· No veld use since game removed
· Ringing of birds has ceased
· Hotel's boating and angling rights impact negatively on the pan

Opportunities

· Could possibly be extended to include Leeupan and the near reaches of the Harts River
· Some areas could allow for habitat alteration or modification to improve birding
· Possible opportunities for private sector development
· Need to form joint advisory/assistance committee with bird groups
· Closer links could be formed with DEAT
· Potential to develop more visitor facilities
· Requires more focussed marketing
· Environment needs to be monitored
· Possible option to allow limited fish netting

Threats
· High hunting pressure on birds leaving the Sanctuary
· No plan to mitigate avian botulism outbreaks in Leeupan
· 100 hectare of the Reserve falls outside of management control

Vision:

To conserve and promote the biodiversity of Barberspan Bird Sanctuary. The focus is on birds and the manipulation of the wetland to benefit international research, cultural, educational and nature-based outdoor recreational activities.

From this vision a number of key objectives were identified which form the basis of prioritising management activities within and around the Reserve.

Objectives:

· To liaise with authorised representatives of interested and affected parties, and if necessary, develop mechanisms or institutions to advance the vision of Barberspan Bird Sanctuary;
· To implement a long-term responsible bird ringing programme to further the knowledge of bird behaviour and movement;
· To manage sustainably the biodiversity of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary especially for birds and to fulfil the international obligations, within budgetary and environmental constraints;
· To promote and manage Barberspan Bird Sanctuary as a major bird-watching destination and to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and management systems are supplied or in place so as to generate income for the management of the Sanctuary;
· To zone Barberspan Bird Sanctuary to ensure that other outdoor nature-based and cultural activities can be accommodated and managed within the constraints of other key objectives and to contribute towards park income;
· To facilitate, and if necessary, promote sustainable commercial activities to stimulate SMMEs within Barberspan Bird Sanctuary and where feasible to generate income;
· To initiate and where appropriate establish formal agreements with neighbouring landowners to conserve wetland habitat and promote bird-watching opportunities; and
· Where the need arises to allow for environmental education to be accommodated by agreement with the Sanctuary.

Park management policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Management of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary should be achieved through efficient use of resources in the most cost effective manner by implementing systems for planning, organisation and control.

Within the Board's policies and procedures the Warden is charged with overall responsibility for the ecological, human resource, tourist and financial management of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary as well as Reserve related community issues. These will be carried out in accordance with the policies and guidelines in this document and within the social environment in which the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary exists.

Operating guidelines

The Warden is to ensure that operational plans and procedures are in place to achieve the vision, objectives and policies defined in this document. If performance cannot be achieved, then remedial action must be recommended, and this may include enlisting other Board resources. The operational plans and procedures must ensure continuity between Wardens.

Management control and efficiency

The Warden must establish a system of monitoring and recording all aspects of the Reserve so that control can be exercised and management improved.

Communication

The Warden must ensure that all staff are familiar with the objectives of the Reserve and the Board and park specific policies. Establishing communication forums or networks with user groups and other Departments is very important in the management and operation of the Reserve.

Reserve Assets

All Board assets are to be adequately protected and maintained in working order and used only to contribute to the vision, goals and objectives spelt out in this document. Any relevant Board policies and procedures, such as insurance procedures, must be adhered to.

Human Resources

The Warden will ensure that all NWP&TB staff are employed according to the policies and procedures laid down by the Board from time to time. A respectful efficient working environment must be created for all staff, both Board and others, working in the Reserve.

Funding

The funding of the Reserve developments and operations will be sourced in accordance with the needs of the respective benefiting parties. Particular focus will be given to acquiring donor funding.

Any private sector initiatives or developments must be funded from their own sources.

Financial management

The Barberspan Bird Sanctuary will strive to cover its funding requirements from donations and from income it derives from activities arising from its operations, donors and Government grants. This income must be used by the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary to offset operational and development costs associated with the management and development of the Reserve in an environmentally responsible and financially prudent manner and in line with the Board's policies and procedures.


Natural resources and ecological management policy and operating guidelines

Policy

The ecological management will focus on maintaining the integrity of the wetland system to ensure its biological and genetic diversity for the maximum benefit of the birdlife and to ensure environmental stability and enhance the visitor experience and maximise income.

Where necessary and appropriate, the natural resources will be used in a sustained and responsible manner in line with the key objectives of the Reserve.

Operating guidelines

Soil

The soils of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary are divided into waterlogged clays of the pan. The remainder are sandy with some heavier soils interspersed between them. The flat nature of the area means that erosion is not a problem, but any potential threat must be avoided through proper planning of all new developments and correct veld management.

Water

It is recognise that the water resource is not directly controlled by the NWP&TB, and therefore the need for interdepartmental co-ordination of managing the water flow is critical if the Reserve's objectives are to be met.

Vegetation

The indigenous flora will be managed so as to maintain biological and genetic diversity of the natural vegetation for the optimal benefit of the birdlife.

Burning

Fire will be used to achieve the objectives of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary and specifically those set for vegetation and avian diversity.

It will also be used to create a mosaic of habitats, both structural and temporal. Firebreaks and other fire control measures that may be required by law will be implemented where necessary and appropriate.

Alien plants

It is recognised that alien plants are a significant support for the birdlife at Barberspan Bird Sanctuary. The removal of the exotics must go hand in hand with the existing tree policy of the NWP&TB, but wherever possible, the programme of removal must be planned with the planting of indigenous trees so as not to have negative effect on the birdlife.

Herbicides

Management efficiency can often be increased with the use of herbicides. However these should only be used after thorough screening and evaluation.

Fauna

The objective is to foster a diverse range of species to ensure the Reserve's objectives are met and to supplement the recreational (and therefore income generation) opportunities of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary. This will be achieved within the overall objective of vegetation management.

Birds and waterfowl

The birds and waterfowl populations will be monitored. No hunting of waterfowl will occur within the Reserve, although capture for research and removal for conservation purposes may be permitted in some instances.

Problem animals

Some animals, after continued contact with humans, may become problems. The Warden will deal with these issues on a case-by-case basis, but in line with any relevant Board Policies.

Introductions and translocations

Any introductions of indigenous species must ensure they do not carry any disease or genetic incompatibility which may impact on existing populations and must be done with the authorisation of other Departments.

Domestic animals

No domestic animals will be permitted to reside in the Reserve. Staff may be allowed their own domestic animals provided these do not pose any threat to or compete with the indigenous wildlife. Visitors may not bring pets into the Reserve because of the threats or problems they may pose to wildlife or visitors.

Horses for riding purposes may be permitted but subject to the Warden=s approval. They may not be allowed to freely graze or wander in the Reserve.

Monitoring

Monitoring of all components of the system (fauna, flora, climatological data, fire, erosion, water etc.) is essential in order to measure the effectiveness of, and if necessary adapt, management actions as well as provide an ecological/economic audit of wildlife and natural resource use.

Ringing

Ringing of birds to understand migration and other aspects of bird biology more fully is an important component of the monitoring at Barberspan and must therefore receive priority attention.

Use of natural resources

Birding and associated tourism is the prime form of resource use.

Zonation policy and operating guidelines

Policy

The Barberspan Bird Sanctuary will be zoned to accommodate different activities and objectives. Initial zonation will be determined by the natural resource base, including geology, topography, soils, water, infrastructure and plants. These zones can then be further adapted to meet practical requirements of administration and physical constraints.

Operating guidelines

Broad zone categories (To view the zoning map click here and use your browser back button to return to this page)

Three broad types of zone are recognised:

Special areas

These are areas of a sensitive or critical nature where human impact should be minimise. No roads are permitted, but controlled pedestrian traffic should allowed on tracks or trails and hides may also be erected. No other permanent structures are permitted.

Low use areas

Minimal development is permitted and this is restricted to roads, tracks, trails, vistas and hides. These however should be minimise. and EIAs would be required for any earthworks.

Medium use areas

Areas suitable for more extensive development within the limitations of the Reserve and it objectives.

Specific zone categories

Within certain of the broad zone types several specific types of zone can be established:

Development sites within medium use areas

Specific sites must be identified before development is permitted and a thorough EIA conducted. These would then be identified as development sites within the Medium use areas.

Concession areas

Controlled access to specified parts of the zoned areas of the Reserve may be granted to concessionaires. Such access would be reserved for such concessionaires and their guests, and additional fees above the normal entrance fee would be levied on concessionaires for access to these reserved areas.

These areas are identified on the map. (Click here to view the map and use your browser back button to return to this page)

Water and fishing areas

Open water will be separately zoned and the following conditions will apply:

· No boat of any type will be permitted to land except in areas designated by the Warden from time to time. These areas will comply with the zoning guidelines above.
· Other open water areas (except those above) will be zoned by the Warden (in consultation and with agreement from other controlling authorities) from time to time; zones and permitted usage will be clearly marked.
· Fishing areas, within the zonation described in this document, will be zoned by the Warden from time to time, as follows:
- Open access, where anyone who is permitted to enter the Reserve may fish with the necessary angling license.
- Permit access, where access will only be allowed for approved fishing competitions by registered angling clubs. If necessary these may be limited in number per year and bidding may be required.
- Closed areas where no fishing is permitted.
· The Warden may impose bag and size limits on anglers in these areas from time to time to conserve fish stocks.


Infrastructure policy and operating guidelines

Policy

The Warden will ensure that the conservation infrastructure is developed and maintained in the Reserve. Standards and quality will be set according to budgetary constraints and needs. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for all developments.

Operational and development guidelines

All developments must comply with the standards set for the different zones. All developments require the CEOs approval before they can be implemented.

Gates

All gates will be under the control of the Warden and at least one gate will be available for the public to enter the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary.

It is recognised that other gates may be allowed, but the party/ies benefiting from these must pay the full costs and they must be managed and maintained to Barberspan Bird Sanctuary standards.

Roads

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is primarily for recreation and especially for bird-watching activities. The road network should be sufficient to allow for this and for park management use. Roads suitable for sedan vehicles should be kept to a minimum.

Services

Services such as electricity, telephones and water should be located so as to minimise their environmental impact.

Radio communications and other communication equipment

The Warden may require a two-way radio system for efficient park management. All other radios must comply with licensing and other regulatory requirements. Any repeater stations or the like must comply with EIA conditions and formal agreements must be entered into with the NWP&TB.

Visitor Facilities

The development of visitor facilities in the Reserve will be undertaken primarily through partnerships with private sector developers, SMMEs and/or communities. Only where partnerships are not possible will the NWP&TB provide and maintain facilities to meet visitor demand, provided funds are available.

Siting of Visitor Accommodation

Accommodation for visitors must be located within the relevant zones and should be on the periphery of the Reserve.

All developments will be subject to positive legal environmental impact assessment and must ensure the safety of visitors and staff. All facilities should provide wheelchair access.

Waste Disposal

Waste must be sorted for recycling and recyclable waste must be removed from the Reserve. All other waste must be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Waste disposal must be closely monitored to prevent pollution and other adverse impacts, especially of the water resources. EIAs and EMPs for all developments will be required to look closely at waste processing and subsequent monitoring. The use of SMMEs to assist in this regard should be investigated.

A comprehensive waste management plan with procedures must be developed and implemented for the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary.

Fencing

The Barberspan Bird Sanctuary will be adequately fenced in the most cost effective manner to ensure that assets are protected and losses minimised, and that environmental damage is kept to a minimum.


Private sector partnerships policy and operating guidelines

Policy

As a general principle the NWP&TB encourages strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector wherever such involvement can be handled cost-effectively and in a manner that meets with the NWP&TB's quality standards.

Operating guidelines

Any opportunities which are made available to outside parties should be done in the most appropriate manner and in line with the Board's policies and procedures.

Any opportunities which may arise in the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary in which outside parties can participate should be advertised as widely as possible to achieve the following ends:

· Economic benefaction including job creation. Preference will be given to those proposals which maximise employment.

· Maximisation of investment in infrastructure, staff development and other social benefits.

· Financial return to the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary commensurate with opportunity

· Contribution to the overall Vision, Goals and Objectives of the Reserve.

· All other things being equal, opportunities should be made available to local people.

· Ecologically sustainable development.

Marketing policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary offers many opportunities and benefits. These should be marketed as widely as possible.

Operating guidelines

Marketing and awareness building can be divided into four broad categories:

· Promoting awareness of the benefits of the natural environment and its systems. This is primarily envisaged through environmental education and interpretation. The Reserve can play an important role, but it is recognised that partnerships are important;

· Marketing business opportunities to the private sector. This is seen as the function of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary and its Warden in particular, but is subject to Board policies and procedures;

· Marketing individual tourist facilities. This is borne by the party which runs and manages these facilities, and;

· Marketing the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary and the area as a >destination= and a brand. This is seen as a joint responsibility of the individual stakeholders in the Reserve, the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary and local, provincial and national tourism marketing authorities and initiatives.

Subject to the availability of resources, the Board may give attention to the marketing of SMMEs and to encouraging other stakeholders to do the same.

Tourism policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Bird-watching is seen as the primary tourism product of the Reserve although fishing and limited water sports will be permitted in designated areas. Power boating must be phased out of the area and fishing impacts closely managed and controlled.

Because of its unique character the target market will be predominantly local and foreign tourists with an interest in birds.

The Reserve must rely more on income from visitors to contribute to its operating costs. Entrance fees and user fees will therefore be levied at rates sufficient to meet this need. Differential rates may be payable at different seasons and for different products offered.

Operating guidelines

Fees

The Warden will ensure that as many opportunities as possible are developed so that the public enjoys Barberspan Bird Sanctuary and that user fees are levied and collected for the products offered.

Visitor control

Visitors may need to be regulated in order to ensure that impacts on the natural environment and on the experience of other users are not compromised. Regulations will be drafted to ensure that the Warden can achieve this and, if necessary, these regulations may need to be approved by the relevant authority. The Warden will make recommendations in this regard from time to time.

Visitor carrying capacity

Visitor numbers should be regulated within respective zones to ensure that environmental impact is kept within acceptable limits and that visitor experience is maximised. The situation may arise where management needs to mitigate impacts. This must be done taking financial considerations into account.

Market research

The Warden will monitor visitor perceptions from time to time.


Community and social policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is an important recreational outlet for the communities in the surrounding areas and the Reserve should accommodate their needs within the environmental constraints and wider national and international responsibilities.

Operating guidelines

Within the framework and objectives of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary the community should be accommodated through the following mechanisms:

Environmental education

This should be actively encouraged especially in the context of developing knowledge of the natural environment and the role of the Reserve in society. Where possible, partnerships should be established with role players and interested parties to ensure that this takes place.

Research

Research will be permitted only via formal agreements and projects will need to be registered. Investigation into the archaeological and cultural sites on the Reserve would be encouraged in order to develop a base line of information.

Other

Where appropriate the Reserve should interact with interested parties and organisations and establish forums in which the constructive use of the Reserve can be discussed. If necessary and appropriate, policies can be amended to accommodate such community involvement.

Land policy and operating guidelines

Policy

The area of wetland immediately adjacent to the canal and Leeupan must be managed so as to enhance the biological and tourist potential of these areas. Agreements should be entered into to ensure that the wetland and other important bird habitat is managed under the natural resources and ecological management guidelines.

Operating guidelines

Wetlands around the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary must be properly managed. To achieve this, the Warden should undertake the following:

· In conjunction with other Government departments ensure that landowners are aware of the value of the wetland;

· Collaborate with other landowners to manage the wetlands as a sanctuary for waterfowl;

· Develop a common management vision for the wetlands.

In this document the private sector refers to large, medium, small and individually owned business, including individuals or groups of individuals from the local communities who are interested in pursuing economic activities which are mutually beneficial (to the businesses and the park) within the park.

October 2001