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Finance (2001/2002 budget)
The following table shows historical financial comparisons:
Infrastructure: Estimated value of infrastructure: More than R1.5 million. Game
It is possible that this investment in game could yield a greater income from harvesting and game viewing. Partnerships In keeping with the policy of the NWP&TB, Bloemhof Dam enjoys partnership relationships with a number of other public and private organisations. To achieve a higher income management could increase tourism revenue (especially from fishing and other water based activities) and perhaps game related income through strong partnerships with the private sector adding value to the tourism product.
Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve has a number of unique characteristics which were identified in an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. These are itemised below and from this analysis a vision was developed to encapsulate the future purpose of the Park. Analysis of strengths , weaknesses, opportunities and threats: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Vision: To contribute to the socio-economic well being of the people of the immediate region through appropriate use of the dam and adjacent ecological attributes. From this vision a number of key objectives where identified which would form the basis of prioritising management activities within and around the Reserve. These objectives are: Objectives: · to initiate and facilitate the development of the Reserve to unlock its economic potential; Policy Management of the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve should be achieved through efficient use of resources in the most cost effective manner by implementing systems for planning, organisation and control. Bloemhof Dam is an open system and management actions by any one of the controlling authorities, such as Free State Nature Conservation or the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) or any other body, will impact on the dam and its natural and other resources. To help resolve this issue it is critical that the NWP&TB, through its appointed representatives, ensures that mechanisms are in place to deal with these joint management activities. 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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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. 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. Any private sector initiatives or developments must be funded from their own sources. Financial management It is intended that the operating income from the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve will be increased until it is sufficient to cover its operating costs which, themselves must be reduced. This should be achieved within a three-year period and financial plans need to be drafted to ensure that this will be achieved by the start of the 2004/5 financial year. Capital funding and short term bridging finance for development must be motivated for from donors and/or government grants. All operational and development expenditure must be undertaken in an environmentally responsible and financially prudent manner in line with the Board's policies and procedures.
Policy The ecological management will focus on the conservation of biological and genetic diversity and the maintenance of the dynamic natural processes to ensure environmental stability and to enhance the visitor experience and maximize 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 relatively flat topography of the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve means that in most instances soil erosion is not a major problem.. The area is however prone to wind erosion, hence the dune field. Where possible steps will be taken to ensure accelerated erosion due to human structures or activities will be managed within budgetary constraints to reduce its impact. Collaboration and interaction with adjacent landowners (especially mealie farmers) will be pursued in an attempt to control wind erosion on their side of the fence, as it results in built up of sand against the Reserve's fence. Reclamation will be directed primarily at those areas that pose the greatest threat to any one of the key objectives for the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. Water The functional integrity of the wetlands and pans will be managed to provide good wildlife habitat. It is recognised that the water resource are not directly controlled by the NWP&TB, especially the water level of the dam, and therefore the need for co-ordination of managing the water level is critical if NWP&TB objectives are to be met. The dam and the region provide very good habitat for bird life, especially ducks and geese. The fauna associated with the dam will be managed and utilised, and where necessary, manipulated in accordance with the key objectives of the Reserve. Vegetation The flora will be managed so as to maintain biological and genetic diversity, and where appropriate manipulated, to ensure that the objectives of the Reserve are met. Burning Fire will be used to achieve the objectives of the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve and specifically those set for vegetation, game management and water production. Fire will also be used to keep fuel loads of the vegetation low so as to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires. Firebreaks and other fire control measures that may be required by law will be implemented where necessary and appropriate. Alien plants It is recognized that alien plants are a significant part of the South African landscape and that total eradication may not always be feasible. However, alien vegetation remains at low densities in the Reserve and priority should therefore be directed at eradicating it, especially those species that impact most significantly on the key objectives of the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. Aliens will be removed and replaced by indigenous species and this will be done within budget limitations. Herbicides Management efficiency can often be increased with the use of herbicides. However these should only be used after thorough screening and evaluation has been done. Fauna Fauna The faunal component of Bloemhof dam Nature Reserve will be managed to optimise the production of key species suitable to the area to maximise the returns from the sustainable use thereof. Management of game will also aim at maintaining the genetic integrity of the species and to supplement the recreational opportunities of the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. This will be achieved within the overall objective of vegetation management. The carrying capacity of the area will be allowed to fluctuate within predefined limits and according to feedback from monitoring. However, an upper limit of 8ha per Large Stock Unit (LSU) will be placed on the herbivore population. This will be allocated to the following feeder categories in the following percentages. Mixed feeders 25% Species composition, introductions and translocations Further introductions of game species will be considered to pursue the tourism and income goals of the Reserve. 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. Water for game Generally all of game in Bloemhof is never far from water due to the dam and the river running through the Reserve. Water may therefore be supplied to other points for tourism reasons. However if this is seen to impact on any of the other objectives then the water may be 'removed'. Game supplements Unless there is clear evidence in the game of mineral or other forage shortages within Bloemhof Dam as a result of management within these objectives, then no supplementary feeding of any type will be permitted within the park, except in 'boma' situations. 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 in line with Board policies. 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 only 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 to measure, and if necessary adapt, management effectiveness as well as to provide an ecological and economic audit of wildlife and natural resource use. Use of natural resources Wildlife based tourism, especially fly-fishing, is the main source of income and sustainable consumptive use of natural resources, including fishing, hunting and fish netting will be continued to contribute to financial sustainability, social benefits or ecological requirements.
Policy The Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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) Three broad types of zone are recognised: Special areas These are areas of a sensitive or critical nature where human impact should be minimized. No roads, tracks or trails are permitted and only controlled pedestrian traffic is allowed. No 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 minimized 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 attached map. (Click here to view the map ) Water and fishing areas Open water, river areas and adjacent shorelines will be separately zoned and the following conditions will apply: · No boat of any type will be permitted within 50m of the shore except in areas designated by the Warden from time to time. These areas will comply with the zoning guidelines above.
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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. 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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve standards. Roads Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve is primarily for recreation activities. The road network should be sufficient to allow for this and for 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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. Fencing The Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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. 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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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 maximize employment. · Maximisation of investment in infrastructure, staff development and other social benefits. · Financial return to the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve commensurate with opportunity. · Contribution to the overall objectives of the Reserve. · All other things being equal, opportunities should be made available to local people. · Ecologically sustainable development. Policy Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve offers many opportunities and benefits. These should be marketed as widely as possible. Operating guidelines Marketing and awareness building is split 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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve and the area as a destination and a brand. This is seen as a joint responsibility of the individual stakeholders in the Reserve, the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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.
Policy Outdoor recreation-based tourism for the domestic market is the primary product of the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. Use of the Reserve is focused around the dam. Because of its locality, the target market will be predominantly local. 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 Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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
Policy Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve forms part of the local community and wherever possible, steps should be taken to integrate communities more fully into the Reserve. Operating guidelines Within the framework and objectives of the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 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. October 2001 |
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