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Finance (2001/2002 budget)
The following table shows historical financial comparisons:
Infrastructure: Estimated value of infrastructure: More than R 3 million. Game
Buffalo values have increased substantially due to the presence of bovine influenza in other herds and are undervalued in the above table. White rhino figures have not been presented for reasons of security. The total value therefore is higher than shown above. This high investment in game could generate greater income returns from harvesting and game viewing. Partnerships In keeping with the policy of the NWP&TB, Borakalalo 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.
Borakalalo National Park 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 benefit the regional economy through Park expansion so as to maximise net income, develop tourism and utilise and conserve the natural resources on a sustainable basis. From this vision a number of key objectives were identified which form the basis of prioritising management activities within and around the Park. These objectives are: Objectives: · To ensure that any indigenous natural resource use is ecologically and economically sustainable;
Policy Management of the Borakalalo National Park 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 Borakalalo National Park as well as park 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 Borakalalo National Park 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. Park Assets All Board assets are to be adequately protected and maintained in working order and used only to contribute to the objectives spelt out in this document. Any relevant Board policies and procedures must be adhered to. Insurance of Board assets is a Board responsibility while those of third parties must be borne by the third party. Third parties must carry this insurance including adequate third party liability cover. 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 Park. Funding The funding of the Park 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 Borakalalo National Park will be sufficient to cover its operating costs 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 Park. Operating guidelines Soil The soils of the Borakalalo National Park are generally not highly erodable, but any use of natural resources must ensure that erosion is not accelerated. Reclamation will be directed primarily at those areas which pose the greatest threat to any one of the key objectives for the Borakalalo National Park, within budgetary constraints. Water NWP&TB will engage DWAF on zonation and other issues relating to recreation on the dam. The riparian area will be managed to provide good wildlife and tourism habitat. It is recognized that the water resource is not directly controlled by the NWP&TB, especially the water level, and therefore the need for co-ordination of managing the water level is critical if NWP&TB objectives are to be met. Water quality is poor but the problem arises outside the Park. Consultation with other stakeholders in the region will be maintained, and if necessary extended, to deal with this issue. Pollution levels should be monitored to ensure compliance with relevant legislation. 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 Park are met. Burning Fire will be used to achieve the objectives of the Borakalalo National Park and specifically those set for vegetation and game management and water production. It 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 Park and priority should therefore be directed at eradicating it, especially those species which impact most significantly on the key objectives of the Borakalalo National Park and which can be controlled within budget limitations. If problems are identified outside the Park which may impact on it in the future, then steps should be initiated to control alien vegetation and other Departments may be able to assist in this regard. 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 The objective is to foster a diverse range of game species at a predefined carrying capacity to manipulate the vegetation structure and composition to improve tourism and production opportunities and thus increase income generation. However, this will be achieved within the overall objective of vegetation management. Water for game Game in Borakalalo is generally never far from natural water from the dam and the river running through the Park. Water may be supplied to other points for tourism reasons but if this is seen to impact on any of the other ecological objectives, then such water points must be removed. Carrying capacity 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 2% Game supplements Within Borakalalo, unless there is clear evidence in the game animals of mineral or other forage shortages as a result of management within these objectives, no supplementary feeding of any type will be permitted, except in 'boma' situations. Species composition The Borakalalo National Park is an important tourism area. Further introductions of game species will be considered to pursue the tourism and income goals of the Park but will be restricted to those species which historically occurred within the area. 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 relevant Board Policies. Domestic animals No domestic animals will be permitted to reside in the Park. 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 Park because of the threats or problems they may pose to wildlife or visitors. Horses for riding purposes may be permitted but only subject to the Warden=s approval. They may not be allowed to freely graze or wander in the Park. 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 In addition to wildlife based tourism, consumptive use of natural resources, including fishing, hunting and fish netting will be allowed to contribute to financial sustainability, social benefits or ecological requirements.
Policy The Borakalalo National Park 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 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 minimized and EIAs would be required for any earthworks. Medium use areas Areas suitable for more extensive development within the limitations of the Park 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 Park 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. Exclusive use areas Developers may enter into agreements with NWP&TB to have exclusive use of an area in the immediate vicinity of their development. These would only be accessible to park management and permitted visitors to the site as agreed by the developer or operator. These areas are identified on the attached 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 to use the dam or rivers, except for management purposes, or with the Warden's written consent, or as agreed in concession contracts. In the case of the latter, the type and number of craft must be specified along with permitted activities.
Policy The Warden will ensure that the conservation infrastructure is developed and maintained in the Park. Standards and quality will be set according to budgetary constraints and needs. It is realised that 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. Click here to view the map for developments in the Park 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 Borakalalo National Park. 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 Borakalalo National Park standards. Roads The objectives of the Borakalalo National Park recognise that the area is primarily self-drive game viewing with fishing. The NWP&TB will supply and maintain a road network to achieve this objective. However, the road network supplied will suit the zone and the users, and be subject to budgetary constraints. There may be some areas where concessions operate and where the concessionaire will carry the development and maintenance costs, but this will require mutual agreement. Services Services such as electricity, telephones and water should be located so as to minimise their environmental impact. The cost of providing, operating and maintaining these services will be carried by the developers or operators of the systems or as agreed by the NWP&TB. 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. The development of visitor facilities in the Park 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. All developments will be subject to positive legal environmental impact assessment. Infrastructure related to staff and visitor safety All concessionaires must ensure the safety of their guests, staff and their families at all times. This includes providing appropriate fencing around facilities and other protective measures including sufficient security on game drives or walks. All facilities should provide wheelchair access. Waste disposal Waste must be sorted for recycling and recyclable waste must be removed from the Park. 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 Borakalalo National Park. Landing strip The NWP&TB will supply and maintain one gravel airstrip in the Park for its own use. This will be available for use by park users, but at their own risk and only after prior written consent. Any conditions laid down when consent is given must be complied with. Aircraft safaris are only permitted with the Warden's written consent, but generally these are not encouraged. Offices and workshops Park management will operate offices and workshops within the Park for their own use as required. Currently the workshops are badly located on the main road in the Park. The re-routing of this road should be considered to mitigate this impact. All these must comply with health and safety requirements. Concessionaires who require similar facilities in the Park may need to construct their own, but an EIA will be required before doing so. Fencing The Borakalalo National Park 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. Siting of visitor accommodation Any accommodation for visitors must be located within the relevant zones and must comply with EIA requirements.
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 Borakalalo National Park 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 Borakalalo National Park commensurate with opportunity. · Contribution to the overall objectives of the Park. · All other things being equal, opportunities should be made available to local people. · Ecologically sustainable development.
Policy Borakalalo National Park offers many opportunities and benefits. These should be marketed as widely as possible. As a general principle, marketing costs should be borne by those who benefit. 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 Park 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 Borakalalo National Park 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 Borakalalo National Park and the area as a >destination= and a brand. This is seen as a joint responsibility of the individual stakeholders in the Park, the Borakalalo National Park 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 SMME's and to encouraging other stakeholders to do the same.
Policy Nature-based tourism for the domestic market is the primary product of the Borakalalo National Park. The dam, and particularly the fishing, are seen as important components. Because of its locality, the target market will be predominantly from Gauteng-Garankua-Mabopane areas. The Park depends 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 for different users of the zones. Operating guidelines Fees The Warden will ensure that as many opportunities as possible are developed so that the public enjoys Borakalalo National Park and that user fees are levied and collected for the products offered. These include fishing, bird watching, game viewing, hunting, hiking and other activities in different zones. The fee structure should be manipulated to minimise conflict between different users. 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 Borakalalo National Park can play a significant role within neighboring local communities. Wherever possible, steps should be taken to integrate communities more fully into the Park, and to help them to liaise with other organisations, especially government departments, in the development of the area. Operating guidelines Within the framework and objectives of the Borakalalo National Park the community should be accommodated through the following mechanisms: Environmental education This should be actively encouraged especially in the context of developing knowledge in wildlife production and protected area management, especially for school children from the area. Where possible, partnerships should be established with role players and interested parties to ensure that this takes place. Religious and cultural Cultural, religious and burial sites will be identified by relevant parties and agreed to by the NWP&TB. They will be jointly protected and maintained (through formal arrangements) and controlled access will be permitted. Small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) To identify opportunities which may arise in the Park and actively encourage the establishment of SMMEs with assistance from other agencies; where these are both feasible and appropriate. Community To contribute in every way possible to resolving community disputes with the Park and to develop joint commitment to developing and uplifting the area and community. To allow communities to use sustainably some natural resources for community purposes. This will be done through formal agreements after the financial, social and environmental impacts have been assessed. Research will only be permitted via formal agreements and subject to the registration of any projects. Partnerships should be specifically developed with local academic institutions. Other Where appropriate and necessary, the Borakalalo National Park should interact with interested parties through elected representatives and establish forums in which the use of the Borakalalo National Park can be openly discussed, and where necessary, policies may be amended.
Policy Agreements should be entered into to ensure that as much land as possible is managed under the guidelines and objectives that are spelt out in this document. Operating guidelines Incorporation Incorporation of private and community land should be undertaken only in accordance with the initiatives being taken by the NWP&TB and in compliance with the formal incorporation procedures. Before any fences are removed between the Borakalalo National Park and other land, the following items need to be agreed to: · ownership and use of game is formally agreed, Land claims All land claims and related issues are to be handled exclusively by the Head Office of the NWP&TB 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 |
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