MORE ON MOLOPO

PARKS AND RESERVES

NORTH WEST ICONS

NORTH WEST REGIONS

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 Reserve 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 Molopo Game Reserve

Area: 23 876 ha

Locality: Situated in the far west of the province 250 km north-west of Vryburg.

Main features: Kalahari flora and wildlife. Birding and hunting.

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

Visitor facilities:
Matopi Camp - Self catering - 8 beds.
9 camp sites

Environmental and economic ranking out of 15 NW parks:

Finance (2001/2002 budget)

The following table shows historical financial comparisons:

The variable nature of the income is mainly due to the fact that hunting and game removal has been sporadic in the past. The relatively low environmental and economic ranking of the Reserve indicates a need to contain costs and improve income if this Reserve is to be sustainable. The only significant income is through game removals and it may be possible to increase removals as game numbers stabilize. This will be addressed in the planning process.

Infrastructure:
Staff accommodation
Office
Roads
Fence
Limited tourism facilities

Estimated value of infrastructure: More than R2 million.

Game (1999 census)

Partnerships

In keeping with the policy of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, Molopo 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.

Overall vision and objectives for the Reserve

Molopo Game Reserve has a number of important attributes. These are itemised below and form the basis for the development of the vision for the Reserve

Analysis of strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats

Strengths
· Kalahari plains thornveld, 75% of which occurs in the North West Province
· Forms part of a large raptor conservancy
· 14 Red Data species present (mammals)
· High species diversity of small mammals (16 species)
· A fossil river (Phepane)
· Government presence in the area
· Very little population pressure
· Wildlife free of most diseases
· Wilderness character and experience

Weaknesses
· The relatively small size of the park, given the arid environment, is seen as a constraint
· Land has low production potential due to scarce water
· Wildlife utilisation is probably the most sustainable option for the area

Opportunities
· Habitat is generally poorly conserved
· Wildlife free of most diseases
· Wilderness character and experience
· Link from Gauteng to Kalahari
· Has good animal trophies for hunting
· There is a demand for live game in the area
· Has good predator population
· Land is relatively cheap
· Even small benefits to the area are significant,

Threats

· Generally poor water quality and quantity from underground sources
· Distance from major markets
· Provision of bulk infrastructure
· Introduction of wildlife diseases
· Possible threat to small Red Data Species

Vision:

To manage the biodiversity associated with the Kalahari Plains Thornveld on a sustainable basis for the economic development of the area and to demonstrate the advantages of wildlife conservation with a view to forming a larger conserved area and to market a wilderness experience.

This vision incorporates the essential features of the Reserve. The Kalahari Plains Thornveld is an important veld type rich in species, especially small mammals. This veld type is currently being farmed, often unsustainably both economically and ecologically. Wildlife is probably the most sustainable land use for the area. It is hoped that the Reserve can act as a model to demonstrate this and to act as a nucleus for expansion through the development of a biosphere Reserve similar to the Raptor Conservancy.

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 manage the biodiversity associated with the Kalahari Plain Thornveld (KPT) ecosystem and its rare and unique species on a sustainable basis;
· to promote the benefits of the KPT and the wilderness experience to landowners, decision makers and visitors in and to the region;
· to market the wilderness features and other attributes of the area to people from outside the region for the benefit of the region;
· to manage the large indigenous wildlife population of the Reserve and to maximise income generation and production on a sustainable basis;
· to facilitate the implementation of the Nodal Development Strategy as detailed in the Tourism Masterplan for the Province
· to increase the land area for conservation and thus improve costs effectiveness;
· to maintain the wilderness experience of the area; and
· to reduce the gap between income and expenses with the long term goal of at least covering operating expenses.

Park management policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Management of the Molopo Game Reserve 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 Molopo Game 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 Molopo Game 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 policies of the Board.

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.

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

Financial management

The Molopo Game Reserve will strive to increase its income while at the same time reducing costs to try to improve the cost-income ratio so that in the long term income covers operating costs. However, this should only be undertaken in an environmentally responsible manner.

Capital funding and short term bridging finance for development must be motivated for from donors and/or government grants.

Financial plans for the achievement of the above need to be compiled for the Reserve.

Natural resources and ecological management policy and operating guidelines

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 soils of the Molopo Nature Reserve are predominately sandy depositions with calcretes along the riverbed of the fossilized Phepane and the Molopo River. The area is slightly undulating and wind and water erosion are minimal in this sandy habitat. The calcrete beds along the rivers are of a very good quality and are being used for road construction in the Reserve. Quarries will be sited and managed in line with the objectives of the Reserve. Assessment of the impacts of new quarries on the environment will be conducted prior to the development of new quarries or to the further excavation of existing quarries.

Water

Water is an extremely scare resource in this area and any water use must be carefully considered. Developments must be established to ensure water conservation and minimal use.

Vegetation

The objective for vegetation management is to create diversity in terms of vegetation structure and composition in line with the natural resources objectives for the Reserve. Furthermore, to conserve a diversity of faunal species, the habitat should be managed to pattern a wide range of vegetation and succession types. Due to changes in grazing patterns by domestic stock and the prevention of fires, large areas are heavily invested with bush-thickening, blackthorn Acacia mellifera being the most conspicuous.

The flora will be managed so as to maintain biological and genetic diversity of the natural vegetation of the Reserve.

Burning

Fire will be used to achieve the objectives of the Molopo Nature Reserve and specifically those set for vegetation and game management.

There are three objectives for the use of control burning on Molopo Game Reserve:
· to reduce woody cover in certain areas to create a habitat mosaic
· to prevent the built-up of moribund material and to stimulate primary production as a basis for sustained animal production
· to reduce fuel loads and fire intensity to protect large specimens of Acacia erioloba.

The necessary equipment, training and procedures will be developed to combat wildfires effectively, and a network of firebreaks will be established to facilitate fire?fighting and minimise the risk of fires spreading to surrounding farms.

Alien plants

Alien vegetation occurs only at low densities in the Reserve and therefore priority can be directed at eradicating them 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.

Fauna

The objective for the management of large game on Molopo Game Reserve is to increase the diversity and numbers of the game to levels where they can be utilized sustainably. The private sector will be given the opportunity to exploit the wildlife resources in a sustainable and socially acceptable way. This may take place through various forms of hunting, and also capture and culling. Further introductions will be considered and populations will be managed to produce maximum sustainable yields. The number and species of game as well as the methods of removal will be determined by the Reserve planning committee.

Carrying capacity

Rainfall is a major determining factor in the production of the herbaceous layer in the arid and semi-arid areas. Carrying capacity will therefore be adjusted in accordance with annual rainfall The agricultural carrying capacity varies from between 12 and 28 ha/LSU. This will be used as an initial estimate and refinements will be make as information on the reaction of the vegetation to the prevailing stocking rate is accumulated. The carrying capacity of the area will be monitored and allowed to fluctuate, however an upper limit of 15ha/LSU will be placed on the herbivore population. This will be allocated to feeder categories in the following percentages.

Mixed feeders 35%
Bulk Feeders 25%
Selective feeders 40%

Indigenous browsers will be allowed to self-regulate their density.

Species composition

Further introductions of game species will be considered against their role in the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Reserve.

Water for game

Generally the game in Molopo is independent of surface water. However, established waterholes will continue to operate, unless they are seen to impact on other objectives in the Reserve. Water holes must be cleaned regularly and monitored to minimise the possible spreading of diseases.

Game supplements

Unless there is clear evidence in the game of mineral or other forage shortages within Molopo 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 problematic. 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 introduction 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 subject to the Warden=s approval. They may not be allowed to freely graze or wander in the Reserve.

Large raptors

Raptors are an asset both ecologically and in terms of future eco?tourism potential. Thirty-four of the eighty-one raptor species in southern Africa should occur in and around the Molopo Game Reserve and several species of large raptors are breeding in the Reserve or using it for foraging. However due to the size of large raptor home ranges, birds inevitably fly and forage beyond the Reserve boundary. An education and awareness programme has resulted in the establishment of the Molopo Raptor Conservancy. The Reserve remains the centre for this project and will continue to be so in the medium term. Raptor nest monitoring and chick ringing is to be carried out in the Reserve. A suitable site for a vulture restaurant has been identified within the Reserve and large carcasses will be placed there when available.

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.

Use of Natural Resources

Wildlife-viewing and outdoor-tourism are the prime forms of resource use. However consumptive use of natural resources including hunting will be allowed from time to time to contribute to financial sustainability, social benefits or ecological requirements.

Zonation policy and operating guidelines

Policy

The Molopo Game 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 should be allowed. 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 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.

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 CEO's 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 Molopo Game 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 Molopo Game Reserve standards.

Roads

Molopo Game Reserve is primarily for game viewing. The road network should be sufficient to allow for this activity 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 appropriate 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 Molopo Game Reserve.

Fencing

The Molopo Game 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.

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&TBs 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 Molopo Game 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 Molopo Game 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.

Marketing policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Molopo Game Reserve 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 Molopo Game 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 Molopo Game 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 Molopo Game 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.

Tourism policy and operating guidelines

Policy

Wildlife and outdoor-based tourism with an emphasis on remote wilderness is the primary product of the Molopo Game Reserve.

Because it is so remote from market centres, the target market will tend to be wildlife lovers seeking wilderness experiences including hunting. Visitors and hunters may come from both the domestic and international markets.

The Reserve must rely more on income from visitors and hunters 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

Visitor control and carrying capacity

At present it is improbable that visitor numbers will be sufficient to have any serious environmental impact. However, visitors will be seeking isolation and this could be lost if visitor densities were to increase substantially. Regulations governing visitor numbers will need to be drafted to ensure that the Warden can maintain the appropriate carrying capacity and the Warden will make recommendations in this regard from time to time. 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

Molopo Game 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 Molopo Game 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 baseline 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 land administered by the Molopo Game Reserve should be maximized. Agreements should be entered into to ensure that as much land as possible is managed under the guidelines and objectives spelt out in this document. This may entail incorporation or collaboration such as conservancies.

Operating guidelines

Before any land is incorporated, the following items need to be agreed to:

· Ownership and use of game is formally agreed;
· Fencing costs and standards are agreed;
· Traversing rights on different landowners' properties are agreed;
· Management of the area must be agreed, including standards, costs and policy;
· Ownership of land is maintained by the individual parties.

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