Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER STUDY REPORT
For
MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY VISUAL AND GENIUS LOCI
CHARACTERISTICS
Compiled for
By
ZEN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS (Pty) Ltd
247 Sullivan Street
Lyttelton
Centurion 0157
Tel: 082 478 0613/ 082 758 7590
Fax: 086 768 7967
2
REPORT INFORMATION PAGE
Report Title: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER REPORT FOR MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Report Reference: VISUAL/REP-2016
Report Status: DRAFT
Author(s): Yvonne Gutoona (Cert.Sci.Nat.) and Vuyokazi Maceduma April (Pr.Sci.Nat)
Client: IKAMVA CONSULTING
+27 47 531 4044
+ 27 47 531 4097
Prepared By: Zen Environmental Consultants
082 478 0613/082 758 7590
[email protected]/[email protected]
Report Quality
Control Name Signature Date
Reviewed By:
Chipo J.
Muhomba 12/05/2016
Approved By:
3
TABLE OF CONTENT
REPORT INFORMATION PAGE ................................................................................................................................... 2
TABLE OF CONTENT .................................................................................................................................................. 3
LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. SCOPE OF WORK ................................................................................................................................................... 1
3. LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ......................................................................................................................................... 1
3.1. NATIONAL ACTS .............................................................................................................................................. 1
3.1.1. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (Act No. 108 of 1996) – Section 24 ........................... 1
3.1.2. National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), as amended ............................... 1
3.1.3. National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999) (NHRA) ............................................................................... 2
3.1.4. National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA), as
amended ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
3.2. PROVINCIAL ACTS, PLANS, POLICY AND ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES ....................................................... 2
3.2.1. Bioregional plans ...................................................................................................................................... 2
3.2.2. Development Facilitation Act (Act No. 65 of 1995) (DFA)............................................................................ 2
4. METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
5. LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 3
6. RESULTS ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
6.1. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY ELEVATION ................................................................................................... 3
6.2. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY TERRAIN DESCRIPTION ................................................................................ 4
6.3. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY TERRAIN PATTERN ....................................................................................... 5
6.4. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY SOTER LANDFORMS ..................................................................................... 5
6.5. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY LAND USE ..................................................................................................... 6
7. AREAS OF VISUAL AND GENIUS LOCI CHARACTERISTICS WITHIN MLM ............................................................... 7
7.1. LANDSCAPE CONTEXT .................................................................................................................................... 7
7.2. ZONE OF VISUAL INFLUENCE (ZVI) ................................................................................................................. 7
7.3 SCENIC QUALITY .............................................................................................................................................. 7
7.4 RECEPTOR SENSITIVITY .................................................................................................................................. 7
7.5 VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................. 7
8. CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
9. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Mbizana Local Municipality elevation map. ....................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2: Study area terrain description. ........................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 3: Study Area Terrain Patterns. .......................................................................................................................... 5
4
Figure 4: Study Area Landform as determined by terrain characteristics. .......................................................................... 6
Figure 5: Study Area current land-use. .......................................................................................................................... 6
1
1. INTRODUCTION
Zen Environmental Consultant (ZEN), as an independent environmental and specialist consultant has been
appointed by IKAMVA CONSULTING to undertake preliminary landscape character study for Mbizana Local
Municipality (MLM) as part of the Environmental Management Framework-Phase 1 development. Mbizana Local
Municipality is under the jurisdiction of Alfred Nzo District Municipality.
The municipality is situated in the Wild Coast Region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. South Africa is currently
experiencing a situation of accelerated economic growth and development, with the effects being noticeably felt
on regional and local level. Similarly, development pressures of urban areas are a continuous process of land
use change over time.
The landscape character study is aimed at determining the current visual and genius loci characteristics within
MLM based on aesthetic, sense of place, cultural heritage and recreation & ecotourism potential of the study
area.
The study area, Mbizana Local Municipality (MLM) is seated in Bizana situated in Eastern Pondoland of the
former Transkei and forms part of the Wild Coast Region of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study
area is centred between Umtamvuna River in the North which forms a provincial border between Eastern Cape
and KwaZulu-Natal and Umzimvubu River in the South separating the area from the West Pondoland. The
project areas can be access through R61 from Umtata to Port Edward via Bizana.
2. SCOPE OF WORK
The aim of the Landscape character study is to determine the setting; visual character and land use within
Mbizana Local Municipality and define the extent of the affected visual environment.
3. LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT
3.1. NATIONAL ACTS
3.1.1. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (Act No. 108 of 1996) – Section 24
The Constitution is South Africa’s overarching law. It prescribes minimum standards with which existing and new
laws must comply. Chapter 2 of the Constitution contains the Bill of Rights in which basic human rights are
enshrined. Section 24 of this chapter states that “Everyone has the right to an environment that is not
harmful to their health or well-being and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present
and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and
ecological degradation; promote conservation; and secure ecologically sustainable development and
use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.” Government's
commitment to give effect to the environmental rights enshrined in the Constitution is evident from the enactment
of various pieces of environmental legislation since 1996, including the National Water Act, the National
Environmental Management Act, etc.
3.1.2. National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), as amended
NEMA replaces a number of the provisions of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989). The
Act provides for cooperative environmental governance by establishing principles for decision-making on matters
affecting the environment, institutions that will promote cooperative governance and procedures for coordinating
environmental functions. The principles enshrined in NEMA guide the interpretation, administration and
implementation of the Act with regards to the protection and / or management of the environment.
2
3.1.3. National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999) (NHRA)
The National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999) and the associated provincial regulations provides legislative
protection for listed or proclaimed sites, such as urban conservation areas, nature reserves and proclaimed
scenic routes.
3.1.4. National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA),
as amended
NEMPAA provide for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa's
biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes; for the establishment of a national register of all
national, provincial and local protected areas; for the management of those areas in accordance with national
norms and standards; for intergovernmental co-operation and public consultation in matters concerning protected
areas; for the continued existence, governance and functions of South African National Parks; and for matters in
connection therewith.
3.2. PROVINCIAL ACTS, PLANS, POLICY AND ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES
3.2.1. Bioregional plans
Aims to provide maps of biodiversity priorities with accompanying land-use planning and decision making
guidelines in order to inform decisions associated to land-use planning, environmental assessment, natural
resource management and authorization.
3.2.2. Development Facilitation Act (Act No. 65 of 1995) (DFA)
The DFA has formalised the restructuring of urban settlements and planning in South Africa. The aim has been
to expedite land development projects and to promote efficient and integrated land development. It states that
municipalities should prepare the land Development Objectives (LDOs) on an annual basis.
Section 2 of the Act states that “development initiatives are necessary for promoting integration in respect
of social, economic institutional and physical aspects of development, promoting integrated
development in rural and urban areas, promoting development of localities that are nearer to residential
and employment opportunities, optimizing the use of existing resources, discouraging urban sprawl and
contributing to more compact cities and towns”.
3
4. METHODOLOGY
The methodology used in the study was using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology as a tool to
generate viewshed analyses and application of relevant spatial criteria for the study area. A detailed Digital
Terrain Model for the study area was created from 5m interval contours.
5. LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
The following limitations and assumptions concerning the study were made:-
Basis for the assessment is that scenic wilderness areas form the core of ecotourism due to high
positive visual/aesthetic appeal;
Determining a visual resource in absolute terms is not achievable due to the complexity in visual
evaluation of landscape quality;
The spatial maps used scale is determined by the size of the input layers and for printing purposes the
generated maps should be printed in A1 size documents, unless where indicated.
ZEN environmental has created the presented spatial maps for planning purposes only and should not
be distributed or used without the consent from ZEN and IKAMVA CONSULTING.
6. RESULTS
6.1. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY ELEVATION
Using 5m interval contour lines it was determined that the study area is situated at a height ranging from
100meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) elevation near the water table (i.e. coastal area) and gradually the height
increases to a maximum of 2100 m.a.s.l towards inland (Figure 1). The study area is characterised by low lying
areas and high undulating hills and mountains with meandering rivers that connects to the estuaries found within
the Indian Ocean coastal area (Figure 2).
Figure 1: Mbizana Local Municipality elevation map.
4
6.2. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY TERRAIN DESCRIPTION
Figure 2: Study area terrain description.
5
6.3. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY TERRAIN PATTERN
Figure 3: Study Area Terrain Patterns.
6.4. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY SOTER LANDFORMS
6
Figure 4: Study Area Landform as determined by terrain characteristics.
6.5. MBIZANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY LAND USE
Figure 5: Study Area current land-use.
7
7. AREAS OF VISUAL AND GENIUS LOCI CHARACTERISTICS WITHIN MLM
7.1. LANDSCAPE CONTEXT
Study area landscape context is strongly associated with large isolated residential structures situated uphills,
confined development and wild coast tourist attraction area characterised by the Indian Ocean. Tourism is
important in the area and includes many accommodation services that cater for tourists looking for cultural or
sporting experiences associated with the Wild coast. The R61 is also an important coastal access route that links
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces via uMzamba Coastal Route.
7.2. ZONE OF VISUAL INFLUENCE (ZVI)
The ZVI in the inland area are characterised by mountains and rivers running on the foot of Engele Mountains.
These areas are rated ZVI is rated medium. Whereas, the middle part of the terrain within the study area is
susceptible to development and land-use was rated low. The areas around the coastal belt, although susceptible
to development the ZVI of the area has an opportunity to influence tourism and was rated high.
As a result, the viewshed patterning differs from the aforementioned terrain descriptions. ZVI contrast and
depending on the development packet proposed the area of medium and high ZVI will require surveys to
determine the visual impact to the current scenic view of the area and its extent.
7.3 SCENIC QUALITY
Due to the higher ratings for the dune field landscape and the multi-coloured vegetation that covers the dunes in
the coastal terrain; any development within those area are perceive or rated high for scenic quality. The area in
the middle of the study area transitioning coast and inland terrain was rated low in terms of scenic quality as they
are currently modified and susceptible to further development potential. The inland mountainous area was rated
medium in scenic quality. High areas of scenic quality should be considered as constricted zones or no go
zone where intrusive in-situ developments are concern.
7.4 RECEPTOR SENSITIVITY
Coastal line and area within the study area was rated high for receptor sensitivity towards landscape change. Its
close proximity to the ocean and characterised by freshwater priority areas ensure that any development there
would be viewed as an intrusion.
7.5 VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Class II visual objective, which requires low levels of landscape change in order to protect the visual resources
of the area, was defined for the Coastal Area. This is due to the higher scenic quality of the indigenous plant
covered dune fields and the visual linkages to the greater marine conservation area. Class III area would allow
for moderate levels of visual contrast as the area is zoned agricultural, has moderate levels of scenic quality but
higher levels of receptor sensitivity to landscape change and in the study area, this was characterised by
mountains inland. Class IV which allows for high levels of visual contrast and is highly modified and is
incorporated to the Integrated Development Plan of the area should be considered a security zone and
susceptible to further development.
8
8. CONCLUSION
The visual significance for Mbizana Local Municipality GIS was rated medium without mitigation and low with
mitigation for all developmental phases. Intrusive developmental phases such as construction and operation
phase visual impact would be high depending on the approach, structure height and exposure levels to receiving
area. Without mitigation the visual significance for all phases of the proposed developments should be
considered high. Although the scenic quality of the area is medium and there is sufficient distance from the R61
road users, the small holding residential area have a high exposure potential in viewing the effects of
developments around the area. With mitigation the visual significance for construction and operation phases
would be medium and low for decommissioning phase. Mitigation should entail the construction of a high
screening berm around the proposed sites, dust control measures and the location of the laydown in places
close to residential proximity.
9. REFERENCES
ASTER GDEM. METI / NASA. 2009.Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer
(ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model Version 2 (GDEM V2 2011). Ministry of Economy, Trade,
and Industry (METI) of Japan and United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA)
BLM. USDI. 2004. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior. 2004. Visual Resource
Management Manual
Council on Environmental Quality 1997. Considering Cumulative Effects under the (USA) National
Environmental Policy Act
Lange, E. 1994: Integration of computerized visual Simulation and visual Assessment in environmental
Planning. Landscape and Urban Planning
Oberholzer, B. 2005. Guideline for involving visual and aesthetic specialists in EIA processes: Edition 1. CSIR
Report No ENV-S-C 2005 053 F. Republic of South Africa, Provincial Government of the Western
Cape, Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Cape Town.
Sheppard, S.R.J. 2005. Validity, reliability, and ethics in visualization. In: Bishop, I. & Lange, E. (Eds.)
Visualization in Landscape and Environmental Planning: Technology and Applications. Taylor and
Francis, London
U.K Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment 2002. ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual
Impact Assessment’ Second Edition, Spon Press.
