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SKEP Priority Areas. SKEP CEPF Ecosystem Profile 60 scientists, 400 stakeholders Data on biodiversity distribution and pressures on ecosystems, set targets Identified 9 priority areas. Critical Biodiversity Areas. Land use planning tool
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SKEP Priority Areas • SKEP CEPF Ecosystem Profile • 60 scientists, 400 stakeholders • Data on biodiversity distribution and pressures on ecosystems, set targets • Identified 9 priority areas
Critical Biodiversity Areas • Land use planning tool • Aim to avoid loss of critical biodiversity and ecosystem function • Functioning ecosystems for people AND identify areas appropriate for development • Category 1 CBA = irreplaceable biodiversity • Category 2 = important biodiversity • Also essential for ecosystem processes and services that support human livelihoods • Ecological Support Areas = not essential for biodiversity targets, but important for ecosystem function and ES
Pilot Sites • Indicators included: • the potential for tourism development • avoiding areas with significant mineral deposits • opportunities to integrate conservation objectives with municipal priorities around job creation and poverty alleviation • areas where biodiversity is under pressure • areas with high numbers of endemic or threatened species • unique areas • corridors of natural habitat over rainfall and climate gradients • important water resource areas • Areas exposed to hazards/climate impact • Some communal land
Kamiesberg • Significant water catchment • NFEPA wetlands • Important seasonal river systems • Part of critical climate change corridor • Includes a CBA1 and falls within SKEP priority area number 4 • Elevation provides climate change refugia • Grazed by private and communal small stock farmers • Home to two threatened vegetation types and numerous rare and endemic plant species • CSA long-term presence in the area • Unique site
Steinkopf - proposed • All of the above • Namakwa Upland Rangeland system • But much drier • And therefore much more typical of the NDM • More typical wetlands and springs – small, localised, heavily utilised, low water flow but great strategic importance • Large communal area, extensively grazed with small livestock • Research results will have broader relevance