Hierarchical spatial organization and prioritization of wetlands: a conceptual model for wetland rehabilitation in South Africa |
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Authors: | E J J Sieben W N Ellery D C Kotze M Rountree |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Private Bag X13, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, South Africa;(2) Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa;(3) Centre for Environment and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa;(4) Fluvius Environmental Consultants, Postnet Suite 50, Private Bag X1, Cape Town, 8018, Vlaeberg, South Africa |
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Abstract: | Wetland rehabilitation planning needs to take into account many different aspects of the wetland and its context. In South
Africa, much emphasis is placed on the delivery of ecosystem services, poverty relief and skills development for those involved
in labour-intensive rehabilitation measures. A framework is presented that facilitates decision-making with regards to wetland
rehabilitation planning. This starts with prioritizing which wetlands need attention within a catchment. This is followed
by decisions regarding which rehabilitation measures would be effective in improving certain ecosystem services based upon
the aims of rehabilitation and the social context of the surrounding catchment. The functional unit that is most suitable
to work with for rehabilitation is the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Unit, defined as a section of a wetland with more or less uniform
hydrological and geomorphological characteristics. An individual wetland may comprise several HGM units, and a HGM Unit itself
can be sub-divided into several smaller habitat or vegetation units. Different rehabilitation measures have been identified
which are appropriate for the different scales in this spatial framework. Two case studies are presented as examples of how
this spatial framework impacts upon the decisions made by the rehabilitation practitioner. |
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