Did you know…
Did you know according to the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA), there are regulations which prohibits you from clearing an area of 300 square meters or more of indigenous vegetation within any critically endangered or endangered ecosystem.
Critical Biodiversity areas (CBA) are described as all areas required to meet biodiversity pattern and process targets; Critically Endangered ecosystems, critical linkages (corridor pinch-points) to maintain connectivity; CBAs are areas of high biodiversity value that must be maintained in a natural state.
CBAs are sub-divided into two groups, CBA Irreplaceable and CBA Optimal. CBA Irreplaceable areas include: areas required to meet targets and with irreplaceability values of more than 80%; (2) Critical linkages or pinch-points in the landscape that must remain natural; (3) Critically Endangered Ecosystems. The CBA Optimal Areas are the areas optimally located to meet both the various biodiversity targets and other criteria defined in the analysis. Although these areas are not ‘irreplaceable’ they are the most efficient land configuration to meet all biodiversity targets and design criteria.
Activities listed within regulation GNR 985 2014 of 2017 amended may not commence within a CBA without obtaining Environmental Authorisation from the Competent authority. So, if at any point, you have any questions or require confirmation, please feel free to contact us for advice and we will ensure that you or your company comply with the regulatory requirements
Have a great week and visit the “Chappie Paper” next week for some more information.
