Dube TradePort has acquired more than 200 hectares of land for the specific purpose of conserving natural ecosystems near the major development North of Durban.
This conservation goal forms part of the TradePort’s comprehensive sustainable development strategy ahead of the implementation of its 50-year master plan to develop the Durban aerotropolis, which will cover approximately 10 000 hectares of green spaces.
TradePort manager for environmental management services, Zama Dlamini, said the newly-acquired land includes 80% of wetlands, adding to the existing 854 hectares designated for rehabilitation and restoration within the delineated conservation area.
“The land acquisition process involves input from planners, environmentalists and property portfolio specialists to ensure the conservation of critical biodiversity and implementation of ecosystem services as a means for mitigating climate change,” Dlamini said.
Positive results from the development’s ongoing rehabilitation and restoration projects have already been achieved.
This includes the reintroduction of the Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), which has been observed breeding in wetlands on the western boundary of the Dube TradePort precinct.
This area is now protected from all development activities by a one-kilometre buffer zone.
“Additionally, a healthy buffer, created and managed under the current rehabilitation and restoration project, is maintained to protect the Pickersgill's reed frog species (Hyperolius pickersgilli) found within Lake Victoria and Froggy Pond wetland, on the southern boundaries of our Dube City development,” Dlamini said.
“These frogs are sensitive to minor changes in their environment and require dense reed beds and vegetation for breeding, as well as a variety of insects. Dube TradePort, in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and King Shaka International Airport, are monitoring these species through ongoing wet-health assessments,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dube TradePort is continuing to implement regular alien plant control measures, including the removal of dead leaf and grass material through controlled burning within conservation areas, as well as the restoration of habitats for species like the Pickersgill's Reed Frog and Grey Crowned Crane.
