Photo 14.19” x 10.31”

Positionx: 8.74”, y: .18”

SKEP Priority AreasSKEP CEPF Ecosystem Profile60 scientists, 400 stakeholdersData on biodiversity distribution and

pressures on ecosystems, set targetsIdentified 9 priority areas

Photo 14.19” x 10.31”

Positionx: 8.74”, y: .18”

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 SitesIndicators 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