The Greater Zandvlei Nature Reserve is divided into zones which determine what activities are allowed in each zone. The zones and particularly zone boundaries are important in conflict resolution and protecting vulnerable fauna and flora, while accommodating recreational and economic activities.
For details on what is allowed in each zone, consult Table 10: City of Cape Town Nature Reserves and Conservation Areas Visitor use zoning – Desired State & Experiential qualities DRAFT FOUR (24th June 2010), which can be downloaded here (spreadsheet, 36KB).
Current issues regarding zoning uses include dog walking on Bird Island, and the unmet needs of the Zandvlei fishing community. These and other raised issues need to be discussed and fleshed out to be incorporated into the Reserve Management Plans. This process will be the topic of a community meeting on Wednesday 24 April 2019, at 14:00 at the Zandvlei Sports Club.
Table 10: City of Cape Town Nature Reserves and Conservation Areas Vistitor use zoning- Desired State & Experiential qualities DRAFT FOUR (24th June 2010)
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | |
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2
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Experience | Zone | Desired State* | Primary objective | Secondary objective | Experiential Qualities | Acitivites | Interaction between users | Frequency of use | Group size | Sophistication and type of facilities | Primary user movement within the zone | Roads & footpaths | Equivalent Provincial zone zone | |
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3
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Close to nature Activities tend to be at landscape level |
Primary conservation | Natural or near-natural areas (or areas that can be rehabilitated to this state) that are managed primarily for biodiversity conservation. The experience is one of relative solitude and wildness. The nature of the experience is dependant on the quality of the natural environment. The main accent of management is biodiversity conservation and "Pack it in Pack it out" principles are strictly applied to all activities including management. There may be some signs of infrastructure mainly of a heritage nature. In the longer term service infrastructure (eg reservoirs) should be phased out. | Biodiversity Conservation – managed in order to meet conservation targets for various vegetation types and to provide undisturbed habitat for a range of species. | n/a | Relative sense of isolation | Research and monitoring. Guided walks for small groups accompanied by a guide. Size and frequency of groups controlled. | None or very low | Very low | Small | No facilites | Pedestrian in accompanied groups only | Absolutely essential management tracks and footpaths in accordance with the foot path and road management plan | Quiet | |
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4
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Conservation | Natural or near-natural areas (or areas that can be rehabilitated to this state) that are managed largely for biodiversity conservation.This zone provides experiences of a relative sense relaxation in an environment that is openly exposed to the sights and sounds of the city. Although it is a place of quietness and naturalness, there will be more interaction between users than Primary Conservation. The quality of the experience is less dependant on the quality of the natural environment. | Biodiversity Conservation– managed in order to meet conservation targets for various vegetation types and to provide largely undisturbed habitat for a range species. | Managed to provide controlled visitor experiences in a way that does not impact on the biodiversity objective. | Relaxation | Hiking, non-motorised access 1, bird watching, biological monitoring etc. In reserves where access to water bodies is allowed, this area is limited to non-motorized vessels only. | Moderate | Moderate | Small | Low impact facilites that faciltae environmentally sustainable activites. Under certain circumstances small "Touching the Earth Lightly" bush camps strictly applying the "Pack in Pack it Out" principle may be provided. | Pedestrian Non motorised |
Management tracks/roads and footpaths. Minimal footpath construction to prevent environmental damage. Boardwalks may be permitted where appropriate. | |||
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5
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Outdoor Natural Experience Activities tend to be at precinct level |
Low Intensity leisure | Natural, near-natural or managed landscapes (e.g. cultivated gardens) which are primarily managed to promote recreational and educational objectives. The main accent is on recreational activities which are more dependant on the quality of the facilities provided than in a natural environment. By their nature these zones are placed in more transformed landscapes. Interaction and socialisation are an integral part of the experience. | Recreation and education – managed to provide a largely natural outdoor area to support the recreational and education objectives of the reserve. | Biodiversity Conservation – remaining natural or near-natural areas managed to provide some contribution to meeting conservation objectives. | Socialisation | Walking, non-motorised access, bird watching. In reserves where access to water bodies is allowed, motorized vessels are only allowed under strict control (e.g. no waterskiing, low speed limits and wake-free zones). City Parks – Dogs under control | Frequent | moderate -high | Small-moderate | Benches, bird hides, informative signage | Pedestrian Non motorised |
Appropriate foot paths with directional signage Boardwalks may facilitate access and protecte sensitives areas. Wheelchair access where appropriate |
Low intensity leisure | |
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6
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7
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High Intensity Leisure | High use landscapes, which are often largely transformed, which are managed largely to support recreation, tourism, education and administrative functions of reserves.High intensity tourism development with modern commercialised amenities with very concentrated, activities. The quality of the visitor experience is heavily dependant of the quality of the facilities which enable the visitor to experience the environment with a minimum of effort. Due to the high impacts these are concentrated at specific nodes. These nodes are generally situated at existing facilities including historic buildings and precincts. The main focus of management is to ensure a high quality visitor experience whilst ensuring that the activities have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment and that heritage resources are respected and celebrated. | Facilities are managed to facilitate and promote appropriate recreational, tourism and educational use of the reserve. | Administration –provides appropriate infrastructure management to facilitate other objectives of the reserve. | Entertainment | Events, self guided walks, wheelchair accessible trails, parking, picnicking. In reserves where access to water bodies is allowed, this area is appropriate for high intensity uses such as power boating and waterskiing | Very frequent | Very high | Large | Picnic areas, parking areas, restaurants, information centres, abultions, environmental education facilires, nureries etc. Provides parking for from which pedestrian access is gained to other zones. | Motorised People movers |
Access roads and associated parking. Footpaths constructed to a higher standard for the comfort of the user. Design standards to be set in the footpath and road management plan Wheelchair access encouraged in this zone. |
High Intensity Leisure | ||
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8
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Utility zone | Area used for utility functions such as bulk water provision, landfill sites within the protected /conservation area | Utility services | Aminsistration Conservation where appropriate |
N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | |||
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9
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*Note. The "Desired State" is the very long term objective of the
zone and these desired conditions may not actually exist at the time of zoning. Achieving the"
Desired State" will be informed by many factors and may only be reached after many years.
1 Non-motorised access refers to mountain bikes, horses, paragliding etc. These activities are reserve specific and reference must be made to the reserve management plan for a list of acceptable activities. The following special management overlays are applied: 1. Heritage management 2. Special conservation 3. Rehabilitation 4. Sensitive features or habitats |
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