Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MA (Anthropolgy))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Anthropology and Archaeology / unrestricted

To assist in developing a more precise understanding of past climatic changes in southern Africa, further pollen analytical research is required. In the past, pollen sites in the subregion have been restricted to swampy areas such as permanent springs and peat deposits. While such sites are often rare as a consequence of the aridity of the country, rich polliniferous deposits can be found in the peatlands surrounding coastal lakes in the Maputaland Coastal Plain. The Mfabeni peatland, situated on the eastern shores of St. Lucia, contains relatively old sediments dating back to >45000 years bp at a depth of 7.80m. A multi-proxy approach, comprising radiocarbon, stable carbon isotope (513C) and palynological analysis, was applied in the investigation of Late Quaternary climatic conditions and vegetation changes along the Maputaland Coastal Plain. A single 10 m sediment core, dating back to >45000 years bp, was extracted from the Mfabeni Peatland. A detailed fossil pollen analysis of Mfabeni sediments indicated the existence of extensive Podocarpus-abundant coastal forests before ca. 44500 years bp. The onset of wetter local conditions after this time is inferred from forest retreat and the development of swampy conditions, which prevailed until ca. 25000 Cal years BP. Conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 18000 years BP) are inferred to have been generally colder and drier, as evidenced by forest retreat and replacement of swampy reed/sedge communities by dry grassland. A significant depletion in 813C values at ca. 18200 Cal years BP indicates the dominance of C3 vegetation during the LGM, reflecting considerably colder conditions. This is in agreement with palaeoenvironmental indications from elsewhere in the Transvaalian Ecozone, although conditions at Mfabeni were more moderated in their manifestation, which can be attributed to the proximity of this site to the ocean. Cool, relatively moist conditions are inferred for the Holocene Altithermal (ca. 8000-6000 years BP), as evidenced by forest growth and expansion during this time. Warm, dry conditions are inferred for the Late Holocene, with the establishment of grassland/savanna type vegetation in the area after ca. 2000 Cal years BP. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.

South Africa has a few unique and understudied areas of interest regarding wetlands, of which the Maputaland Coastal Plain (MCP) is one. This is regarded as a large gap in scientific knowledge, especially since firstly, the MCP is regarded as a unique area in terms of biodiversity, geology, social history, and ecosystem variety; and secondly, wetlands are a vulnerable, and yet a greatly important ecosystem type in South Africa. Additionally the wetlands on the aeolian derived sandy soils associated with the MCP are problematic to delineate. Although the wetland delineation guideline of DWAF (2005) gives a list of criteria to aid the delineation process on sandy coastal aquifers, this has never been scientifically reviewed. The aim of this study was to investigate how vegetation and soil properties vary down the topographical slope in various wetland types on the MCP. This was done in order to contribute to the knowledge base and understanding of wetlands in this area, as well as to determine whether differences between zones are significant enough to be used as indicators of wetland boundaries. Soil colour was investigated as a possible new delineation indicator. A section is also devoted to commentary on the current wetland delineation procedure on the MCP. This study shows that wetland types on the MCP are very distinct from each other, and therefore broad statements about the soil and vegetation characteristics of wetlands are discouraged. Three substrate types namely high organic-, duplex-, and sandy substrates dominate wetlands on the MCP. These play a major influential role in the general characteristics and function of the wetland types. Contrary to popular belief, redoximorphic accumulation and -depletions do occur on the MCP, but are often inconsistent in their presence. Chemical soil properties were found not to be good indicators of wetland boundaries on the MCP, although certain patterns can be discerned and applied to determine wetland conditions. The main drivers of wetland vegetation are the wetness- and productivity gradients. A few prominent indicator species can be used for the identification of wetland and non-wetland sites specifically on the MCP. Additionally, a relatively underutilised vegetation assessment procedure called Weighted Averaging was investigated, and can in most cases effectively discern between wetland and non-wetland conditions. This is a useful tool to apply in delineation practices in addition to other indicators. Soil colour can be used to successfully indicate wetland boundaries, and therefore be used as an additional wetland indicator. However, the method requires further testing and refinement for different wetland types. In general the vegetation and soil indicators do not correlate perfectly, and therefore delineation by means of one indicator only is greatly discouraged. An investigation of recommended delineation procedures for the MCP shows that new information on the understanding of wetlands in sandy coastal aquifers urgently needs to be disseminated. Approaches such as that of the USDA-NRCS where regionally specific guidelines are designed to be adapted regularly as new information becomes available, as well as the development of sets of hydric indicators specific to problematic areas, are recommended / College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences / D. Phil. (Environmental Science)

Thesis (MSc (Zoology)) -- University of Pretoria. / Includes bibliographic references (leaves 48-54).

The African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) was established in 2002 after the discovery of a colony of coelacanths off the Maputaland coast at Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu Natal. The environmental education and awareness sub-programme developed learning support materials (LSM's) for use in schools and the materials were disseminated annually through teacher education workshops. This study aimed to uncover the use of these LSM's in the rural schools of Maputaland. The active learning framework was used to analyse the materials. Collectively, the ACEP materials cover a range of active learning aspects; however alignment with the curriculum has resulted in an increased focus on experiments, accompanied by a loss of environmental content and a narrowing scope for active environmental learning. Workshop questionnaires and four school case studies revealed the patterns of practice of use of materials in schools. The stated use of materials by teachers is not fully realized in the actual classroom practice which centres on learning content and concept definitions. There is no culture of use of materials in the schools following the annual introduction of ACEP materials. It was also found that the marine and coastal knowledge holding power is outside the realm of the teachers' practice and control. The findings of this study come at a time when there is uncertainty over the future of South African education and the curriculum. This research may inform the environmental education and coastal and marine education field as to their role in education and more specifically the development of learning support materials.

Thesis (M.A.(Anthropology))-University of Pretoria, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

This dissertation is concerned with the extent to which development frameworks are valid tools to guide development within a region, and makes use of the Ubombo/ Ingwavuma development framework as a case study. Through the use of this case study, the dissertation uncovers factors that influence the implementation of development frameworks. The context of the study is established firstly through the exploration of the literature surrounding regional planning, how it is undertaken, and the reasons for its successes and failures; and secondly, through an examination of implementation problems and lessons learnt from other development frameworks implemented during the same time frame. It is hypothesised that integrated regional development frameworks, like the Ubombol Ingwavuma development framework, are a necessary part of regional planning but by themselves however, are not sufficient to lead to regional development and are inherently flawed by implementation problems. The areas for immediate action which are outlined in the Ubombol Ingwavuma development framework, are systematically examined to ascertain the extent to which specific plans and projects were implemented, as well as to uncover the reasons for non-implementation on the part of implementing agencies and government departments. Both the client and the planners involved in the formulation of the plan, as well as planning experts, are consulted on the reasons for plan failure and lack of implementation. From this research, it can be concluded that regional plans are necessary mechanisms to lead to development of a region per se, but are not sufficient in themselves. Other factors important for the success of regional plans include a high degree of community participation, departmental collaboration, political buy-in, and people motivated to 'drive' the planning process forward, to mention a few. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1995.

The dissertation presents an economic analysis of tourism in the Southern Maputaland Biosphere Reserve. The aim of the study was to gather relevant information on the benefits and costs associated with the existing tourism operations in the sub-region, and to determine the broader impact of tourism on the local economy. The study sampled twenty private tourism operations ranging from upmarket game lodges to bed and breakfast facilities. The results of the study present a comparison of indicators of the economic impact and efficiency of tourism, such as revenue generation, annual rates of return on investment, employment creation and wage levels, between various types of tourism operations as well as between tourism as a land use option and other land use options. They also highlight the economic importance of the protected areas to the local tourism industry. In addition, the nature and extent of interaction between the sampled tourism operations and the local communities, as well as possible constraints on the expansion of the tourism industry in the region are examined. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.

Most elephants in South Africa live in enclosed areas such as the Tembe Elephant Park in Maputaland. The Park also protects sand forest. This can create a conflict of interest as elephants may influence species typical of these forests. To assess the effects that elephants may have for vegetation, I compare variables of similar plant communities inside and outside the Park. I then compared the space and landscape utilization of elephants living in the Park with those of free-ranging elephants living in southern Mozambique. In the final analyses, I used meta-analytical methods to interpret my findings. Woody seedlings showed no measurable response to tree canopies that elephants have altered, but the response of grasses and woody saplings depended on the landscape type. In closed woodlands, elephants generated gaps in the canopy layer that increased structural heterogeneity. These gaps favoured the establishment of grasses, and along with herbivory, may have been responsible for reduced occurrence of woody saplings. In the open woodlands, elephants and frequent hot fires in the Park apparently homogenised this landscape. In this case, altered tree canopies reduced grass and woody sapling presence. The species compositions of sand forests, closed woodlands and open woodlands between inside and outside the Park differed. However, tree and shrub densities, their abundance-incidence and rank-abundance relationships were similar for a given landscape inside and outside the Park. Ecological events operating at larger scales, such as seed dispersal and droughts, mask the influence elephant have for these community variables. Elephants in the Park had smaller home ranges than free-ranging elephants living in southern Mozambique. The size of these home ranges were however, similar to that predicted by rainfall, as suggested by my analysis of data collected across southern Africa. The elephants that roamed freely in southern Mozambique prefer closed woodlands throughout the year. However, elephants confined to the Park avoided reed beds (with natural surface water) in the dry season and showed no landscape preference in the wet season. My meta-analysis on the effects of elephants on other taxa included 230 peer-reviewed studies. These were published over a 40-year period and included information from 74 sites. From only those studies used in the effect size calculations, when conducted over a period of less than 5 years show a negative impact while those conducted over longer periods show a neutral effect. Site-specific differences, such as rainfall, may also influence the effect elephants have for plants. Twenty of the 230 studies shared more than 50% of all citings. The majority (16 of the 20) claimed that elephants had a negative influence for plants. This is in contrast with the findings of all studies included in the analysis – half of these concluded a positive effect and the other half a negative effect. In short, elephants do not decrease the diversity of other species present in the system, despite their adverse effects for individual trees. Elephants affect ecosystems at small scales. Providing an opportunity for elephants presently living in Tembe Elephant Park to disperse across their former ranges may negate negative influences on sensitive vegetation in the Park. / Thesis (PhD (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

The Maputaland Coastal Plain in Kwa Zulu-Natal is covered by aeolian sands . According to the national wetland delineation manual delineating wetlands in this area is complex due to problematic wetland soils. The aim of this study was to classify and describe the vegetation of the different zones of the wetland systems to determine the main drivers of the plant communities. The understanding of these complex ecosystems could assist in wetland delineation. Twenty wetlands from five wetland systems were surveyed. The vegetation zones of each wetland were sampled and basic environmental data were collected. The results from this study indicate that different plant species assemblages are characteristic for the wetland zones. However, zone delineation using vegetation composition varies between the different wetland systems, and should be evaluated according to the system in question. The major determinants of the vegetation communities in wetlands on the MCP are the substrate type and hydrological regime / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)