The aim of this study was to detect spatio-temporal changes in sugarcane land use using satellite imagery for 1991–2006 in Umbumbulu, South Africa. This change detection study will enable quantification of change and the changes between different land use and land cover that has occurred over the study period 1991–2006. This work embarked on a change detection analysis using image-processing software namely ERDAS, IDRISI and ArcGIS to complete the study. Three Landsat TM images from 1991, 2001, and 2006 were used. The images were geometrically corrected to a common map projection, followed by image processing operations namely: radiometric correction, supervised image classification, accuracy assessment and post classification comparison change detection. Each image was separately classified into land cover categories of water, grassland, mix bush/shrub, forestry, sugarcane and built-up land using the supervised classification maximum likelihood algorithm in ERDAS. Final classification accuracy was determined to be ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’ by means of employing standardized accuracy assessment measures, the error matrix. The post-classification comparison technique was applied to compare the classified images to assess for changes in sugarcane land use over time using IDRISI software. The classified images produced were exported into ArcMap GIS software for additional change analysis. The results are displayed as change maps. Change analysis has been executed based on digital interpretation of classification results. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

Sub-Saharan Africa is becoming increasingly impoverished with ever-increasing gaps between rich and poor, particularly in deep rural areas where access to even the basic infrastructure needed for development is insufficient. Ironically such areas are often encountered on the edges of protected areas where conservation exists in its purest forms, the preservation of wildlife. Wildlife conservation, as a preservationist ideal, is in conflict with the rural poor who share its borders. Often the diminishing natural resource base, upon which the rural inhabitants depend for subsistence, is disappearing either through depletion or inside fences in the name of conservation. Having been placed on the development continuum, often by Western ideals, rural dwellers are now dependent on income-generation for their survival. This case study examines the opportunities for rural communities to become involved in meaningful income-generation and how local conservation bodies, managers of protected areas, might encourage and facilitate this. Often the challenge for conservation bodies is to accommodate the development needs of neighbours of protected areas within their own goals of preserving wildlife. The cultural basis of conservation is in transition, given the realisations of the depth of poverty and the new social questioning of the moral right to spend so much on what many now consider to be archaic notions of nature. The desire to integrate conservation with development is by itself insufficient to make a sustainable difference to local communities. Rather, holistic development models are needed to allow conservation to play an effective role in income-generation, from creating the background for successful businesses to helping create markets for produce. Analyses of current conservation techniques to involve communities in conservation suggest the need for a shifting of the conservative, preservationist culture that dominates conservation bodies, towards a more people-centred approach. With this comes a realisation that the goals of development cannot be achieved through conservation but ironically the goals of conservation can be achieved through development of neighbouring communities. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.

The thesis explores the nature of public management of environmental impact assessments in South Africa. As concern for the environment and for the attainment of sustainable development has grown globally, so too has the adoption of environmental management systems in line with this goal. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) is regarded by many, as being an effective tool that, when used within and supported by these management systems, will advance the attainment of sustainable development. While the environmental impact assessment is an important tool, experience with it illustrates how its effectiveness is constrained by a number of factors. These range from shortcomings with the technical design of the procedure to shortcomings of an institutional nature. Research has shown that the technical soundness of design will be of little consequence to the effectiveness of the procedure if the political structures and decision-making processes are not taken into account. The technical constraints on EIA do not reflect a weakness of science rather they reflect the reality that environmental impact assessment has evolved as an ongoing political process within development planning. These issues will be explored in this thesis with particular reference to experience with the implementation of EIA in the United States under the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969. The issue of public management is considered by looking at South Africa's environmental management strategy in the Environmental Conservation Act 73 of 1989, and the provisions in the Constitution that directly impact on the three spheres of government's responsibilities towards the environment are highlighted. A case study ofthe provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal is also undertaken in an endeavour to illustrate the 'practical reality' versus the 'procedural ideal' of policy implementation. Provinces are constrained in their ability to effectively implement EIAs by financial and capacity constraints. The manner in which these two provinces have attempted to overcome these constraints in order to implement EIAs will be considered in this thesis. As research undertaken has shown and in conclusions drawn in this thesis, EIAs can be considered an important tool in the world move to sustainable development. But the are simply a tool and cannot be expected to operate in isolation if they are to be effective. They need to be supported by strong national policy, co-operative governance and the necessary budget allocation if they are to operate in the manner they were designed to and if they are to achieve sustainable development. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

Together with the prospect of global environmental change, biodiversity loss is arguably the most pressing environmental issue of our time. Conserving biodiversity is a complex issue and effectively engaging people in conserving biodiversity, although challenging, is crucial. Various conservation initiatives exist that incentivise landowners to participate in restrictive conservation agreements such as the stewardship programme. From an environmental perspective, stewardship is simply people taking care of the earth and the stewardship programme is an innovative conservation initiative that aims to assist private or communal landowners by making biodiversity conservation more attractive through incentives and providing them with the necessary skills and know-how. In South Africa, landowners can enter into biodiversity stewardship agreements in the following options: A Biodiversity Management Agreement (under National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004), a Protected Environment (under Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003) or a Nature Reserve or National Park (under PAA) with the latter two agreements requiring formal declaration and restrictions on the land. The time frames and management requirements are aligned with the degree of conservation protection. Understanding landowner perceptions and motivations is critical for the successful implementation of the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme. The aim of this study was to determine how new participatory conservation systems, such as the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, can assist in biodiversity conservation on private land within the City of Cape Town. This research made use of a case study methodology with the main research tool being semi-structured face-to-face interviews conducted with landowners and managers. This was supplemented with documentation and participant and direct observations. It was evident that predicting pro-environmental behaviour based on characteristics and perceptions is complex and varies from individual to individual. It emerged that certain characteristics can possibly indicate pro-environmental behaviour however pro-environmental behaviour does not necessarily indicate a willingness to participate in restrictive conservation measures such as the Stewardship Programme. Despite a lack of resources and capacity amongst conservation institutions, the research discovered a well-coordinated well-structured conservation system built around constructive partnerships in particular amongst the official conservation organisations. Biodiversity stewardship forms a crucial component of a set of tools to consolidate the protected area network in the City of Cape Town and is playing an increasingly important role in conserving the unique biodiversity within the City. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

The Air Quality Act (AQA) Act No.39 of 2004 promulgated in 2004 follows the outdated Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (APPA) (Act No.45 of 1965). The legislative approach shifted from a source- based, end of pipe, command and control, guideline principle to ambient air quality management and improvement of compliance to standards through a consultative process. The AQA’s management framework incorporates a co-operative and integrated approach with government, communities and polluters to look at the holistic management of ambient air quality and the identified roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders. The AQA branched from the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) 107 of 1998, which is the first piece of legislation formalizing the principles of the Integrated Pollution Waste Management (IPWM) Policy published in 2000 and the Bill of Rights. Government and Industry have a role to play in the implementation of the AQA. Government’s role covers the management and enforcement aspects, whilst industries’ role includes the management of air emissions and compliance reporting to improve the overall ambient air quality. The AQA’s industrial requirements range from compliance and reporting by ensuring emission licenses are in place, compliance with standards set by different spheres of government and the management of these emissions. The management of these requirements includes understanding the legislation, its implications and the provision of other financial, human and technological resources. Industry needs to consider the impacts of these legislative changes and how it may impact business as a whole. The aim of this study is to analyze the industrial perspectives of the AQA and its implementation through the use of a questionnaire. Open-ended questionnaires were administered to a total of forty industrial companies in the chemical, petrochemical, energy and mining sectors in the Gauteng, North West and Durban industrial areas. Industries were identified as those which have scheduled process certificates or companies that will be impacted by the impending changes as a result of the AQA. The overall outcome of the industrial responses revealed poor general knowledge of the principles, purpose and the reasons for the transition from APPA to AQA. Few industries had insight into the type of challenges they may face from the AQA’s listed control measures and the control measures that would apply to their particular industry. There is a general concern surrounding the government’s lack of support and the essential enforcement that is required to ensure ambient air quality compliance. These challenges and recommendations are discussed in the thesis. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.

Poverty in its many guises - poor housing, no employment, indifferent health and hunger is a driving force for scavenging. In most developing countries, the informal recovery of material from waste is a common survival strategy for the poor. In fact, up to 2% of populations in developing countries depend on recovering, re-using and selling waste materials from streets, dumpsite or landfills for their livelihood. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of the socio-economic conditions affecting the scavengers and scavenging activities at the Hulene dumpsite in Maputo. This study set out to develop a conceptual framework depicting scavenging, its problems and opportunities. This was used to structure the research. The main issues addressed were: • The driving forces of scavenging where poverty is the major factor. • The organization of scavengers and scavenging activities showing that there is no formal organization of scavengers, which leads to exploitation of vulnerable groups. • The reaction from the national and local authorities, with the prevalence of a repressive policy and absence of support. • The gender dimension on scavenging activities; and • The perception of health risks. The findings are that scavenging constitutes a means of livelihood for poor people. These activities respond to the market demand and not to environmental considerations. However, in performing scavenging activities which results in informal recycling and resources recovery, people generate environmental benefits, economic benefits and social benefits. Other findings are that the informal organization of scavengers increases the exploitation and the health risk of scavengers. Thus, organization is a key to the success of scavengers and indirectly to the municipal economy. It is concluded that the framework set out in this thesis is useful in the sense that it illustrates the factors which influence scavenging activities. This framework can be used for further research in similar situations. It is also concluded that prohibition of scavenging activities would have undesirable consequences for the economy of Maputo in particular and of Mozambique in general. Thus, since this activity brings benefits to scavengers and to society, the government should support and stimulate this activity and not persecute those who provide this service. Consequently, as a recommendation, government, local communities and NGOs are called upon to support scavengers. The formation of scavenger co-operatives can promote sustainable grassroots development in this sector of the population. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-Unversity of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

In this thesis, the researcher has attempted to analyze the full complexities of employing the co-management system in conservation of brown mussels (Perna perna) through the use of the case study areas, namely: Sokhulu in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape (EC) Provinces of South Africa. This study is a comparative approach of 2 coastal areas, Sokhulu, in the northern part of KZN and Coffee Bay near the Wild Coast. Communities currently involved in brown mussel resource management in Sokhulu are part of the joint resource management team. The project, started in 1995 by Dr. Harris of KZN Nature Conservation Services (KZN NCS), has proven to be successful in its mission of ensuring wise use of the brown mussel resources. The Coffee Bay project, which was started in 2000, has no local resource management structures yet in place. The research information was gathered with the assistance of household questionnaire; open-ended interviews; literature review; visual review, and commentaries. Experiences drawn from Sokhulu mussel project in KZN have indicated a need for the establishment of a mussel co-management structure at Coffee Bay for the conservation of the resource, and the well-being of the community. Some recommendations for implementation of a co-management system at Coffee Bay have been made. The recommendations are in line with the efficient conservation strategies and utilization of brown mussel resources and blend the needs of the community of Coffee Bay, sound resource use principles provided by the resource managers, and practical management requirements. The study does not present statistically significant conclusions hence it has been highlighted that there is a need for follow-up studies with respect to co-management concept if one is to understand more fully the processes involved. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

This study provides an overview of an environmental education programme being implemented in an organization (Umgeni Water), in Pietermaritzburg. In recent years assessment of this education programme’s performance has lost its focus to the detriment of the programme. This has then led to the aim of this study which is to develop a framework to assess the programme. The aim of the study was to develop a framework to assess Umgeni Water’s environmental education programme. Four sub-objectives were identified. These are; to review three learning models and select one best suited to Umgeni Water’s School Environmental Education Programme, to assess which components of the selected learning model are being practiced naturally by teachers, to assess Umgeni Water’s schools environmental education programme against the selected learning model and to develop an outline of a plan for the future of Umgeni Water’s environmental education programme based on the selected learning model. A qualitative research design was used and data collection was through semi-structured interviews and a focus group. One sample of teachers was drawn from schools that had used Umgeni Water’s programme of water treatment plant visits. A second sample was drawn from schools that had no exposure to this programme. The findings revealed that, to some degree, teachers in both instances were naturally applying the components of learning from the selected learning model although they were not aware of the model as such. The study recommends that Umgeni Water’s environmental education programme needs to focus on working with schools that are naturally applying the learning components since the findings revealed that the teachers in these schools could be key in teaching teachers from other schools. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

In order to manage the often highly dynamic urban landscapes, it is important to map different themes from time to time. This study made use of Geographical Information System and aerial photographs to determine LULC transformation in the eastern suburbs of Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Land use land cover maps for the eastern suburbs (Copesville, Eastwood, Raisethorpe and Willowton) for the years 1989 to 2009 were generated and transformations based on twelve LULCs determined. Results in this study showed that the most significant increase were in residential (formal and informal) and industrial LULCs while the most significant decrease were recorded in the cultivated and open LULC. Generally, results in this study further show that urban LULC attributed to human influx has been at the expense of internal open green spaces and peripheral cultivated and uncultivated lands. The study concludes that aerial photographs in concert with GIS are valuable tools in mapping rapidly changing urban landscapes. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

The uMkhuze Game Reserve in South Africa is a key biodiversity asset which protects diverse natural resources of regional, national and international importance. The park has a notorious history of poaching, which is considered to be the second most important threat to biodiversity. Paramilitary patrol operations are crucial to regulating poaching in the park, and to the collection of data important for the monitoring of the state of biodiversity. The effectiveness of the patrol system as a whole is gauged primarily from enforcement-related data, and it was the intention of this study to present a landscape level perspective that would bolster current evaluation metrics. Home range and use-availability analyses of patrol data collected in 2009 and 2010 were used to construct area coverage boundaries, and to understand whether the distribution of patrol effort within patrol areas was influenced by habitat type. Results suggest that average monthly patrol area coverage ranged from 8.38 km² to 23.15 km². This indicates that although designated patrol areas could be covered with relative ease within a few months, information gaps were consistently occurring in the system. To determine how differences in the amount of area covered by patrol units influenced the quantity of information collected, annual area coverage was correlated with the number of biological sightings, illegal incidents and snares reported. Results show that differences in the size of the area covered did not necessarily influence the quantity of information collected in the field. However, certain areas of the park remained unpatrolled annually. All patrol units visited habitats differently than expected based on the proportion of habitat types that were available to them. The preferential use of habitat types could result in incorrect inferences being made about information outputs generated by the patrol system. The number of biological sightings, illegal incidences and snares reported were associated with the total area of each habitat emphasizing the importance of covering habitats proportionately to their availability in the park. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.