Abstract
M.Sc.
It is estimated that on the East Rand of Gauteng there are approximately 159
wetlands, of these the large majority are lacustrine and endoreic wetlands. It is these
lacustrine and endoreic wetlands that this study has as its focus, as it is these wetlands
that face the greatest threats from humans. The aim of this study is thus to identify the
threats and problems that are generic to the lacustrine and endoreic wetlands, and then
to develop managerial options to deal with these threats and their associated problems.
This dissertation shall focus on the development of a genenc environmental
management plan for the lacustrine and endoreic wetlands of the East Rand of
Gauteng. This generic environmental management plan shall be presented in the
following form:
1. A discussion on the study area
2. An examination of the legislation relevant to the management of wetlands.
3. A discussion of the impacts identified, the significance and the root causes
thereof In this case only those aspects that pose the greatest long-term
threats to the lacustrine and endoreic wetlands of the East Rand shall be
discussed.
4. The investigation of possible mitigatory measures and their
implementation.
5. A discussion on the necessity for monitoring and auditing, including the
monitoring and auditing of mitigatory and preventative measures.
The majority of generic environmental management plans include sections detailing
aspects of communication, training and awareness programmes, and possibly also
sections addressing the social impacts of managerial actions. This generic
management plan shall, however, only concentrate on the management of aspects
affecting the natural environment.
Studies have revealed that the primary long-term threats to the lacustrine and endoreic
wetlands of the East Rand are those posed by the following:
1. Changes to water quality and water flow
2. Pollution
3. Invasive species
These three primary long-term threats combine, resulting in the primary problems
associated with the wetlands of the East Rand, these resultant problems are:
1. Eutrophication
2. Sedimentation
3. Bacteriological contamination, and
4. Aesthetic problems
It is these primary long-term threats and their associated problems that form the focus
of this study. Details shall be given regarding both the causes and effects thereof, as
well as suggesting managerial options to deal with them.
This environmental management plan, being generic in nature could be applied to
individual lacustrine and endoreic wetlands within the study area when drawing up
specific management plans for these wetlands. Furthermore this plan could also be
incorporated into greater catchment management frameworks for the East Rand.