By: Dr Bronwyn Goble
The coastal zone of KZN is a popular destination for residents and tourists. As such, there is significant development pressure along the KZN coast, and these developments pose a unique set of challenges. All parties involved in the development chain need to have a sound understanding of the unique nature of the coast and best practices for development in this zone.
To bridge this gap, the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) in partnership with the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and SDP Ecological and Environmental Services have produced a user-friendly handbook that offers readily available information on best practices and assists in the coastal planning process to ensure more environmentally sustainable approaches to development within the KZN coastal zone.
This handbook considers 19 common development activities and provides direction, supporting information and proposes mitigation measures. It gives an overview of the KZN coast and the factors that affect its functioning – highlighting the physical, biological and sometimes social issues to take into consideration when looking at new coastal developments. Coastal processes that affect specific types of development are identified and alternative approaches are suggested to mitigating the impacts of these activities.
Importantly, this resource is a guide and should be read in conjunction with relevant legislation. You can download the guide here Best Practices for Coastal Development in KZN – Coast KZN
