Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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28 Apr 2017

Protecting the North Coast’s ecology

Allan Troskie (North Coast Courier) Picture: Maulana Omar of the Dolphin Coast Conservancy's Green Team working on the verge of Ocean Drive in Salt Rock.

 

“The loss of the Ezemvelo coastal monitoring and compliance responsibilities recently has meant the DCC’s oversight role has actually increased on the coast“

The Dolphin Coast Conservancy (DCC) is a group dedicated to protecting our natural environment that does a lot of behind the scenes work.

According to DCC chairwomen Di Jones they also function as a watchdog.

“We are the first port of call if our members or members of the public see the environment being degraded or questions the legality of cutting down a tree which is on the Protected Tree list, for example.”

The changing face of Ballito has meant that the DCC has had to change with it and Jones said she believes the conservancy is more relevant than ever.

“A number of gated estates, including Santorini, Simbithi and Zimbali, are members of the conservancy and we have regular meetings with them to ensure close cooperation on projects such as the removal of alien invasive plants.
“We have also maintained a close relationship with the UIP, and they have taken over the maintenance of the greenery on the promenade, which was one of our biggest tasks. We are delighted they are now servicing that area, but that still leaves us with a very long stretch of coastline and many bathing beaches which require our atention.”

 

DCC chairperson, Di Jones.

For example, the DCC has just cleared up the beach and pool surrounds at Thompsons Bay, which was badly damaged by recent heavy rains and huge waves.

“We are a coastal conservancy, and therefore define our area of ‘operation’ as East of the N2. However, we have in the past been involved in planting trees in neighbouring areas such as Shaka’s Head, in cooperation with the community there.”

Jones said the DCC faces many challenges, such as a mammoth workload and a lack of interest from the youth. The DCC currently has just over 50 families as members, one student member and 53 body corporates.

“Their support means they strengthen our ability to fight for environmental issues and they are able to have a ‘one stop shop’ when it comes to queries relating to conservation issues. We have regular meetings, five times a year, and members bring their questions and problems to the meeting, where we attempt to solve the issues.”

The loss of the Ezemvelo coastal monitoring and compliance responsibilities recently has meant the DCC’s oversight role has actually increased on the coast.

For more information or to sign up, contact Di Jones at 032-5258160 or 083 612 0859.

 

Online Article