Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The future of a nine-hectare piece of ground, home to a buchu plant species found only in Mossel Bay, nowhere else in the world, is uncertain.
The land has been earmarked for development, but whether it will go ahead or not, depends on the findings of environmental impact assessments.
Three weeks ago two horticulturists from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town came to Mossel Bay to collect samples of the rare Diosma aristata, to cultivate in Cape Town as a "back-up measure" to conserve the plant. The only other place it grows, besides this 9ha, is in the Diosma Reserve, on Apiesdoring/Koraalboom/Kershout streets, Heiderand.
This species of buchu does not have medicinal properties and also cannot be used to make buchu brandy.
Mossel Bay Advertiser asked the municipality about the status quo of the 9ha site, which is west of Curro Mossel Bay private school in Heiderand.
Environmental impact assessments
The municipality noted: "To proceed with this development, the municipality is doing the environmental impact assessments as required by legislation. The municipality is committed to protecting the natural environment, which is why assessments are done at substantial cost.
"This and other results will be presented to the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning." The municipality stated that it would "consider the proposed and/or conditioned mitigation actions after the decision has been made and the best way to implement them".
The Advertiser asked when the EIAs would be completed, but the municipality had not responded by the time of going to press.
"The municipality has adopted a GROW strategy, which focuses specifically on concerns regarding the environment. On 22 May, the first meeting was held between the municipality and various stakeholders involved in conservation in Mossel Bay. This was done in line with the GROW strategy and to initiate a whole society approach through forming strategic partnerships which will work towards improving conservation in the municipal area."
Sandra Falanga, a member of the Botanical Society of South Africa and Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW), who lives in Mossel Bay, said: "Fynbos, and this buchu, is fire driven. It won't survive without fire cycles. That has to be managed."
Fires
On enquiry from the Advertiser, the municipality noted: "Controlled burns are not allowed in residential areas. The area referred to was subjected to vegetation fires in the past, which were not of a controlled burn nature."
Falanga says the Diosma aristata are "part if the matrix of that habitat, as are many other plant species that co-occur".
She noted: "CapeNature monitors the population every year. Last year I gave input for the Mossel Bay Municipality's Spatial Development Framework. Among others, I have asked for preservation of the site. Town planning responded that it should be seen what the EIAs for the Louis Fourie Corridor precinct development find. In the Spatial Development Framework last year the 9ha site was indicated as part of the proposed 180ha Louis Fourie Corridor development.
"Our community and local authority should be amazed and proud and take custodianship of this site.
"The local authority has the responsibility to care for biodiversity on behalf of central government. I think one can establish collaborations with conservation entities to take care of green spaces.
"It does require expertise, funding and management. Where there is a will there is a way. Mossel Bay has hundreds of indigenous plants - our heritage."
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