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The Department of Transport (DOT) proposes to continue with the upgrading of the existing Sani Pass Road (P318), which transects the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site (UDP WHS) near Himeville, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This is the second phase of a twophase project. Phase 1 has been granted environmental authorisation and construction has commenced. The second phase, for which this EIA is being conducted, extends from km 14 at the old Good Hope Trading Post, which is also the eastern boundary of the UDP WHS, to km 33, the summit of the Sani Pass at the Lesotho Border post, a total distance of 19kms.

In order to undertake the proposed upgrade, DOT is required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and compile an EMP in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act 107 of 1998). Arcus GIBB (Pty), an independent company has been appointed to conduct the EIA for the Upgrading of the Sani Pass Road.

This environmental authorisation process commences with an Environmental Scoping Phase (hereafter referred to as the ‘Scoping Phase’). Following submission of the Final Scoping Report (FSR) (this document) and associated Plan of Study for the Impact Assessment Phase, to and approval by the DEAT, the Impact Assessment Phase will be completed. A prescribed Public Participation Process runs concurrently with the Scoping and Impact Assessment Phases.

A letter by Stephen Richert, Conservation Manager, Royal Natal National Park, concerning 4x4 trips to the Amphitheatre Escarpment. This access to the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site is illegal and harms the environment.

A laborious document that is nonetheless important and worth a glance through if you are concerned about how the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park - Wold Heritage Site is managed. Excerpt from the document:

The Concept Development Plan (CDP) for uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site seeks to provide a strategic operational framework for the development and maintenance of conservation management infrastructure and visitor facilities / activities within the Park while always considering the constraints of the receiving environment.

Provides in-depth details and future plans for KZN Wildlife facilities ranging from visitor accommodation, trails, caves, events etc.

Comments should be directed to public_comment@kznwildlife.com

A laborious document that is nonetheless important and worth a glance through if you are concerned about how the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park - Wold Heritage Site is managed. Excerpt from the preface:

This Integrated Management Plan for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site is the primary and overarching management document for the Park for the period 2006 to 2011. It forms the framework within which the Park will be managed and developed towards the achievement of its management objectives derived in collaboration with the Park’s stakeholders during October 2003.

Does contain some interesting diagrams and facts on fauna, flora, history etc.

Comments should be directed to public_comment@kznwildlife.com

Official information sheet on the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site, as published by the UNEP-WCMC (United Nations Environment Programme - World Conservation Monitoring Centre) on behalf of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization).

It is easy to forget about the significance and uniqueness of the natural and cultural heritage we have in the Drakensberg. This document contains some interesting facts and details about the history, fauna and flora of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.