Biodiversity Sector SummaryBiodiversity refers to the diversity of life on earth which includes animal and plant species as well as the ecosystems where they live. South Africa is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and biodiversity plays an important role in the provision of goods and services. Healthy ecosystems provide us with various natural resources and free ecosystem services which are central for human wellbeing. These services include water supply and regulation, soil provision, food production, recreational and cultural opportunities, and the provision of materials for sustainable livelihoods. These services are particularly important for rural dwellers who directly rely on the environment for sources of fuel, raw materials for crafts and building, clean water, fertile soil as well as medicine.
Climate Change impacts on BiodiversitySouth Africa’s biodiversity is currently under pressure due to land use change, land degradation, and the invasion of alien species. Increasing temperatures, rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and changing rainfall patterns are projected to place further pressure on our natural ecosystems impacting on fauna and flora species’ distribution.
The South African Long Term Adaptation Scenarios (LTAS) report highlights these potential climate change impacts on the biodiversity sector:
Vulnerability Assessment in the Biodiversity and Environment SectorStep 1: Develop Climate Change IndicatorsThe first step in a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment is to develop a set of indicators. Indicators are a list of potential impacts that may take place in your area as a result of climate change. The LGCCS Vulnerability Assessment Toolkit has developed a draft range of indicators using the Long Term Adaptation Scenario Reports. The indicators have been grouped into sectors. This page deals specifically with the Biodiversity and Environment and the list of indicators are provided in the tables below.Step 2: Assess your Exposure to the IndicatorsThe second step of a vulnerability assessment is to determine whether a particular indicator is relevant. This is termed "Exposure". Exposure is whether or not a particular impact will take place in your area. The table below lists various indicators and links to materials to determine whether you are potentially at risk (exposed) to the impact. This is generally a "Yes/No" question. Step 3: Assess your Sensitivity to the IndicatorsThe table below lists the same indicators as above but provides a column called "Sensitivity Considerations" to help assess how sensitive you are to particular impacts. Record your answers here and make a note of any of the indicators above that you scored "Medium or High" to. The forth step in the vulnerability assessment asks the question: "If there are going to be significant impacts due to climate change, do you have the systems (policy, resources, social capital) to respond to the change?". The IPCC defines Adaptive Capacity as the "ability of a system to adjust to climate change to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences".
Once you have completed the exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity assessments, short-list the indicators that you have the following answers for:For the purpose of the LGCCS Vulnerability Assessment Toolkit the Adaptive Capacity Questions have been graded as High, Medium, Low. The table below lists the same indicators as above but provides a column called "Adaptive Capacity Question" which is "Do you have high, medium or low adaptive capacity (policy, institutional, social and finance) to respond to the change?". Record your answers here and make a note of any of the indicators above that you scored "Low or Medium" to.
These short-listed indicators are the indicators that you are most vulnerable to. You will now need to develop a response plan to deal with these vulnerabilities. The LGCCS Vulnerability Assessment Toolkit includes generic responses plan for each sector (here). You can use these templates as a starting point for developing your own sector response plan.
Key Responses to Climate Change in the Biodiversity SectorThe environment plays a key role in providing natural assets and ecosystem services for human wellbeing, and it is crucial that Biodiversity is prioritised in national climate change adaptation efforts. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) needs to ensure policy enforcement and implementation from national down to municipal level.Role of National DepartmentsBiodiversity and the environment are currently prioritised in national climate change adaptation efforts. In 2014, the DEA developed a biodiversity sector climate change response strategy which highlighted adaptation options for the sector and emphasised the importance of Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) as part of an overall adaptation strategy. Consequently, in 2015, the DEA in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), developed Climate Change Adaptation Plans for South African Biomes. Also in 2015, the DEA revised the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The vision of the NBSAP is to conserve, manage and sustainably use biodiversity, while ensuring equitable benefits to South African communities. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the DEA are currently working on an EbA strategic framework and overarching implementation plan for the period: 2016 – 2021. This includes pilot projects, research, and the mainstreaming and communication of EbA. The DEA carries the responsibility of channelling the implementation of national adaptation policies, down to provincial and local levels. Within this context, possible role players and biodiversity responses at the local level are highlighted below:Role of Councillors
Role of Municipal Administration
Role of Individuals
Responses per IndicatorReferences MaterialUse the following reference material to help assess your vulnerability to the criteria listed above
Biomes Map Ecoregions Map Threatened Ecosystems Map LTAS Phase 1 - Climate and Impacts Factsheet Series - Factsheet 7 of 7 - Climate Change And Biodiversity |
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