Into the future: Donkergat Military Training Area and the Langebaan Ramsar site

• DOI: 10.4102/td.v15i1.566
• Publication Date: 2019-02-26T05:56:51Z
• Authors: Jan T. Marx; Ian Liebenberg
• Keywords: Ramsar site; Offensive

Militaries need natural areas for offensive and defensive combat-readiness programmes. Here soldiers, war machinery munitions are employed to prepare forces execute warfighting tactics. Integration of environmental considerations into military activities is a growing global challenge. This study based on qualitative approach underpinned by an extensive literature review. The potential the contribution sensitive diminishing wetland West Coast South Africa (SA) addressed. Donkergat Military Training Area (DMTA) in Western Cape province, SA, provides diverse, seaborne training facilities African Special Forces (SASF), specialist branch National Defence Force (SANDF). facility borders Atlantic Ocean Langebaan Lagoon, Ramsar site (no. 398). One only 15 island ecosystems southern coastline, lies within boundaries area. Saldanha Bay was identified as economic development node national government. 4 Regiment (4 SFR) thus obliged contribute conservation these assets. Industrial includes Operation Phakisa Department Agriculture, Forestry Fisheries (DAFF) that envisages expanded aquaculture practices Bay. Developers fish bivalve farms allowed up-scaling operations. These result loss ecological attributes Lagoon Wetland system. In study, we recommend parts DMTA should be incorporated definition Ecosystem indicators monitoring bird life, water sediment quality, rocky intertidal macrofauna waters intensified. benchmark ecosystem area will facilitate environmentally sound planning amidst recent developments. Integrating sections part existing internationally recognised area, can significantly conservation. Management formulated Integrated Environmental (MIEM) plan incorporating international guidelines.