The relevance and application of biodiversity off-sets initiatives by commercial mining enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

Biodiversity off-sets initiatives are widely utilised and recognised international as in KwaZulu-Natal to compensate for environmental degradation and harm in the development economic beneficial projects. Whilst it's true that South Africa applied also in KwaZulu-Natal have legislated related prescripts and expects compliance as directed by Environment Authorisation as a result Environmental Impact Assessment processes. The extent to which KZN's commercial mining enterprises have been receptive to and applies biodiversity off-set initiatives so as to meet the Global Reporting Initiative expectations while complying with legislative directive is unknown. The data was collected using an electronic system from 11 respondents associated with biodiversity off-sets initiative value chain as descriptive exploratory study. The quantitative methods approach was employing that informed basic statistical analysis and graphic presentation of results. The KZN commercial mining enterprise are receptive to biodiversity offsets initiatives and the application thereof. The impedances in the application of biodiversity initiatives is reflected by the study results attributed to absence of explicit implementation documentation and human capital appropriate expertise. A collective and consultative biodiversity off-sets initiatives policy development process must be initiated to inform an appropriate implementation approach.