National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act: Norms and standards for management of protected areas in South Africa (No. 382 of 2016)

NO. 2016 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: PROTECTED AREAS ACT, 2003 (ACT NO.57 OF 2003) NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS IN SOUTH AFRICA Bomo Edith Edna Molewa, Minister of Environmental Affairs, hereby issue norms and standards for the management of protected areas in South Africa in terms of section 11 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003), as set out in the Schedule hereto. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 4 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 Government notices • GoewermentskennisGewinGs Environmental Affairs, Department of/ Omgewingsake, Departement van DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS NO. 382 31 MARCH 2016 382 National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (57/2003): Norms and standards for the management of protected areas in South Africa 39878 OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 INTERPRETATION, PURPOSE AND APPLICATION 1. Definitions 2. Purpose and application 3. Guiding principles 4. Relative importance of the protected area established 5. The protected area is planned to meet its objectives 6. The protected area secured in terms of legislation 7. The boundary of the protected area is properly demarcated and secured 8. Law enforcement is effective 9. Planning outside the boundary to secure the protected area Relations with neighbours is sound Management plan of the protected area is implemented / planned to achieve agreed objectives 12. Research and monitoring programme complements the management plan 13. Human resources support the implementation of the management plan 14. Financial management is effective 15. Administrative systems ensure effective management 16. Infrastructure and equipment is in place 17. Environmental education, awareness and communication programme 18. Visitor facilities contribute positively to visitor 19. Performance evaluation system is effective 20. Socio- economic importance of the area is enhanced 21. National management authorities 22. Provincial management authorities 23. Local government management authorities 24. Management authorities which are not organs of state This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 5 1. Definitions Any word or expression to which meaning has been assigned the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003, has the meaning so assigned and, unless the contextotherwise indicates; "adaptive management framework" is a formal process for continually improving managementpolicies and practices by learning from their outcomes. "buffer zone" includes the immediate setting of the national park and attributes that are functionally important as a support to the national park and its protection; "communities" refers to a group or network of persons who are connected to each other by relatively durable social relations that extend beyond immediate genealocal ties. "communal land owners" refers to territory in possession of a community "cultural heritage" is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of futuregenerations. "ecological integrity" means the sum of the biological, physical and chemical components of anecosystem , and their interactions which maintain the ecosystem and its products, functions andattributes; means the Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) "the Act" means the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003; "the department" means the Department of Environmental Affairs. Purpose and application The Act was promulgated in order to provide for (among other things) the protection and conservationof ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa's biologicai diversity and its naturallandscapes and seascapes; for the establishment of a national Register of Protected Areas and for themanagement of those areas in accordance with national norms and standards. In terms of section 11 of the Act, the Minister may prescribe norms and standards for any of theobjectives of the Act, including the management and development of protected areas as well as indicators to measure compliance with those norms and standards. The purpose of these norms and This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 6 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 standards are to prescribe norms and standards for the management and development of protected areas, with particular reference to section 2(c) to effect a national system of protected areas in South Africa as part of a strategy to manage and conserve its biodiversity; and 2(e) to promote sustainable utilisation of protected areas for the benefit of people, in a manner that would preserve the ecological character of such areas. of the Act The purpose of these norms and standards is to ensure the South Africa's protected areas fulfil the purpose for which they were declared as set out in section 17 of the Act; to ensure that human induced disturbance within or originating outside of protected areas is avoided, and where such cannot be achieved is minimised and the impacts remedied; to provide a goal for protected area management authorities to strive for in managing their protected areas; to ensure protected areas are managed efficiently and effectively. Unless otherwise stated these Norms and Standards and their indicators apply to all protected areas declared in terms of sections 18 (special nature reserve), 20 (national park), 23 (nature reserve) and 28 (protected environment) of the Act. The purposes of areas declared as protected areas are set out in section 17 of the Act. This provides the guiding principles for these norms and standards, namely (a) to protect ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa's biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes in a system of protected areas; (b) to preserve the ecological integrity of those areas; (c) to conserve biodiversity in those areas; (d) to protect areas representative of all ecosystems, habitats and species naturally occurring in South Africa; (e) to protect South Africa's threatened or rare species; (t) to protect an area which is vulnerable or ecologically sensitive; (g) to assist in ensuring the sustained supply of environmental goods and services; (h) to provide for the sustainable use of natural and biological resources; (i) to create or augment destinations for nature -based tourism; O) to manage the interrelationship between natural environmental biodiversity, human settlement and economic development; (k) generally, to contribute to human, social, cultural, spiritual and economic development; or (1) to rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of endangered and vulnerable species. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 7 CHAPTER 2 NORMS, STANDARDS AND INDICATORS 4. Relative importance of the protected area established The purpose of this nomi and its standards is to verify the importance of the protected area to the South African system of protected areas. 4.1 Norm The protected area is assessed for its role and/or importance in the South African system of protected areas. a) Standard The protected area contributes to the achievement of national biodiversity targets. Indicators The protected area is an ecologically viable area; It protects a representative sample of South African biodiversity; It protects a representative sample or iconic feature of South Africa's land- or seascapes. b) Standard The protected area contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. The protected areas contributes to the Protection of endemic, threatened, or endangered species; Conservation of threatened ecosystems; Biodiversity conservation targets; Protection of a representative range of plant and animal diversity for the eco- region; Viability of and reduces the extinction risk to populations of key species; Representative examples of biomes, vegetation types and ecosystems; Extent to which natural and disturbance processes necessary for ecosystem functioning are maintained; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 8 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 The state of landscape linkages and connectivity that allow the protected area to function as part of larger surrounding ecosystems; Provision of ecosystem services that the protected area and neighbouring land -users are reliant upon; and The protected area provides a critical landscape function. 5. The protected area is planned to meet its objectives The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure proper planning in the establishment or expansion of the protected area. 5.1 Norm The protected area is planned in terms of size and shape to meet its objectives in terms of biodiversity and cultural conservation. a) Standard The protected area is designed and planned to meet its objectives. Indicators The size of the protected area is sufficient to achieve its conservation objectives; The protected area forms a critical part of a greater, integrated with รป minimum of management interaction; The shape of the protected area is sufficient to achieve its conservation objectives; The design of the protected area is adequate to allow ecological processes to take place; The layout and configuration of the protected area optimizes the conservation of biodiversity; Where the size and design of protected area is not sufficient to meet its objectives strategy is in place to address the size and design; There is an expansion plan to improve the size and shape of the area. b) A biodiversity resource inventory for the protected area is maintained and monitored. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 9 Key species, habitats or ecosystems have been identified and their locations mapped; Information on these key species, habitats and ecosystems supports planning and decision making for the management of the protected area's biodiversity. c) A cultural heritage resource inventory for the protected area is maintained. i) Cultural heritage sites have been identified and mapped; ii) There is a comprehensive inventory of cultural heritage resources; iii) Information on these sites and resources is sufficient to support planning and decision making for the management ofthe cultural heritage of the protected area. The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that the protected area has been secured law, its boundaries well demarcated and publically known. 6.1 Norm The protected area is an area as contemplated in Section 9 of the Act. a) Standard The protected area is declared and secured in law. All parcels of land, water or sea comprising the protected areas are declared the Gnvemment Gazette; The Registrar of Deeds has been informed in writing of the declaration and has recorded such declaration in the relevant registers and documents; The protected area is listed the Register of Protected Areas as required by section 10 of the Act; The protected arcs has an assigned management authority. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 10 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 The extent of the protected area is included a description and Surveyor General diagramme; The boundaries are appropriately demarcated and recognizable by the public; The boundaries are known by both the management authority of a protected area and the neighbouring community or landowners; Any deviations from the declared area are agreed upon and documented the management plan and include a signed, legally binding Memorandum of Agreement; All boundary disputes must be identified and a process set in place to have them resolved in a reasonable time frame; vi) Conflicts with the local community are resolved fairly and effectively. The purpose of this norm and its standards is ensure that the relevant legislation is effectively enforced in a protected area. 8.1 Norm The relevant legislation is enforced effectively the protected area. Act, the National Environmental Management Act 1998, the National Environmental Management; Biodiversity Act 2004, where relevant the Marine Living Resources Act 1998, the World Heritage Convention Act 1998, the National ForestAct, their regulations and internal rules are in effect. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 11 The management authority is adequately capacitated to enforce legislation the organization's mandate and does so effectively; Personnel resources are adequate to conduct critical law enforcement activities; The employees have relevant law enforcement and compliance training; The law enforcement officers are appropriately trained; The employees have been formally designated to enforce the relevant legislation; Appropriate employees have been designated environmental management inspectors; The employee has the necessary equipment to enable them to do law enforcement effectively; The protected area has allocated sufficient funds for effective law enforcement; The protected area receives adequate support from other sections of the organization to effectively manage ensure effective management; Assessment of state on illegal activities in the protected area; The protected area management has a database to register illegal activities; xti) The database of illegal activities assessed. b) There are adequate legal controls to ensure the integrity of the protected area. Indicators The Act is applied and unforced; The National Environmental Management Act, 1998, and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 are applied and enforced; There are appropriate regulations; The protected area has a formal set of internal rules; The relevant regulations are implemented; Internal rules are in effect; The protected area has a law enforcement programme that includes reporting on illegal incidents, successful persecutions and corrective measures. c) Protection systems are in place. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 12 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 Management mechanisms effectively control and manage access to the protected area; Effective control measures are in place to control the legal use of the protected area; Standard operating procedures or contingency plans for controlling activities have been developed and are being effectively implemented; Annual risk assessments completed and proactive mitigating interventions applied where appropriate; Critical cultural heritage assets have been identified and secured terms of a heritage management plan. The purpose for this norm and its standards is to promote and ensure the positive involvement of the protected area management in planning outside the protected area which may affect its integrity. 9.1 Norm The protected area has determined a buffer zone and is involved structures to ensure integrity of the protected area. planning outside planning i) The protected area has identified a buffer zone in its management plan; The protected area has mechanisms to promote the implementation of the buffer zone; The protected area management has proactively sought to encourage neighbours to introduce conservation- friendly land uses to enhance buffering of the protected area; A policy for commenting on activities the buffer zone has been developed and is implemented. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 13 The management authority actively engages with organs of state responsible for land use planning affecting the protected area; The management authority plays an active role in land use planning affecting the protected area; The land -use planning takes cognisance of the protected area and the achievement of protected area management objectives. Management authority actively engage organs of state responsible for water use planning; Management authorities play an active role in water use planning affecting the protected area; The water -use planning affecting the protected area takes cognisance of the protected area and the achievement of protected area management objectives. 10. Relations with neighbours is sound Neighbour relations contribute positively to the success of the protected A zone of influence has been identified; A programme to encourage the development and maintenance of good relations with neighbours in the zone of influence is in place; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 14 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 There is a formalized programme of regular interaction between the protected management authority and neighbouring land users; The management authority regularly collaborates partners, local communities and other organizations; The neighbouring communities have the opportunity to provide input, where relevant, into decisions relating to protected area management; The protected area has entered into a co- management agreement with neighbouring communities and partners - where relevant; vii) The protected area has transfrontier and bilateral agreements - where applicable; viii) An advisory committee or protected area forum has been established and is functioning. The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that the approved management plan is implemented accordingly to meet the objectives set in the management plan. 11.1 Norm The protected area has an approved management plan in place that is consistent with the objectives of the Act for the purpose it was declared. aยก Standard A management plan has been developed for the protected area accordance with section 39 of the Act, and the Guidelines for the development of a management plan for a protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003. The purpose of the protected area is reflected in the management plan; The management plan contains explicit biodiversity targets for all priority biodiversity elements; The management plan addresses the management of specific priority species and habitats; There is an analysis and strategy for addressing protected area threats and pressures; The results of monitoring, research and evaluation are routinely incorporated into planning and decision making; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 15 expansion plan to meet the conservation objectives has been developed, where relevant; vii) A zoning plan indicating what activities may take place different sections of the area, and the conservation objectives of these sections is included in the management plan; viii) An infrastructure development plan (concept development plan), subject to the zoning plan, is included in the management plan - where development is to be considered; ix) There is a programme for the implementation of the management plan linked to annual work plans and staff performance agreements; Relevant components of the municipal Integrated Development Plan have been considered in the management plan; Municipal Integrated Development Plan have (taken the relevant aspects of the management plan into account) considered the ecological sensitivity of the protected its buffer zones and any priorities areas for protected area expansion; The planning process allows adequate consultation with key stakeholders in the compilation of the management plan; XIII) There is an established schedule and process for periodic review and updating of the management plan; xiv) There is a programme for the implementation of the management plan and its costing; xv) Where appropriate, the implementation of community -based natural resource management is planned for; xvi) The terms and conditions of any relevant Biodiversity plan and/or the applicable aspects of 1 1 1 J f1 .. 1 . . . a 1'11 ! Uluthe Integrated Deveioprnent Pian cis ule iocai municipality have been taken into account required by the Act. xvii)The management plan is being fully implemented. b) Standard The management plan for the protected area has been approved. Indicators This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 16 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 i) An annual work plan of operations, implementing the management plan is in place; ii) There is a detailed work plan identifying specific targets for achieving management objectives linked to the management plan. d) Standard The management of a protected area contributes to the maintenance of ecological processes. Indicators The management of protected area includes an adaptive management framework to ensure monitoring of ecological processes; The management of a protected area effectively maintains the environment for ecological processes critical for the achievement of conservation targets; Ecological processes are being effectively maintained with the result that ecological integrity and biodiversity are not being compromised; The management of a protected area has a monitoring system in place; The management of a protected areas has a system place to identify threats to its ecosystems; The management of a protected area has a system place to mitigate threats to its ecosystems. Biodiversity resources are managed to meet the protected area objectives out in the management plan. An effective fire management programme for the protected area is implemented where relevant; The protected area is implementing an effective invasive species control and eradication (programme) strategy, as required terms section 76 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act; The protected area is adequately managed for sustainable use of resources, where applicable; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 17 g) Standard All development projects that require environmental scoping are assessed through and are authorized at the relevant level. The protected area has management guidelines for the sustainable use of biological resources; The biodiversity assets and values are being managed consistent to objectives; The biodiversity assets are monitored to access whether the objectives are being met at appropriate temporal and spatial scales; The impact of legal and illegal extractive use of biological resources is being monitored; VIII) Specific species management plans when intervention is required as required in terms of National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 are approved. f) Standard Cultural Heritage resources are managed to meet the protected area objectives as per the management plan. Indicators i) A cultural heritage management plan has been adopted; ii) A cultural heritage inventory has been developed and is maintained; iii) There is a mechanism to monitor and access the status of cultural resources that facilitates their protection; iv) The management of heritage assets and resources is consistent protected objectives. Indicators There are records of decisions and authorizations in place; There is a process to monitor and effect compliance with conditions of records of decisions. h) Commercial tourism, where applicable, is compatible with and contributes to the protected area objectives. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 18 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 Indicators There is co- operation between protected area management and tourism operators to enhance visitor experiences maintain protected area conservation values and resolve conflicts; The commercial tour operators are subject to the protected area management authority; Permits, licenses and concessions are granted in terms of management plan objectives; iv) Tourism standards are developed for nature based tourism. The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that each protected area has an approved programme identifying research needs and a monitoring plan according to the management plan of a protected 12.1 Norm The protected area has an approved research and management plans. programme that supports their respective a) Standard A research programme for the protected area is being implemented. Indicators i) There is an approved priority list for research required; ii) Research priorities are actively communicated with potential partners and tertiary institutions; A mechanism is in place to access research proposals; A mechanism exists to feed research results back to protected areas management to facilitate adaptive management. b) Standard A monitoring programme for the protected ûroa is being implemented. The protected area has developed an applicable monitoring programme at relevant temporal and spatial scale supporting management objectives, and provide for review of the programme; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 19 Appropriate Indicators for monitoring have been established; The results of the monitoring programme are used to adapt management in order to improve the conservation of the protected area. The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that all protected areas have sufficient human resources to give effect to the implementation of the management plan. 13.1 Norm Human resources required for the management of the protected area is adequate and effective. Capacity is available to ensure the effective implementation of the functions of the protected area. resource capacity is adequate to manage the protected area effectively. Appropriate positions have been identified and filled with capable staff; The skills development audit is completed and results are implemented; The protected area staff execute their duties to standard and require supervision; The protected area employment conditions are in place to retain high -quality staff; The protected area has a staff performance evaluation system in place; vit The protected area has a succession programme in place, b) Human resource management contributes to effective management of the protected There is an effective staff management programme in place; The protected areas fully implements the Occupational Health and Safety Act; The protected area has reasonable accommodation for all resident staff and should be in compliance with the management authority standard; The protected area has disaster management plans in place. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 20 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that the protected area is adequately funded, and that all funds are spent to achieve the management objectives. 14.1 Norm The protected area has an effective system place to manage its finances. a) Standard Financial management effectively contributes to the management of the protected area i) An operational budget is allocated to fund the critical management need of the protected area; The long -term financial outlook for the protected areas is favourable; The protected area has a funding strategy that is linked to threats, challenges and ecological processes; The allocation of expenditures is appropriate according to the protected areas priorities and objectives as set out in the management plan; Financial management practice enables efficient and effective protected management; Funding to conduct critical management activities is adequate for the next The costing of management plans and shortfalls are addressed; There is a procurement plan supporting local communities where practicable; Financial management practices all in line with relevant legislation. b) Alternative resources used for the management of a protected area are well managed. i) The management authority is soliciting additional external funding or services for the management of a protected area where required; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 21 Environmental programmes to assist where required the management of the protected area; There is a system place to engage external sources to be used to contribute to the management of protected area. Mechanisms to enable volunteers to work in protected areas and managed where relevant are in place. i) Mechanism are in place that enable volunteers to work in protected area; li) There is a system for theappointment and management of volunteers in place. The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that each protected area has an administrative system place for its management. A protected area has appropriate administrative systems that support the implementation of the management plan. a) Standard The protected area has a supportive administration system for effective management. The Public Finance Management Act is implemented, where relevant; Assets are well managed; The reporting system is well managed; The system for information management is managed properly. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 22 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that each protected area has the necessary operational equipment and infrastructure in place, an effective maintenance programme. 16.1 Norm The protected area has operational equipment and a system in place for its maintenance to ensure the implementation of the management plan. Necessary operational equipment and infrastructure is in place. i) The infrastructure necessary to manage the protected area effectively is in place; Staff facilities are adequate to perform critical management activities; There is (an) adequate operational equipment required for operational management purposes. i) A regular programme of infrastructure maintenance is adhered to; Equipment is maintained in good working condition and complies with occupational health and safety standards; Infrastructure and equipment maintenance records are up to date to ensure effective maintenance. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 23 The management authority of a protected has developed and is implementing an environmental education, communication and public awareness programme. Environmental education and public awareness programme developed and implemented in accordance with the objectives of the protected areas. Indicators There is an environmental education and public awareness plan linked to the objectives of the protected area; There is a plan to build capacity to ensure initiatives on environmental education and public awareness are achieved; There are mechanisms in place to monitor the implementation of the plan; Communities exposed to the programme show an increased application qualification of the protected area. The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that any visitor facilities in the protected area contribute to their visitor's experience. Visitor facilities in the protected contribute positively to the visitor experience without negatively affecting the environment. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 24 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 ii) The visitor and tourism facilities are adequate and sufficient to prevent damage to protected areas; iii) There are active programmes for restoration of degraded the protected area andlor associated buffer zone, resulted (resulting) from visitor use; iv) Visitor infrastructure is effectively servicing the current volume of visitors to the protected area according to the protected areas carrying capacity; v) Areas in the protected area suffering from degradation or damage as a result of visitor use are subject to a rehabilitation plan; vi) The visitor facilities are appropriate to the level of visitor use; vii) There are mechanisms in place to maintain the impact of the visitor facilities on both the visitors and on the environment. The purpose of this norm and its standards is to ensure that each protected area has an effective performance evaluation system in place. Indicators There is a functioning, appropriate evaluation system in place to measure performance against set objectives for the protected area. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 25 20.1 Norm The management authority for the protected area has developed a strategy to enhance the socio economic activities within its sphere of influence. a) Standard The protected area provides substantive socio-economic benefits to the local area, where practicable. Indicators i) The protected area provides socio- economic benefits to local communities; ii) Programmes to enhance local community welfare, whilst conserving protected area resources are being implemented; iii) There is effective communication with local communities; iv) The protected area is a source of employment for local communities; v) The protected area provides development opportunities through sustainable resource use; vi) The protected area provides access to spiritual or religious sites; vii) An active education and interpretation programme is implemented, focusing primarily on local children in the region around the protected area; viii) Where relevant the protected area has co- management framework which provides benefit flows to the community. b) Standard The protected area provides measurable economic benefits to the direct beneficiaries. The protected area develops and implements a programme that provides economic benefits to local communities or beneficiaries where appropriate; The protected area delivers quantifiable long -term economic benefits that make a real difference to the livelihoods of local communities. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 26 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016 The protected area receives high level support as a result of co- management consultation and high quality visitor experiences emanating from effective protected area management; The protected area has a large degree of support from neighbours, district and public stakeholders; The protected area has a functional protected area advisory committee; The protected area advisory committee is representative of all stakeholders of the protected The protected area contributes to the socio- economic benefits of the surrounding communities. Indicators The protected area management has identified the ecosystem services that the protected area and neighbouring land -users are reliant upon; The ecosystem services are being effectively maintained with the result that the protected area and neighbouring land users are deriving benefit from these services; Ecosystems that provide ecosystem services are monitored, and an adaptive management framework ensures effective management, and therefore sustainable benefits to neighbouring land - users; Agreements are in place whereby neighbouring land users are provided access to ecosystems goods end services by which a ley aril sustdrrrabiy d .1 I evrce uie menant. Management authorities of national protected areas (special nature reserves, national parks. world heritage sites and marine protected areas) are to report annually, within three (3) months of the end of the financial year on their progress toward meeting the norms and standards against the given indicators for each protected area. In addition, the report should give an overview of all protected areas for which the management authority is responsible, to allow for reflection on synergies between protected areas and their collective contribution to the South African system of protected areas. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 31 MAART 2016 No. 39878 27 Protected area management authorities identify and implement programmes necessary to improve on the status of protected areas in terms of the correctness of the declaration process. In addition they identify and implement programmes necessary to improve law enforcement The Minister will table these reports at the next MINMEC for discussion Management authorities of provincial protected areas (nature protected environments) are to report annually, within three (3) months of the end of the financial year to the MEC on their progress toward meeting the norms and standards against the given indicators for each protected area. In addition, the report should give an overview of all protected areas for which the management authority is responsible, to allow for reflection on synergies between protected areas and their collective contribution to the South African system of protected areas. Protected area management authorities will identify and implement programmes necessary to improve on the status of protected areas in terms of the correctness of the declaration process. In addition they will identify and implement programmes necessary to improve law enforcement. The MEC will table these reports at the next MINMEC for discussion Municipalities responsible for protected areas are to include in their annual reports to the MEC their progress towards meeting and maintaining these norms and standards. Municipalities will identify and implement programmes necessary to improve law enforcement Management authorities responsible for protected areas on private land, which not organs of state responsible for conservation, are to report annuaiiy to the MEC, by the end of May each year on their progress towards meeting and maintaining these norms and standards. It is recognized that certain norms and standards may be considered confidential or not applicable to these management authorities, in which case(s) their annual report will be accepted. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 28 No. 39878 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 31 MARCH 2016