Dube Trade Port going ahead with plan to rehabilitate eco infrastructure

The Dube Trade Port is going full steam ahead with its plan to rehabilitate and restore ecological infrastructure.

To this extent, over the past five years, Dube TradePort has embarked on a mission to acquire over 200 hectares of land, dedicated to conserving environmentally sensitive areas near its development operations.

This initiative is a key component of a broader sustainable development strategy, that is set to play a significant role in the 50-year master plan for the Durban Aerotropolis. This plan will see the incorporation of approximately 10 000 hectares of green spaces.

“This newly acquired land includes 80% of wetlands, adding to the existing 854 hectares designated for rehabilitation and restoration within the delineated conservation area. The land acquisition process involves input from planners, environmentalists, and property portfolio specialists to ensure the conservation of critical biodiversity and implementation of ecosystem services as a means for mitigating climate change,” said Zama Dlamini, in charge of environmental management services at Dube TradePort.

The results of these on-going rehabilitation and restoration projects are already evident. Notably, the Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) has been reintroduced and observed breeding in the wetlands on the western boundary of the Dube Trade Port precinct. This area is now safeguarded from all development activities by a 1km buffer zone.

“Additionally, a healthy buffer created and managed under the current rehabilitation and restoration project is maintained to protect the pickers gill reed frog species (Hyperolius pickersgilli) found within Lake Victoria and Froggy Pond wetland, on the southern boundaries of our Dube City development. These frogs are sensitive to minor changes in their environments and require dense reed beds and vegetation for breeding, as well as a variety of insects,” Mr Dlamini added.

In collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and King Shaka International Airport, Dube TradePort continues to monitor these species through ongoing wet-health assessments.

Furthermore, Dube TradePort is actively engaged in regular alien plant control, which includes the removal of dead leaf and grass material through controlled burning within conservation areas. These efforts are crucial for restoring suitable habitats for species like the pickers gill reed frog and Grey Crowned Crane.