/ In this article a model is proposed that could be used as a basis for ecological planning of natural resources. The role of people as part of the ecosystem is emphasized, and the various factors that should be considered in such planning are discussed.An understanding of ecological planning is dependent on the study of human activities in, and the nature of, natural ecosystems. It also depends on the fact that people are a part of nature, and as a result nature is of value to humans. Realizing the importance of this principle is a prerequisite to studying nature and also for an understanding of the various steps in the ecological planning approach.Realization of these values is often through a series of activities that may result in a negative environmental impact. Nature is described as an interacting group of natural features and processes. In this study both the features and processes are described as natural resources. The use of these natural resources obviously affects them, and if this use is to continue over a long period, both the activity and the resource must be understood if they are to be maintained in a productive state. In order to limit impact and maintain value, a planning aid called zoning is used to assist in the understanding of the processes involved.The complex social composition of the population of South Africa has resulted in conditions similar to those existing in both first-and third-world countries. The vast difference in approach of these two types of development categories is illustrated by planning proposals for the highly industrialized Johannesburg complex on the one hand and remote rural areas such as Maputaland in northern Natal (Tinley and Van Riet 1981) on the other. Relationship between People and Their EnvironmentPeople have always been dependent on nature and it is clear that, for our continued existence, natural resources will have to be utilized and managed properly. The evolution of human social structure has continued through changes in methods of tapping the energy flow in our environment. According to Cohen (1971), changes in the method of tapping this energy have caused an increased impact on the system. In the long term, however, the continued use of the available natural resources will depend on our knowledge of the functioning of such natural resources. Human cultural
ABSTRACT/This article discusses an application of the ecological planning model proposed by Van Riet and Cooks. The various steps outlined in this model have been applied to Kruger National Park in South Africa. The natural features of Kruger National Park, which form the basis of such an ecological planning exercise and from which the various land use categories, values, and zoning classes can be determined, are discussed in detail. The suitability of each of the various features is analyzed and a final zoning proposal for Kruger National Park is suggested. Furthermore a method for selecting a site for a new camp is illustrated by referring to the site for the new Mopane rest camp which is now under construction in the Kruger National Park.The conclusion is reached that the proposed ecological planning model can be used successfully in planning conservation areas such as Kruger National Park and for the selection of the most desirable sites for the establishment of new rest camps. Its suitability as a practical model in such planning exercises is proven by the fact that the siting proposals of two new camps based on this model have been accepted by the National Parks Board, the controlling body of Kruger National Park.The discipline of environmental science is dependent on theoretical modeling as well as practical application of the theories that have been developed. In order to test such a theory discussed by Van Riet and Cooks (1990a), we attempt in this article to conclude a case study on a new planning model for Kruger National Park and on a small scale fi)r the selection of a suitable site for the establishment of a new camp. It is therefore essential that this article be seen against the background provided by the theory previously discussed.The general planning principles according to which both large-and small-scale ecological planning for conservation areas could be undertaken has been discussed at length by Van Riet and Cooks (1990a). The main purpose of the ecologically based landscape planning of Kruger National Park is to produce a zoning proposal that can be used in its future development and management. The zones decided upon should allow for the protection of societal values while at the same time benefiting the activities of the individual.The present boundaries of Kruger National Park were not determined by the application of ecological principles but according to the donation of land by the
The premise of this article is that the planning and design of new rest camps in conservation areas should be based on ecological principles in such a way that the plant ecology within the camp be an integral part and extension of the natural ecology of its immediate vicinity. This is desirable so that visitors to the camp will be provided not only with facilities for resting, eating, and sleeping, but also be able to enjoy and study the natural environment in a re-laxed atmosphere. The Berg-en-Dal rest camp, which was established in Kruger National Park, was planned in such a way and designed according to the principles outlined by the authors in a companion article.
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