Dube TradePort has bought over 200 hectares of land over the past five years to protect the environment near its development projects.
This is part of a plan to eventually create about 10 000 hectares of green spaces called the Durban Aerotropolis.
Dube TradePort’s manager of environmental management services, Zama Dlamini, said the new land includes 80% wetlands, adding to the 854 hectares they are already working on.
They are working with planners, environmentalists and property experts to protect important biodiversity and help fight climate change.
The projects are already showing positive results.
The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) has been seen breeding in the wetlands on the western side of the Dube TradePort area, which is now protected by a 1km buffer zone.
“The healthy buffer zone created and managed under the current rehabilitation and restoration project on the southern side serves to protect the critically endangered Pickersgill’s reed frog species (Hyperolius pickersgilli) found within the Lake Victoria and Froggy Pond wetland.
“These frogs are sensitive to minor changes in their environment and require dense reed beds and vegetation for breeding,” said Dlamini.
In collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and King Shaka International Airport, they continue to monitor these species through ongoing assessments.
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