THE development of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct is steaming ahead and Tongaat Hulett, who is behind the project, said every endeavour was being made to ensure the area’s intrinsic natural heritage is protected. Situated on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, Sibaya Coastal Precinct encompasses 1 000 hectares of beach, forest, river and hilltop landscape.
Up to 60 percent of the area will remain coastal dune forest, while open spaces and areas currently under sugar cane will be rehabilitated under the custodianship of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct Conservation Trust. Much of the Hawaan Forest and a series of smaller, inter-connected dune forests form a 308 hectare band that falls within the Precinct’s borders.
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“This forest is a vital regional asset and will be maintained, protected and preserved along with the beaches, marine conservancies, wetlands and other rehabilitated open spaces by the newly registered Sibaya Coastal Precinct Conservation Trust,” says Tongaat Hulett Developments Executive, Dayalan Chetty.
Ecologist Dr Richard Kinvig who specialises in Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology and Entomology runs the Conservation Management Plan and sits on the Board of Trustees.
Chetty said: “The Trust will serve a critical role in ensuring that ongoing commercial activity on the site takes place in an environmentally sensitive, responsible and sustainable manner.”
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He added that the forest, that has been inaccessible to the public, will be made accessible to residents of the Precinct and greater Durban in the future who will be able to visit and enjoy a unique environmental experience.
“The Sibaya Coastal Precinct Conservation Trust will ensure that there are no compromises on our promise to provide an engaging yet responsible and sustainable solution in making the forest accessible,” said Chetty.
About the Hawaan Forest:
The Hawaan Forest is situated in uMhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is a large remnant of a climax dry coastal dune forest and the last of its kind. This forest grows on a dune that dates back 18 000 years.
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