Sustainable utilisation of the Jonkershoek Valley

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Jonkershoek is a scenic valley situated on the south-eastern periphery of Stellenbosch inthe Western Cape. The study area of around 62 square kilometres has a pleasant ruralatmosphere that can be ascribed to a unique combination of cultural and naturalelements. It is in the national interest that these characteristics be preserved forposterity.This study represents an investigation into the viability of the sustainable utilisation ofthe valley, for the benefit of current and future residents and visitors alike. Firstly, astudy was made of different approaches in environmental ethics in an effort to find aframe of reference against which people make decision that impact on the environment.The regulatory and planning framework was assessed to establish whether it wassufficient to protect the environment and people. A population profile was compiled toform a picture of the socio-economic conditions in the valley. Finally, a survey wasconducted by testing the needs and expectation of residents against several developmentand conservation issues. Practitioners from the planning field were also involved in thissurvey.Resource conservation and development seems to be the most appropriate ethicalapproach for sustainable development. However, sustainable utilisation will only bepossible if a balance is found between economic efficiency, environmental integrity andhuman well-being. It has been established that sufficient measures are in place to protectpeople and the environment and that integrated development planning was instrumentalin this regard. The biggest shortcoming was on economic level and this is reflected inthe socio-economic gap between landowners and previously disadvantagedcommunities.The sustainable utilisation of the Jonkershoek valley is attainable, on condition that theidentified shortcomings are addressed through the utilisation of existing and potentialdevelopment and conservation opportunities. In this assignment a number ofsuggestions are made that could promote this process. The sustainable utilisation of theJonkershoek valley is an attainable ideal that requires the dedication of the entirecommunity.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University