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GCBC Submission Print E-mail
Written by Tony Hansen   
Thursday, 13 October 2005

SUSTAINABLE USE STRATEGY FOR THE 4X4 INDUSTRY
PILOT AREA - GREATER CEDERBERG BIODIVERSITY CORRIDOR, WESTERN CAPE

Commissioned by CapeNature, DEA&DP, SAROOF & AAWDC

Synopsis

In response to a growing need for sustainable development practices, CapeNature, the Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning (DEA&DP), the Trail Owners Association (SAROOF) and the Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs (AAWDC) have joined forces to pilot a Sustainable Use Strategy for the 4x4 Industry in the Western Cape. This document is the result of the conservation sector and the 4x4 Industry proactively exploring sustainable best practices in the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor (GCBC) over the past year. If implemented successfully in the GCBC, this will be used as a model for implementation for the rest of the Western Cape.

Background

With an increasing international focus on global warming, sustainable development is becoming a vital component of doing business today. The business case is proven with governments, investors, insurers and markets preparing to implement sustainability development criteria into all elements of the supply chain. In South Africa, the hosting of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2003 has placed sustainable development high on the national government agenda.

The 4x4 industry has experienced phenomenal growth over the past ten years with in excess of one million 4x4 vehicles driving on South African roads. The industry growth is due to current GDP growth, low interest rates and powerful lifestyle marketing of 4x4’s and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). This has resulted in an increase in the use of 4x4 trails for commercial purposes, recreation, tourism and other purposes. Only a small percentage of these trails are regulated resulting in a need for the industry to balance the environmental impact with the use of 4x4 trails.

In April 2005, the Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, voiced concern over the growing impact that off-road activities were having on the environment, and called upon the off-road community to develop ways to regulate themselves, before he was forced to take unilateral action. While a degree of self-regulation had already begun through the Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs (AAWDC) and Trail Owners Association (SAROOF), the Minister’s speech has resulted in a degree of urgency.

A positive result has been the establishment of the National Off-road Workshop (NOW) that will take place from 18-20 October 2005. The objectives of NOW are to create a representative body for each segment of the off-road industry and to ensure sustainable use through education and self-regulating procedures. NOW gives the South African 4x4 industry a unique opportunity to capitalise on the negative perceptions, implement a proactive national regulatory system and become the world leader in sustainable use in the 4x4 industry.

Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor – 4x4 Industry Sustainable Use Pilot Project

The Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor (GCBC) forms part of the Cape Action for People and the Environment (CAPE) programme. CAPE is a partnership programme, led by the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism with partners from a range of sectors. The objective is to secure the conservation of the biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) and, through this, to deliver sustainable economic benefits to the people of the region. A major part of this strategy is to establish Mega-Reserves in the CFR to maintain the ecological processes required for the persistence of the CFR’s magnificent diversity of plants and animals.

Recreation and tourism are important components of the economy of the GCBC, offering tremendous growth potential for the future. Therefore, their development should follow the principles of responsible tourism and sustainability. This relates both to new tourism development and to established operations that may need to be realigned along more sustainable lines. There is a close connection between quality tourism products and the related issues of public awareness and education. In particular, one of the principle objectives of tourism in the GCBC is that it should lead to better informed visitors with a commitment to the conservation of the natural and cultural values.

4x4 Trails are a popular tourism product in the GCBC with 34 existing established trails. Over the past year, the 4x4 Industry and conservation sector have been exploring innovative ways of introducing best practices into the GCBC. These efforts have culminated in CapeNature, AAWDC (Western Cape), DEA&DP and SAROOF joining forces to pilot a Sustainable Use Strategy for 4x4 Industry in the GCBC. If implemented successfully, this will be used as a model for implementation in the rest of the Western Cape.

Vision

All stakeholders of the GCBC to create and implement a self-regulating sustainable use model for the 4x4 industry that is inclusive, accessible and conserves the natural environment for future generations.

Guiding Principles
  1. Commitment to conserving the biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region while preserving the “sense of place” of the GCBC.
  2. Commitment to a responsible code of conduct for all 4x4 users, trail owners, trail developers and trail users in the GCBC.
  3. Commitment to providing accredited, accessible trails that are managed in a sustainable manner.
  4. Commitment to the social upliftment of historically disadvantaged communities in the GCBC.
Objectives
  1. Incorporate credible and practical sustainable use systems into all facets of the 4x4 industry operating in the GCBC.
  2. Conserve the biodiversity of the GCBC through land stewardship and the adoption of best practices by the 4x4 industry.
  3. Facilitate employment for disadvantaged communities through trail development, maintenance and related tourism activities.
  4. Change the negative perceptions of the 4x4 industry into positive factual accounts of the industry making a difference to people and the environment.
Key Stakeholders

CapeNature (GCBC), DEA&DP, AAWDC, SAROOF, GCBC Trail Owners, Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), National Association Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA), Media, Vehicle Rental Companies, Tourism Organisations and the General Public.

Strategy

The 4x4 industry strategy will be implemented in the GCBC through the four broad strategic directions detailed below. Once implemented successfully, the model will be refined, expanded and implemented throughout the Western Cape.

  1. Biodiversity Conservation

    Securing the biodiversity of the GCBC through stewardship and the adoption of a concise set of best practices for trail owners and trail users is a priority of this strategy. These best practices will include guidelines and systems for the responsible development, management, use and monitoring of all 4x4 trails in the GCBC. The goal is to entice all trail owners and users to become stewards of the GCBC, each playing a role in the sustainable use and appreciation of the GCBC. Through a system of SAROOF & AAWDC honorary rangers, the industry will assist CapeNature and DEA&DP in compliance with the regulations and guidelines, and undertake conservation rehabilitation projects.

  2. Tourism

    Tourism is the vital economic component in realising the Sustainable Use Strategy. Tourism provides the economic incentive for trail owners, the recreational incentive for users and the opportunity for job creation and social upliftment. The adoption of the Sustainable Use Strategy by the 4x4 industry in the GCBC will offer a competitive advantage over other tourism areas. Responsible tourism and sustainable development are increasingly important criteria for tourists when selecting a holiday destination. Working with the tourism industry bodies, the 4x4 industry and the media, the GCBC will be packaged to attract increasing numbers informed people to the GCBC. Educating tourists on the natural and cultural attributes of the GCBC is fundamental part of encouraging stewardship and enhancing the visitor experience.

  3. Social Upliftment

    Social upliftment is an essential pillar in the sustainable development model and is a major component of the Sustainable Use Strategy. The 4x4 Industry will implement social upliftment at all levels through a commitment to the use of local people (farm workers and surrounding communities) and resources in the development, maintenance and operation of trails in the GCBC. In addition, the industry will take concerted steps to train-up black guides and instructors, and support the development of black-owned 4x4 related tourism businesses.

  4. Financial Sustainability

    For this strategy to be effective in the long term, it is essential for it to be realistic and financially sustainable. Trails must remain accessible to a broad range of users and the industry must not become over-regulated. While the costs to the user and trail owner will increase due to the proposed regulations, part can be subsidised by the manufacturers/retailers but the remainder must be viewed as a premium for ensuring the use of the trails by future generations. With regard to trail owners, the cost of establishing and accrediting a trail can be recouped through an increase in the volume of trail fees and broadening the base of trail services e.g. accommodation, meals, guides, maps, etc.

    The conservation sector has committed to providing the seed funding for the planning phase but the implementation funding must be sourced from the industry (vehicle manufacturers and retailers). Once established, the industry will be required to subsidise the process with each component funding itself i.e. user training and licensing funded by the user, trail accreditation funded by the trail owner, trail use funded by the user.
Business Plan & Implementation Steps

A comprehensive business plan will be developed to incorporate the four strategic directions into a programme for implementation in the GCBC. The suggested implementation steps are listed below in order of priority. While certain aspects of the proposed implementation steps (e.g. Licensing) may not be deemed realistic for implementation in the initial phase, they have been included in this document to stimulate debate.

  1. User Guidelines – AAWDC to develop a clear and concise set of 4x4 sustainable use guidelines. These guidelines will be based on the AAWDC Code of Conduct with additional detail to ensure the maximum protection for people, the environment and public/private property. CapeNature and DEA&DP will be consulted on the environmental component of the guidelines with a specific focus on the existing GCBC corridor 4x4 trails.

  2. Trail Owner Guidelines – SAROOF, Cape Nature & DEA&DP to draft a set of Sustainable Trail Owner Guidelines. These guidelines will follow the content of the DEA&DT EIA Application Form but will be specifically adapted to 4x4 trail development, management and auditing. CapeNature will ensure that the regional and local biodiversity concerns of the GCBC are addressed. The output will be a concise document of Trail Owner Guidelines and a concise DEA&DP Application Form for the registration of existing trails, or development of new trails. The application form should be structured as a pro-forma EIA, guiding the trail owner through the process without having to incur exorbitant EIA fees. Prior to DEA&DP approval, trail development cannot commence.

  3. Trail Accreditation – All DEA&DP approved trails must go through a Trail Accreditation process, developed and managed by SAROOF. Each trail to be rated according to terrain, difficulty, suitability for specific vehicles, environmental sensitivity and capacity usage per day. Trail owners to pay SAROOF a fee to evaluate and accredit a trail. CapeNature to provide input on sensitive areas/criteria for each trail in the GCBC. Trail owners that do not qualify will be given a list of issues to correct prior to their accreditation being granted. Accredited trails will be well publicised in the media, 4x4 clubs and through tourism organisations. Trails to be audited on an annual basis to maintain their accreditation.

  4. Champions – as this is a voluntary initiative, all of the 34 existing trails in the GCBC will be invited to sign-up as champions to test the trail owner guidelines and accreditation system. SAROOF and CapeNature will assist the champions in implementing the guidelines and receiving the accreditation. The cost of accreditation will be shared between the trail owner and SAROOF (donor & 4x4 industry funding). Champions will receive the benefit of major publicity, being the first accredited sustainable use 4x4 trails in South Africa.

  5. Communication – to effectively roll out the strategy, a major education drive will need to take place to reach all stakeholders in the 4x4 industry. Assistance will be required from vehicle manufacturers, 4x4 dealers, 4x4 rental companies, 4x4 accessories retailers, media, 4x4 clubs, tourism bodies, government and conservation bodies. Incentives will assist in getting early buy-in e.g. discounts on courses, trails, positive publicity, etc. The media will play a vital role in communicating and reinforcing the guidelines and systems.

  6. User Training Course – all users wishing to drive on the GCBC accredited trails to undergo an approved 4x4 training course. Developed by AAWDC & SAROOF, the course will consist of theoretical and practical application, covering driving techniques for different conditions and 4x4 sustainable use guidelines. Upon successful completion, each driver will be awarded with a certificate for having completed the course. A User Training Course should be included in the purchase price of new or used vehicles from reputable 4x4 dealers. User Training Courses to be offered by accredited dealers, 4x4 clubs and private operators, phased in over a realistic timeframe.

  7. Licensing – a copy of all certificates from the User Training Courses to be sent to the designated co-ordination body (AAWDC or SAROOF). This body will process and send a 4x4 Licence to the user for a nominal fee. This licence will be valid for 5 years, after which certain components of the course will need to be completed again. This licence must be shown to gain access to the 4x4 trails in the GCBC. While it is not economically realistic for GCBC trail owners to prevent access to non-licence holders in the start-up period, trail owners should offer licence-holders discounts and priority access. An official report of irresponsible 4x4 driving should result in a user losing his/her licence, or having it suspended. The cost/benefit of this system will be fully examined prior to adopting.
Suggested Next Steps
  1. Advisory committee provide final input and comments.
  2. Process and synthesise comments, incorporating into a final draft.
  3. Jaco Venter, through SAROOF, to present the proposed strategy at the NOW.
  4. Broad call for comments on the strategy.
  5. Specific call for comments from DEA&DP & CapeNature for endorsement.
  6. Incorporate comments in document or in annexure.
  7. Endorsement of strategy by all role-players.
  8. Secure industry commitment for sponsorship of the implementation phase.
  9. Develop the GCBC 4x4 Sustainable Use Strategy into a business plan for implementation.
  10. Implement the business plan.
This document has been developed following the interaction between the 4x4 industry and the conservation sector over the past year. Literature has been provided by AAWDC, SAROOF, CapeNature, DEA&DP, DEA&T, and Internet research. While certain aspects of the proposed strategy (e.g. Licensing) may not be deemed realistic for implementation, they have been included to stimulate debate. We look forward to receiving your comments on this important strategic direction for the 4x4 industry. Thank you for your support and for the opportunity to present this strategy at NOW.

Best regards

Tony Hansen
Project Consultant
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