An integrative approach for the conservation and management of South Africa's floristic diversity at the provincial level

As a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), South Africais obliged to ensure that CBD objectives are met. Fundamental to the concept ofbiodiversity are the different levels of biological organization ranging fromlandscapes to genes. Historically, biodiversity conservation has predominantlyfocussed on species, while southern African nature reserves were generally notestablished with biodiversity criteria under consideration. This paper describesan integrative approach to conserving and managing all levels of biodiversity inGauteng, the smallest province in South Africa. Utilizing land cover andvegetation maps for the province, higher level biodiversity considerations willincorporate principles of landscape ecology together with gap analysis anditerative techniques, while lower level biodiversity considerations will involvethe assessment of the status and distribution of Red Data plant species in theprovince. As the final output, a map will be created within a GeographicInformation System depicting priority conservation areas with associated broadmanagement recommendations. A landscape mosaic with simple management guidelinesfor landowners will attempt to facilitate the conservation of landscapeprocesses.