Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
MINISTER Z. PALLO JORDAN TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT THE LAST KNOWN POPULATION OF THE BRENTON BLUE BUTTERFLY
Dr Z Pallo Jordan, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has today implemented Section 31A (1) of the Environment Conservation Act, to halt the development at Brenton-on-Sea that has threatened to destroy the habitat of the last known population of the Brenton Blue butterfly.
The Minister has decided to implement this section in the light of the moratorium on development agreed to by the Brenton Development Company, having expired today. The notice served on the Brenton Development Company today, refers to thirteen stands of the Brenton Extension 1, phase 2.
After extensive consultation with the various stake-holders, Minister Jordan has reached the conclusion that any disturbance of the property will detrimentally affect the survival chances of the endangered species of the Brenton Blue butterfly. He is therefore acting on the powers granted to him by the Environment Conservation Act to direct that neither the present owner or future owners of these stands shall cause any disturbance to the habitat of the Brenton Blue butterfly. This includes any interference with the vegetation, the soil and the soil structure. It also prevents the driving of motorised or mechanised vehicles onto any of the stands.
This directive has effect from this afternoon, when the notice was served on the Brenton Development Company, and will be effective for a period of six months. During this time all parties who believe that they are affected by this notice, are invited to make submissions to the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, concerning the future development of the property, the survival of the Brenton Blue butterfly, and any other matter relevant to the notice, to ensure an equitable solution to this matter that satisfies all the involved parties.
At the expiry of the six month period, Minister Jordan will decide on what future action will need to be taken. This may include renewing the direction contained in the notice. Submissions may be made in writing to the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Private Bag X9154, Cape Town, 8000.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM
For further information please contact Cassandra Gabriel, Cell-082 573 4168.