Preliminary observations on managing and reclaiming frontal dunes within the Durban municipal area

The Bluff dunes, located within the Durban (South Africa) municipal area, have become increasingly degraded as a consequence of human pressures over the last quarter century. The resulting localised wind-blown sand pollution of roads and storm drains necessitated a dune reclamation project involving a multi-disciplinary team of Parks managers and engineers. An effective solution was provided by a combination of physical sand/wind screens, and irrigation aided revegetation of dunes employing several locally occurring indigenous plant species. Liaison with the community at all development phases has allowed for an effective solution which is practical, cost-effective, environmentally sound and socially accepted. This paper outlines the methods employed and steps taken in dune revegetation on the Bluff, and discusses the practical problems encountered, together with the solutions. The system follows a series of steps that any land manager can use to maintain a cover over the sand. It has a multi-disciplinary approach, so that engineers, ratepayers and scientist can all contribute to the process.