Abstract
Invasive alien plants (IAPs) like Rooikrans (Acacia Cyclops) have several undesirable effects on both the natural environment and the social, economic and cultural wellness of society in the De Hoop nature reserve of the Western Cape Province. A few of these negative effects are: the change in coastal sediment dynamics, the change in seed dispersal dynamics, and the fact that it is overtaking native plants. However, Rooikrans can also potentially be used as biomass feedstock for electricity generation. Following a system dynamics modelling approach, the feasibility of using woody biomass from Rooikrans was investigated. The RE-model used data obtained from the Department of Environmental Affairs’ (DEA) Natural Resource Management (NRM) division, consulted with experts and conducted literature reviews with respect to the subject matter. Three scenarios were tested and the RE-model results showed that all scenarios have a positive cumulative Net Present Values (NPVs), with the exception of the baseline case scenario. This study shows that the production of electricity using Rooikrans woody biomass is a viable and feasible option in comparison with electricity production by diesel generators.
Highlights
1.1 Background to the studyThe De Hoop nature reserve is currently being invaded by invasive alien plants (IAPs), which are known to pose a threat to natural capital stocks
The results of this study show that there is great potential for using Rooikrans biomass as feedstock for electricity generation rather than electricity generation by diesel generators
Despite Invasive alien plants (IAPs) like Rooikrans being a major disturbance in the De Hoop nature reserve, there are benefits that accrue as a result of transforming the IAP biomass into value-added products
Summary
1.1 Background to the studyThe De Hoop nature reserve is currently being invaded by invasive alien plants (IAPs), which are known to pose a threat to natural capital stocks.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
