Our objective was to assist with the upgrade of several nodes within the zoo: the front entrance, farmyard, picnic area and admin centre.  We applied our “Biodiversity Land Use Model”, using it to enhance the zoo as custodians of habitats under threat - the single greatest cause of the demise of animal populations.

LBS was brought on board to compile a sustainable, environmental model for the development.  The site had been heavily impacted by previous inappropriate land use practices and the local agricultural/industrial dam provided little value to the development or the conservation of biodiversity.

LBS was able to create a fully sustainable locally indigenous system that incorporates both wetland and grassland typical of the region and specific to the vegetation type.  The wetlands not only attend storm-water but also assist in water filtration through reed bed polishing.  The wetlands form habitat to a wide variety of flora and fauna. 

Over 1.5km of open water and wetland space was recreated, while over 800 locally indigenous tree species were reintroduced to the riparian habitats.  The site now functionally links up with Vaal system downstream. 

The Park is to be managed using biodiversity management principles making it the first of its kind in the chemical industry.

The petroport was established to function as a local biodiversity park in which the sensitive eco systems were integrated with service station operations.

LBS’ design took the development beyond ROD compliance, creating a network of functional storm-water attenuation wetlands, breeding pans and restored grasslands to make up the Biodiversity Park.

The grasslands were rehabilitated and alien species eradicated whilst treated waste water from the effluent plant is recycled back into the system to sustain the wetlands during the dry season.  A trail system was constructed within the reserve area of the Park with viewing hides and information depots that allow close but controlled interaction between people and wildlife.

The petroport’s service stations and associated business operations comprise only one third of the site’s footprint with restored habitat encompassing the balance – this was a world first.

The vision for the site was to recreate lost habitats within this head office and manufacturing facility’s 4Ha property.  In total, 75% of the property’s footprint has been restored with the area’s specific, local biodiversity.  Despite the site’s location within a heavily industrial/commercial area, the park serves as a haven for a multitude of species with bird populations having increased from 10 species to over 130 since the park’s inception.  The Royal Canin Eco Industrial Park was the first industrial site in South Africa to have implemented this level of habitat restoration without it being an EIA or ROD requirement.  This self sustaining site employs no irrigation or additive usage.  This was the world’s first local biodiversity park to be established and has served as a global trend setter showcased by the media and the likes of the 2007 Paris Innovation Expo.