Practical measures in arid land restoration after mining - a review for the southern Namib : research in action

The principle of ecological restoration offers opportunities to re-vegetate disturbed areas cost-effectively after mining. The southern Namib is the northern tip of one the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots and is under pressure from mining and exploration activities. This paper provides a review of methods available for arid land restoration and assesses their applicability in the context of southern Namib restoration ecology. The techniques available are discussed under the headings: (a) provision of suitable landform and substrate and (b) facilitating natural processes. Landscaping man-made landforms to match their surroundings, the provision of rough surfaces and small water catchments as well as applying fresh topsoil are the main aspects to be considered. Growth-impeding soil properties such as toxicity, and acidic, saline and sodic conditions will require treatment to ensure natural plant re-establishment is feasible or replanting areas is successful. Seeding and relocating native plants are feasible options to accelerate natural plant succession that merit further development in the southern Namib. Apart from the involvement of mining and exploration companies, the use of these techniques will require good planning, a small team of dedicated staff, limited training and some very basic facilities to become a reality.

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