Scientific Research and Essays Vol. 2 (8), 358-369, August 2007          
ISSN 1992-2248 © 2007 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of biodiversity, socio-economic status and sustainable development options at Mlawula, Swaziland

M. R. Jury*, X. N. Makhoba and S. J. Siebert

Botany Department, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.

* Corresponding author. E-mail: jury@uprm.edu

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Accepted 16 May, 2007

An assessment of biodiversity across an environmental gradient in an African nature reserve is made. The Forest, with its structural layers and richer soil exhibits greatest botanical diversity, followed by the Savannah and Wetland, which are impacted by human activities and flood events, respectively. The Wetland had the highest zoological (insect) diversity, followed by the Forest and Savannah, as a result of adaptation forced by natural events. Although the study site exhibits high biodiversity, deterioration is likely due to alien encroachment along the river banks. Community participation in conservation is required for sustainable ecosystem management. This involvement may be informed by our socio-economic analysis, as eco-tourism management evolves from public to private, to spin-off greater benefits to the local community.

Key words: biodiversity assessment, socio-economic development,Swaziland.