Browsing by Author "Stauth, Roy Bryan"
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- ItemOpen AccessAerial photography and environmental impact analysis : the potential contribution of comparative interpretation of multi-temporal aerial photographs to Environmental Impact Analysis(1984) Bayne, Sandra Maureen; Fuggle, Richard Francis; Stauth, Roy BryanThe hypothesis was advanced that comparative interpretation of multi-temporal aerial photographs can be used as a tool in Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA). To test this hypothesis a site, Silwerstroomstrand, approximately 40 kilometres north of Cape Town on the West coast was chosen. An analysis of the site was carried out using aerial photographs taken in 1938, 1960, 1968, 1971, 1977, 1981 and 1983 at scales ranging from 1:7 000 to 1:50 000. Development of the site for recreation began in 1972 and in 1976 for water extraction. Pre-development photographs, 1938, 1960, 1968 and 1971, were stereoscopically compared and the observations were interpreted using a systems approach. From the analysis of the photographs and information on past landuse, the dynamics of the site were described with particular attention to the response of that environment to perturbations such as fire and removal of vegetation. Development actions were analysed to establish any similarity to past perturbations and on the basis of similarities, predictions of probable future responses of the site (and hence impacts) were made. The predicted impacts were compared with: 1. the interpretation of post-development photographs. 2. Impacts identified by a multi-disciplinary panel after a visit to the site. It was found that the major limitation of multi-temporal aerial photographs was the spatial resolution of the early (pre 1970) photographs. However, the capabilities of the tool for quantitative and semi-quantitative data gathering; promoting an understanding of spatial and temporal relationships; monitoring change; communicating information and the fact that it is economical means that it has a positive contribution to make to Environmental Impact Analysis is suggested that the optimal use of the tool of comparative interpretation of multi-temporal aerial photography is to combine it with other tools such as site visits and multi-disciplinary panels.
- ItemOpen AccessAn environmental evaluation methodology for improving resource allocation decisions : a treatise with selected South African case studies(1989) Stauth, Roy Bryan; Fuggle, Richard FrancisThis dissertation addresses the problem of how to manage environmental resources to improve the prospects that resource allocation activities will make the greatest possible contribution to social well-being. The study had two major aims. One aim was to provide a rational philosophical framework for guiding resource evaluation and decisionmaking processes. The second - and principal - aim was to develop a reliable and practical method for evaluating those resource allocation proposals which are particularly controversial. As part of the philosophical framework, a modification of the social welfare function is specified which explicitly addresses the well-being of future generations. This form of the social welfare function is based on certain a priori premises, which are used to define the goal and objectives of resource allocation, and to identify appropriate evaluation criteria. These evaluation criteria are then used to devise a resource management strategy and to develop an environmental evaluation methodology to serve that strategy. The methodology consists of both formal and informal methods of evaluation, but special attention is given to developing a formal method of evaluation that is simple and inexpensive to apply, and therefore particularly suited for Third World conditions. The principal research objective was to develop a useful method for evaluating those resource allocation proposals which are especially controversial. The method that has been developed - the Panel Evaluation Method - utilizes a cost-benefit framework and employs procedures modeled on the Delphi Method. The Panel Evaluation Method features three techniques for accomplishing a formal evaluation of competing proposals: the Impact Identification Technique is used to identify and define all the impacts of concern; the Significance Measurement Technique is used to judge the relative significance of the impacts; and the Criteria Trade-off Technique is used to determine which proposal best satisfies specified evaluation criteria. The Panel Evaluation Method was applied to several case studies with positive results. For example, the central feature of the method - the Significance Measurement Technique - was found to be capable of producing reasonably replicable results, and so is considered to provide an acceptable way to determine whether the costs of a proposal would exceed its benefits. The method thus serves to extend the capabilities of both Environmental Impact Assessment and Cost-benefit Analysis, and to link these two widely-used tools for guiding resource allocation decisions into a more powerful and versatile decisionmaking tool.
- ItemOpen AccessA proposed framework for recreation planning in South Africa, with particular reference to the Cederberg(1988) Glavovic, Bruce Christopher; Stauth, Roy BryanOver the years, recreation opportunities in South Africa have been subject to increasing visitor use and pressure from widespread environmental changes. There has been growing imbalance between recreation opportunities in more and less developed environments. As a result conflicts have arisen between different user groups. The "Cederberg Controversy" demonstrates the need for a redefined, comprehensive recreation planning framework to resolve such conflicts. Traditional recreation planning approaches have not provided a suitable framework. By comparison, the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum concept has considerable potential for aiding recreation planners in South Africa. An application of principles of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum concept, and closer analysis, reveal that the concept is limited. An extension to the concept is proposed whereby the goal of visitor satisfaction is supplemented by a policy declaration to maintain diverse recreation opportunities. Whenever the consequences of a decision affecting the supply of recreation opportunities are irreversible, the maintenance of diversity should take precedence over visitor demand.
- ItemOpen AccessA rationale for maintaining natural and near-natural areas in developing countries(1980) Stauth, Roy Bryan; Fuggle, Richard Francis; Grindley, J RThis dissertation seeks to establish that certain natural goods are systematically undervalued and neglected in the decision-making processes of private and public institutions. It is further argued that these natural goods lend security to and enhance the quality of life, hence their continued existence and functioning have considerable value for the survival and well-being of this and future generations. Decision-makers are therefore advised of the need to establish the level at which these natural goods will be maintained in order to prevent their continued decline past some critical point.