An environmental assessment for the different scenic zones in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in order to set development parameters
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify different scenic zones in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. A literature study of the different physical aspects that could assist in the identification of different scenic zones in the park was undertaken. From this, it was possible to identify four major scenic zones namely the zone below the Clarens sandstone formation, the Clarens sandstone formation itself, the area above the Clarens sandstone and the mountain crests. This study further placed a monetary value on the different scenic zones as identified by using different elements from the Travel-cost approach, the Hedonic Price Model and the Contingent model. This study indicates that the scenic beauty of Golden Gate Highlands
National Park is worth in the order of not less than R 1,6 million monthly. An assessment was made of different existing visual objects within the park and it was measure against the monetary value of the
specific scenic zone in which they are situated. The public's opinion was also obtained by means of a questionnaire and further personal interviews. A questionnaire was circulated during the period December
1999 to January 2000 to obtain the public's views. Although the valuing of a scenic view are still regarded as a grey area, this study provides further proof that scenic beauty does indeed have a monetary value and that certain objects are visually misplaced in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The public also indicated that some objects are actually viewed by them as a visual intrusion.
Collections
- Humanities [2671]