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Review Articles
Biofuels and biodiversity in South Africa
Submitted: 01 April 2010 | Published: 03 May 2011
About the author(s)
Ryan Blanchard, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Stellenbosch, South AfricaDavid M. Richardson, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Patrick J. O’Farrell, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Graham P. von Maltitz, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
Abstract
Our understanding of many of the broader aspects of biofuels needs to be enhanced. We identify key areas where challenges exist, such as the link between technology, conversion processes and feedstock selection. The available and proposed processing technologies have important implications for land use and the use of different non-native plant species as desired feedstocks. South Africa has a long history of planting non-native plant species for commercial purposes, notably for commercial forestry. Valuable lessons can be drawn from this experience on mitigation against potential impacts by considering plausible scenarios and the appropriate management framework and policies. We conceptualise key issues embodied in the biofuels strategy, adapting a framework developed for assessing and quantifying impacts of invasive alien species. In so doing, we provide guidelines for minimising the potential impacts of biofuel projects on biodiversity.
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