Sibaya, South Africa

A community applying the One Planet principles

The Sibaya precinct, 25km north of Durban, is an 850 hectare site owned by Tongaat Hulett Developments. The development vision for Sibaya potentially encompasses 6,000 residential units, 6 hotels in an entertainment and tourism zone around the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom and 186 000m2 commercial space, to be developed over a timeline to 2030.

BioRegional have worked with Tongaat Hulett Developments and the eThekwini municipality to use the 10 One Planet principles to create an overarching strategy for development of the site which will make sale of land to developers contingent upon application of the One Planet framework.

THDev propose sensitive conservation of the ecological value of the site through preserved areas and recreational/ leisure space. Proposals include a botanic garden, animal farm, butterfly farm, forest trails and boardwalks.

The project’s sustainability targets are under exploration but include moving from 80% private car use to 80% public transport use; procuring 50% of construction materials within 50km radius from the site; 60% savings on freshwater consumption; and creating new wetland habitats on site.

The plans for Sibaya are currently moving through the planning process so the timescale for the build is still to be determined. In the meanwhile BioRegional South Africa are working with Tongaat Hulett Developments, nef (New Economics Foundation),the eThekwini municipality and Ward 58 CBI on the Waterloo Entrepreneurial Development Programme in the Waterloo Township adjacent to the Sibaya site to stimulate and support the local economy in response to the new business opportnities the development will soon bring to the area. For more information click here.