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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Implement a problem plant species control programme 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257155  Implement a problem plant species control programme 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is aimed at individuals required to render assistance in the control or eradication of problem plant species (indigenous encroachers or alien invaders) present within the area of operation in support of established conservation objectives.

On achievement of this unit standard the learner will understand and be able to:
  • Assess the impact of problem plant invasion or encroachment within the area of operation.
  • Locate and destroy alien invasive plants within the area of operation.
  • Locate and control indigenous encroachers within the area of operation.
  • Implement steps to limit incidental damage to the environment under supervision.
  • Perform control programme follow-up procedures. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Assess the impact of problem plant invasion or encroachment within the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Legislation applicable to problem plant control programmes is considered as it applies to the area of operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, Agricultural Chemicals & Fertilizers Act.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Alien invasive plants, declared weeds and indigenous encroaching plants are identified within the area of operation, along with an indication of the extent of infestation or level of encroachment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aquatic and terrestrial, alien invaders, indigenous encroachers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of an invasive plant management program is explained within the context of the overall management plan for the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The precise threat to the local environment posed by each invasive category species identified is considered as to assess environment impact. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The life cycles of problem plants within the area of operation are outlined as to determine appropriate control programme interventions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Locate and destroy invasive plants within the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Invasive plant species are located and density determination and basic mapping skills used for the planning of interventions required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The most effective and practical measures to combat particular invasive plants are identified based on the data gathered. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Chemical, biological, mechanical, fire, seasonality, timing, economics, stacking.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety aspects are explained with respect to chemicals used in an invasive plant control programme. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Active ingredients, application rates, storage, applicable legislation, ecological and social implications, herbicide application.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety aspects are explained with respect to mechanical equipment used in an invasive plant control programme. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Brush cutters, chain saws, hand tools.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Control interventions are conducted under supervision as to meet identified safety and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Locate and control indigenous encroachers within the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Encroached areas and located and classified according to severity of the problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The most cost effective and environmentally sound control measures are identified for intervention planning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mechanical control and associated logistics and equipment, chemical control considering types of herbicides and modes of application, taking of soil samples for analysis, use of fire and/or biological measures.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sequence, scheduling and logistics of the control operation are planned according to identified intervention requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An explanation is given to teams regarding application methods, personal and environmental safety aspects, marking and mapping treated areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Bush encroachment control operations are implemented according to the requirements of the intervention plan. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Implement steps to limit incidental damage to the environment under supervision. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Waste products are disposed of in an ecologically sensitive manner. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Oil, refuse, petrol, human waste.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Ways to manage the application of biological control agents are identified as to ensure environmental damage control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Containers and spilled herbicides are disposed safely to ensure the control of incidental damage to the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The residual toxicity of chemicals in by-products is considered as to plan for the effective disposal of items in an ecologically sensitive manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effects of poisons with respect to humans, fauna and flora are considered in the use and application of products in the environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform control programme follow-up procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Post-operational procedures are implemented to ensure the success of a problem plant control programme. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Check coppicing stumps; follow up procedures, re-growth, seedling germination, burn brush piles.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The short, medium and long-term actions planned as follow-up to the problem plant control programme are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A report is prepared on the success and difficulties experienced during the implementation of a problem plant control programme. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consider the need to train staff on the correct use of tools and application techniques; summarise costs (personnel, operational, chemical and mechanical), person-days/hours, efficiency indices, target species, areas treated and chemicals used.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing an individual against this unit standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA. In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements. Any institution offering learning towards this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Plant identification techniques.
  • Differences between alien and indigenous problem plants (aquatic and terrestrial).
  • Differences between notifiable weeds and invasive plants.
  • The impacts of problem plants on ecosystems.
  • Basic identification of life cycles of problem plants.
  • Basic mapping and location skills.
  • Application techniques (chemical, biological and mechanical) (timing and methodology).
  • The consequences of application techniques.
  • The control of biological applications.
  • Legal requirements with respect to the use of herbicides - registrations and other applicable legislation.
  • Handling and storage of chemicals.
  • Safety procedures with regards to chemicals and equipment used, including safe handling and disposal of containers and spilled herbicides - dilution factors.
  • Residual toxicity of chemicals in by-products.
  • Ecotoxicology with respect to humans, fauna and flora (e.g. effects of poisons).
  • Marketing of by-products (e.g. fire wood, charcoal etc).
  • Power tool operation and maintenance. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork:
  • Rendering assistance in a problem plant control programme requires that the qualifying learner approach work in a cooperative and collaborative spirit. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management:
  • Handling deadly chemicals or implementing destructive mechanical or biological methods of eradicating invasive plant species requires the conservation worker to be a methodical, well-organised person. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information gathering, organisation, analysis and interpretation:
  • The identification, location and eradication of problem plant species require the gathering, organizing and analysis of relevant information in the area of operation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology:
  • Chemical, biological and mechanical techniques are applied to achieve control of invasive plant species. These must be used with due consideration to their effect on people and the natural environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Awareness of the world as a set of related systems:
  • It is necessary for the qualifying learner to take careful note of the effect of actions on the natural and man-made environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Values:

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:
  • Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
  • Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
  • Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilisation of species and ecosystems.
  • Thereby yielding the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  63109   Further Education and Training Certificate: Nature Conservation: Natural Resource Guardianship Terrestrial  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.