With the dwindling numbers of Rhino in the world renowned Kruger National Park (KNP) due to poaching, the SA National Parks(SanParks) has unveiled an ambitious plan dubbed Vision 2040.
The government entity's strategy is to revolutionise the role of conservation in promoting social justice, economic growth, and job creation despite crime statistics at Table Mountain.
This year only the KNP, one of the seven wonders of the world, and Table Mountain, are still grappling with crime that has devastated the country's national parks.
In the last year only statistics show that there were more than 50 crime incidents that took place at Table Mountain alone.
Former Environment minister, Barbara Creecy in 2023 said there was a spike of Rhino poaching incidents recorded across the SA Parks saying a little less than 500 were poached in that year.
According to Creecy, 406 rhinos were killed on SanParks properties.
Despite this, SanParks spokesperson, JP Louw said during an event in Sandton recently, that the 2040 visionary plan aimed to ensure that every South African had a stake in conservation, with tangible benefits that improve livelihoods and create opportunities.
"At the heart of vision 2040 lies the concept of mega living landscapes and massive interconnected areas that break down the barriers between conservation and community development," Louw said.
He added that the developments planned would foster co-existence, inclusivity, and sustainable development, providing jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, and fostering educational opportunities.
"It's going to promote social justice and ensure fair and equitable access to opportunities and resources for all communities, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalised," he said.
The plan further states that it would create jobs and stimulate local economic growth through sustainable development and expand conservation lands by 14 million hectares.
"As SA's oldest and largest national park, Kruger will play a pivotal role in realising vision 2040's objectives.
"With vision 2040, Kruger is poised to become a framework of connecting protected areas with surrounding communities and promoting sustainable development," he said.
Deputy minister Narend Singh has challenged SANParks to reconvene annually to report on vision 2040 commitments.
"SANParks will embed Vision 2040 in its plans and integrate it into performance reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability," Louw concluded.
Saturday Star
mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za