Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has highlighted the need to safeguard the biodiversity economy through stronger collaboration with communities and traditional authorities.
“Communities are no longer viewed merely as beneficiaries of conservation. Through co-management arrangements and representation in decision-making structures, they are active partners shaping the future of protected areas,” the Minister said on Monday in Kimberly.
Addressing 10th People and Parks National Conference, he emphasised that the government has advanced land reform and restitution within protected areas, restoring land rights while ensuring biodiversity remains protected for future generations.
“We have expanded socio-economic opportunities linked to conservation by creating jobs, supporting enterprise development in eco-tourism and biodiversity stewardship, investing in infrastructure, and equipping young people with skills to participate in the biodiversity economy.
“We have strengthened partnerships across spheres of government, conservation agencies, traditional leadership, civil society and the private sector, who all play their part.
“And through biodiversity stewardship and conservation expansion initiatives, communities and private landowners are contributing to the growth of our conservation estate. These achievements affirm a simple truth: when communities benefit from conservation, they become its strongest champions,” Aucamp said.
He said around the world, there is growing recognition that nature is not a luxury; it is the foundation of economic growth, social wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
“South Africa is globally recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity, and this natural heritage is one of our greatest national assets. But its protection cannot succeed without the meaningful participation of the people who live closest to it,” the Minister said.
For 20 years, the People and Parks Programme has strengthened partnerships between conservation authorities and communities adjacent to protected areas.
“Over time, it has become a cornerstone of inclusive conservation in our country. Communities are no longer viewed merely as beneficiaries of conservation.
“Through co-management arrangements and representation in decision-making structures, they are active partners shaping the future of protected areas.
“We have expanded socio-economic opportunities linked to conservation by creating jobs, supporting enterprise development in eco-tourism and biodiversity stewardship, investing in infrastructure, and equipping young people with skills to participate in the biodiversity economy,” the Minister said.
In addition, partnerships have been strengthened across spheres of government, conservation agencies, traditional leadership, civil society and the private sector, who all play their part.
“And through biodiversity stewardship and conservation expansion initiatives, communities and private landowners are contributing to the growth of our conservation estate.
“These achievements affirm a simple truth: when communities benefit from conservation, they become its strongest champions,” the Minister said.
While the partnerships between the conservation authorities and communities have been strengthened, human-wildlife conflict remains a serious concern in areas surrounding protected areas such as the Kruger National Park, Mthethomusha Game Reserve, Songimvelo Game Reserve and Mawana Game Reserve, and so many others.
“Inadequate fencing, increasing wildlife pressures and insufficient compensation mechanisms place strain on already vulnerable communities.
“Budgetary pressures constrain management authorities and slow the implementation of co-management agreements. Infrastructure projects linked to the biodiversity economy are not moving at the pace our communities expect and deserve.
“These realities demand innovative and sustainable financing models, stronger mitigation measures, and closer collaboration between all stakeholders,” the Minister said.
At the global level, South Africa remains firmly committed to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls on all countries to ensure that by 2030, at least 30 percent of land, freshwater and marine areas are conserved through effectively managed and equitably governed systems that recognise community lands and traditional territories.
“Inclusive conservation is therefore not optional; it is a global obligation. Without community support, protected areas face resistance, enforcement becomes costly and unsustainable, and ultimately conservation outcomes weaken.
“The People and Parks Programme is central to ensuring that community lands contribute meaningfully to achieving this target, in a way that respects rights, restores dignity and creates opportunity,” the Minister stressed. -SAnews.gov.za
