Sanparks launches Vision 2040

LIMPOPO – Outlining Vision 2040, Sanparks chairperson Pam Yako said they want to create a harmonious relationship between their parks, the environment, conservation workers, neighbouring communities, and visitors.

Yako spoke at an event broadcast across eight of Sanparks’ satellite stations in the country on Thursday, including the Sanparks North satellite in Giyani, where traditional leaders and tourism stakeholders, including traditional healers, were invited to.

She said Vision 2040’s inclusive approach aims to ensure environmental sustainability, enhance visitor experiences, and foster strong community ties with the parks while creating job opportunities for locals.

“It’s crucial to recognise and address the diverse needs and aspirations of individuals, ensuring that everyone has a voice. By fostering meaningful participation from all stakeholders, we can create an environment where different perspectives are valued, leading to better decision-making and more sustainable outcomes,” said Yako.

Also read: Tourism Thursdays are fun and explorative in the Kruger National Park

She cited the work of rangers and traditional healers whose roles are deeply connected to and reliant on the sustainability of natural resources as an example, saying there was a need to value the work of both parties.

“Imagine the work of a ranger in a national park alongside that of a traditional healer seeking to harvest herbs for medicinal purposes. It is important to embrace the roles of both and ensure they collaborate in a way that promotes environmental sustainability. It’s not about a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about harnessing aspirations in a way that blends them, allowing everyone to find a piece of themselves,” she continued, saying the vision aims to ensure that everybody benefits, including those whose lands were taken away from them and converted into conservation parks.

Professor Bonang Mohale, speaking on behalf of the business community, said there must be a shift in attitude, along with improved security in the country, to ensure the safety of businesses if Vision 2040 is to be realised.

Mohale said businesses were shying away from investing in township environments for fear of safety, which deprives the youth of fully participating in tourism.

“If we’re going to have a serious discussion about tourism, it must begin where people live. Take Soweto, there’s a dense population, yet few tourist attractions because many businesses are reluctant to invest there. Inclusive tourism would require us to create tourism facilities, build hotels in these communities, and source supplies from local businesses. However, this may also necessitate improvements in state security, as businesses need to feel safe,” he said.

Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Deputy Minister Narend Singh congratulated Sanparks for their efforts in initiating a programme aimed at achieving inclusive outcomes in conservation decisions.

“As we say, South Africa belongs to all who live in it, and this means that conservation decisions must also reflect inclusivity,” he said.

Singh said land restitution must also be prioritised to ensure that everyone who had their land taken away gets it back.

“What the land will be used for is a separate debate. If the land is used for conservation parks or development projects, the community should have a share of that development. I have always said, it’s one thing to claim we’ve employed 5000 or 10 000 people in the tourism industry, but what truly matters is how many of them hold equity. If we still have establishments operating in communities where the locals do not have equity shares, then the vision for 2040 cannot be realised. We will keep coming back to discuss the same issue over and over without achieving any results,” he said.

Vision 2040 started in 2022 when Sanparks launched an unprecedented nationwide consultation process aimed at fostering a shared understanding of nature conservation.

This process involved engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including communities neighbouring national parks, park visitors, traditional leaders, employees, conservationists, traditional healers, women, scientists, and youth organisations.

These contributions helped shape a collective vision for the future of conservation in South Africa, as outlined in Vision 2040.