Survey on anti-poaching fee for parks concluded

MBOMBELA – A survey among SANParks visitors, as to whether they would be willing to pay an additional anti-poaching fee for visiting national parks, was recently concluded by the SANParks Tourism Research Unit. Ike Phaahla, media specialist of the organisation, confirmed that the survey received 5 000 responses.

The study was conducted with SANParks clients only. According to the hosting website (www.surveymonkey.com), the survey has now been concluded. Phaahla said the research unit embarked on this initiative to gauge the response of overnight visitors and Wild Card members to the suggestion for such a levy. Members of a private forum who lobby to “keep conservation areas pure, natural and green” aired concerns about such a levy, foreigners alleging that the wild card for them “is already terribly expensive, with an extra on top being just too much”.

Some stated that they already stay outside the park because the accommodations have become too expensive, and that they would not be able to visit the parks if they had to pay another levy. Phaahla emphasised that there is a lot of pressure on SANParks due to criminal elements plundering natural resources including the elephant and rhino – two of the Big 5 animals that drive tourism and are important to the ecosystem.

“The costs of anti-poaching to SANParks have increased by 334 per cent since 2008, which is not sustainable, hence the suggestion by the unit,” he said. Phaahla stated that the results will be collated and whatever decision the SANParks board and executive team take will be communicated. “SANParks will communicate the results of the survey in due time, and will share whatever decision has been taken by the board and the executive committee.”