We were privileged at WTM Africa to have Pam Yako, the Chair of the Board of SANParks open the Nature Positive panel. The old ecotourism mantra “Take only photographs, leave only footprints” is not seen or heard as much today as it was. Regenerative, conscious, nature-positive tourism is in fashion. We have begun to understand that conservation is expensive, and communities bear the opportunity costs of preserving land and species. The panel explored how we can grow nature-positive tourism and ensure that the local community benefits.

SANParks Vision 2040 was launched by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Hon. Barbara Creecy, in April 2023. The beginning of a board-led process to ensure that the vision is realised. We were privileged to have Pam Yako, Chairperson of the Board of SANParks and of the Project Steering Committee to introduce us to SANParks. Her background in leadership coaching and team effectiveness, change management, strategy implementation and monitoring have honed her skills to achieve change and realise the Vision 2040. Zenande Leadership, founded by Pam Yako, conveys the rigour of her thinking and commitment to making change, skills essential to realising SANParks Vision 2040. 

At the launch of the Vision Pam Yako, that as a “township girl” wildlife and conservation is integral to who South Africans are as a nation, as a people, for re-creation and a spiritual connection.  What is required is a vision that embraces the needs and aspirations of all of us, with inclusivity, meaningful participation and which enhances our connection: “ a deliberate effort to bring all of us in our diversity … towards a common vision … it is challenging, but we are a can-do nation.” The challenges are poverty, job creation, climate change, changing tourists, and embracing technology.

SANParks’ new strategy is radical, “reimagining conservation with people, for people, and nature”, and is inviting people to “be a part of reimagining and co-creating national parks of the future.” In this video, SANParks envisage setting “a new norm for living in harmony with nature… Diverse landscapes belong to all South Africans …imagine a world where our wildlife is safe, communities thrive from their own resources being managed in partnership with their national parks. Imagine a world where local communities benefit from and invest in the sustainability of protected areas, where ownership and pride in our protected areas are shared and embraced …”

This is indeed a bold collaborative effort to reimagine and co-create a new era for conservation … leaving a better future for generations beyond our lifetime.

“Within Mega Living Landscapes diverse wildlife and ecosystems are helping us to reverse the loss of plant and animal species. All South Africans see the economic, spiritual and health benefits of nature conservation. This approach makes communities key to conservation efforts, reversing biodiversity loss and combating poaching.”

“In partnership with many stakeholders, SANParks is now co-managed and supported by government, communities and business leaders. These partnerships support the protection of plant and animal life, heritage conservation, and tourism. This contributes to the well-being of people and the environment.”

There will also be a radical change in the way in which tourism operates in national parks. The 2040 Vision is clear “SANParks will split into two entities: a successful tourism business and a government-funded conservation service. Tourism profits support conservation, reflecting a trend that we also see in the improvement of other public entities in 2040. SANParks embraces technology, becoming a global leader in conservation, heritage, and tourism technology.”

The vision is clear on both the dangers and how to avoid them

“However, rapid technology adoption leaves some people behind due to their lack of skills or access, and job losses widen the gap between tech haves and have-nots. Local communities struggle to keep pace, and tourism takes on a “Disney” feel with holograms and augmented reality, appealing to younger visitors but alienating older ones. Monitoring business and technology integration, employee satisfaction, and customer feedback is crucial to ensure a people-focused approach rather than one driven solely by technology or business.”

Wilfred Chivell, MD Dyer Island Cruises Whale Watch and Marine Dynamics Shark Tours, and Chairman Dyer Island Conservation Trust, talked about how Marine Big 5 viewing benefits conservation and the community benefits and engagement generated by their work in Gansbaai.

Geordie Ractliffe, Executive Director, of Sustainability Matters talked about the work they do as a sustainability education and youth development organisation, their purpose to: “… validate youth experience and respect their voice while engaging with the issues that will define their future.”

Nick Tucker GOPA AFC Gmbh, talked about community-owned tourism initiatives.

Glynn talked about two aspects of their work in commercialising community-owned assets. At Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, in the Drakensberg Mountains and at !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, TFPD has demonstrated how community-owned lodges can, through employment, local sourcing, rent and conservation fees, communities can benefit from tourism.

In Eswatini, Glynn has been working with the local community to create shared value. I published here about the success of that work last week.