Implementation of biodiversity economy strategy in the Eastern Cape Province: the preliminary lessons learnt
Date
2016-09
Authors
Mokotjomela, Thabiso M., author
Nombewu, Nomatile, author
Peinke, Dean M., author
International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Conservation of biodiversity has become a priority matter due to its excellent boost to socioeconomic development through ecotourism. The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency is responsible for the management of the provincial protected area network in South Africa. The Protected Area Expansion Strategy for the Agency is currently looking to improve biodiversity conservation using different mechanisms such as the Game Industry Transformation Strategy. The study elucidates how Game Industry Transformation Initiative as part of the national biodiversity economy strategy has a potential to promote biodiversity conservation whilst also addressing the socio-economic issues in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. An invitation for Expression of Interest for Game Farming Transformation Initiative - GFTI (REP No: 03/15/16) was published widely on media over a period of one month as per South African government protocol. A total of 20 (N) applications were received comprising 90% of the targeted previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs), and 10% were the institutions supporting the initiative. An estimated total area greater than 5000 hectares may benefit protection for biodiversity through GFTI. Out of the total PDIs (n = 18), 44% had landownership with verifiable title deeds, 12%relied on communal land while 44% relied on land leased from the government. There were significantly few participants (22%) with full capacity (i.e. game infrastructure) to roll out the incubation phase of the initiative within one year. A few lessons learnt include: 1. land ownership will remain a major challenge in the future; 2. infrastructural capital is limiting factor; and 3. a few people were interested thereby suggesting a need for more campaign for wildlife economy in the PDIs in South Africa.
Description
Presented at the 9th international wildlife ranching symposium: wildlife - the key to prosperity for rural communities, held on 12-16 September 2016 at Hotel Safari & the Safari Court, Windhoek, Namibia.