SANParks’ Vision 2040 is a bold and ambitious initiative that seeks to revolutionise how we approach conservation in South Africa. The plan aims to break down barriers between protected areas and surrounding communities, fostering inclusivity and sustainable development.
Johannesburg, South Africa (01 October 2024) – A bold and ambitious initiative is on the horizon, aiming to more decisively align conservation with the advancement of shared economic growth in ways that can tangibly change lives.
The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, recently delivered a keynote address at an occasion where South African National Parks (SANParks) unveiled its “Vision 2040”.
Reimagining conservation, making it more inclusive
This visionary strategy goes beyond traditional conservation efforts, envisioning a future where nature and people thrive together and reimagines the institutional fitness of SANParks.
Essentially, it’s a call to action for all South Africans to play a role in protecting the country’s biodiversity and reaping the benefits of a healthier environment.
This model of conservation will promote social justice and inclusivity by guaranteeing that all communities, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalised, have fair and equitable access to opportunities and resources.
This long-term plan envisions a nation where nature and people thrive together, creating a harmonious and sustainable future for all.
According to SANParks, Vision 2040 aims to ensure that every South African has a stake in conservation, with tangible benefits that improve livelihoods and create opportunities.
In seeking to realise this future, there will be a need to examine if SANParks in its current organisational form and as the country’s leading conservation agency, will be able to enable Vision 2040.
Deputy Minister Singh congratulated and supported the intended approach of implementing Vision 2040 through the rollout of Mega Living Landscapes (MLL).
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What are Mega Living Landscapes?
MLLs are large interconnected areas that aim to involve ordinary South Africans in conservation efforts by connecting protected areas to surrounding communities.
This approach promotes inclusivity, sustainable development, and co-existence, ensuring the participation of most South Africans.
By uniting national parks, farmland, and other lands under one entity, MLLs can anchor local development, create jobs, support entrepreneurs, and provide educational opportunities.
A collaborative effort
SANParks started the journey to Vision 2040 in 2022 with nationwide consultations. These included engagements with communities neighbouring national parks, visitors to national parks, traditional leaders, employees, conservationists, traditional healers, women, scientists and youth organizations.
Vision 2040 is also part of South Africa’s response to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of conserving 30% of the world’s terrestrial, inland water, coastal, popularly referred to as the 30 x 30.
In South Africa, this means expanding our conservation lands by an additional 14 million hectares as we create a vast network of interconnected, ecologically vibrant areas. Deputy Minister Singh challenged SANParks to reconvene annually to report back on the Vision 2040 commitments made.
In response to this call, SANParks will embed Vision 2040 in its plans and integrate it as part of its performance reporting.
Sources: South African National Parks
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