campfire

event

AWEI Fireside Chat - Protected Areas as Drivers of Local and Regional Rural Economies

15:00
Online event

Stellenbosch
South Africa

This fireside chat is the second in a series of five fireside chats organised by AWEI to explore the implications of a report and policy position published by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DEFF). The Chats highlighted areas that may require further research and analysis for developing an inclusive and responsible wildlife economy in South Africa.

In May 2021, DEFF released a voluminous High-Level Panel Report with profound implications for the development of the wildlife economy in the country and, indeed, across the continent. Minister Barbara Creecy stated that “Besides providing specific interventions to resolve key issues in the sector, the report also provides for a re-conceptualised wildlife sector, that will provide a new deal for people and wildlife in South Africa.” In June, Minister Creecy then invited comments on a Draft Policy Position on conservation which aims to provide “a stable base for conservation, growth, and development.”

AWEI Fireside Chats

Date

Time

Promoting an inclusive wildlife economy

Tue, 13 July

15:00-16:00

Protected areas as drivers of local

and regional rural economies

Thu, 15 July

15:00-16:00

Developing a standard for responsible

and sustainable hunting

Tue, 20 July

15:00-16:00

Leveraging the value of rhinos in South Africa

Thu, 22 July

15:00-16:00

Conservation and sustainable use of lions

Tue, 27 July

15:00-16:00
Agenda

Principal Guests

  • Mr Kule Chitepo, HLP Member & Director, East and Southern Africa Division, Chemonics
     
  • Ms Nonkqubela Mayatula, Game farm owner & Board Member, Wildlife Ranching South Africa

Opening Questions

  1. What contribution can protected areas make to a transformed wildlife economy?
     
  2. What are the challenges to community management of protected areas and how can these be addressed?
     
  3. Which types of economic opportunities can be developed in and around protected areas to deliver conservation outcomes and support transformation?

HLP Goal 8 and Recommendations on Protected Areas

Rationalised state protected areas and improved contribution of all protected areas to conservation and sustainable use of the five species, and as drivers of local and regional rural economies.

  • Making state protected areas more effective and efficient as drivers for conservation and rural socio-economic development, through innovative and integrated approaches. Attention should be given to amongst others, rationalisation of protected areas, streamlining governance, consolidating organisational costs, accountability to performance standards, expansion and connectivity, enhancing economies of scale, and partnering effectively with the private sector and communities; and
  • Adopt a national strategy for recognising, enhancing, and incentivising the contribution of private protected areas and other area based conservation measures with the five iconic species that contribute to conservation and socio-economic development though sustainable use of the species.

 

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