Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
National parks get more land as conservation efforts bear fruit
SOUTH Africa's national parks are experiencing growth and expansion, thanks to the efforts of the National Parks Trust of South Africa (NPTSA) and WWF South Africa.
On February 2 this year, a declaration was made to incorporate an additional 20 206 hectares of land into four of South Africa's national parks, with 18 000ha added through the joint efforts of the NPTSA and WWF.
The most substantial expansion occurred in the Namaqua National Park, which increased by 18 391ha. Of that, 5 992ha was contributed by the NPTSA and WWF.
The expansion encompasses various threatened veld types and aims to protect rare, threatened and endemic plant species, including the iconic kokerboom or quiver tree.
The expansion of the Namaqua National Park also includes vital river systems such as a 6km section of the Buffels River and the upper catchment of the Swartlintjies river system, essential for the park's ecological functioning.
Mokala National Park, another beneficiary of the expansion efforts, now provides grazing for a range of rare antelope species and other wildlife, including disease-free buffalo. Its expansion includes the northern Upper Karoo vegetation, with less than 1% under formal protection.
The Karoo National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, is home to Cape mountain zebras, Verreaux's eagles and a high density of tortoises. The expansion aims to safeguard the species and their habitats, ensuring their long-term survival.
Similarly, the expansion of Agulhas National Park, situated at the southernmost tip of Africa, protects threatened habitats of the Cape Floristic Region.
The expansion aligns with South Africa's commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework to protect 30% of the planet's terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030.
Dr Morné du Plessis, the CEO of WWF South Africa, hailed the expansions as crucial steps in safeguarding South Africa's natural heritage for the benefit of future generations. The collaborative efforts of the NPTSA, WWF, and SANParks underscore the importance of conservation partnerships in preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability.
“These declarations are part of our work to bring some of South Africa's most threatened habitats and species under the umbrella of SANParks as the custodian of our country's very special natural heritage for the benefit of everyone. All of this work contributes towards South Africa's commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework to protect 30% of the planet's terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030,” said Du Plessis.