Help preserve the future of conservation

SANPARKS EMBARKS ON A NEW EXPEDITION: VISION 2040!

SANParks has started a process of co-creating and re-imagining the future of national parks and the management authority that will govern them – the Vision 2040 initiative. This pioneering project will redefine our journey towards a thriving tomorrow. In 2026, SANParks will be 100 years old and as we move towards our centenary it is clear this vision must extend beyond traditional conservation. It has to be a collective effort to foster community, healing and inspiration across South Africa, while taking key issues such as environmental resilience, sustainability and climate adaptability into account.

The SANParks footprint spans an impressive 4 million hectares of diverse ecosystems. It boasts an extensive network of national parks, each with its unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast or an adventurer, our parks offer a range of opportunities to be explored. If you wish to completely escape and just sit quietly, breathe in fresh air and watch the sun set – there is a park and place for you as well. The adventure is yours to shape.

Vision 2040 will be the long-term strategic blueprint for our organisation to ensure that, while opportunities expand and grow in line with the demands of our future visitors, we also promote better conservation practices together with all South Africans and the rest of the world, who look to us to help meet international conservation objectives.

To reach our aim of co-creating and re-imagining the future of SANParks with all who live here, we spent the past six months travelling the country, soliciting input from various stakeholders. These included seasoned academics with specialist expertise, our park neighbours, government and private sector partners, and youth groups. The support and input received was amazing and our thanks go to all those who contributed thus far.

We invite everyone to come and join discussions about national parks and what the future holds. We have to ensure that national parks not only survive, but also thrive as places of inspiration and healing.

SANParks is committed to developing a new vision for conservation