SANParks empowers anglers and locals
KNYSNA - In a ceremony held in Premier Hotel Knysna on Thursday 28 March, SANParks marked a significant milestone by launching the second phase of the Anglers Support Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the social well-being of communities living near national parks by providing fishing equipment, permits and certificates of participation. The programme underscores the vital link between marine resources managed by SANParks and the livelihoods of neighbouring communities.
The Anglers Support Programme was initiated in April 2022 in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. The first phase involved comprehensive workshops and training, equipping the beneficiaries with practical angling skills. These workshops were a foundation for the second phase, where 45 beneficiaries from Hornlee and Concordia in Knysna, as well as 30 young people from Stormsriver village, Thornham and Nompumelelo village in the Tsitsikamma area, received fishing equipment, permits and certificates of participation.
What began as a programme supporting 43 senior citizens in the Wilderness area has now grown to assist over 300 fishermen and women across four national parks - Addo Elephant National Park, Table Mountain
National Park, and West Coast National Park, and the three sections of the Garden Route National Park. This expansion reflects the success and impact of the programme and highlights SANParks' commitment to sustainable community development and support.
Other SANParks development projects
SANParks continues to implement various initiatives aimed at socio-economic development through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Social Legacy Programme. This programme encompasses infrastructure projects in schools, community bursaries, food and water security, and biodiversity economy initiatives. The funding for these projects is derived from 1% of tourism income on all accommodation bookings, amounting to an estimated R6m to R7m per year over the past five years. This financial commitment reflects SANParks' dedication to creating lasting positive change in the lives of local communities.
The success of the Anglers Support Programme and other community initiatives by SANParks would not have been possible without the support of partners, stakeholders, municipalities, and NGOs. SANParks acknowledges the invaluable contributions made by these entities in uplifting communities in need.