Major boost for iSimangaliso communities
VARIOUS organisations have partnered with iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to bring to life a vital community project in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Last week the Mabibi and KwaDapha communities celebrated the launch of two community resource hubs aimed at increasing marine protection and strengthening management of biodiversity at iSimangaliso.
The hubs will also become a valuable resource for those isolated from facilities such as ablutions with running water, electricity, internet and childcare services.
The establishment of the hubs forms part of the Oceans Alive iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA) project driven by WILDOCEANS, a programme of the WILDTRUST.
The design of the facilities makes provision for entertainment and training, skills development initiatives, community meetings and tourism.
‘The hubs aim to provide support for initiatives such as promoting ocean awareness, micro-enterprise development, employment opportunities for the youth, support for community involvement in conservation activities and tourism opportunities.
'It also facilitates access to amenities, promotes craft production and sales, and demonstrates projects linked to nature-based solutions and climate-smart agriculture,’ said WILDTRUST project manager Nozi Mbongwa.
A World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso is South Africa’s third-largest protected area, spanning an impressive 280km of biodiverse coastline.
Speaking at the event, iSimangaliso CEO Sbu Bukhosini encouraged communities to work with authorities towards a common goal of preserving their areas.
‘If conservation is to exist in perpetuity, we need to have strategic partnerships. Conservation cannot be a unilateral function of one state entity,’ he said.
WILDTRUST CEO Dr Roelie Kloppers said more than three billion people depend on marine and coastal resources for their livelihoods.
'Our oceans and coastal areas enable life on earth. Nobody understands the importance of these areas better than coastal communities, and we are proud to partner with community leadership, iSimangaliso and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in protecting our oceans and resources that our coastal communities depend on,' he said.
Seventy-four local people will be awarded accredited construction certificates for assisting with the hubs' establishment, including plumbing, carpentry, paving, fencing and painting. They will also be included in an intense mentorship programme to enable them to develop sustainable construction businesses.
Clement Mdletshe, a plumber during the construction of the
Mabibi hub, said he was excited by the opportunity to contribute to the development of his community.
'I studied tourism in Durban, but unfortunately could not complete my studies or obtain employment. This opportunity presents me with a second chance of learning valuable skills which I will one day use to help my community,' he said.
Joe Phadima of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife urged the communities to look after their projects, which are for their own benefit.
Oceans Alive hopes to enable 120 micro-enterprises by 2023 to mitigate socio-economic challenges and improve livelihoods.