Thriving ecotourism activities support South African National Parks (SANParks)
National conservation parastatal in South Africa maintaining a network of 22 protected areas accounting for 37 000 km2 or 4% of the nations land area (an additional 4.9% is formally protected as provincial parks, and public and private game reserves). It has an annual budget of close to R1 billion ($65 million), and 80% of this is self-generated driven by thriving tourism activities. Moreover, this revenue allows SANParks to expand the conservation estate year on year, with 700 000ha added since the advent of democracy in 1994.
Why is this case a good example of linking tourism and conservation?
Are there plans to further improve this example of tourism supporting conservation in the future?
How could this example be transferred to another protected area and knowledge be shared?
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