tourism and promote regional socio-economic development
24 August 2007
Ten years ago on 14 September, a declaration for the establishment of the
Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Area (MDTP) was
signed by South Africa and Lesotho. The 4 of September 2007, will see Minister
Lebogang Ntsinyi of Tourism, Environment and Culture from the Kingdom of
Lesotho and Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi from the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism in South Africa celebrate the tenth
anniversary of this pronouncement by launching the tourism route linking the 2
countries to promote cross border tourism and the 'Maloti - Drakensberg
Experience,' a book highlighting the main attraction and facilities on this
route. The MDTP whose primary objective is the conservation of biodiversity and
cultural heritage links the Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho and
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage site in South Africa.
This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the
World Bank. This TransFrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) is renowned for its
rich biodiversity and its internationally recognised heritage status of the
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and the Ramsar listing of wetland areas namely the
Ukhahlamba Park and Lets'eng-La-Letsie in Lesotho and the San art rock.
A media tour has been scheduled for 3 September 2007 in the afternoon. Media
wishing to attend the event can confirm with:
Lizzy Suping
Tel: 012 310 3310
Cell: 083 758 0553
The 10th anniversary will take place on:
Date: 4 September 2007
Time: 09h30 to 14h00
Venue: Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
For more information, please contact:
Mava Scott
Chief Director Communications (Acting)
Tel: 012 310 3379
Cell: 082 411 9821
Moses Randitshenni
Media Liaison Officer: Office of the Deputy Minister
Tel: 012 310 3898
Cell: 082 448 2450
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
24 August 2007
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)
