The Fourth People and Parks Conference will take place from Sunday, 29 August until Wednesday, 1 September at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal.
The conference will be convened under the People and Parks programme's overarching theme: "Conservation for the People with the People".
The conference will see the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Buyelwa Sonjica launch the National Co-Management Framework and address issues of transformation in the biodiversity and conservation sector.
Mme Rejoice Mabudafhasi, the Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs will speak on the significance of the People and Parks programme and also launch a publication that documents our journey from days when issues of land ownership clashed with efforts to conserve natural resources to an era when the country committed itself to protecting and upholding the rights of communities in the conservation of our rich natural and associated cultural heritage resources.
The overall aim of the People and Parks programme is to address issues at the interface between conservation and communities in particular the realisation of tangible benefits by communities who were previously displaced to pave way for the establishment of protected areas.
The programme has grown in leaps and bounds since the country hosted the World Parks Congress, in Durban in 2003.
Other key addresses will be delivered by the Minister of Basic Education, Minister Angie Motshekga, Minister Gugile Nkwinti, Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform and Gareth Ackerman, Chairperson of Pick 'n Pay.
A new Kids in Parks memorandum of understanding will also be signed on Monday by Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Minister Buyelwa Sonjica, Minister of Basic Education, Minister Angie Motshekga, Chief Executive Officer of SanParks, Dr David Mabunda and Pick 'n Pay Chairperson, Gareth Ackerman.
It is envisaged that 600 delegates from communities, government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and academics will be in attendance.
Media is invited for the duration of the conference. A press conference will be convened on Monday, 29 August. Details of the press conference will be communicated to the media in due course.
Conference details:
Date: 29 August to 1 September
Time: 08h00
Venue: King Bhekuzulu hall, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal
To confirm your attendance please contact:
Lucky Sindane
Tel: 012 310 3198
Cell: 072 188 9216
E-mail: lsindane@environment.gov.za
Ernest Mulibana
Tel: 012 310 3990
E-mail: emulibana@environment.gov.za
For media queries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076
Department of Environmental Affairs hosts Fourth People and Parks Conference in KwaZulu-Natal
