4 September 2007
Launch of Maloti-Drakensberg tourism route to ease cross border tourism and
promote regional co-operation between Lesotho and South Africa.
"Ten years ago, Lesotho and South Africa forged a partnership towards the
conservation and sustainable management of natural and cultural resources. For
this initiative to succeed the two countries need to strengthen their efforts
to address the challenges or threats facing this Tran Frontier Conservation and
Development Area (TFCA), that is the destruction of wetlands and heritage
resources, wild fires, illegal hunting and tourist safety."
These were the sentiments echoed by Lesotho Minister of Tourism, Environment
and Culture, Lebogang Ntsinyi and South African Deputy Minister of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, at the 10th anniversary
for the establishment of the Maloti-Drakensberg TFCA. The anniversary
celebration was marked by the launch of the Maloti-Drakensberg tourism route
linking the two countries as well as the launch of a book titled,
"Maloti-Drakensberg Experience," which highlights the main attractions within
this route.
Minister Ntsinyi said it was critical for South Africa and Lesotho to take
advantage of the potential for nature based tourism and position it so that it
benefits people of the region especially Lesotho, where most tourism products
are underdeveloped, if we are to optimise the spin-offs from the 2010 World Cup
Tournament.
The Maloti-Drakensberg TFCA links the Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho
and Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage site in South Africa and is
funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the World Bank.
This TFCA is renowned for its rich biodiversity and its internationally
recognised heritage status of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, the Ramsar
listing of wetland areas, namely, the Ukhahlamba Park and Letsieng-La-Letsie in
Lesotho and the San rock art. It is also a major water source in southern
Africa.
Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi said that the vision is to position
southern Africa's Trans Frontier Conservation Areas as a single tourism route
and international destination for 2010 and beyond.
To date, Southern Africa has identified 6 TFCAs, namely, Kgalagadi,
Ais/Richetersveld, Greater Limpopo, Maloti-Drakensberg, Lubombo and Limpopo
Shashe. These peace parks have contributed towards the upliftment of
communities living in and adjacent to the parks.
For further information visit http//www.deat.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Mava Scott
Tel: 012 310 3379
Cell: 082 411 9821
Moses Rannditsheni
Tel: 012 310 3898
Cell: 082 448 2450
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
4 September 2007
