Kruger National Park: Be Careful of what We may Lose
Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 5:03 pm
I've been mulling over this for some time, and I think it's a core part of what Africa Wild stands for and was created for:
Kruger Park has been going for 100 years or so, and has been built up to an internationally famous, well respected and loved icon. It contains the greatest animal biodiversity in Africa, combined with a well-established local and international tourism infrastructure.
It has had massive conservation successes over the years, probably most notably becoming the world's greatest Rhino sanctuary.
It has directly or indirectly contributed many, many billions of Rands to South Africa's economy over the years, and similarly has kept the Lowveld economically viable since time immemorial, mostly through cottage industries, adjacent accommodation enterprises, simple food/drink/grocery providing enterprises etc.
It has therefore provided many thousands of desperately needed jobs, more indirectly than directly.
In fact, the benefits of Kruger to South Africa are impossible to quantify and the recipe has obviously been unique and proven to be incredibly successful!
Now here's the point:
All this took many years to build up, no matter who was in charge at various times.
Over the last scant four years or so, repeated sources of worry have surfaced regularly regarding the state of Kruger, both in local and international and social media, and even in SA parliament.
I do not include Rhino Poaching or Flood damage, obviously.
However a list of concerns:
Multi-million Rand Hotel/lodge developments, with hotly-debated merits right up to Parliamentary level.
Increased visitor numbers/gate quotas, leading to horrendous overcrowding during peak-season.
Continued sales of Rhino, despite various queries related to the destiny and safety of these animals.
Regular complaints regarding maintenance of tourist accommodation.
The country's longest ever strike by workers.
Questionable high-intensity burning experiments.
The destruction of Internationally renowned water points.
The cessation of comprehensive aerial censussing of large mammals.
The cessation of elephant culling, and an about-turn regarding the seriousness of that problem.
The decay in services at Camps and Picnic spots regarding provision of refreshments.
The diversion of conservation funds toward community projects outside the Park that are the responsibility of other Government Departments.
New entrance gates of questionable value and intent.
A repeated reference to Land Claims, which are spurious in many instances, and not SANParks' problem.
An apparent political angle to many decisions and postures taken by SANParks of late.
Questionable practices regarding booking accommodation.
The list can go on.
So where do we stand?
More to come...
Kruger Park has been going for 100 years or so, and has been built up to an internationally famous, well respected and loved icon. It contains the greatest animal biodiversity in Africa, combined with a well-established local and international tourism infrastructure.
It has had massive conservation successes over the years, probably most notably becoming the world's greatest Rhino sanctuary.
It has directly or indirectly contributed many, many billions of Rands to South Africa's economy over the years, and similarly has kept the Lowveld economically viable since time immemorial, mostly through cottage industries, adjacent accommodation enterprises, simple food/drink/grocery providing enterprises etc.
It has therefore provided many thousands of desperately needed jobs, more indirectly than directly.
In fact, the benefits of Kruger to South Africa are impossible to quantify and the recipe has obviously been unique and proven to be incredibly successful!
Now here's the point:
All this took many years to build up, no matter who was in charge at various times.
Over the last scant four years or so, repeated sources of worry have surfaced regularly regarding the state of Kruger, both in local and international and social media, and even in SA parliament.
I do not include Rhino Poaching or Flood damage, obviously.
However a list of concerns:
Multi-million Rand Hotel/lodge developments, with hotly-debated merits right up to Parliamentary level.
Increased visitor numbers/gate quotas, leading to horrendous overcrowding during peak-season.
Continued sales of Rhino, despite various queries related to the destiny and safety of these animals.
Regular complaints regarding maintenance of tourist accommodation.
The country's longest ever strike by workers.
Questionable high-intensity burning experiments.
The destruction of Internationally renowned water points.
The cessation of comprehensive aerial censussing of large mammals.
The cessation of elephant culling, and an about-turn regarding the seriousness of that problem.
The decay in services at Camps and Picnic spots regarding provision of refreshments.
The diversion of conservation funds toward community projects outside the Park that are the responsibility of other Government Departments.
New entrance gates of questionable value and intent.
A repeated reference to Land Claims, which are spurious in many instances, and not SANParks' problem.
An apparent political angle to many decisions and postures taken by SANParks of late.
Questionable practices regarding booking accommodation.
The list can go on.
So where do we stand?
More to come...
All extremely valid and relevant concerns!! 
