Climate change has become a global environmental problem for multiple countries and it is affecting the local communities in a severe way. Because of the increasing amount of evidence regarding global warming and climate change and the potential impacts of such change on many forms of tourism, the aspect of climate-tourism interactions warrants immediate and substantial consideration. Concerning the sensitivity to changes in temperature and rainfall, South Africa is among one of the top countries that is expected to be hit first by extreme climate change.
South Africa is well known for their national parks that represent the country’s biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife, these are protected areas and deserve environmental care and control. Because of climate change, these parks are in serious danger as a result of the changes in temperatures, which also indirectly influences the amount of rainfall. The chance of the biosphere being able to overcome and adapt to a changing climate is present when these changes take place over centuries. Unfortunately human interference, such as the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, is currently causing the climate to change too fast. This can result into serious damage to the environment, caused by global warming.
It is not the question if measurements should be taken, the question is how to take action, in order to slow the process down. SANParks(South African National Parks) is deeply involved in this process, they manage a system of parks in the whole of South Africa, which represent the indigenous fauna, flora, landscapes and associated cultural heritage of the country. This includes educational sessions on climate change, focussed interaction on recycling, clean-up operations with the communities, staff awareness about climate change and waste management. These actions should be taken seriously and implemented in the whole of South Africa, especially the communities living in close proximity to the national parks should be informed and educated on the sensitivities of their surroundings.
However, in order to achieve successful participatory management, the effective integration of the needs of the natural system with the people’s needs who depend upon these natural resources is necessary. As mentioned, there is a strong relationship between society, local people and the environment. This shows that the participatory natural recourse management processes include much more than the conventional preservation of individual species and protected areas. It involves the protection of the ecological integrity of the entire system and the strengthening of local economies in the process. Because the local community is aware of the problems, based on knowledge and understanding, it will enhance effectiveness of the activities and it will create sustainability in the long run. And because of the gap within the South African context in understanding and evaluating the operations of institutional networks, these workshops may help to inform and strengthen such relationships in the future.
Thus, informing the local population is a crucial matter in order to strengthen institutional networks. Adaption needs to be mainstreamed so that the conservation mechanisms can be effectively implemented. This will make people aware of the fact that the global climate is changing and their surroundings are in severe stress. The conservation of the national parks will support tourism growth in South African regions, which will contribute to the welfare of the locals and the development of the destination. The community participation improves the ability of stakeholders to contribute to the substantive quality of decisions affecting the environment. So the lack of awareness and poor information should be addressed in order to slow down the climate changing process.
Resources
Science Direct:
- Legal frameworks for and the practice of participatory natural resources management in South Africa
Blog article:
- The potential and pitfalls of global environmental governance: The politics of transfrontier conservation areas in Southern Africa
Google Scholar:
- http://www.springerlink.com/content/y74505028w181422/
- http://www.sanparks.org/about/news/2009/june/environment_day.php
Literature:
- Tourism Management Dynamics; trends, management & tools, by D. Buhalis & C. Costa 2006
Dear Laura,
It is interesting to read your article addressing the impact of climate change to National Parks in South Africa. Community involvement in minimizing the long term impact of climate change is very important. I commend SANParks on their lead role in addressing this issue through initiatives tailored to the local community.
In reading the article, I am interested in knowing whether the South African Government has also taken on an active role as well. I believe their contribution is crucial in aiding this process because as much as educational programs and practices are implemented, without the establishment of appropriate policies all efforts could lead to minimal results.
Dear Elizabeth,
I appreciate the fact that you agree on my statement. SANparks have taken up great initiatives towards involving the local community in the impact of climate change. Referring to your comment, the government has taken on an active role in this issue, SANparks are supported by the government through the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. They provide environmental information in support of effective environmental management and public participation in environmental governance. I see the government as a stakeholder as well and agree with you on the fact that appropriate policies should be implemented, nevertheless, they are very supportive towards these programmes and practices. If you would like to know more about the goverments role in this topic, take a look at this website: http://www.deat.gov.za/
Best regards,
Laura