The idea of designating land as protected areas has gathered momentum in recent years but with less local community participation.
“Local communities, through public-private and community development models must be closely involved in such management if they are to reap rewards,” said Charlene Hewat, director of Environment Africa in a recent interview.
The Makuleke people within the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Chitsa in the Gonarezhou National Parks have already agreed to such arrangements. “If collectively managed, the conservation of natural resources would reduce poverty levels and help preserve cultural identities,” said Hewat.
She said studies had revealed that in order to be effective, local people have to be at the core of environmental management. Environment Africa has formed a regional partnership centred around public-private and community development models.
Mutuso Dhliwayo, director of the Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association, a non-governmental organization that spearheads community rights said community rights to resource exploitation must be respected and monitored effectively so that they reap adequate benefits.
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