African Wildlife Foundation Brings Local Voice to World Parks Congress
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On September 8-17, 2003, conservationists, business leaders and government officials gathered in Durban, South Africa for the once-per-decade World Parks Congress to debate the future of the world's national parks and protected areas. The 2003 Congress took place, for the first time in history, in Africa, placing a special focus on Africa's parks and protected areas.
To ensure that the voice of the local people was heard, the African Wildlife Foundation sponsored the attendance of the following three individuals who have been intimately involved in land use issues in the Limpopo Heartland (a region centered on the Limpopo River, which spans Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe) over recent years:
Senior Chief, Shilungwa Mhinga, spoke about how his community was forced off their land when Kruger National Park was established in the early 1900's, but has since re-claimed the northern end of the park, along with a park management role, a share of profits and traversing rights.
Amos Mdluli talked about how his community has worked with private investors to establish Phumulani Lodge, an ecotourism lodge, to benefit the local families, while protecting the area's wildlife.
Sebastiao Maluleke highlighted his community's current struggle in land use negotiations with the newly created Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. This community stands on the brink of a decision as to whether or not they will be able to be part of the new park.
Together with a number of AWF's conservation experts, these local leaders lead a discussion entitled "Issues Facing Transboundary Natural Resource Management." This session highlighted the many challenges facing the creation and survival of Africa's protected areas which are increasingly spanning across community and even country boundaries.
Funding for these guests was made possible through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID).