Government, conservation leaders and community representatives gathered at the 10th People and Parks National Conference to strengthen partnerships between communities and protected areas while advancing inclusive conservation across South Africa.
Addressing delegates, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp emphasised that conservation must directly benefit communities living closest to nature.
“Conservation is not only about protecting wildlife and landscapes for today, but about securing a sustainable future for the next generation,” said Minister Aucamp.
The biannual conference, marking two decades of the People and Parks Programme, brought together government, traditional leaders, the wildlife industry and civil society to assess progress and identify practical solutions linking biodiversity protection with economic development.
Minister Aucamp noted that conservation success depends on meaningful community participation, particularly in areas neighbouring protected environments.
“When communities benefit from conservation, they become its strongest champions,” he said.
Over the past twenty years, the People and Parks Programme has supported co-management agreements, land restitution within protected areas, enterprise development linked to eco-tourism, and skills opportunities connected to the growing biodiversity economy.
The conference also highlighted ongoing challenges, including infrastructure backlogs, human-wildlife conflict and climate pressures affecting conservation areas and surrounding communities.
Aucamp warned that climate change continues to threaten ecosystems, livelihoods and food security, particularly in vulnerable regions experiencing drought and land degradation.
Delegates were encouraged to accelerate partnerships, strengthen sustainable financing models and expand opportunities for youth, women and local enterprises within conservation value chains.
The conference positioned inclusive conservation as both a national priority and a global responsibility, aligning South Africa’s efforts with international biodiversity targets aimed at protecting at least 30% of land and marine ecosystems by 2030.
As discussions continue, the People and Parks platform aims to ensure conservation delivers measurable social and economic impact alongside environmental protection, securing benefits for communities and future generations alike.
