Johannesburg - The controversial decision by SANParks to approve an upmarket hotel is a major deviation from the conservation ethos established for the Kruger National Park over a century ago, according to the lobby group fighting the “exploitation” of the reserve.
“The [Kruger National Park] has acquired not only national but also international acclaim for its rich biodiversity and its sound ecological management programmes, and the maintenance of its pristine wilderness ambience,” said Gerhard Smit, the convener of lobby group Against Interference In Kruger and Our Other Nature Assets.
The group wants to keep the Kruger “simple and wild” and is fighting plans by SANParks to build a plush safari resort near Malelane Gate and a conference lodge in Skukuza.
“The facilities on offer in a national park or nature reserve should never be the main attraction to the area, or be seen as a method of income generation at the cost of the primary attraction – being the natural environment and wilderness area,” said Smit. - Saturday Star