Thompsons Africa, Southern Africa's largest inbound Tour Operator, brings you the low-down on Southern Africa's Peace Parks, as nine Southern African Community Development (SADC) Countries unite to market the Region's Transfrontier Parks under one brand, sharing a passion for nature, culture and community.
There have been 14 Transfrontier Conservation Areas identified, seven of which are in place. These are areas straddling across two or more international borders, where natural and cultural resources are jointly managed by the governments or authorities involved.
For example, The Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area stretches through South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland, and combines the diversity of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, King Dingaan's Grave and the site of his murder, the sacred Hlatikulu Forest in the Lebombo Mountains, the ruins of Manhoca Border Post in Mozambique, Maputo Special Reserve with its tall sand forest, riverine woodlands, open grassland, marshlands and freshwater lakes, lagoons and sea shore, Tembe Elephant Park. Here over 220 of the largest elephants in the world roam, as well as in the Hlane National Park, home to the largest herds of game in Swaziland.
The creation of these vast super-parks allow game like elephants, to roam freely, where international boundaries had cut them off from natural boundaries. Ancient migration routes can now be restored.
The concept and purpose of these Peace Parks, as they are also known, is to employ conservation as a land-use option for local people, by which they, as a result of sustainable economic development, utilise natural resources while protecting natural assets.
They are a boon for tourism in Southern Africa, which has been recognised as one of the most important vehicles to sustainable African economies. Once all 14 are established they could accommodate 8 million visitors per annum - a huge boost for job creation.
A further development is the possible introduction of a Uni-Visa for the Region, which has been given high priority by the SADC Council of Ministers, and will hopefully be in place by June 2010.
Thompsons Africa has developed itineraries and travel packages to promote the flow of tourists across international borders. These will feature in its new 2009/2010 Holiday Planner brochure for international travellers.
Linda Pampallis, CEO, Thompsons Africa says as Africans we need to support this exciting initiative where so much has been achieved in a short period of time.
- For further information contact [email protected] or 031 275 3528.