Experts say operating an effective global protected areas system would cost at least $45-billion a year, yet current expenditure on the existing protected areas network is in the region of $6,5-billion.
The quantum leap required to attain a level of funding sufficient to ensure a sustainable future and halt global biodiversity loss is one of the challenges facing the Fifth World Parks Congress, hosted in Durban from September 8 to 17.
The congress, held every 10 years, draws together protected area specialists from around the world to take stock of the global protected area estate and define priorities for future action.
The theme of this year’s congress is ‘Benefits Beyond Boundaries” and the focus is on addressing people’s needs and providing a stream of economic, political and environmental benefits to societies worldwide. Without a network of protected areas, benefits such as clean air and water, fertile soils, inspiring landscapes and unique wildlife will be lost.
The congress is expected to attract about 2 500 protected area specialists and representatives from governments, local and indigenous communities and the private sector.
The first World Parks Congress held in Africa, the event will focus attention on protected areas on the continent and mobilise international support to secure their future.
Africa has an extraordinary record of achievement in establishing protected areas, with two million square kilometres set aside. Africa has also pioneered transboundary conservation and has one of the world’s largest transboundary protected areas, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
The congress is organised by IUCN-The World Conservation Union, South African National Parks and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.