Congress Mahlangu
The government, through the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the South African National Parks (SANP), will host the World Park Congress at the International Convention Centre in Durban on September 18 and 19 2003.
The theme of the congress is “Benefits beyond boundaries” and it will review the global status of protected areas. A number of workshops will focus on links in the landscape, environmental awareness and support, governance, capacity building, management effectiveness, finance and resources with particular emphasis on Africa as the hosting continent.
The Swiss-based International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will assist national parks in coordinating activities at the congress. The IUCN is the world’s largest conservation organisation bringing together 75 states, 111 government agencies, 732 NGOs, 36 affiliates and 12 000 scientists and experts from 140 countries in a worldwide partnership.
According to SANP chief executive Mavuso Msimang, who is also the chairperson of the national planning committee, the world congress is a major international event in conservation circles.
“It will offer a special opportunity to take stock of protected areas. It will provide the opportunity for an honest appraisal of progress and setbacks, and to chart the course for the next decade and beyond,” he said.
“The congress would also capture the challenges and opportunities that face protected areas in the 21st century, and provide the flexibility to explore a wide variety of relevant sub-themes.”
The cost of hosting the congress is estimated to be about R20-million. About $45?000 has been contributed by the United States National Parks Services for the congress and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has provided R1, 5-million. The balance is expected to be raised from corporate donations and sponsorships.
A number of high-profile personalities has been identified and will be approached to serve as “congress ambassadors” to elevate the profile and awareness of the congress, and to support fundraising.
SANP communications head Dr Salifous Siddo says the congress represents a great opportunity to display South Africa as a world leader in biodiversity management, and position it as a prime tourism destination.
The World Park Congress is held once every 10 years and is widely regarded as the premier international event for protected areas. The last congress was held in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1992.
ENDS