(please note – this session open to members and observers, not for general participation)

Southern African wilderness can be favorably compared with the most precious wilderness areas in the world. Although these areas are becoming increasingly fragmented, it is, remarkably, still possible to link existing and new wilderness areas through the establishment of conservation corridors. It is however neither possible, nor moral, to work for the protection of African wilderness without recognizing and addressing the livelihood needs of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, particularly women, who are often totally dependent on the natural resources that wilderness areas have to offer them. It is indeed possible to protect and expand wilderness areas which meet accepted international standards, while meeting the needs of the rural communities living on the periphery of these areas.

Challenging and innovative work is being conducted in South Africa to integrate the establishment and expansion of protected areas with the development of rural livelihood opportunities for local communities. A better understanding is emerging of the complex implementation processes that are required to protect and expand wilderness through Responsible Tourism, land restitution, tenure and sustainable institutional structures. The opportunity exists at the 8th World Wilderness Congress to share what we in South Africa have learnt with experts from other continents who can in turn assist us with improving our standards for best practice in connectivity.

Contact: Sue McClintock smcclintock01@telkomsa.net