Conservation Services

The Park Management Plan Process

• Introduction
• SANParks Coordinated Policy Framework
• Framework for Developing and Implementing Management Plans for SANParks
• Process for Developing or Revising Park Management Plans
  
• Draft Management Plans
• Approved Plans
• Request for Information

Introduction

The National Environment Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003 (NEM: PAA) requires that South African National Parks (SANParks) produces management plans for all national parks in consultations with stakeholders. The objective of a management plan is to ensure the protection, conservation and management of the protected area concerned in a manner which is consistent with the objectives of the NEM: PAA and for the purpose it was declared.

SANParks Coordinated Policy Framework

The SANParks Coordinated Policy Framework comprises generic policy statements applicable to all National Parks which informs the contents of the Park Management Plans. Download (PDF, 1.2MB) a copy of the document here.

Framework for Developing and Implementing Management Plans for SANParks

SANParks has created a framework for developing and implementing management plans it practices so that interested members of the public, collaborators as well as employees have an understanding of our management processes, especially Strategic Adaptive Management.

• Framework for Developing and Implementing Management Plans for SANParks
• Stakeholder Participation in Support of Developing and Implementing Management Plans for SANParks (PDF, 1.5MB)

Process for Developing or Revising Park Management Plans

The Protected Areas Act requires that a national park be managed exclusively for the purpose for which it was declared. However, SANParks recognises that the environment is in constant flux, is interlinked with the socio-economic and political spheres and could be affected by societal values. Protected area management should therefore take cognisance of the ever changing environment and diversity of influences, and plan accordingly. In consultation with stakeholders SANParks will be revising the management plan of each park approximately every six years.

Management plans that will be reviewed during the period 2011/2012 are:

• Augrabies Falls National Park,
• Bontebok National Park, and
• Camdeboo National Park.

All Stakeholders are thus invited to register to participate in the revision of the above mentioned management plans.

Management plans that are currently being finalized for consideration by the Minister are:

• Agulhas National Park
• Golden Gate Highlands National Park
• Mapungubwe National Park
• Namaqua National Park
• West Coast National Park

Draft Management Plans

The following draft plans have been submitted to the Minister: Department of Environmental Affairs for approval.

Approved Management Plans

The Approved Management Plans for the various Parks are available for download here.

Request for Information