People and Conservation

Support our Cultural Heritage Programme

National Parks throughout the country represent the country’s wealth in biological as well as cultural diversity. Popular sites such as Mapungubwe World Heritage site, Thulamela in the Kruger National Park and Table Mountain are an indication of the heritage resources under SANParks custodianship.

Where as biological diversity has over the decades been SANParks’ core business; the conservation and management of cultural resources, as well as the mobilization, promotion and recording of associated oral histories and indigenous knowledge systems, have equally become core to SANParks vision, mission and corporate objectives.

South African National Parks (SANParks) acknowledges South Africa’s rich and diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage and is committed to ensuring the safeguarding of this heritage in the areas under its jurisdiction. SANParks’ trusteeship therefore includes both the natural and cultural heritage components, and such cultural assets are taken into account in development projects and the needs and values of especially local/neighbouring communities are honored in this respect.

The main purpose of this programme is to conceptualize, plan, strengthen and oversee implementation of Cultural Resource Management and Indigenous Knowledge in all National parks. Limitations of past Apartheid and conservation laws have however inhibited SANParks’ ability to explore and promote a variety of community linked tourism opportunities as well as an exploration of associated park based cultural assets.

In order to deliver a people centred conservation and tourism mandate for SANParks it is our intention that all National Parks effectively develop and promote culture based tourism products. It is also our intention to promote access to research and educational opportunities linked to cultural heritage resources in National parks. More financial resources are still needed to ensure that these plans and good intentions are fully implemented.

Make a donation to our Cultural Heritage Programme