Scientific Services

SANParks scientists are dedicated to engaging and communicating with a variety of stakeholders, including the general public and various local interest groups

SANParks’ scientists have interacted close one hundred times in the past year with the media and other stakeholders; where they have communicated with and shared information. These interactions include Dr. Alison Kock commenting on sharks and penguins in the press, Dr. Izak Smit talking Izak talking about high intensity fires and bush encroachment on television and Dr. Llewellyn Foxcroft contributing to an article in the Farmer’s Weekly on the invasion of alien myna in Kruger.

SANParks scientists are dedicated to engaging and communicating with a variety of stakeholders, including the general public and various local interest groups. This communication is essential in sharing scientific evidence as well as values that underpin conservation decision-making while building trust and increasing understanding of complex trade-offs. Engaging with stakeholders also provides valuable opportunities for SANParks to hear first-hand about the perspectives and experiences of various interest groups regarding national parks.

In fact, SANParks’ scientists have recorded close to one hundred activities in the past year where they have communicated with and shared information with a wide spectrum of stakeholders and interested groups. These activities take many forms, including high-profile television programs, such as Carte Blanche, and radio interviews on stations like Radio Sonder Grense, Cape Talk, and Voice of America. SANParks’ scientists also write for various online publications like The Conversation and are interviewed or quoted by top print and online news outlets like Mail and Guardian, Daily Maverick, Rapport, IOL, and News24.

As online platforms become increasingly popular, SANParks’ scientists are taking advantage of new opportunities to present webinars and post informative content as podcasts or on popular social media platforms. However, their focus is not solely on using highly visible media outlets. They also meet locally with various interest groups across the socio-economic spectrum. For instance, they have engaged in discussions with subsistence fishers, thatch harvesters, yacht clubs, and even given talks to students from pre-schools to universities and volunteer groups. The dedication of SANParks’ scientists to communication and engagement ensures that they are effectively sharing and increasing their knowledge to promote conservation and protect national parks.

This article was originally published in the 2022/2023 Research Report.