Cultural Importance

An important development in conservation as a land-use option took place in October 2002 when a total of almost 58 000 ha of land in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was restored to the Khomani San and Mier communities. The 27 769 ha of San Heritage Land and 30 134 ha of Mier Heritage Land will be managed as contractual parks by SANParks and the income generated will be split equally. The communities retain commercial benefits and rights, as well as the use of the land for symbolic and cultural purposes. A lodge that will further benefit these communities is also planned for the area. This is a prime example of environmental management that also ensures the sustainability of conservation.