SANParks Provides Update On Closed Tokai And Silvermine Trails
SANParks wishes to announce that the trails currently closed in Tokai and Silvermine East (including the Kalk Bay/St. James/Muizenberg mountains and t...
SANParks Handover Launch of Fishing Equipment and Permits to Local Communities in the Garden Route
The 28th of March 2024 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment of South African National Parks (SANParks) to the social well-being of communities neighbouring national parks. In a ceremony held in Knysna, SANParks officially launched the second phase of the Anglers Support Program, handing over fishing equipment, permits, and certificates of participation to 45 beneficiaries from Hornlee, and Concordia in Knysna and 30 young people from Stormsriver village, Thornham and Nompumelelo village in the Tsitsikamma area.
The initial phase involved comprehensive workshops and training equipping all the beneficiaries with practical angling skills.
The Anglers Support Program, initiated in April 2022 at the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park, underscores the important connection between the marine natural resources managed by SANParks and the communities living next to parks. This program addresses the needs of families who depend on these resources for their livelihoods.
The program has grown from initially supporting 43 senior citizens in the Wilderness area to now assisting over 300 fishermen and women across four national parks (Addo Elephant National Park, Table Mountain National Park, West Coast National Park and three sections of the Garden Route National Park). The program’s success reflects SANParks’ commitment to sustainable and impactful community support initiatives.
Through the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Social Legacy Programme, SANParks continues to implement various initiatives aimed at socio-economic development, including infrastructure projects in schools, community bursaries, food and water security, and biodiversity economy initiatives.
Funding for these projects is sourced from the 1% tourism income on all accommodation bookings, totalling an estimated R6 million to R7 million per annum over the past five years.
The event also emphasized partnerships with municipalities, NGOs, and stakeholders in assisting communities in need. As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, SANParks reaffirms its commitment to collaboration and partnership in creating a future where all South Africans thrive.
SANParks expresses gratitude to partners and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the program’s success.