Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George says the National Parks Week serves as a profound reminder of the shared heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes that define South Africa.

‘We celebrate the deep and lasting connection between South Africans and the natural world that surrounds us. South African National Parks Week is about fostering that connection by inviting everyone to experience the wonders that these parks have to offer free of charge,’ George said.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of National Parks Week at the Marakele National Park in Thabazimbi, Limpopo on Sunday. This year the National Parks Week will run from Monday, 09 September- 15 September.

On the dates of 13 to 15 September only selected parks will still provide free entry to South African day visitors.

‘South Africa presides over a network of 21 national parks, each of which is managed by SANParks [South African National Parks] in six provinces,’ George said.

The Minister added that the parks belongs
to South Africans and that everyone should take collective responsibility to protect and preserve them for generations to come.

‘Now in its 19th year, National Parks Week has become a powerful platform to showcase the invaluable natural and cultural treasures we hold. By offering free access, SANParks is extending an open hand to all South Africans in order to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity and historical significance found within our parks.

‘As we reflect on the importance of the National Parks Week and our shared responsibility, it is equally important to look ahead. Our vision for South Africa’s national parks cannot be limited to conservation, it must extend to revitalisation and growth.

‘By involving young people in conservation efforts, we create a virtuous cycle. As up-and-coming generations connect with nature, they develop a sense of ownership, which in turn drives them to protect these resources for themselves and future generations.

Career pathways

‘More than that, the
development of our parks will present a wealth of opportunities and potential career pathways,’ he explained.

The Minister said that by learning about biodiversity, ecosystems and the tourism industry, young people will be able to leverage these natural assets into fulfilling careers in fields such as conservation, ecotourism and environmental management and protection.

Nation building

‘Our national parks serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. By combining the efforts of local communities, business leaders and political representatives in the success of these parks, we strengthen the ties that bind us as a nation,’ the Minister said.

A Thabazimbi resident, Prince Ngaoko told SAnews that he is happy with the SANParks initiative and that he is going to use the opportunity to teach his two kids about wild animals.

‘Our children grow up without knowing the different types of animals, this is an opportunity to show them the animals,’ Ngaoko said.

Echoing same sentiments was Nthati
Serorisi from Belabela who said she is going to take her kids to Marakele National Park.

‘It is important that our kids should know the different kinds of animals and that they should learn about preserving the country’s heritage,’ Serorisi said.

Visiting national parks

The annual South African National Parks Week provides all South Africans with the opportunity of exploring their local national park at absolutely no cost.

The inaugural National Parks Week was held in 2006 and was aimed at linking the South African national parks system to the global national movement and to also showcase the best of South Africa’s national parks.

The week grants free access to most of the 21 national parks for day visitors, especially people from the local communities. It should be noted that free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

Some of the parks will be extending the week to include weekends. For individual park dates and participating parks please
visit: https://www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week/default.php

National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

SANParks Vision 2040

SANParks recently embarked on an ambitious project, the SANParks Vision 2040 which in part is about cultivating a collective sense of community, healing, and inspiration that resonates with all South Africans.

Vision 2040 is about looking to the future and reimaging the way we conservation is done.

SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.

Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through pa
rtnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, businesses, scientists and tourists.

Every year SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens that are granted free access to national parks.

Since the start of the programme, some 785 621 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter national parks.

Source: South African Government News Agency