Parks that cross the borderline : transnational co-operation in Southern Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this era of globalisation, the world is becoming more economically, politically andecologically interdependent, that is, there is a growing mutual vulnerability betweenactors. The conditions of growing interdependence produce specific challengingcircumstances for the achievement of particular goals, -includinq that of sustainabledevelopment. The Southern African context holds further obstacles to such development,which include poverty, inequality, a history of racial conflict and colonialism, and aregional economy on the semi-periphery of the global economy. It is my assertion that itis in the mutual self-interest of states and other stakeholders (e.g. communities) toapproach this dilemma through transnational co-operation under the ethical umbrella ofsustainable development. Thus this thesis seeks to discover to what extent theconstruction of Transborder Conservation Areas (TBCAs), relatively large areas whichstraddle the borders between two or more countries and cover natural systemsincorporating one or more protected areas, can meet the criteria of sustainabledevelopment, given these conditions. The three primary criteria used for measuringsustainable development are community-based development; close linkages between theenvironment and development; and co-operation on all levels. The Kgalagadi TBCA,formally recognised on the 7th of April 1999 between South Africa and Botswana, servesas the case study. The conceptual framework used for the analysis is a theory of cooperation,as it applies to the field of International Relations. The key concepts employedhere are those of interdependence, co-operation, sustainable development andinstitutionalisation. The research centers around three key issues: If sustainabledevelopment is the way forward for Southern Africa, do TBCAs reflect and fulfill thecriteria as set forth by sustainable development? What does the experience of TBCAs inSouthern Africa tell us about co-operation, recognising that TBCAs can only succeed if ithas a sound base in the awareness and engagement of people? And, how best candecision-makers go about establishing TBCAs? Ultimately the thesis is a call to SouthernAfrican countries to embrace this new form of utilising the environment.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University