Community participation and sustainable development in the establishment of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Park

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study is titled Community participation and sustainable development inthe establishment of the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier ConservationPark. lt encompasses the area and stakeholders on the South African side ofthe Transfrontier Conservation Park (TFCP), which falls within theRichtersveld municipal area. lt covers the whole process of the developmentof the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld TFCP, from its Conceptual Phase to the signing ofthe International Treaty to formally establish the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld TFCP1.This development is expected to hold numerous benefits for the stakeholdersthat are involved in its process, especially job creation through increasedtourism. lt is an exceptional project, as the main stakeholders are thecommunities who are the legal landowners of the Richtersveld National Park.The management structure of the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld TFCP allows fullparticipation by the local communities through elected members from the fourtowns in the surrounding area (Khuboes, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing andSanddrift) as well as local pastoralists.The theoretical approach that will be used in this study is that of sustainabledevelopment. The key components required for sustainable social, economic,and environmental development will be discussed, and are used as yardsticksagainst which the actual process of establishment of the TFCP will be'measured'. Participation is regarded as a main aspect of sustainabledevelopment and is highlighted in this study.The methodology that was employed included interviewing and participantobservation as well as an in-depth documentary analysis of aspects of theTFCP. The benefits and value of the methods used is discussed, as well asthe limitations of the study.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University