Hitchhikers’ guide to the legal context of protected area management plans in South Africa

• DOI: 10.4102/abc.v49i1.2399
• Publication Date: 2018-12-20T07:36:36Z
• Authors: Magda Goosen; Andrew C. Blackmore
• Keywords: CLARITY; Promulgation; Management by objectives; Legislative history

Background: Although formal protected areas in South Africa date back to the turn of 19th century, requirements for area management plans only became mandatory a century later. Prior promulgation World Heritage Convention Act 49 1999, and subsequently National Environmental Management: Protected Areas 57 2003, were voluntary, guidance plan’s content was fragmented across an array international, national provincial policy instruments.Objectives: As there has been little academic debate on relevance plans, improved understanding these role they play biodiversity conservation, is required.Method: This article explores evolution plan, revisiting its historical current legal context at international scales.Results: Despite being principal legislative framework Management Area did not consolidate plethora plan requirements, hence bring clarity when conflicted or ambiguous.Conclusion: Legal provisions are highly fragmented. risks complete, falling short requirement ensure that fulfil purpose which established. A consolidation relevant provisions, as well emerging best practices recommended. may require revision Africa’s environmental law, provide greater contemporary contribution conservation well-being people (viz. ‘purpose’).