[WATCH] Lockdown puts pressure on nature and conservation

"This country generates a lot of money from tourism and we can already see the detrimental affects this lockdown has had..."

May 26, 2020

Bruce Douglas 1 minute read

Recent rainfall has revived the Buffalo River.

Formally protected areas will experience severe financial strain during and post Covid-19.

This is the prediction of Angus Burns, Senior Manager for the Land and Biodiversity Stewardship Programme with the World Wildlife Fund South Africa.

“It will require that we support local after the lockdown and try as much as possible to create enabling situations for tourism, and support for conservation.”

While he found it difficult to make predictions for conservancy at the different stages of the lockdown, Field Officer with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Bradley Gibbons hoped residents would support and appreciate nature/game reserves and national parks once restrictions are eased enough.

“This country generates a lot of money from tourism and we can already see the detrimental affects this lockdown has had, so I hope businesses in the tourism industry will get a lot of local support once lockdown ends.”

Gibbons said this would ultimately benefit nature if it is appreciated, and the income which can be generated from South Africa’s beautiful tourist facilities.

Burns concluded with an anecdotal observation about the reduced human presence in common areas in towns.

“Wildlife seems to be more visible and people have in passing such areas, noticed wildlife they didn’t see before. I imagine this is because of the reduced disturbance, allowing for these creatures to venture out more boldly. Also, I have had many people tell me the skies have been less polluted and birdlife seem more prolific.”