Communities alongside iSimangaliso Wetland Park benefit from resource hubs

Collaborative efforts are ensuring iSimangaliso Wetland Park – South Africa’s first proclaimed World Heritage Site and the largest terrestrial marine protected area (MPA) – is protected.

To showcase the work being done, media were invited by iSimangaliso Wetland Park authority and its MPA Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) partners WILDTRUST Project, for a two-day tour.

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WILDTRUST MPA EbA project manager Nozi Mbongwa said the relationship with iSimangaliso kept yielding positive results, benefitting the communities.

“The three community hubs at Nkovukeni, KwaDapha and Mabibi within iSimangaliso assist communities with various activities, including a library and computer lab. These facilities are also used to host meetings. WILDTRUST has created more than 27 permanent job opportunities for local community members living inside the park,” she said.

The media tour included a visit to KwaDapha Community Resource Hub where representatives interacted with the community and learnt more about the project.

iSimangaliso marketing manager Thandi Shabalala said through the leadership of CEO Sibusiso Bukhosini, ongoing projects such as these continue to address issues facing communities living in and adjacent to the park.

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