SOUTH Africa’s natural assets contribute significantly to the economy, with tourism contributing 8.6% while creating 9.2% of the country’s employment.

“Tourism strengthens the local economy, and helps reduce poverty and inequality in the district. It enables people to pursue business ideas that were previously impossible,” said iSimangaliso Wetland Park CEO Sibusiso Bukhosini.

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He explained that iSimangaliso has a wealth of biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, and is home to the ‘Big Seven’; the Big 5 plus southern right whale and great white shark.

“The mission of iSimangaliso is to benefit communities living in and adjacent to the park by facilitating optimal tourism and related development.

“Conservation and tourism have a huge potential to create sustainable job opportunities that can help change the livelihoods of our neighbouring communities. As the management of the park, we are implementing this mission into action,” said Bukhosini.

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