South African National Parks (SANParks) Vision 2040 for Mega Living Landscapes (MLLs) centres on creating vast, sustainable landscapes where biodiversity conservation coexists with human development. This vision, part of SANParks’ broader initiative for “A Life in Harmony with Nature,” aligns with global conservation goals such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 initiative, aiming to protect 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. MLLs are designed to preserve ecological integrity while also contributing to social and economic growth by promoting eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and green businesses.

MLLs emphasize partnerships with communities, aiming to ensure local populations benefit from conservation efforts. The vision prioritizes inclusivity and community engagement, particularly for those living in or near protected areas, fostering sustainable livelihoods and job opportunities in conservation-linked sectors. This strategy also contributes to South Africa’s National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, which seeks to leverage biodiversity as a driver for inclusive growth and ecological resilience.

By 2040, SANParks envisions MLLs as key assets for ecological and economic resilience, enhancing South Africa’s standing as a global biodiversity steward while promoting local empowerment and sustainable development in harmony with natural ecosystems.

Through championing vast, interconnected landscapes of land and seascapes, SANParks aims to foster a future where nature and cultural heritage thrive alongside human well-being.

National Parks could serve as essential hubs that nurture and sustain these expansive areas,  contributing to the nation’s physical health, economic prosperity, social unity, and spiritual well-being. This vision can help South Africa forge a sustainable path forward, ensuring people live in harmony with nature for generations to come.

SANParks vision is to be at the centre of biodiversity protection, a cocreator of climate resilience, a guardian of heritage and a driver for socio-economic progress in South Africa is at the heart of the MLL concept. The ‘green belt’s surrounding National Parks will become interconnected ecologically alive lands replacing the current fragmented National Park systems. What happens outside the National Parks will be as important as what happens inside them.

The vision and spatial framework of the SANParks Managed Landscape and Livelihoods (MLL) concept are vital to support, as they aim to cultivate expansive, sustainable landscapes that benefit both people and nature. For these landscapes to fully realize their potential, it’s essential to prevent inappropriate developments that could undermine this objective.

As a national priority, Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) should carefully consider and respect these spatial plans in their evaluations. Likewise, Interested and Affected Parties (I&AP’s) are encouraged to raise concerns if this vision is disregarded or overlooked, helping to ensure that development aligns with the broader goal of creating resilient and thriving living landscapes.

REFERENCE READING:

https://vision2040.sanparks.org/