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Government to review the role of protected areas in growing the local economy
20 August 2008
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism will convene a two day conference to reflect on the successes and review challenges of the People and Parks programme (P&P). This conference looks at the role protected areas (land under conservation) play in local economic development and poverty alleviation.
The conference will be held in Mafikeng, North West province from 31 August to 2 September 2008 and will address the following issues:
* national co-management of protected areas framework
* status of land claims in protected areas
* land reform and government support post the settlement of land claims in a protected areas
* the people and parks charter adopted in 2006 in Beaufort West.
* memorandum of understanding on land claims and the clarification of roles and responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Land Affairs in terms of land claims in protected areas.
The conference will be addressed by the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Rejoice Mabudafhasi and will be attended by government officials, conservation agencies and representatives of communities affected by protected areas (park) activities.
People and Parks also contribute towards government's intention of halving unemployment and growing the economy by six percent by 2014.
Media is invited and those wishing to attend can confirm attendance with:
Lizzy Suping
Tel: 012 310 3310
Cell: 083 758 0553
E-mail: LSuping@deat.gov.za
Nthabiseng Mphela
Tel: 012 310 3202
Cell: 082 823 3695
E-mail: Nmphela@deat.gov.za
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mava Scott
Acting Chief Director Communications
Tel: 012 310 3379
Cell: 082 411 9821
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
20 August 2008
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)