New National Park in Namaqualand. (22 October, 1996)

The proclamation of a national park on the Namaqualand coast has been proposed for mid-1997. This proposed national park will provide conservation status to one of the most species-rich, arid areas in the world, as well as to the unique marine and coastal life of the area. The creation of such a national park will stimulate development in Namaqualand. Tourism and employment opportunities will increase, a market for local goods and services will be established an an infrastructure will be created in the area so that tourists and Namaqualanders alike can enjoy all that his coast has to offer.

What makes this national park unique, is that a Planning Forum has been constituted regarding the establishment of the park. A series of workshops will be held, which will involve all role-players in discussions on their concerns and expectations regarding the national park, as well as principles that should guide the establishment of such a park. These principles will ensure that the National Parks Board and other decision-makers are guided in their actions by the need for affirmative action, the use of natural resources, the integration of traditional knowledge in management, participation in planning, equity, rural development and the provision of opportunities for education and research.

According to the National Parks Board's Director for Research and Development, Dr Anthony Hall-Martin, the forum sets an important precedent for the establishment of protected areas throughout the country. It is also the first time in South African history that public participation has been sought prior to the establishment of a national park.