South Africa’s journey through conservation has been long, complex and often contested. For decades, national parks were spaces of exclusion, fortress-like zones where fences, rules and guards kept people out in the name of biodiversity protection.
But times have changed, and South African National Parks (SANParks) has begun shedding the outdated “stock, lock and barrel” approach to conservation.
Today, the winds of transformation are pushing the organisation towards something far more inclusive, visionary and enduring: collaborative conservation, rooted in the Mega Living Landscape concept.
The traditional model, built on the idea of keeping people and nature apart is no longer viable. Conservation can no longer be monopolised by protected areas alone. In a country with a rich yet painful history of land dispossession and where communities live in proximity to national parks, ignoring the human element is not only unjust but unsustainable.
National parks must now be reimagined as living, breathing and shared spaces, deeply interwoven with the people who surround them.
The Mega Living Landscape is not a slogan, it’s a powerful redefinition of what conservation means. It places people at the heart of protected areas, acknowledging that landscapes are not only ecological systems but also cultural and economic systems. It’s an invitation to communities, traditional leadership, civil society and corporate partners to become co-authors of a conservation legacy.
Rhe time of fencing off nature and excluding people is over. Our national parks are not islands, they are bridges. They must connect past to future, ecosystems to economies and nature to nationhood
This new model insists on involving people at every stage, from planning and implementation to long-term management. It recognises that the knowledge systems of local communities, especially those of traditional leaders, are not just relevant, they are indispensable. Across the country, kings and chiefs continue to guide their communities, drawing on generational wisdom to map out legacies that will outlive them.
These leaders understand, perhaps more than most, that true sustainability comes not from instant gratification, but from patient planning, deep understanding and responsible governance.
Their approach mirrors what modern conservation must become — measured, inclusive and focused on the long game. Just like the ancient builders of African societies, today’s conservationists must be willing to plant trees under whose shade they may never sit. That’s what legacy-building requires. It demands resilience, foresight and collaboration.
But collaboration must come with shared responsibility. Conservation cannot be the work of SANParks alone. It cannot rest solely on rangers or scientists. Communities must understand their role, not only as beneficiaries but as custodians. Education and capacity building are critical. Governance structures must be transparent, equitable and accessible. Good governance isn’t a luxury; it’s the scaffolding on which this new conservation paradigm stands.
As we move into a new era, let us be clear: the time of fencing off nature and excluding people is over. Our national parks are not islands, they are bridges. They must connect past to future, ecosystems to economies and nature to nationhood.
This is the age of collaborative conservation. It is bold, it is inclusive and it is necessary. Together, let us build a legacy that will stand for generations, a legacy rooted not in isolation but in unity, respect and shared stewardship of South Africa’s greatest treasures.
• Rey T Thakhuli is the GM: communications at the Kruger National Park and formerly GM: media, events and stakeholder relations at South African National Parks head office, a writer, communications strategist, public speaker and content creator.
For opinion and analysis consideration, e-mail Opinions@timeslive.co.za
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