While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.
At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos and Prof. Dirk Cilliers, is working to find exactly that balance.
“Conservation areas are the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation,” says Prof. Alberts. “They are essential to prevent the loss in biodiversity. Yet, we have to admit that millions of people still depend on these areas for their livelihood.”
According to him, the challenge lies in promoting socio-economic growth without sacrificing the natural environment. He points out that the most recent South African white book on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the biodiversity economy strategy both emphasise that conservation and development go hand in hand. “The vision is that biodiversity forms the basis of a sustainable livelihood and inclusive economic development,” he explains.
Prof. Roos agrees but warns that the ecological balance remains fragile. “Our research shows that many protected areas in Africa still experience habitat loss, despite their formal protection status. Conservation must always remain the primary objective and economic growth may not take place at the expense of the environment.”
The research by the NWU team also focuses on how environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are applied in protected areas. “An EIA should be a protection instrument,” says Prof. Retief, “but it is too often used to legalise development that just does not belong there.”
He refers to examples of EIAs that have been used to justify mining projects in protected areas. “We have seen this repeatedly in the region,” he adds. “To prevent this, we propose that a set of non-negotiable principles be developed to guide any development in protected areas.”
In the meantime, Prof. Cilliers identifies a dangerous trend: the proposal to completely exclude an EIA for certain developments. “The idea of eliminating an EIA in parts of the Kruger National Park is extremely concerning,” he says. “EIAs are not there just to identify and mitigate impacts, but also to give the public a say in conservation decisions. Eliminating this undermines transparency.”
According to Prof. Alberts, the biggest problem does not always lie with the legislation, but with its execution. “Africa has good, progressive environmental laws. The challenge is to apply and enforce them effectively.”
The group also emphasises the necessity for principled leadership in a time of climate uncertainty and competitive national priorities. “We need leaders who are not afraid to make unpopular decisions in the interests of long-term conservation,” says Prof. Roos. “They must understand that biodiversity is an invaluable supplier of ecosystem goods and services, even those that do not hold monetary value for people.”
“It is no secret that governments do not have the financial means to tackle the conservation challenges on the continent on their own,” says Prof. Cilliers. The group feels that partnerships with the private sector and privately funded protected areas are essential.
“We are already seeing major changes,” he explains. “Governments are starting to collaborate with private organisations to manage protected areas. In South Africa, conservation on private land already contributes significantly to our national objectives.”
Prof. Retief adds: “Policy must utilise this potential by creating an environment in which investments in conservation are encouraged and protected. If it is managed correctly, conservation can be financially sustainable on its own.”
What makes the Protected Areas Research Group unique is their interdisciplinary approach. The team combines expertise from environmental sciences, spatial planning and policy analysis to develop practical solutions.
“We work across the boundaries of disciplines because conservation does not take place in silos,” Prof. Alberts explains. “Our aim is to conduct research that really makes a difference at grassroots level – from policy to implementation.”
In a time in which conservation decisions are often politically loaded, this NWU team adds a well-balanced, scientifically grounded voice to the conversation. As Prof. Roos says: “Conservation in Africa requires courage, vision and cooperation. It is about more than just saving species – it is about the future of people and nature.”
