Potential benefits associated with implementation of the national biodiversity economy strategy in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT The biodiversity economy provides an important boost to socio-economic development in many developing countries. Yet access and participation by previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) has been limited, particularly in South Africa. To address this social inequality, the Biodiversity Economy Strategy (BES), implemented by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, encouraged PDIs to start game farms. We aimed to identify the critical factors influencing successful implementation of the BES in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, and its socio-economic and conservation benefits. Critical factors that influence the success of the BES include poverty, limited land ownership and PDIs’ game farming skillsets which however, might be partly overcome by availability of BES’s implementation funding. However, our results do not support socio-economic benefits in terms of job creation since the predicted jobs were fewer than actual jobs. All properties covered an area of 30 826ha, with high relative vegetation intactness (87.8±16.9%); and 84% (n=19) located within the Eastern Cape critical biodiversity areas comprising 21 distinct vegetation units, of which may confirm potential biodiversity conservation outcomes of BES. We provide first on-ground experience of implementing BES in South Africa, and this study should guide future adjustments of BES and other implementing agencies beyond Eastern Cape Province.