Abstract
This paper explores the relationship between the mandate of conservation authorities and the agenda of community development in rural areas and provides recommendations on how to improve the status quo. The analysis is based on qualitative data collected during five interviews with uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park’s (UDP) community liaison officers and traditional leaders of the communities surrounding the UDP. The results reveal disjointed coordination between the conservation authority and the surrounding communities regarding development. Problems include funding constraints, extreme poverty levels, poor communication, and communities’ overreliance on the UDP for material benefits. The authors provide recommendations on how to promote community-based tourism that relies on sustainability practices and argue that development activities cannot be effective without close cooperation between conservation authorities and communities.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
