iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Factors affecting the property in 2004*
- Land conversion
- Management systems/ management plan
- Mining
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
Lack of institution coordination
Additional Details:
Conflicting land use
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2004
Total amount approved : 20,000 USD
| 2003 | Greater St. Lucia (Approved) | 20,000 USD |
Missions to the property until 2004**
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2004
The World Heritage Centre and IUCN received the State Party’s report in February 2004. The report noted that all decision-making within the Park takes place under the framework of the World Heritage Convention Act (WHCA), the Wetlands Park Regulations and other relevant legislation pertaining to environmental impact assessment. Further, an Integrated Management Plan (IMP), as required by the World Heritage Convention Act is in process of being refined and the public consultation process is expected to be completed in mid 2004. The Wetlands Park Regulations make provision for interim planning measures until such time as the IMP is adopted.
The World Heritage Centre and IUCN noted that the Wetlands Park Authority has drafted a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). This builds on earlier processes such as the environmental impact assessment for the mining of St Lucia and the Strategic Environmental Management Framework (SEMF) developed for the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative region, including the Wetlands Park. The status of the World Heritage property as an ecologically sensitive site, has been taken into account by relevant technical and planning assessments under the SEA.
An important principle guiding the implementation programme of the Authority is the empowerment of previously disadvantaged communities living in and around the Park.
The report noted that the Authority is working towards the settlement of land claims in the Park. This has involved an ongoing process of consultation and capacity building with local Land Claims Committees. To date, approximately 60% of the Park is now claim free, with three land claims settled and approximately 6 outstanding.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2004
28 COM 15B.5
Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (South Africa)
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Acknowledges the efforts by the State Party to put in place administrative and juridical structures and requisite infrastructure for reinforcing the conservation and the protection of the property;
2. Commends the State Party for the steps taken in ensuring the effective conservation and management of the Park through the implementation of major ecological programmes; tourism evaluation; and the inclusion of land claimants and local communities as mandatory partners in the Park's development;
3. Recommends that the State Party keep the World Heritage Centre informed on further progress in the implementation of these actions.
Draft Decision:28 COM 15B.5
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Acknowledges the efforts by the State Party to put in place administrative and juridical structures for reinforcing the conservation and the protection of the property;
2. Recommends that the State Party keep the World Heritage Centre informed on further progress in the implementation of these actions.
South AfricaExports
* :
The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).
** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.
