New national parks for SA

MINISTER of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has announced the addition of 230 000 hectares to South Africa’s national parks. This will include the Knysna Forests and Soetkraal, due to become part of Tsitsikamma. The QwaQwa Nature Reserve will be added to Golden Gate Highlands, and a number of other areas have been acquired in Addo, Namaqua, Mapungubwe, Agulhas and the Karoo national parks. The Minister went on to say: “We will be able to formally declare portions of the new Wild Coast National Park before the end of this financial year. It is projected that tourist numbers to the area will swell from the current level of about 170 000 to in excess of 245 000 by 2008, and 270 000 by 2013 – creating about 3 260 direct and indirect new jobs.” Plans for the new Blyde River National Park were also announced, including a R10m luxury hiking trail, 500 planned beds, restaurants, adventure activities and a cableway. The new National Park will be declared on Heritage Day, September 24. Sue Lewitton (suel@nowmedia.co.za)