Ezemvelo to exit eco-tourism management functions in Isimangaliso Wetland Park

EZEMVELO KZN Wildlife is set to exit the management of ecotourism functions in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park within the next twelve months.

- THAMI MAGUBANE

Ezemvelo said it will now focus solely on conservation work in the wetland park going forward. The entity stated that the arrangement between it and iSimangaliso to manage the ecotourism aspect of the park was always intended to be temporary.

They explained that the arrangement came about due to iSimangaliso not having the capacity to fulfil these mandates when it was established. Therefore these duties were given to Ezemvelo to run.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO Sihle Mkhize said that the World Heritage Convention Act established the iSimangaliso Wetland Authority Park and appointed an authority for the park.

This authority was charged with the management mandate within Isimangaliso. He added that, in line with the regulations and the agreement signed at the time, Ezemvelo was made responsible for the management of the park.

As part of this exit, the service level agreement between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and iSimangaliso Wetland Park will be cancelled by mutual agreement. Additionally, the hunting agreement between the two entities will be cancelled and handed back to iSimangaliso.