SOUTH AFRICA's environmental economists fail to convince the policy-makers

South Africa's short-sighted politicans have been swayed by the opinions and no doubt financial clout of preservationist consrvation charities. Here, Marine Protected Areas are to be rid of fishermen. While this might make sense in the short-term, it is rarely a long-term solution. No mention is made of compensation for these poor fishers, nor of the plans for future fishing rights. It reminds me of 1960s-style conservation - put up a fence and keep the people [who are surely the problem, right?] OUT. Conservation in southern Africa leads the world in finding simple economics and incentive-based solutions to complex people-environment problems. This is an inequitable step in the wrong direction.

Source: BuaNews by Edwin Tshivhidzo "South Africa: Marine Protected Areas Will Not be Opened to Public"

Marine Protected Areas (MPA) are critical in resuscitating ailing oceans and collapsing fish stocks, and would remain closed for recreational activities, according to Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk. Responding to proposals that government should open parts of the Tsitsikamma MPA for recreational fishing, the minister was clear that fishing would not be allowed there.

"The reasons for originally closing the MPA in 2000 and the prevailing underlying circumstances have not changed," he said. ,Opening this MPA to recreational fishing will set a dangerous precedent in a conservation area that is closed to all and for the benefit of all South Africans.

"Allowing a few people access for recreational purposes would negate the benefits that accrue to all. MPAs are a key part of our strategy to manage vulnerable eco-systems in a sustainable way," he said. ,The minister said protected areas also increased populations outside reserves as young species migrated.

"Because of our determined and forward-looking approach, South Africa today is among the world leaders in implementing the goals set at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. "At least 18 percent of South Africa's coastline falls within formal protected areas." In order to protect and grow marine resources, local communities have been progressively excluded from fishing in the Tsitsikamma MPA since 1975.

Minister van Schalkwyk said a decision to open this MPA would effectively have signaled a broader shift in policy on the part of government and the beginning of a new approach that is neither sustainable nor in line with our stated objectives.

He added that opening the MPA would undermine its biological sustainability."The impact of catches in the MPA will lead to a decline in abundance because many of the resident fish species are slow growing," the minister said. In 2004, government proclaimed four new MPAs, bringing roughly 15 percent of South Africa's 3 000km coastline under protection, in the process creating a framework for managing the country's fisheries and consolidating some of the world's top research, eco-tourism, sport diving and fishing sites.

Previously, South Africa had 19 marine protected areas covering approximately 11 percent of the coastline, which stretches from the country's border with Namibia in the west to Mozambique in the east. The Tsitsikamma National Park was the first to be proclaimed in 1964. Marine protected areas allow for the conservation of natural environments, while assisting in the management of fisheries by protecting and rebuilding economically important stocks.