The nexus between sustainable livelihoods and ecological management of the World Heritage Sites: lessons from iSimangaliso World Heritage Park, South Africa

Local communities living within and around iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa, demonstrate awareness of ecosystem degradation risks and a willingness to balance resource use for economic survival with conservation. The study suggests that ecological management can be successfully implemented in World Heritage Sites when there is mutual understanding between site authorities and local stakeholders. This approach integrates biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods, addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. The research highlights the potential of such strategies to foster long-term coexistence between human activities and ecosystem preservation.

Nzama, A. (2010). The nexus between sustainable livelihoods and ecological management of the World Heritage Sites: lessons from iSimangaliso World Heritage Park, South Africa. Inkanyiso: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.4314/ijhss.v1i1.62107