   |
|
afrol.com, 15 September - The experiences of the past five days of the International Ranger Federation World Congress in South Africa were drawn together today with the production of a clear set of agreed recommendations from the delegates to the world of conservation. Throughout a programme of intensive workshops and discussions the 313 participants, who come from over 58 different countries have tried to tackle the problems besetting national parks and protected areas world-wide. In particular they have concentrated on three specific themes; the integrity of protected areas, the role of local communities and eco-tourism. The delegates have now put forward a series of clear resolutions which are designed to feed directly into high level policy making forums such as the World Council for Protected Areas, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the Worldwide Fund for Nature. The fifth day opened with an address from Ms Maureen Finerty, the Associate Director of Operations and Education, for the US National Parks Service, who called on delegates to recognise the key role that rangers have to play in environmental protection. Ole Christianson Director of Environmental Protection in Denmark reinforced this theme drawing on the Danish experience. The formal sessions are now drawing to a close and it is planned to finish off with a celebration of the different cultures from around the world. Attached please find the resolutions adopted by the congress. In the statement of the Congress, rangers expressed their dedication to the new requirements of conservation. Rangers are increasingly required to adapt to fast changing and new conditions in the conservation of protected areas. This change ranges from political uncertainty, to diminishing financial and other resources, increasing pressures on protected areas from people, and global climate change. The IRF congress of 2000, comprising delegates from 58 countries, deliberated on these challenges. It reflected on the roles of the ranger and of the IRF in general, and specifically on issues of area integrity, communities, as well as ecotourism and business. With respect to the issue of area integrity, it was noted that rangers play a critical role, which is essential for the ongoing function and success of protected areas. A range of institutional challenges, which threaten area integrity, are faced by rangers around the world including a lack of political will, the absence of relevant governmental policy and legislation, limited legal recognition of rangers, as well as difficulties in involving communities in protected area management. A conducive institutional environment based on partnerships involving government, business and communities can contribute significantly to area integrity. Rangers are also confronted by a need for training, mentoring and knowledge to support their efforts to protect area integrity. Inadequate resources, including limited finances and other resources such as skilled personnel bedevil efforts at ensuring area integrity. Threats to biodiversity pose a further distinct challenge to area integrity. These include global warming, the effects of alien invasive species, fire, and a wide array of human activities and impacts. In its deliberations on the role of rangers with respect to communities, it was noted that, parks do not exist as "islands in a sea of humanity." Rangers recognise the need to work with local communities and other stakeholders in planning and managing protected areas to ensure their long-term success. A participatory management approach needs to be put in place to reconcile conflicting activities and to ensure that the benefits from protected areas are shared on a sustainable and equitable basis. Ongoing financial support, training and other resources are required to ensure that both rangers and communities can work together effectively. Central to this task is the building of partnerships that are based on trust, mutual respect and a common understanding of the role and benefits of protected areas. In discussion of protected areas, ecotourism and business, it was noted that there are diminishing financial resources available to protected areas. There are, however opportunities that exist in creating income from ecotourism, as well as the potential for increasing efficiency through outsourcing non-core functions. Rangers recognise their general lack of capacity in business management. They are also concerned that the primary role of biodiversity conservation may be negatively affected by business interests. The overall consideration is the integration of ecotourism and business into conservation management in a way that protects the resources on which these economic benefits can be attained. Key issues that need to be addressed include: business planning skills, conservation development spatial planning, operational visitor servicing and management, ensuring community benefits, managing partnerships in the involvement of the private sector and communities, and marketing.
|
