iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority recently hosted an eight-member delegation from the Government of Mato Grosso in Brazil, led by Ms Mauren Lazzaretti, the Secretary of State for the Environment, and Ms Mayran Beckman Benicio the Secretary of Economic Development. This valuable knowledge exchange visit focused on strengthening international collaboration on protected area management and sustainable development. The engagement provided an opportunity to share experiences on balancing biodiversity conservation with community development, sustainable tourism, agriculture, protected area governance, ecosystem restoration, and innovative financing mechanisms such as carbon credits and biodiversity investment.
The exchange showcased global conservation successes from the Amazon Forest, Cerrado Savanna and Pantanal Wetlands, highlighting how long-term partnerships, science-based management and community participation can support both thriving ecosystems and resilient local economies. The discussions also identified opportunities for future collaboration between iSimangaliso and Mato Grosso, including biodiversity monitoring, knowledge sharing, capacity building and the development of joint initiatives that contribute to conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
The Brazilian site, which is also recognised as a Ramsar Site, shares several ecological and management similarities with iSimangaliso, making the visit an important opportunity for mutual learning. The World Bank supported the mission and participated in the session.
A comprehensive three-day programme was carefully crafted to give a fair balance of the boardroom session, practical visit to the Park, and meeting with various stakeholders. The first day was dedicated to presentations on management and governance structures, strategic planning, institutional development, stakeholder engagement, funding mechanisms, revenue generation, business opportunities, beneficiation models, and strategic risk management. The second day included presentations on the park’s technical systems, the GEF Project, the Panel of Experts Recommendations Report on St Lucia Estuary, concessionaire vehicle management, and field visits to the St Lucia Estuary Mouth and Charters Creek Resort. The programme concluded with a full-day field visit to the Park including uMkhuze Game Reserve, providing delegates with practical insight into conservation and protected area operations.
The delegation had an opportunity to interact with the Chief Executive Officer of iSimangaliso, Mr Sibusiso Bukhosini who shared his Vision and the Commercialisation strategy of iSimangaliso which seeks to turn around the park into a self-sustainable Entity less dependent on Government grant with an ability to generate business and job opportunities that will improve the lives of the neighbouring communities and reduce poverty levels in the area.
The exchange visit is expected to strengthen institutional partnerships, promote collaboration between Mato Grosso and iSimangaliso Sites, and support the continued sharing of innovative approaches to protected area management and sustainable tourism.
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Statement issued by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
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