1. 1 The World Parks Congress 2003 Presentation to Portfolio and Select Committees 3 March 2003

2. 2 What WPC 2003 means for South Africa “Protected areas will prosper only to the extent that they are responsive to the social, economic, political and cultural needs of society” – Jeff McNeely, IUCN. The WPC theme “Benefits Beyond Boundaries” and the various Workshop Streams are closely relevant to South Africa; we have much to learn and much to contribute. WPC 2003 will address key questions against the backdrop of South Africa’s protected areas, offering us a unique opportunity to make meaningful inputs. Pre and post congress tours offer delegates the chance to visit the best of South Africa’s protected areas.

3. 3 South Africa’s Aims for WPC 2003 To promote South Africa as a country. To promote our biodiversity resources and protected area system. To present our management practices, policies and new legislative framework as a cutting-edge approach to the challenges of the future.

4. 4 The 7 Workshop Streams 1.Linkages between protected areas and their surroundings, including the ecological, social, political and economic contexts. 2.Mainstreaming: Building broader support for protected areas. 3.Governance: New ways of working together 4.Capacity building. 5.Management effectiveness. 6.Building a secure financial future. 7.Building comprehensive protected area systems.

5. 5 Cross Cutting Themes 1.Communities and equity 2.Marine 3.World Heritage

6. 6 Preparations to Develop Workshop Inputs International Stream Leaders have been appointed by the IUCN to develop each workshop stream and cross cutting theme. The National Steering Committee (NSC) has appointed South African Stream Coordinators to liaise with the Stream Leaders and local experts to develop South Africa’s inputs. The Stream Coordinators have presented concept outlines to the NSC. The NSC aims to produce a synthesis volume of South African experience, and a series of workshops will be held to work towards this.

7. 7 Deliverables Planned for WPC 2003 The Durban Accord, a brief joint policy statement for Protected Areas in the 21st Century. A user-manual for the Durban Accord. State of the Parks Report New UN world list of Protected Areas. Signed off publicly announced strategic partnerships Guidelines for Protected Areas and the Convention on Biodiversity. Plans for a future heads of governments Parks Summit. Certification System for Protected Areas.

8. 8 The Nomination Process Participation at WPC 2003 will be by invitation; South Africa has maximum 225 places out of 2500. The NSC has received 275 nominations. A task team has selected 225 of the nominations for consideration by the NSC and the Minister: DEAT. The final list is subject to approval by the Executive of the International Steering Committee Those on the final list will receive invitations in early March.

9. 9 Details on the list of nominees To date 185 nominees: –10 places are kept for communities, –10 for youth representatives, –10 for delegates to the St Lucia Pre-Congress Workshop on community-park partnerships –10 for sponsors and dignitaries (total = 225). Participant profile –Of 185 nominees 35% are black, the remainder white. –16% under the age of 30 (IUCN recommendation 15%). –24 are individuals in the private sector, –41 are from NGOs. The percentage in the private sector is higher than the IUCN target of at least 10%. –Of the 185 nominees just over 30% are female.

10. 10 WPC Budget and Fundraising Budget (in-country) totals R26 million. Grants received: –R1,5m DEAT –R0.350m USNPS Expected Income: –R1,8 m (Still to come) from delegate fees, –R1,75 m from field trip fees. –Some R20 million, remains to be raised through sponsorships. –R3,0 m DEAT MTEF

11. 11 Further support pledged Durban Africa (Durban Metropolitan Tourism Association) has generously given a commitment to fund the closing function of the World Parks Congress. The Mayor Durban – discussions in progress for hosting of opening ceremony function.

12. 12 Further Information Further information on the World Parks Congress can be obtained from the web site: wcpa.iucn.org/wpc