Heads of state, government officials, NGOs and members of civil society gathered in Sydney, Australia from 12 to 19 November to discuss the vital role of protected areas in conserving nature while contributing to socio-economic development.
"Our vision is to ensure socio-economic transformation and growth of the biodiversity economy, while ensuring the entrance of the landholders and previously disadvantaged communities into the mainstream economy to restore their pride and dignity," said Thomson.
She said South Africa recognised the importance of aligning the country's conservation efforts with social equity imperatives. "Our government's commitment in terms of Vision 2024 is to create at least 60,000 new sustainable jobs in the wildlife industry, ensure that two million hectares of new conservation land is acquired and restored and that more than a million poverty-stricken people are supported."
"South Africa, through Operation Phakisa, promises to triple our ocean protection over the next ten years through the creation of a network of marine protected areas within our exclusive economic zone. This will indeed unlock the economic potential of our oceans whilst increasing our ability to cope with, and adapt to, the impacts of climate change as a developing continent."
Speaking at the high level round table discussion, where leaders discussed 'The Promise of Sydney' as the main outcome of the congress, Thomson said emphasis needed to be placed on youth empowerment and participation of communities in the park business.
The Promise of Sydney, among others, lauds the establishment of new marine protected areas, acknowledges the increasing role of indigenous peoples, community, and privately-conserved areas in reaching biodiversity conservation and societal goals, and the opportunities presented by new communication and other technologies to better understand and engage new constituencies, including young people.
