R72 million secured for iSimangaliso's Sodwana redevelopment

The Sodwana Bay section of the Park is an integral and highly valued part of iSimangaliso. It contains some of the rarest forest types and species in the country and is a vibrant and exciting tourism destination for beach lovers, divers and fishermen.

Part of iSimangaliso's mandate is to conserve and develop the Park in line with leading conservation and sustainability practices. Given the sensitive nature of the ecological processes at work within the Sodwana Bay section of the Park and highly dynamic intertidal and coastal dune cordon, a number of specialist studies were commissioned to better understand the dynamics of this area with a view to enhancing and protecting ecological functionality and promoting economic development.

These detailed and considered studies, which have been conducted over a two-year period, include vegetation surveys, ecological functionality assessments, coastal dune dynamics, estuarine functional assessments, cultural heritage assessments, and ecological rehabilitation.

Following these extensive specialist studies on all aspects of ecological and other impacts, a conceptual master plan for Sodwana Bay has been prepared. This includes some R11 million for a new entrance gate complex, R50 million for visitor facilities and ecological rehabilitation and around R10 million for road upgrades.

As one of iSimangaliso's 'ten World Heritage jewels', this area is renowned not only for world class coral reefs, over 1200 species of marine fish (including coelacanths) and outstanding scuba diving, but also for some of the most rare and endangered forest types, as well as a highly sensitive and dynamic dune system.

"Successful change happens with good planning and public input. We thank our licensed operators and stakeholders at Sodwana for their inputs and believe that the balance that has been struck between ecological conservation, preservation of world heritage values, user convenience, development and equitable access will result in long-term benefits to visitors and business-owners in the region." says Park CEO Andrew Zaloumis.

iSimangaliso's Business Director, Terri Castis, adds: "Our changing environment and progressive policies mean taking into account the needs of many varied stakeholders, a privilege and responsibility which we take very seriously. We have a responsibility to conserve this unique and important park for the global community and as such we are managing this world-renowned icon, not only for the benefit of this generation, but for our children and our children's children."