Abstract
M.A.
The Conservancy system was developed in KwaZulu-Natal but is not only limited to this province today. Conservancies are being established across South Africa and can be described as a type of conservation strategy that is constantly increasing. A Conservancy is defined as a group of farms whose owners have combined resources for the improved conservation and well-being of wildlife inhabiting the area. The term wildlife in this case encompasses mammals, birds, fish, natural vegetation and all desirable natural life forms. Local nature conservation authorities assist landowners in a conservancy by the training of staff, motivation of members, provision of animals at reasonable prices for re-stocking, and technical advice on management planning.
Conservancies are however run and financed entirely by the farmers or landowners and they therefore do not have any legal nature conservation status. Through the establishment of Conservancies natural resources can be conserved, but emphasis has to be placed on the successful functioning and management thereof. Control over Conservancies, from a governmental point of view, is limited to each province's nature conservation department.
This study was undertaken to determine the state and functioning of Conservancies in South Africa, with special reference to Gauteng. A literature study as well as various visits to the Gauteng Department of Nature Conservation and three existing Conservancies in the province were undertaken for this purpose. From this enough information was gathered to formulate various guidelines for the establishment and management of Conservancies. These guidelines are based on certain shortcomings that were identified in the management structure of Conservancies in Gauteng. Should these guidelines be taken into account when Conservancies are established, the functioning and management thereof will be successful and will contribute to effective environmental conservation.