Abstract
M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
Unlike traditional models of environmental conservation which have failed to factor the
livelihoods and development needs of local inhabitants whose access to natural resources
may be restricted by nature conservation, Biosphere Reserves (BRs) have been
conceptualised from the very start with the prime goal of sustainable development. BRs
entail more than just protected areas as they are expected to reconcile people and nature,
generate scientific knowledge that can address the needs of the future; thereby
demonstrating how to overcome narrow conservation goals relative to the multifaceted goals
of sustainable development.
The Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR) was established in 2009 in the northern parts of
South Africa and as part of a growing network of protected areas under the UNESCO-MAB
programme in Africa. Although the concept of BRs within the UNESCO-MAB programme
was introduced in 1998 in South Africa, there is limited scientific knowledge on stakeholders’
knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and their willingness to be engaged in the BR projects. In
this minor dissertation, local stakeholders’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions on the
establishment and management of the VBR have been assessed by means of questionnaire
surveys. The surveys addressed a number of research objectives – (1) determination of
awareness levels amongst local people regarding the establishment and goals of the VBR;
(2) analyses and classification of local people’s views on the impact of the VBR on their
economic, social and cultural aspects; and (3) establishment of local people’s priorities
concerning the management of the VBR; and (4) determination of knowledge gaps between
VBR administration and local people’s drive towards the sustainable use of natural
resources. The following results were generated, of which the highlights are summarised
below.
There appears to be limited knowledge on what is expected from the establishment and
maintenance of the VBR based on responses from selected local inhabitants. Only 17% of
respondents were involved in some sort of community-based natural resources management
initiatives linked to the VBR meanwhile 38% knew what is meant by a Biosphere Reserve.
Most respondents (59%-71%) mentioned no tangible socio-economic benefits since the
inception of the VBR. Consequently, this is leading to marked negative perceptions about
the rationale for the existing VBR.
From the management side of the VBR, there was demonstrable knowledge on the role and
functions of Biosphere Reserves. Most respondents appeared to know the operational
issues that are at stake in the management of such protected areas. However, long term
sustainability is challenged by a number of shortcomings. These shortcomings include lack
of funding, limited stakeholder participation, lack of an effective environmental framework to
direct and prioritise conservation and what appears to be a disconnection between
surrounding rural communities and VBR management structure. Lastly, a number of
recommendations have been provided for future research and to reinforce conservation
practices associated with the VBR and related conservation projects in South Africa.