There are concerns that many national parks worldwide are ineffective at conserving biological diversity and ecosystem processes, are socially unjust in their relations with Indigenous communities, or both. This dissertation asks: can national parks protect ecological integrity and concurrently address social equity issues? It presents empirical results of a systematic evaluation of six case study national parks in Canada and South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to select the six case study national parks. Data sources included State of the Park Reports; park ecological monitoring data; archival data; and semi-structured interviews with park biologists, managers, and Indigenous members of park co-management boards. Status and trend assessments and effectiveness evaluations of park ecological monitoring data were used to evaluate how effectively the parks addressed three ecological integrity criteria. Results show that all six parks effectively addressed the priority indicators for which they had monitoring data. However, the effectiveness ratings of each park decreased when all indicators, including those identified as priorities but lacking monitoring data, were analysed. This indicates that the parks had generally identified more priority indicators than they were actually able to address (for reasons including lack of budget or trained staff, managerial challenges). Thematic coding of semi-structured interview and archival data, and the assignation of numerical ratings to these data, were used to evaluate how effectively the parks addressed three equity criteria. Results show that all but one of the case study parks were equitable, parks with more comprehensive co-management and support from neighbouring Indigenous groups were more equitable than parks with lower levels of co-management, the parks with settled land claims were not necessarily more equitable overall, and a few parks were found to be co-managed in name only. The overall results of this evaluation demonstrate that parks effective at protecting ecological integrity can also successfully address social equity, but that further efforts to integrate these two realms are both possible and necessary. A logical starting point would be to build upon those existing integrative processes already institutionalised in many parks and protected areas: the co-management and integrated conservation and development efforts.

Throughout the world, tourism is booming and South Africa, like many developing countries, has a phenomenal resource base for tourism that includes unspoilt wilderness areas, varied and impressive scenery, accessible wildlife, good weather conditions, cultural diversity, as well as an increasingly developed infrastructure. South Africa though is mainly seen and experienced by international tourists and a small number of privileged locals and therefore, South Africa's full potential in local tourism has not been realised. In 2000, the World Bank financed a quantitative research project on Nature Tourism and Conservation in South Africa to assess the domestic tourism market. This study found that there might be a latent unrealised demand for nature tourism among the African and Indian population. It was this broader finding that prompted this study. Information for this study was gathered through household surveys and a two-week on-site survey in a game reserve. Three sets of participants were chosen to participate in this qualitative study. These were African youth (age 18 to 26 years), African adults (>30 years old) with children and finally Indian couples (aged < 30 years). Participants were also chosen based on their current income level or potential incomes once they leave university. In this case, only the middle to upper income group was targeted. All three groups participated in pre field focus groups and a select group were taken to the HluhluwelUmflozi Game Reserve for three days where additional focus groups were held. The methodology also encompassed a literature review, telephonic interviews and field observations. Information gathered during this study was used to understand the reasoning behind the vacation trends of middle to upper income Africans and Indians and to develop a marketing strategy to be used to attract other Africans and Indians to the game reserves of South Africa. The study found that there is a latent unrealised demand for nature tourism among the middle to upper income Africans and Indians. The vacation trends among Africans and Indians are also very similar in that those with families prefer to vacation in large groups cons isting of both friends and families. It was also found that their past vacation destinations included mainly built up, urban areas and that both the African and Indian participants had great misconceptions regarding game reserves. These misconceptions formed part of the reasons for them not vacationing at game reserves. With regards to an advertising strategy, the study found that current advertising strategies are not working. Participants were encouraged to come up with advertising strategies that would entice other middle to upper income African and Indian families to vacation at game reserves. The participants recommended the use of television, cinema, radio , and newspaper advertisements; as well as the use of brochures and competitions to encourage vis itation. Included in their detailed view of how each strategy should play out, they recommended that when developing advertisements and brochures, it is imperative that African and Indian models are used in the adverts. The current advertising only makes use of white models and this discourages potential African and Indian tourists. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Establishment of protected areas continues to be recognized in many parts of the world as one of the most appropriate strategies of conserving biodiversity. As a result, their numbers have continued to increase globally with significant support coming from many national governments and international agencies. Some cases of earlier establishments of protected areas had negative effects on local communities especially where there was displacement and relocation of people, and loss of access to various natural resources important for livelihoods sustenance. In other cases however, protected areas brought positive effects to local communities such as creation of employment opportunities, contribution towards community development and giving the local people the opportunity to actively participate in natural resources management. All these effects have influenced livelihoods of many local communities in several ways. This study focuses on the effects of Mokolodi Nature Reserve on a neighbouring community from the angle of a community that traditionally did not have exclusive access and use of the land that is now the reserve, nor have a claim against it. Effects of the changes that have occurred on the livelihoods of the local people since the establishment of the reserve are looked at, as well as the attitudes and perceptions that people have towards the reserve. Relationships between the reserve management and the local people that have brought changes in the lives of the local people form a key component of this study. Further, ways in which the local people are involved in natural resource management in the area are explored, as well as the reserve‟s contribution towards enhancing better and sustainable livelihoods of the local people The study adopts a qualitative approach, with information being collected by use of structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The majority of respondents were members of the local community. A few key informants were from outside the community but had associations with the area of study. Data was analyzed and presented in the form of descriptions, tables and graphs. Findings show that the reserve has brought changes, some of which have benefited the local community such as provision of job opportunities and creation of environmental awareness among the people. However, according to some respondents, especially the older, such benefits are minimal and only go to a few people. Such respondents hence consider the reserve to be of little or no benefit to the community. Attitudes and perceptions towards the reserve vary amongst respondents, with younger respondents appearing to have more positive attitudes and perceptions towards the reserve. Indications are that the relationship between the reserve management and the local community is not very well developed. The older respondents however appear to be keen on having good relationships with the reserve management established, as opposed to many of the younger respondents whose main concern is employment. Lack of community conservation initiatives in the area is considered a drawback towards increased people‟s participation in resource management in the area. Despite the varied opinions in terms of benefits and non-benefits, the reserve would still be considered to have played an important role in improving the livelihoods of the local people. Indications that some people have an interest in getting involved in various reserve-related activities, is a good opportunity for developing good relationships. This could also possibly change the negative attitudes and perception some people have towards the reserve. With continued interactions and learning of lessons from the past, there are opportunities for the reserve management and the local people to work together and hence find a balance between conservation priorities and local livelihoods. This would also work towards achieving one of the initial goals of the establishment of the reserve, of improving the standards of living of people in the local community. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

South Africa's protected areas are at the forefront of the county's efforts to conserve it's unique flora and fauna. The setting aside of these vast tracts of land has been the main thrust of Western conservation efforts for over two centuries. Despite the significant financial and human resources allocated to the protection of these natural areas, the extinction of many plant and animal species continues to occur on a daily basis. This study sets out to explore one of the crucial weaknesses of traditional protected areas management - the failure to incorporate and empower the people with the greatest knowledge and need of the natural resources in their areas - the local indigenous communities. In the past, the legislative focus was aimed at the total exclusion of these communities from protected areas. In South Africa, these 'preservationist' laws have been bitterly flavoured by the apartheid ideology, resulting in widespread environmental inequity and injustice for those societies targeted by racist and discriminatory policies. The thesis traces the history of the national parks concept, from its preservationist origin in the late nineteenth century United States, to modern day national parks that operate in terms of joint-management agreements in Australia and South Africa. It also exposes the detrimental effect that the establishment of national parks has inflicted on local indigenous communities around the globe. The experiences of Zimbabwe, Namibia, Canada and Australia are of particular relevance and value to South Africa in this respect. An overview and assessment of the current legal regime governing protected areas in South Africa reveals that further legislative transformation is required in order to integrate human development and wildlife conservation ideals. In particular, greater emphasis is needed to ensure the participation of local indigenous communities in the management natural resources in and around national parks. A failure to meet this objective may seriously undermine the future well-being of all of South Africa's inhabitants. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The social and economic contribution of tourism to local communities is now being recognised as one of the most vital aspects for the tourism industry. Literature on national parks emphasises the importance of relations between parks and communities, as well as knowledge and understanding of the social and economic impacts of parks on the development of local communities. Although national parks are seen as major tourism assets and the vital role that they play in adjacent communities is understood, still little is known about the socio-economic contribution of these parks to their respective local economies and communities. Socio-economic impact study is important since it provides information that can influence a community's attitudes and perceptions and accordingly, its behaviour, which may create a cohesive society which is important for the success of national parks. The primary goal-of this study was to determine the socio-economic impact of the Wilderness National Park (WNP) on the community of Wilderness. To achieve the above goal, secondary objectives were set, namely: to determine the socio-economic benefits of Wilderness National Park, to determine the social impact of the WNP on the community of Wilderness, to determine the length of residency as an influential factor in the social impact of tourism and to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the results of the study. Three surveys were conducted (as quantitative research): a community survey (101 questionnaires), a business survey in Wilderness (22 questionnaires) and a tourist survey (85 questionnaires) of tourists visiting the Wilderness National Park. The research outcome contains two components: Article 1 (Chapter 2), a socio-economic impact study (where all three surveys were used); and Article 2 (Chapter 3), a social impact study of length of residency (where only the community survey was used). Research for both articles was undertaken at Wilderness. Article 1 is titled: "The socio-economic benefits of Wilderness National Park". The main purpose of this article was to determine the socio-economic benefits of the WNP to the community of Wilderness. Results indicated that the Park has an impact in terms of production, income generation and employment, and that it is also achieving its goal with regard to conservation, creating economic opportunities and involving the community of Wilderness. Only 24% of businesses indicated that their existence is due to the Wilderness National Park. However, guesthouses and Bed and Breakfast establishments indicated that they benefit most from the Park since 62,1% of the accommodation units' turnover is due to the Park. Food and restaurants indicated that 7,5% of their business is due to the Park, while tourism services estimated this contribution at 33,3%. The results confirm that the total economic leakage percentage is well above 50%, indicating that the urban areas face high leakages. However, in terms of employment creation, the fact that 100% of all workers live in the area under consideration is an indication that the benefits of the Park reach the community members. Overall, the results indicated that the total impact of the Wilderness National Park on the local economy was R12,8 million and that it is an effect of the total spending by visitors. Aspects driving the social value/benefits include improvement of the area; that the Park leads to an increased awareness of nature and wildlife; that it preserves local culture and nature; that the appearance of the area has improved; and that the Park provides the community with an opportunity to visit natural areas. Results further indicated that the Park has a greater social impact/benefit than economic impact/benefit because it is situated in an affluent community. Article 2 is titled: "Length of residency as an influential factor in the social impact of tourism". The main aim of this article was to determine if length of residency influences the social impact of the influence on the community of Wilderness. It further showed that length of residency helps predict positive and negative perceptions of the residents in terms of the environmental, social and economic aspects of tourism. It was found that, since to the establishment of the WNP, the residents which have been living in Wilderness for a shorter period of time indicated that they experienced the social aspects positively, the economic aspects both as equally positive and negative, but regard the environmental aspects as more positive than negative, whereas the residents that have been living in Wilderness for a longer period indicated that they experienced the environmental aspects positively, the social aspects more negatively, and a more negative than positive experience regarding the economic aspects. Thus, length of residency is definitely an influential factor in the social impact of tourism on the community of Wilderness. The results of both articles confirm that the community felt that the Park does have a positive to very positive effect on the quality of the community and has a greater social, rather than economic, impact on the community of Wilderness. The results indicated that length of residency does help predict perceptions of social impacts and is thus definitely an influential factor of the social impact of tourism on the community of Wilderness. This study contributes to the literature available on the (1) socio-economic impacts/benefits of urban parks (WNP), and (2) length of residency as an influential factor in social impacts of tourism. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The literature review on tourist satisfaction revealed that a satisfied tourist leads to positive word of mouth recommendation to friends and family, loyalty (return visits), competitive advantage and long-term profitability and sustainability. These favourable benefits resulting from satisfaction are necessary for any destination to survive in the competitive tourism industry. The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is one of 21 national parks in South Africa and is managed by SANParks. Data captured from visitors to the (AENP) was used to achieve the objective of this study. As national, regional, local and privately owned parks (private game farms) strive to increase their share in the international and national market, it is important to understand why visitors return to a certain destination and the role service plays in the return decision. Literature on satisfaction identified two components that contribute to return visits. These were service (delivering quality service) and travel motivation (why people travel to a certain destination). The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between satisfaction, service and travel motivations of the visitors to the AENP. To achieve this, data captured from 2005-2007 by the Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies on the AENP was firstly used to determine the visitors? profile and, secondly, to apply factor analyses and the t-test. The factor analyses were applied and, in both cases, four factors were identified. In the case of the service factors, hospitality services, general services, activities, and infrastructure disseminations were found and, in the case of travel motivation factors, learning experience, activities and events, escape and family socialising. The t-tests were used to determine whether or not visitors' expectations were met. This was also used to determine the relationship between travel motives, service and satisfaction of the visitors to the AENP. Findings indicated that the visitors whose primary travel motivation expectations were met rated the services higher than visitors whose primary travel motivation expectations were not met. The research therefore confirmed that there is a relationship between service and travel motivation. In terms of visitors' satisfaction, the relevance of the relationship between travel motives and service is lower if the visitors' primary travel needs are met, with a higher relevance of the relationship if the primary travel needs are not met. Park management can use these results as tools to ensure that the product offered guarantees visitors' satisfaction and therefore contributes to long-term park sustainability. Therefore park management can obtain the ideal tourist experience by not only focusing on the travel motives but also on the quality of service delivered at the park. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The primary objective of this study was to develop an ecotourism model for South African National Parks. South African National Parks' current ecotourism/tourism management strategies were analysed and it was found that no clear guidelines regarding the development and management of ecotourism in South Africa National Parks exists. As South African National Parks (SANParks) is one of the largest conservation and ecotourism providers in South Africa, and because ecotourism tends to occur in sensitive ecological and human communities, the need for an ecotourism model for South African National Parks is crucial. The absence of such a model will prevent the effective and sustainable management, monitoring and control of ecotourism in South African National Parks. A literature study was conducted into sustainable–, responsible– and ecotourism as well as current national and international policies concerning ecotourism in national parks or nature–based tourism. Sustainable tourism requires that tourism development should be of such a nature that a balance is kept between the economy, socio–cultural environment and the physical environment. This is referred to as the triple bottom line. The goal of sustainable tourism is to maximise the positive impacts and minimise the negative impacts on the just mentioned triple bottom line aspects. Responsible tourism has the same goals as sustainable tourism, but stresses the importance of all stakeholders taking responsibility of ensuring a sustainable tourism industry. It should therefore be seen as a pathway to achieve sustainable tourism, rather than as an end in itself. Ecotourism forms part of the sustainable/responsible tourism paradigm. From the literature, four main pillars were identified on which ecotourism is based, namely: conservation and enhancement of natural and cultural attractions; environmental education; sustainable management practices and the provision of an enlightening tourist experience. The literature review also indicated some principles supportive of the pillars that are important if ecotourism is to take place, namely: natural and cultural environment; local community upliftment; long–term planning; ethical behaviour of all stakeholders; environmentally–friendly practices and tourist satisfaction. Quantitative research was conducted. An explorative research approach was followed by the means of a self–administered questionnaire with the aim of determining the perceptions, of both the demand side (visitors to South Africa National Parks) and from the supply side (managers of South African National Parks) on the subject of ecotourism. Fifty–six (56) constructs pertaining to aspects of ecotourism were measured on a five–point Likert scale. The constructs were based on a literature review regarding responsible– and ecotourism. Sources that were used to a large extent to develop the questionnaire include the works of Frey and George (2010), Saayman (2009), Fennell (2008), Spencely (2008), Björk (2007), Diamantis (2004),DEAT (2003) The questionnaire for the visitor survey was launched on the website of South Africa National Parks during March 2011 and ran for one month. During this time, 993 respondents completed the questionnaire. The same questionnaire was sent via electronic mail to the managers of SANParks, namely regional and general managers, hospitality services managers and managing executives. A total of 25 questionnaires were completed. The results of the empirical research were processed by the North–West University's Statistical Consultation Services (Potchefstroom Campus). The data was analysed by means of the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software programme. Statistical methods that were used include: descriptive statistics; exploratory factor analysis; factor correlation matrix and a t–test. The results of the descriptive statistics revealed that the following ecotourism aspects were rated as most important by visitors: everyone (staff and visitors) has a responsibility to maintain a litter–free environment; animals should not be fed; everyone (staff and visitors) has a responsibility to save water and electricity. The managers, however, rated the following as the most important ecotourism aspects: to ensure managers, staff and contract employees understand and adhere to all aspects of the South African National Parks' policy to prevent negative impacts on the environment and local communities; do not feed the animals; and to comply with all relevant national, provincial and local legislation, regulations, licences and permits as may be required. Six factors were identified from the exploratory factor analysis: Factor 1: Product development; Factor 2: Local community involvement; Factor 3: Environmentally friendly practices; Factor 4: Ethics; Factor 5: Food and activities; Factor 6: Policies. The factors recorded serve as important guidelines for the development and management of ecotourism products in South African National Parks. For instance, the factor with the highest mean value was “ethics”. Visitor respondents felt very strongly that rules and regulations should be adhered to by visitors and that severe penalties should be implemented in the case of non–compliance. This was also the definite view of staff members. The research made the following contributions to the discipline of tourism and specifically ecotourism: * This research presents the first ecotourism model for South African National Parks which can assist park management in creating ecotourism products that provide a sustainable ecotourism experience and secure the future of ecotourism in national parks. * It was the first time that the perception of ecotourism was determined from both a demand and supply side in South Africa National Parks, which assisted in identifying the key factors for ecotourism products from. * The results of this research paved the way for SANParks in the development of an ecotourism policy for South African National Parks. * The results further made a contribution to the future development of a national ecotourism policy for South Africa (which currently does not exist). Such a policy can then be applied to provincial parks, private game reserves and game farms in South Africa. * The research contributed to the development of a sustainable ecotourism rating criteria for South African National Parks to allow them to grow closer to an ideal managed system that is in line with sustainable / responsible management aspects. * The results were presented at the First International Conference on Tourism and Management Studies in the Algarve, Portugal on the 27th October 2011. * A contribution was also made to the literature on ecotourism in terms of clarification of what is expected by the users (tourists) of ecotourism products and what SANParks' managers view as important aspects of ecotourism and how ecotourism should be developed and managed. * Finally, this study contributed to the research concerning national parks in terms of ecotourism development and management. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The literature review on tourist satisfaction revealed that a satisfied tourist leads to positive word of mouth recommendation to friends and family, loyalty (return visits), competitive advantage and long-term profitability and sustainability. These favourable benefits resulting from satisfaction are necessary for any destination to survive in the competitive tourism industry. The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is one of 21 national parks in South Africa and is managed by SANParks. Data captured from visitors to the (AENP) was used to achieve the objective of this study. As national, regional, local and privately owned parks (private game farms) strive to increase their share in the international and national market, it is important to understand why visitors return to a certain destination and the role service plays in the return decision. Literature on satisfaction identified two components that contribute to return visits. These were service (delivering quality service) and travel motivation (why people travel to a certain destination). The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between satisfaction, service and travel motivations of the visitors to the AENP. To achieve this, data captured from 2005-2007 by the Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies on the AENP was firstly used to determine the visitors? profile and, secondly, to apply factor analyses and the t-test. The factor analyses were applied and, in both cases, four factors were identified. In the case of the service factors, hospitality services, general services, activities, and infrastructure disseminations were found and, in the case of travel motivation factors, learning experience, activities and events, escape and family socialising. The t-tests were used to determine whether or not visitors' expectations were met. This was also used to determine the relationship between travel motives, service and satisfaction of the visitors to the AENP. Findings indicated that the visitors whose primary travel motivation expectations were met rated the services higher than visitors whose primary travel motivation expectations were not met. The research therefore confirmed that there is a relationship between service and travel motivation. In terms of visitors' satisfaction, the relevance of the relationship between travel motives and service is lower if the visitors' primary travel needs are met, with a higher relevance of the relationship if the primary travel needs are not met. Park management can use these results as tools to ensure that the product offered guarantees visitors' satisfaction and therefore contributes to long-term park sustainability. Therefore park management can obtain the ideal tourist experience by not only focusing on the travel motives but also on the quality of service delivered at the park. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.