In the one hundred years of formal conservation in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the
various departments and statuary organisations that evolved into today`s KZN Wildlife have received
many formal awards and words of praise for the quality of their service to conservation and for the
high standard of management of the province's natural resources.
This is nowhere better illustrated than in a letter to the IUCN World Commission on Protected
Areas(WCPA) October 1999 newsletter. David Sheppard, the CEO of the WCPA, who was in South Africa
as an IUCN evaluator for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park application for world heritage status,
writes.
"What makes a great park agency? The answer to this was apparent to me on a recent visit to
South Africa with KZN Wildlife, a provincial protected area agency.
This agency is outstanding in the management of protected areas.
Why? Firstly it enjoys support from a government which appreciates the vital role of parks in
biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, particularly in relation to nature-based
tourism.
Also the parastatal status of KZN Wildlife provides management flexibility and innovation.
Secondly, dynamic and effective leadership from the Chief Executive Officer and executive
teams provides an essential ingredient in the performance of the agency.
Other factors include the willingness to innovate, the ability to generate and retain income,
and last, but certainly not least, the presence of highly dedicated and committed staff.
If protected area agencies are to be viable in the 21st Century it is important for them to
look at examples such as this one in South Africa and replicate the elements for this success
within their own countries."
Apart from awards by AA/SAA and British Airways for our outstanding camps such as Hilltop,
Ntshondwe and Tendele, the organisation has received the WWF Conservation Medal, DEAT's Conserva
Award and the Green Globe Award.
It has been internationally recognised for white rhino and sea turtle conservation and for
its community conservation outreach programmes.
The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park have been declared
World Heritage Sites.
Greater St Lucia Wetland Park along with uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and Ndumo, are wetlands
of international importance listed as RAMSAR sites.
Locally, the Southern African Crane Foundation, Timeless Africa and the Department of Water
Affairs and Forestry have recognised the organisation's contribution to crane conservation, tourism
and the Working for Water Project.
