South African National Parks (SANParks) will launch its ninth annual National Parks Week in Tsitsikamma in the Garden Route National Park.
National Parks Week is from 8 to 12 September with nearly all 21 national parks participating. The National Parks Week was introduced in 2006 to cultivate a pride for the country’s parks heritage, especially with those who do not usually have access to the parks. The public will have free access to the participating parks which excludes access to accommodation and tourist activities. Since its inception it has seen an influx of 130 000 day visitors in the participating parks.
“The survival of the South African national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa. Environmental education and protection is everyone’s responsibility, not just a privileged few,” says Abe Sibiya, acting chief executive of SANParks.
“If we are to create a sense of ownership of the natural heritage of South Africa in all citizens, then everybody must take responsibility. We especially want our young people to take advantage of this opportunity because this heritage will be under their protection in the near future,” concluded Sibiya.
For a list of participating parks visit www.sanparks.co.za.
