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Geoheritage Threats in South African National Parks

Author

Listed:
  • Khodani Matshusa

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria 1709, South Africa)

  • Llewellyn Leonard

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria 1709, South Africa)

Abstract

The uniqueness and potential of South African geoheritage to contribute to sustainable development is undoubtedly unmatched. However, little is known about the geoheritage threats in South Africa because geoheritage research is geographically skewed to the global North, while little focus is given to the global South. This study characterises the geoheritage threats in South Africa through a qualitative method design. This involved qualitative semi-structured interviews with 16 key informants (from the South African National Parks, national government, local communities as well tour operators, and tourism agencies). Consequently, qualitative content analysis was performed to outline geoheritage threats in South African national parks. The study concludes that the construct of geoheritage threats consists of human- and nature-induced threats. The identified human-induced geoheritage threats include mining, damage to heritage, and loss of biodiversity due to overcrowding. Furthermore, results showed that incorrect management of geoheritage has the potential to cause community conflicts, which can lead to a decrease in tourists visiting the destination. The identified nature-induced geoheritage threats are climate change, floods, and fires. These results suggest the need for the immediate protection of geoheritage sites within and outside protected area in South Africa. Thus, it is necessary to develop protection strategies to conserve South African geoheritage for current and future generations that involve protection areas managers, local communities, government departments and agencies, and academia.

Suggested Citation

  • Khodani Matshusa & Llewellyn Leonard, 2023. "Geoheritage Threats in South African National Parks," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 4(1), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:4:y:2023:i:1:p:12-213:d:1099864
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Khodani Matshusa & Llewellyn Leonard & Peta Thomas, 2021. "Challenges of Geotourism in South Africa: A Case Study of the Kruger National Park," Resources, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Lidia Selmi & Thais S. Canesin & Ritienne Gauci & Paulo Pereira & Paola Coratza, 2022. "Degradation Risk Assessment: Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change on Geoheritage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-19, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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