By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Twelve communal landowners representing the Provincial, Regional, and Youth People and Parks structures, accompanied the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency), led by the Executive Manager for Biodiversity Conservation, Nomcebo Kunene, to the 10th People and Parks National Conference which took place at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley, Northern Cape, from 02–04 March 2026.
The conference reportedly brought together a wide range of stakeholders in the conservation sector, and it was held under the theme: “Harnessing Nature-Based Wealth through Inclusive Biodiversity Conservation for Sustainable Development.”
The Minister of DFFE(Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), Willie Aucamp, reportedly delivered the keynote address, reaffirming that inclusive biodiversity conservation must translate into tangible and practical benefits for communities living adjacent to protected areas.
According to the MTPA, the opening day was also attended by key strategic stakeholders, including the Northern Cape Provincial Government led by Premier Dr. Zamani Saul, as well as MECs(Members of the Executive Council) responsible for various portfolios.
“ The MTPA extends its sincere appreciation to its strategic partner, WeWild Africa, for generously sponsoring the delegates from Mpumalanga Province with conference support items,” said MTPA.
Land claimants and neighbouring communities, traditional leaders and traditional health practitioners, government representatives, conservation authorities, civil society organisations, universities and research institutions, as well as biodiversity economy stakeholders and exhibitors, were some of the delegates who attended the conference.
