SANParks announced last week that the first luxury hotel built within the Kruger National Park boundary will open in 2013. The 120-room new property will be located on the Crocodile River in the southern border of the park. It will be constructed inside Skukuza Camp next to the new conference centre, replacing staff accommodation and six tourist chalets.
Dr. David Mabunda , CEO of SANParks responded to the recent criticism in the press stating “˜There is no scientific evidence that having a hotel in a protected area has a negative impact on biodiversity.’ He further outlines the two hotels currently in South African national parks, at Paul Kruger Gate and Golden Gate Highlands National Park where “˜no species or wilderness qualities have been damaged over 40 years.’ Mabunda says that those opposing the new hotel are behind the times. “˜Environmentalists are essentially conservative. But we live in the 21st century. Things are different now.’
The resort is in the public participation stage and an independent provider is conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Mabunda invites members of the public to submit any objections they may have.
One of the biggest problems the pre-impact report (VIV) pointed out is the availability of water. The only source of water is the Crocodile River, which according to the report, dries up at times. The report says the EIA will need to determine whether underground water through boreholes is suitable and available. Other problems identified are refuse collection and sewage disposal.
Claims have been made by NGOs that “˜hotels in national parks are incongruent with the character and sense of place of a national park.’ In a piece in the Mail & Guardian former Kruger Park warden Salomon Joubert said that the development and the proposed conference lodge in the park’s main camp, Skukuza, exceeded SANParks’ mandate under the Protected Areas Act to “˜provide spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and tourism opportunities which are environmentally compatible.’
Other examples of national parks with commercial operations inside include US National Parks Yellowstone and Yosemite, Canada’s Banff & Jasper National Park, New Zealand’s Tongarero and Mlulutsha in Swaziland.
We want to know your thoughts? Will building a hotel benefit Kruger? Have you been to a hotel inside a national park?
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