The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has initiated a formal stakeholder consultation process on a proposal to extend the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site across the border into Mozambique’s Maputo National Park.
This follows a request from the government of Mozambique, which is seeking to inscribe Maputo National Park as part of a new Transboundary World Heritage Site. The extension would incorporate it into the existing iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
In response, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has indicated support in principle, pending a formal consultation process with all interested and affected parties on the South African side.
Peace Parks Foundation, on behalf of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment as well as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, is coordinating the consultation process. The purpose is to ensure inclusive participation, assess the potential implications for South Africa and compile a comprehensive report with recommendations.
Parties have 30 days from the date of publication (June 17) to submit written comments, inputs and recommendations.
