FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH: Greater Kruger Strategic Development Programme: Limpopo engagements

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By: Wehncke van der Merwe

During the 2017/18 KNP Management Plan stakeholder consultation process, a need for an integrated development strategy for the Greater Kruger Area was identified. In response to this SANParks and key partners, including the Kruger 2 Canyons Biosphere and many others such as LEDET; MTPA and DEA, have been driving the Greater Kruger Strategic Development Programme over the last year. Whilst the process has been very inclusive throughout, we are excited to announce that we recently undertook the first two large scale strategic stakeholder engagements for Limpopo. The workshop was done as a joint effort between SANParks; Limpopo and LEDET and targeted key partners and stakeholders such as traditional authorities; municipalities; key NGOs; key protected areas and business chambers. The workshops happened across two days and was very well attended. This gave us the opportunity to present our partners and stakeholders with the GKSDP strategy in order identify areas of opportunity for improved collaboration.
Below is some more information on the GKSDP for those interested. For more information or if you want to get involved in this exciting process please contact us here at the Kruger 2 Canyons Biosphere.
What is the GKSDP?
The GKSDP is an integrated strategic partnership approach between government, communities, civil society and the private sector, which seeks to improve well-being through inclusive and sustainable conservation compatible rural economic development.  
GKSDP focus areas
The key focus is on Traditional authority and conservation areas adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Strategic Water resource areas in the escarpment areas feeding into these areas, and the District and Local municipalities supporting these areas.  
Alignment of the GKSDP to national priorities
The GKSDP seeks to align and enhance conservation, tourism and broader socio-economic outcomes as set out in the National Development Plan, the priorities of the 6th Administration, the Biodiversity Economy Strategy, the Limpopo Sector Strategies, the new District Delivery Model ‘Operation Khauleza’, and other partner strategies.

The scope of work for the GKSDP includes:
  • To identify barriers that negatively impact on the Greater Kruger socio-economic and conservation outcomes;
  • To identify strategic partnerships and engagement platforms to inform and support the development of the GKSDP;
  • To identify how the GKSDP can deliver on National, Provincial, District, Local and other institutional strategies, plans and projects;
  • To identify conservation compatible land use and sector options within each area;
  • To better inform how projects, resourcing and funding models in different geographical areas could be aligned; 
  • To align and strengthen knowledge base systems and capacity development processes


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