Successes and Challenges in Sustainable Development Goals Localisation for Host Communities around Kruger National Park

Abstract

Tourism has often been blamed for its unsustainable ways for a number of years now. Consequently, there have been efforts to ensure that tourism contributes to the host communities to address some of the sustainability challenges through responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives in the recent past. With less than nine years to go before the lapse of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a need to take stock of how tourism enterprises such as national parks are contributing to the SDGs. This study examines how Kruger National Parks (KNP) is assisting the host communities in meeting the SDG goals and targets. The study made use of 30 in-depth key informant interviews, field observations and critical document analysis. The study found that regardless of the challenges it faces as an organization in partnering with host communities for developmental purposes, Kruger National Park has assisted communities to meet at least 15 out of the 17 SDGs. These span from social to economic, environmental and cultural SDGs. Since KNP’s projects address host community needs, several challenges need to be dealt with to ensure the sustainability of these projects post COVID-19 pandemic, which has undermined many nature tourism establishments worldwide. Besides the pandemic, there is a need to manage community expectations with regard to how far it can address some of the challenges faced by communities.

Sustainable Development Goals Localisation in the Hospitality Sector in Botswana and Zimbabwe

“…There is, therefore, no doubt that the sector expected to assist host communities with achieving the SDGs is the tourism and hospitality industry. This notion is supported by Sharpley [3] and Mabibibi et al [4], who argued that tourism has the potential to contribute directly and indirectly to all the 17 SDGs and related 169 targets. Also, Saarinen [5] noted that tourism is often considered a partner for SDGs as it has good local and regional connections.…”

“…Indigenous trees are central in addressing at least two SDGs, namely SDG 13, action to combat climate change and its impacts and promotion of biodiversity under SDG 15. The planting of indigenous trees in the region provides multiple benefits beyond addressing climate change challenges such as loss in biodiversity, as noted by Mabibibi et al [4]. The efforts in reducing water use in laundries, kitchens and toilets are commendable since they speak to issues of concern under SDG6 on water and sanitation.…”

“…The company has been making efforts to plant trees in the Hwange Safari lodge by partnering with Masuwe and Jabulani Primary Schools to plant trees, with 450 trees planted thus far. The role of indigenous trees in addressing various SDG aspects is well documented by Mabibibi et al [4], who cited their contribution in fighting climate change and critical medical and other economic activities.…”

“…Some scholars argue that there is little understanding of how hotels in developing countries implement and operationalise Sustainable Development Goals [17]. Rasoolimanesh et al [18] noted that, since there has been some knowledge creation regarding tourism and sustainability in the global north, there has been very little attention on the global south, which is the focus of the SDGs [4]. Evidence suggests that there has been very little upcoming literature on SDGs in both Zimbabwe and Botswana.…”

Impact of Education for Sustainable Development on Cognition, Emotion, and Behavior in Protected Areas

“…In 2015, the United Nations formulated 17 goals for 2030, representing the world, is addressing a wide range of social and environmental problems in an interconnected global effort [ 4 ]. As an important component of Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG15), protected areas are not only the most effective measure for biodiversity conservation, but also play a key role in achieving other SDGs [ 5 , 6 ]. Protected areas are important natural classrooms of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) [ 7 , 8 ].…”