The government has granted R53-million to the KwaZulu-Natal conservation agency Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for a poverty relief programme within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, the agency said on Sunday.
It described the region as traditionally poverty-stricken and economically depressed, with tourism as a major income-earner.
"This grant is designed to give people access to skills and jobs arising from the tourism to the park," the agency said in a statement.
"Park infrastructure and maintenance is a core area, with local people being trained and then employed to work on roads, upgrade hiking paths, control erosion, eliminate alien plants, maintain the boundary fence and upgrade facilities."
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A total of R18-million would be spent on salaries alone, with preference being given to women, the youth and the disabled.
Emerging businesses would benefit through service, retail and construction provision.
Project manager for the northern region of the park, Rob Faure, said the biggest threat to the continued well-being of the park was human pressure - whether through legitimate needs for economic benefit - or through illegal means such as poaching.
"It is vitally important that the park be seen as an income generator for the people who live on its boundaries," said Faure.
"The amount of unemployment and poverty in that area is unacceptable. Therefore we embarked on a poverty relief project in partnership with the department of environmental affairs and tourism."
The aim was to upgrade and improve the park's infrastructure while at the same time create jobs and training for the community adjacent to the park. - Sapa
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