Beyond the fences: A South African case study exploring the potential for extending biodiversity conservation outside protected area boundaries in the developing worl

This thesis advocates the practise of extensive conservation in the developing world. Extensive conservation involves collaboration between protected areas and neighbouring communities in the design and implementation of community development initiatives based on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity outside protected area boundaries. The practice of conservation has historically favoured a more intensive approach, whereby islands of habitat in the form of parks and reserves are created and managed, while species and ecosystems beyond their fences are virtually ignored. However, as growing numbers of impoverished people in developing countries place increasing pressure on their natural resources, the need for more holistic conservation strategies intensifies. With its goal of ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas of human habitation, extensive conservation represents one such strategy. The purpose of this research was to lay a foundation for the development of an extensive conservation process involving South Africa's Tembe Elephant Park and the neighbouring community of Sihangwane. Participants in an action research process, the people of Sihangwane identified the main problems in their community, articulated desired improvements for the future, and discussed possible community development strategies. The two main outcomes of this research were the identification of potential extensive conservation projects that can be implemented by the community in collaboration with local Community Conservation staff, Tembe, and a private tourist camp within its boundaries, and the establishment of a community-based development committee.