KZN’s Ndumo Game Reserve Faces Uncertain Future Amid Conservation Concerns
Ndumo Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, a Ramsar-listed wetland site, is facing escalating environmental and conservation threats, raising concerns over the effectiveness of international protection treaties. Over the past 17 years, the reserve has seen rising levels of illegal farming, deforestation, wildlife poaching, and gillnet fishing following the removal of its eastern boundary fence. Ndumo, once home to significant populations of rhinos and hippos, has suffered severe biodiversity losses, with rhinos now locally extinct due to poaching. Calls for governmental intervention have been made, yet no formal request has been submitted to Ramsar to assess the situation.
Conservation experts, including Dr Simon Pooley, have questioned South Africa’s commitment to its Ramsar obligations, highlighting a lack of government action despite the site being recognised as under ecological threat. While Ramsar offers advisory missions to assist with conservation challenges, the South African government has prioritised local assessments instead of seeking international expertise. With the next Ramsar member meeting scheduled in Victoria Falls in July 2025, it remains uncertain if Ndumo’s case will be addressed. The situation underscores broader challenges facing protected areas and international conservation commitments in Africa.
Source: Daily maverick
