iSamangaliso Wetland Park Succesfully Protects a Unique Natural Environment of the Coastal Area with Indian Sea, Dunes, Lakes, Wetlands and Savanah (Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa)
This park is one of the most diverse protected areas in the world! This area boasts of coral reefs, coastal dunes, the largest eustuarine system of lakes, wetlands and savanna. It is the only park in the world where, in one day, you can observe coral reef fishes, whales, huge marine turtles, elephants, rhinoceros, hippos, lions, giraffes and painted wolves! The area the size of 3200km2 (800 km2 from this size is protected marine area) is truly impressive. In the second half of the last century, this protected area was under threat due to the proposals of the titanium ore mining. Fortunately, the protection of the area and the development of the ecoturism were preferred. It was necessary to compensate hundreds of farmers, though. The threat of draining of the largest Lake, St.Lucia (max.400km2), due to low water level of incoming rivers was successfully solved. More than 100km2 of invasive non-original eucalyptus plantations (native to Australia) were turned to the natural habitats. We have to believe, that last proposal of mining of iron ore and zircon close to Mtubatuba on the boundary of the park will not be approved or if enabled it will only be done by the companies adhering to strict conditions which would protect this unique protected area.
Map of iSamangaliso Wetland Park With More than 200km-Long Protected Coast of Indian Ocean.
Dunes Covered by Woodland and Grassland Including Big Cycas. Photo taken by F.Pelc
