TebogoMogashoafrom the president's pen
t a time of load-shedding,
anaemic economic
growth and persistent
drought in certain
parts of our country, one would
be forgiven for having a bleak
outlook on South Africa’s future.
This view would be reinforced
against the backdrop of the global
economic situation. The rise of
populist nationalist political forces
has resulted in the increasingly
bitter trade war between the USA
and China, Brexit and tensions
in the broader European Union.
Protectionist economic policies
are becoming more mainstream
and a threat to liberal economic
policies. The uncertainty caused
by this gradual policy shift and
other factors have caused volatility
in emerging markets and globalcommodities markets, negatively
affecting South Africa.
However, to us who are familiar
with the majestic thunderstorms of
Southern Africa, the dark clouds,
crackling thunder and lightning
that threaten destruction also carry
the promise of renewed hope. That
hope lies in ecotourism.
South Africa is one of the most
biodiverse countries on Earth and
boasts a rich tradition of nature
conservation. In addition, South
Africa has deep institutional
knowledge of the breeding of wild
animals, both for the consumptive
and non-consumptive sectors of the
tourism industry.
South Africa is therefore well
poised to take advantage of the
rapidly growing global ecotourism
industry. >>Ecotourism:
The Future of Long-Term
Sustainable Economic
Growth in South Africa
South Africa is
well poised to take
advantage of the
rapidly growing
global ecotourism
industry.