Pilanesberg was established in 1979 and later declared a National Park in 1984. It’s widely accepted that it was the first protected area in Africa to be developed not only for conservation purposes, but also with the specific intent of generating socio-economic benefits.
Formation
The white farmers of Pilanesberg were expropriated by the Nationalist government during the early 1960’s as part of a plan to make more land available for settlement of the Batswana people in a so-called “homeland”. Pilanesberg thus became part of the former “homeland” of Bophuthatswana, which was established in 1977.
However, certain properties within the boundaries of what is today called Pilanesberg were still owned and occupied by the Bakgatla people. It was agreed that these areas were to be vacated so that most of the crater complex could be included in the Park.
Pilanesberg was established in 1979 and later declared a National Park in 1984.
Conservation Philosophy
It’s widely accepted that it was the first protected area in Africa to be developed not only for conservation purposes, but also with the specific intent of generating socio-economic benefits.
Pilanesberg’s philosophy at the outset was therefore to conserve biodiversity, but at the same time to maximise the Park’s economic contribution derived from ecotourism to the regional economy.
The Park’s formative mission was “to ensure appropriate ecological management of renewable, wild, natural resources for the material benefit, enjoyment and cultural inspiration of the people."
The North West Parks, as the custodian of Pilanesberg, continues to believe that if conservation is to succeed in Africa, t hen local communities and individuals must benefit significantly from wildlife conservation and related activities.
Operation Genesis
Operation Genesis was launched in 1979, largely funded by WWF. In total, 6 000 animals representing 22 species were released into the Park.
Predators such as lion, cheetah and wild dog were later introduced to restore ecological processes, while leopard, brown hyena, black-backed jackal and caracal occurred naturally.
Transfrontier Park – Pilanesberg & Madikwe
For the past 20 years it has been the intended goal of the DEAT to link Pilanesberg National Park & Madikwe Game Reserve (further NW) to create one larger Wilderness Park. This has not yet materialised.