Barberton Complex Strategic Eco-tourism Development Plan for the Mpumalanga Parks Board December 2002 International Contour Project Conservation Services Managers Barberton Complex Strategic Eco-tourism Development Plan for the Mpumalanga Parks Board December 2002 Prepared by: International Conservation Services PO Box 19139 NELSPRUIT 1200 e-mail:
[email protected] tel: 0825614598 Maseko Management Services PO Box 14396 NELSPRUIT 1200 e-mail:
[email protected] tel: 0826795668 Contour Project Managers PO Box 4906 RUSTENBURG 0300 e-mail:
[email protected] tel: 014-5372226 ii Authors & contributors (in alphabetical order): Mr. Willie Boonzaaier Mr. Lyndon Estes Mrs. Marlien Lourens Prof. Joe Maseko Mr. Jackson Siboza Dr. Marc Stalmans Mr. Katlego Tetjane iii Contents page Executive summary 1 1. Background to the Strategic Eco-tourism Development Plan 7 2. Scope and limitations of the Strategic Eco-tourism Development Plan 7 3. Role of a development plan 8 4. Methodology 9 5. Physical, biological and historical description 12 6. Determining the development options for the Barberton Complex 17 6.1. General 17 6.2. Individual factors impacting on tourism and development potential 17 6.2.1. Legal and institutional framework 17 6.2.1.1. Legal mandate of the MPB 18 6.2.1.2. Proclamation status of Reserves 18 6.2.1.3. Land claims 18 6.2.1.4. Integrated Development Plans 19 6.2.2. Socio-economic development vision and framework 19 6.2.3. Current land use patterns, needs, rights and aspirations of local 20 communities 6.2.4. Environmental sensitivities 20 6.2.5. Physical constraints 21 6.2.6.