DR ANTON RUPERT'S IDEA

Dr Rupert believed that the parks could make a fundamental difference to Africa, using ecotourism as a vehicle - by addressing one of its most pressing problems - abject poverty. Africa's biggest asset is its people and its natural beauty. Furthermore, Africa has an increasingly scarce commodity - space. Dr Rupert believed that the success of peace parks rested on four pillars, namely:

Space

Development of peace parks starts once international agreements and protocols have been signed. This secures the space required to establish meaningful eco-tourism opportunities.

Management training

Training of wildlife managers and field guides at institutions such as the Southern African Wildlife College to ensure that the various authorities have the necessary capacity to effectively manage the space.

Accommodation

Tourists will only frequent the parks if proper accommodation and tourist services exist. The Southern African College for Tourism in Graaff-Reinet was established to train people in the necessary hospitality skills to work at lodges and guesthouses in and around the peace parks.

Accessibility

Thriving tourism depends on easy access to the parks. Gateways to the parks therefore need to be created and, where necessary, existing national airports that are situated close to the parks need to be turned into ports of entry. Furthermore all roads leading to the parks as well as those inside the parks need to be easily accessible.

Dr Rupert always believed in the philosophy that there needed to be harmony between humans and nature. This is what he hoped the establishment of peace parks would achieve.