ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Conserv. Sci.
Sec. Conservation Social Sciences
Volume 6 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fcosc.2025.1646126
Exploring Community Participation in Environmental Conservation: Insights from Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
Provisionally accepted
Zamikhaya Gladwell Gotyi1*
Nontle Handi2- 1Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, South Africa
- 2University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
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This study explores the extent and nature of local community participation in environmental conservation at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa, using the lens of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). Drawing on qualitative data from stakeholder interviews, policy documents, and field observations, the study investigates the tensions between conservation imperatives and community rights, highlighting both opportunities and constraints to inclusive governance. Findings reveal a tripartite model of engagement: structured involvement through local non-governmental organisationsNGOs, government-led initiatives such as the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP), and isolated voluntary actions driven by cultural values. While formal programmes provide economic incentives that mobilize participation, individual efforts, particularly among women, reflect a deep-rooted, intrinsic commitment to environmental stewardship. The study concludes that sustainable conservation requires an integrated approach that combines institutional support with recognition of informal, culturally embedded practices.
Keywords: Environmental conservation, Community participation, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), Non-governmentalnon-governmental organisations (NGOs), Collaborative collaborative management, Community community Conservationconservation
Received: 12 Jun 2025; Accepted: 28 Jul 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Gotyi and Handi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Zamikhaya Gladwell Gotyi, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, South Africa
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