![]() In other words, he realised the need for a delicate balance between ecological and social priorities. Van Rooyen realised the problems on the borders of protected areas were based on rangelands, community politics, land use clashes (conservation versus farmers), development, disease control and market access. Few, however, were taking an integrated, systems view of the complicated situation. ![]() His experience and work in veterinary science drew him into the people and protected areas interface where he felt there were a lot of specialists doing good work in human-wildlife conflict, rangelands, animal health and production, ecology and tourism. ![]() He went on to study animal science, rangeland science and then wildlife management before helping to plan and set up game reserves in various parts of Southern Africa. Jacques van Rooyen, Director of the Herding 4 Health Programme who developed the H4H model grew up on a cattle farm where he developed a love for nature. Unmanaged livestock are a problem.’ A predator-proof boma in the bushveld An innovative solution As Mike Grover, Project Manager of the H4H programme in the Mnisi Tribal Authority (Mnisi TA) on the borders of the greater Kruger National Park says, ‘Livestock are not a problem. These days, kids go to school and modern life makes it very difficult for herds to be monitored full time, especially in areas that are not fenced (a situation that brings its own set of problems). Historically, herds would have been looked after all day – drop and go herding did not happen. Many of the problems can be put down to herds not being managed optimally. The disease is carried by free-ranging buffalo, and cloven-hooved livestock are extremely susceptible to it. Foot and Mouth disease is a major problem around many Southern African protected areas. Livestock is generally in poor condition and live animals cannot be sold across veterinary cordons. Yet increasing numbers of livestock, grazing without coordination close to villages has caused extensive rangeland degradation which, in turn, has resulted in poor livestock health, decreased food security, and increased poverty.Īnother problem community livestock owners face is access to markets for those who want to sell their animals. They provide milk, meat and a form of banking for people living on the borders of protected areas. In many parts of Africa, livestock animals are massively important to rural people. Rural village landscapes are multifunctional and play a critical role in providing essential ecosystem services such as food production, grazing, rainwater absorption and carbon cycles. Cattle at dawn on the borders of the Greater Kruger Livestock and protected areas The programme is also restoring rangelands and increasing biodiversity. A combined Peace Parks and Conservation International initiative called Herding 4 Health (H4H) is changing these perceptions while improving livestock health and wealth for local people living on the fringes of protected areas. Livestock herding and wildlife conservation are often seen as anathema to each other. It does this by teaching community members to make use of what they already have – cattle and other livestock.’ Peace Parks Foundation. Maybe one day we will be back in the area and the reptile exhibits will be available.‘Herding 4 Health is a community development activity that promotes conservation outcomes while supporting people living in rural areas to find their way out of extreme poverty. Overall this is a great experience with more variety of animals than a petting zoo. We got stuck for a little bit by a large bull who was drinking water but eventually he got bored and moved. You are entering the main enclosure and are subject to what the animals are wanting to do. The giraffe, camel and tortoise seemed isolated in small pens. The cons- as some have pointed out the conditions of the enclosures we saw aren’t the best. Kids love activities like this and ours definitely did. Went through twice after wanting a refill on the bucket. We escaped relatively unharmed, minus the zebra that was chewing on our door handle? Now who can say they’ve had that happen? We’ve only seen something like this in Canada (Parc Omega) so we found this fun. We didn’t ask about car rentals due to COVID, but we did know the risk of using our car. It was only open for drive through due to COVID. We found it and decided to check it out with an 8 and 6 year old and a baby. This experience has positive and negative aspects.
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