Kruger National Park: Centenary Recovery Fund Launched

South Africa has established the Kruger Recovery Fund to address damage that “possibly runs into hundreds of millions”, according to Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp.

The crisis coincides with the park’s centenary, threatening the financial stability of the country’s entire conservation network.

The disaster has severed the park in two, destroying bridges and flooding 15 camps. While early warning systems ensured no lives were lost, tourism has plummeted by 41%. Minister Aucamp warned that the destruction exceeds internal budgets, stating, “The Kruger National Park cannot rebuild without help.”

To ensure transparency, the fund will be overseen by three independent audit firms. Public contributions are also being managed by the SANParks Honorary Rangers. These are the only two legitimate channels for aid, intended to protect donors from fraud while restoring the park.

Currently, the northern region remains closed, though southern gates like Malelane and Paul Kruger are operating under quotas. Highlighting the urgency, Minister Aucamp noted that the park is an “economic lifeline”, adding: “The destruction of its tourism flagship puts the sustainability of the entire network of parks at risk.”

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