The South African delegation comprises government officials, representatives of conservation management authorities, SANParks and the People and Parks Programme, NGOs, universities, the business sector and local communities.

The theme for the 2014 Congress, held at the Sydney Olympic Park, is “Parks, People Planet: Inspiring Solutions”. The congress, which started on Wednesday, will end on 19 November.

Delegates attending the congress are expected to consider ways to address the gap between conservation and the sustainable development agenda.

They will articulate the vital role of protected areas in conserving nature while delivering essential ecosystem services; position protected areas within goals of economic and community well-being, and demonstrate how this can be achieved in practice.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-delegation-attending-world-parks-congress