Dr Kwa says having locals involved at the management level is one way of effectively managing protected areas.
He said opportunities must be opened up for the locals by allowing them to be part of the conservation projects in order to earn an income.
“The Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) needs to open up provisions on provincial and local level government (LLG) engagement and that’s where the locals come in.
“It needs to engage the locals at the LLG level where LLG officers can be protected area managers.
