Beyond a tokenistic inclusion of indigenous knowledge systems in protected area governance and management in Okhahlamba-Drakensberg

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the perception of indigenous communities towards the co-management framework and whether or not this empowered them to utilise their indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in the management and governance of the Protected Area (PA) in Okhahlamba-Drakensberg. IKS is excluded from the political systems of PA governance but this can be remedied through participation of indigenous communities in the agenda-setting around environmental management programmes. Indigenous community members should be co-managers at every level of the political power hierarchy of the PA if entrenched asymmetrical power relations are to be dismantled and replaced by meaningful partnership that transcends tokenistic normativity.

KEYWORDS:

• Conservation
• environment
• indigenous knowledge systems
• protected areas
• co-management

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. AmaNgwane and AmaZizi were represented by the same PA Manager.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation (Republic of South Africa) [111751].

Notes on contributors

Inocent Moyo

Inocent Moyo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Zululand, South Africa