Challenges and opportunities for sustainable solid waste management in private nature reserves: The case of Sabi Sand Wildtuin, South Africa

The mismanagement of waste in protected areas may lead to significant and irreversible environmental, economic social impacts, such as land degradation, resource depletion, surface groundwater pollution, loss biodiversity impacts on the aesthetic value these areas. This paper aims identify challenges opportunities for sustainable solid management privately areas, given limited research conducted this topic. A case study approach was followed, which focused Sabi Sand Wildtuin, a private nature reserve (PNR) South Africa. Interviews were with 30 participants, included representatives from authority, commercial lodges, non-commercial properties service provider. Several have been identified by interviewees. Behaviour most frequently mentioned challenge, where interviewees raised concerns about negative attitudes, unwillingness implement measures possible lack support. Other foreseen difficulties due size location around funding measures, especially financial implications coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) travel tourism restrictions. creating jobs improving livelihoods, providing assurance transparency what happens ‘beyond gate’ awareness, knowledge skills related management. To optimise towards management, PNRs should focus aligning their strategic direction achieve legal compliance support community initiatives establish waste-related infrastructure services that cannot be implemented within reserve. Conservation implications: pursuit could enhance implementation PNRs, whilst also contributing pollution prevention, upliftment other secondary benefits, ultimately result increased conservation efforts.