The Relationship Between the Agenda of Conservation Authorities and Community Development in Rural Areas of South Africa

This paper explores the relationship between mandate of conservation authorities and agenda community development in rural areas provides recommendations on how to improve status quo. The analysis is based qualitative data collected during five interviews with uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park’s (UDP) liaison officers traditional leaders communities surrounding UDP. results reveal disjointed coordination authority regarding development. Problems include funding constraints, extreme poverty levels, poor communication, communities’ overreliance UDP for material benefits. authors provide promote community-based tourism that relies sustainability practices argue activities cannot be effective without close cooperation communities.