SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - National parks are good for your health and provide unparalleled intangible benefits to their visitors.
This is according to a research study conducted by South African National Parks (SANParks) junior scientist, Nelsiwe Mpapane. The study was for Mpapane's Master of Science (MSc) degree in nature conservation at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
Although the research was conducted in Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) in the Eastern Cape, there were similar findings in the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) when SANParks scientists in 2020 concluded that visitors frequent national parks for meaningful human-nature experiences, rich historical and cultural value, recreational benefits, aesthetic pleasures and biological diversity as well as positive spiritual experiences.
A similar research study in 2020 attempted to understand how the manage-ment of protected areas enable the delivery of cultural ecosystem services in national parks.
"National parks are striking a healthy balance between human-nature experiences and biological integrity, which are both significant factors for the sustainability of healthy ecosystems and societies worldwide," says Mpapane.
An observation from the study is that visitors flock to destinations that contribute to their overall beneficial experience. As a whole, picnic sites, panoramic views, viewpoints and sometimes the presence of historical artefacts, have a positive influence on visitor experience.
"In addition, scenic areas are most likely places that people will use as recreational sites, and find inspiration for paintings, photography, writing and overall emotional and motivational contentment," she says.
Those who participated in the study also reported findings of spiritual rejuvenation just by being in the landscape of MZNP.
This is all good, according to general manager for Scientific Services in the Garden Route, Stef Freitag, who says, "If people feel attached to parks, they are able to advocate for them and further efforts to conserve and protect them."
Mpapane completed her studies under the supervision of Professor Dirk Roux, an NMU-based SANParks aquatic specialist. She is one of several junior scientists being assisted to complete their post-graduate studies in nature conservation.
