From Participation to Partnership in Biodiversity Protection: Experience from Germany and South Africa

Abstract

Abstract Losses in biodiversity are becoming alarming. To safeguard what is left means placing priority on the protection of species and habitats. Ideally, this should be a goal in its own right. In practice, people have to see a direct gain. However, participation is by no means guaranteed to ensure adequate safeguard. However, participation as a prelude to partnerships that bind government, agencies, and communities through coordinated funding is much more likely to be successful. In the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa, one of the world's 25 "hot-spots," public-private partnerships are regarded as vital. In the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park in northeast Germany the partnership approach is proving the only uncontested way to biodiversity management. This article discusses why partnerships are so essential for the future of biodiversity. It also assesses what difficulties remain in order to ensure cooperative linkages between community gain and ecological enhancement. Keywords: Biodiversity Cape Floral Kingdom (SOUTH Africa) Participation Partnership Uckermark Lakes Nature Park (GERMANY)