4X4 in St. Lucia

So, no more 4X4 in St. Lucia, where to now?

The Controversial Legislation That Banned 4X4 on St. Lucia Beaches

STATEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM - MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK

18 February 2002

Minister Van Schalkwyk takes final decision on Public Recreational Beach Driving:

"The decision surrounding public recreational beach driving is now final," said Marthinus van Schalkwyk, South African Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, as he released a report on the ecological and socioeconomic impact of the beach driving ban.

The Minister said," I am now entirely satisfied that the decision to ban/restrict public recreational vehicles on South African beaches was the correct one. There is now overwhelming evidence that this is the best decision for the environment, and more broadly sustainable development and tourism growth. While there may have been an initial negative economic impact, it is clear that this trend has reversed and the stage is set for further growth. In fact, there is conclusive proof that several businesses have been successful at capturing new niche markets, including the lucrative eco-tourism market".

"I would like to emphasise that this policy is here to stay. Future tourism and investment planning no longer has to contend with any uncertainty regarding public recreational beach driving in South Africa. We now have clarity regarding the legislative and regulatory context in which planning frameworks and investment strategies can be developed to further promote eco-tourism associated with the Wetland Park, and, indeed, the greater coastal landscape of the country."

Key Findings in 2003 & 2006:

A study was conducted in the context of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, with a view to determining the best possible outcomes in terms of sustainable economic growth and its attendant ecological and social co-benefits.

Further, there was a examination of a number of ecological indicators that showed the ecological effects associated with continued vehicle use are negative and the effects associated with the withdrawal or decrease of vehicles are positive. From an ecological viewpoint, and if the precautionary principle is to be applied, beaches should not be re-opened to public recreational vehicles.

The tourism chapter concludes that the introduction of the Regulations, at the time of the beach-driving ban and up until 2003, had an initial negative impact on tourism in the Wetland Park area. However, the impact was arguably exacerbated by several other factors: the opening of Mozambique as an alternative destination (new tar road and easier access), a major drought, high fuel prices, and a weak Rand, amongst others. However, the negative economic impact has been softened by several factors. These include ongoing Government efforts through the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative and the Wetland Authority for improvement and uplifting of the area, the World Heritage status of the Park, game re-introductions, improved Park infrastructure, a change in the profile of visitors to the area (more foreign visitors and domestic holiday makers interested in the eco-tourism experience; and fewer visitors focused on beach-driving and fishing) and an adaptation and broadening of tourism products and services.

Since 2003/2004, tourist numbers have shown a recovery, and new business opportunities have continued to arise. Similarly, tourism patterns have changed with a shortening of the so-called off-season. Changes in the formal tourism business sector have been most marked in St Lucia Town where, in particular, the higher end accommodation market has grown. A July 2006 inventory of tourist accommodation in and around the Wetland Park revealed a 59% increase in establishments and an 18% increase in beds since 2000. .

Information on the informal sector showed that the income generated by the tourism-related informal economy is critical to the survival of numerous poor families living on the periphery of the Park. It appears that informal sector businesses have not been able to capture adequately the opportunities arising from the increase in foreign tourists. This is an area that requires substantive interventions to bridge the gap between the formal and informal economies and to achieve a broader spread of the new economic opportunities and benefits. Added to this, it is considered necessary to broaden the transformation of tourism service providers operating adjacent to the Wetland Park.

From the different specialist perspectives it is evident that the beach-driving ban had both positive and negative impacts. It is, however, difficult to separate the precise effects of the ban from the effects of several other important factors that have influenced and contributed to the trends in tourism and the tourism related economy in and around the Wetland Park. Also a conclusion is reached that many of the perceptions on crime and socioeconomic or tourism impacts advanced by those in favour of ending the beach-driving ban are not based on fact.

SO WHERE TO NOW? - SODWANA BAY - WHY?

Because many areas in the vicinity can only be reached by 4X4 vehicles and until the roads are tarred this is the place to go if you are a 4X4 fanatic.

Sodwana Bay is situated on the coast within the isimangaliso Wetland Park. The reserve lies adjacent to Africa’s southern-most coral reefs. The Maputoland and St Lucia Marine Reserves are linked to each other to form a continuous protected area stretching 150 km from the Mozambique border southwards to Cape Vidal and 3 nautical miles out to sea.

Many of the worthwhile places to visit in the vicinity of Sodwana Bay, such as Mabibi and Rocktail Bay can only be reached by 4x4. Sodwana Bay is thus a 4x4 dream destination. Click on this link to obtain information on:Sodwana Bay 4x4 Trails, 4x4 Trails Information and other 4x4 Trails Providers.