This Integrated Management Plan for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site is the primary and overarching management document for the Park for the period 2006 to 2011. It forms the framework within which the Park will be managed and developed towards the achievement of its management objectives derived in collaboration with the Park’s stakeholders during October 2003.

The protected area management planning process and the resultant planning documents (elaborated on in the next few pages), developed in collaboration and with the assistance of the Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project (MDTP), has been designed to meet the statutory requirements of the World Heritage Convention Act and the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act.

The protected area management planning process requires participation from the Park’s stakeholders, the general public and specialists during the various stages of plan development and implementation. Although the Integrated Management Plan and its sub-components are five year planning documents, an annual review process will ensure an active adaptive management planning approach.

A long term business approach has also been introduced that ensures that the Park’s management objectives are operationalised and reflected through a Strategic Management Plan in the Park’s operational budget over the next five years. A Business Plan will at the same time actively pursue additional and improved funding and income towards the achievement of the natural and cultural heritage conservation objectives of the Park over the next five years.

Emzemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife as the appointed World Heritage Site Authority for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site hereby commits itself to the implementation of this plan.