This Framework and Guidelines for Development of Park Management Plans provides guidelines and format for how the Ministry of Environment and Tourism should prepare park management plans. A park management plan defines the objectives and procedures for the management and development of a park. It reflects the policies and commitments of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) regarding the management of Namibia's state-protected areas. The Park Management Plan must be viewed as the constitution representing a broad mandate that includes values, policies, and principles on which management decisions for a park will be made. The objectives outlined in park management plans are as follows (i) documenting all relevant information, including historical, biodiversity, archaeological, and social context essential to the park; (ii) describing the general characteristics of park ecosystems and the regional biodiversity context in which the parks are situated; (iii) providing guidance to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism staff and stakeholders on the development and management of specific parks; (iv) assisting the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in establishing priorities during the planning process; (v) serving as part of a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the achievement of specified goals, objectives, and strategies; (vi) ensuring that parks contribute to the sustainable utilization of natural resources and socio-economic development. The document outlines all the essential steps for preparing park management plans, including required sections, implementation processes, and subsequent review.
Namibia · 2011-08-01