As Kruger National Park prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2026, a new socio-economic impact report has revealed the substantial contribution that conservation is making to jobs, tourism, local economies and community development across the Greater Kruger landscape.

The Greater Kruger Socio-Economic Impact 2024/25 Report, covering 16 protected areas linked to the Kruger National Park through the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) Cooperative Agreement, shows that conservation is generating significant economic and social returns while protecting one of Africa’s most important wildlife landscapes.

Spanning more than 2.3 million hectares, the Greater Kruger network comprises over 550 landowners and 170 commercial enterprises. According to the report, protected area management expenditure totalled R1.82 billion during the reporting period, with 85% spent within the local province, supporting businesses and livelihoods. Security and anti-poaching operations accounted for approximately one-third of conservation management budgets. Tourism remained a major economic driver, generating R5.26 billion in visitor spending and recording 1.93 million bed nights. International visitors accounted for 76% of all bed nights, while average occupancy reached 55%, well above the national accommodation sector average of 40.7%. The report found that conservation and tourism directly support 8,341 jobs, of which 92% are permanent. Tourism alone supports an estimated 14,299 full-time equivalent jobs nationally, contributing R2.5 billion to the country’s economy. Protected area management supports a further 11,384 jobs and contributes R1.5 billion in gross value added. Combined activities generate an estimated R641 million in tax revenue.

Commenting on the findings, Mr Oscar Mthimkhulu, Chairperson of the Joint Management Committee (JMC) and Managing Executive of Kruger National Park, said the report highlights the growing importance of conservation as a driver of socio-economic development.

“This report shows that conservation in the Greater Kruger landscape contributes significantly to jobs and the local economy. We must build on this evidence to strengthen collaboration and ensure neighbouring communities share in these benefits.”

Beyond economic contributions, the report highlights at least R44.83 million in social investment, supporting education, skills development and community upliftment initiatives. Among the success stories featured are the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve’s Eco Children Programme, which has established eight school libraries, the Timbavati Foundation’s Careers in Conservation Expo, which introduced more than 400 learners to career opportunities in the wildlife economy, and Ukuthunga Handmade, a non-profit that supports more than 60 women from rural communities bordering the park.

Community surveys conducted among the 2.9 million people living around the Greater Kruger revealed strong support for conservation, with between 80% and 97% of respondents valuing wildlife protection. However, many residents also expressed concerns about unemployment, with 74% to 89% identifying a lack of jobs as the primary driver of poverty, while many respondents called for greater socio-economic investment alongside conservation efforts.

The report concludes that conservation in the Greater Kruger is increasingly embracing a community-centred approach that balances wildlife protection with socio-economic development. It also notes that the findings likely underestimate the sector’s true impact, as many tourism businesses operating beyond the open system were not included in the study.

As Kruger National Park approaches its 100th anniversary, the report underscores a growing reality: conservation is not only safeguarding biodiversity but also creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and improving lives across the Greater Kruger landscape. Through stronger partnerships between protected areas, government, the private sector and communities, the benefits of conservation can continue to expand for both people and nature.