"Investigating the impacts of spatial and land use planning on eco- tourism development in local communities: the case for the Shongweni dam precinct, eThekwini Municipality in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa. "

Abstract

This master’s dissertation attempts to investigate the impacts of spatial and land use planning on eco-tourism development in local communities, using the case study of the Shongweni Dam Precinct. The dissertation presupposes that the use of spatial and land use planning within the context of ecotourism is unsustainable. To test this hypothesis, a range of research methods were used which included primary sources as well as secondary sources. The theoretical framework unpacked strategic and communicative planning, whilst the conceptual framework expanded on the ideas of sustainability, development and tourism, spatial planning, and land use planning. The outcomes revealed that the overarching concept of sustainability emanated as an outcome of the global concerns that dealt with the unsustainable consumption patterns (for example mass tourism) which had negative impacts on the natural environment. The Dissertation progressed to include a literature review that suggested that eco-tourism is a complex and somewhat contentious concept, with a range of obstacles and challenges specific to participatory issues, unsustainable practices (environmental degradation), and diverging views from developers to policy makers. The next chapter investigated the case of Shongweni, with the research findings suggesting that many participants had no prior knowledge of the eThekwini Municipality’s (EMM’s) spatial intentions toward eco-tourism development for their area. This again reinforced unsustainable practices and the lack of communicative planning. The conclusion suggested that whilst the EMM’s attempted to follow the regulatory framework, in terms of the provisions of Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) No 16 of 2013, it fell short in understanding, advising, and allowing for participation and engagement with the community. Decisions made by policymakers are sometimes unreflective of the reality of the situation, and it, therefore, suggests that attention needs to be made to ensuring that local communities form part of the planning process. Planning should be regarded as a proactive tool, rather than a reactive tool.