NAAMSA Submission

Written by Glyn Demmer, NAAMSA

Tuesday, 11 October 2005

A FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE OFF-ROAD VEHICLE UTILIZATION IN SOUTH AFRICA For the privilege of off-roading to survive in South Africa we need to examine ways in which future legislation can be formulated in conjunction with the Government, such regulation may in some cases be self enforced and in other cases aided by the legislation. Off-roading in the true sense is a tourism product and as such it is suggested that guidelines be developed that follow the key focus areas defined in the National Responsible Tourism Guidelines presented at the World Summit which guide the social, economic and environmental consequence of the activity; ROLE PLAYERS Motor manufacturers and distributors Quad and Off-Road bike distributors Trail owners and operators (Tour Guides) Training facilities (Instructors) Media Clubs and umbrella bodies Vehicle owners and operators (Rental companies and Fleets)(SAVRALA) Industry Associates (Automobile Association/Insurance providers 4x4 and general) Ancillary companies (accessories etc) Off-Road users SOCIAL CONSEQUENCE Involvement of local communities Assessment of social impacts as a pre-requisite to developing tourism Maintenance of social and cultural diversity Sensitivity to host culture ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCE ·Assess economic impact as a pre-requisite to developing tourism ·Maximise local benefits ·Ensure community involvement ·Fair trade practices ·Marketing and development of “products” ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCE Assess environmental impacts as a pre requisite to developing tourism Sustainable resource utilization avoiding waste and excess consumption Maintain and encourage natural diversity As a long term goal we should all be striving towards the goals of the organization known as ‘Fair Trade In Tourism SA “ which promote the well-being of local people , the environment and boost our countries social and economic development. DESIRED AREAS REQUIRING ATTENTION Code of conduct/environmental strapline Environmental guidelines Examples of best practice Local tourism (community based) Local community projects (supply agreements) Local purchasing ethos (Spatial programme) Regional marketing Empowerment opportunities (venues/instructors/tourism) ROLE PLAYERS (REQUIREMENTS) Motor manufacturers and distributors (partners) Quad and Off-Road bike distributors Trail owners and operators (Tour Guides) Training facilities (Instructors) Media Clubs and umbrella bodies Vehicle owners and operators (Rental companies and  Fleets) Industry Associates (Automobile Association/Insurance providers 4x4 and general) Ancillary companies (accessories etc) Off-Road Users