The new Grasslands National Park has been established in the highlands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This protected area comprises 18 sites spanning over 10,225 hectares, designated for nature conservation.
The park is situated between the Nkangakh and Rhodes regions. Its primary objectives are to protect underrepresented grassland ecosystems, ensure the preservation of a vital water source, and support local communities.
Firstly, the park covers an extensive area exceeding 10,225 hectares. It consists of 18 sites in the Eastern Cape highlands, located between Nkangakh and Rhodes. The official establishment of the park as a national park was published in Government Gazette No. 55531 according to Government Notice No. 8002.
Secondly, one of the main priorities of the park is the conservation of grassland ecosystems, which are currently poorly represented in South Africa's protected areas. This declaration aims to promote the protection of natural landscapes and biodiversity in the region.
Thirdly, the park plays a significant role in ensuring water security, as it is part of the Drakensberg Water Supply Strategic Zone in the Eastern Cape. These landscapes are critical for maintaining biodiversity, water security, and supporting the agricultural lands of the region.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, David Maynier, called this announcement an important step towards protecting one of South Africa's least protected biomes and a strategic water supply landscape.
Fourthly, landowners have the option to retain ownership of their plots. The park was established primarily through a biodiversity management model that allows participating owners to maintain ownership provided they adhere to agreed management and conservation plans. This model enables the combination of conservation activities with compatible agricultural practices, thereby supporting local communities and protecting the environment.
According to Maynier, Grasslands National Park is the first national park in South Africa established primarily based on a biodiversity management model.
Finally, the park will be managed by SANParks (South African National Parks). Pursuant to Section 38(1)(aA) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003, Maynier assigned the management of Grasslands National Park to this body. The announcement followed a notice of intent published in 2025 and the completion of all necessary legal procedures.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and SANParks were involved in the establishment of the park, collaborating with WWF South Africa, which played a leading role in coordinating the park's creation alongside other partners.