Local community members play a critical role in the success of conservation projects, which in turn have the potential to influence the perceptions of local people. Relationships matter when it comes to sustainable long-term conservation and community well-being. The study aims to establish the relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation organizations in the context of Phinda Private Game Reserve and the Mnqobokazi community, located in South Africa. Data was collected using the qualitative methods of interviews and focus group discussions. The findings show that a symbiotic relationship between conservation organizations and local community members is critical in conserving the environment. The research indicates that both participation and benefits result in improved perceptions towards the protected area and a strong positive relationship. The accrual of benefits also appears to result in pro-environmental consciousness amongst community members. Several existing studies examine participation or benefit-sharing in community-based tourism in developing nations. However, less is known about the relationships between local communities and conservation organizations and the effect of participation and beneficiation on these relationships. This research narrows this gap in the body of knowledge by qualitatively examining a single case study. The findings add value to global collaborative efforts aimed at achieving positive relationships between communities and conservation management.

Africa Foundation. 2018. Africa Foundation: Empowering communities, enabling conservation. Retrieved August 01, 2018, from http://www.africafoundation.org.za/who-we-are/

Allendorf T., Swe, K. K., Oo, T., Htut, Y., Aung, M., Aung, M., Allendorf, K., Hayek, L., Leimgruber, P., & Wemmer, C. 2006. Community attitudes toward three protected areas in Upper Myanmar (Burma). Environmental Conservation, 33(4), 344–352. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892906003389

Asriyani, H. & Verheijen, B.2020. Protecting the Mbau komodo in Ruing Flores: Local Adat, National Conservation and Ecotourism Development. Forestry and Society, 4(1), 20–34.

&Beyond. 2015. A model for community beneficiation and job creation. Retrieved September 25, 2018, from https://www.tourism.gov.za/CurrentProjects/PastProjects/Local Government Tourism Conference 2015/Documents/A Model for Community Beneficiation and Job Creation Phinda.pdf

&Beyond. 2018. Luxury experiential travel in Africa, Asia and South America. Retrieved August 02, 2018, from https://www.andbeyond.com/

Bann, E. 2001. Effects of media representations of a cultural ideal of feminine beauty on self body image in college-aged women: an interactive qualitative analysis (Doctoral dissertation). Austin: The University of Texas at Austin.

Bennett, N. J., Di Franco, A., Calò, A., Nethery, E., Niccolini, F., Milazzo, M., & Guidetti, P. 2019. Local support for conservation is associated with perceptions of good governance, social impacts, and ecological effectiveness. Conservation Letters, 12(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12640

Berkes, F. 2004. Rethinking Community-Based Conservation. Conservation Biology, 18(3), 621–630. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2004.00077.x

Blewit, J. 2015. Understanding sustainable development (2nd ed.). London: Earthscan.

Bourdieu, P. 1986. The forms of capital. In: Richardson, J. G. (editor). Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education New York: Greenwood Press. pp. 241–258.

Burgoyne, C. N., & Kelso, C. J. 2014. ‘The Mkuze River it has crossed the fence’ – communities on the boundary of the Mkuze Protected Area. Bulletin of Geography. Socio-Economic Series, 26, 51–66. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/bog-2014-0044

Burgoyne, C. & Mearns, K.F. 2017. Managing stakeholder relations, natural resources and tourism: A case study from Ololosokwan, Tanzania. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 17(1), 68–78.

Burlando, C., & Dahlberg, A. 2014. Role-play exercise – The dynamics of multi-stakeholder negotiations for conservation and development: a case study from South Africa (Issue: December). https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Annika_Dahlberg/publication/267711758_Role-play_exercise_The_dynamics_of_multi-stakeholder_negotiations_for_conservation_and_development_a_case_study_from_South_Africa/links/548ad97a0

Campbell, L. M., Haalboom, B. J., & Trow, J. 2007. Sustainability of community-based conservation: Sea turtle egg harvesting in Ostional (Costa Rica) ten years later. Environmental Conservation, 34(2):122–131.

Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. 2011. Research methods in education, 7th ed. New York: Routledge.

Coles, D., Duval, D. T., & Shaw, G. 2013. Student’s guide to writing dissertations and theses in tourism studies and related disciplines. Abingdon: Routledge.

Dahlberg, A., & Burlando, C. 2009. Addressing trade-offs: Experiences from conservation and development initiatives in the Mkuze Wetlands, South Africa. Ecology and Society, 14(2), 1–12. https://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol14/iss2/art37/ES-2009-3183.pdf

De los Angeles Somarriba-Chang, M., & Gunnarsdotter, Y. 2012. Local community participation in ecotourism and conservation issues in two nature reserves in Nicaragua. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 20(8), 1–19.

De Pourcq, K., Thomas, E., Arts, B., Vranckx, A., Léon-Sicard, T., & van Damme, P. 2015. Conflict in protected areas: Who says co-management does not work? PLoS ONE, 10(12), 1–15. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0144943

Doyle-Capitman, C. E., Decker, D. J., & Jacobson, C. A. 2018. Toward a model for local stakeholder participation in landscape-level wildlife conservation. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 23(4), 375–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2018.1444215

Etsay, H. Kelelew, A., Kinfu, S. & Berhe, M. 2023. Do livelihood strategies affect the willingness to participate in land conservation? The case of landless people in rural Tigray. Sustainable Environment, 9:1, 2277559, DOI:10.1080/27658511.2023.2277559.

Executive Department IDP/PMS Section. 2017. Draft IDP 2017/1– - 2021/2022 5th Generation. Hluhluwe.

Gadd, M. E. 2005. Conservation outside of parks: Attitudes of local people in Laikipia, Kenya. Environmental Conservation, 32(1), 50–63. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892905001918

Ghaderi, Z., Shahabi, E., Fennell, D. & Khoshkam, M. 2022. Increasing community environmental awareness, participation in conservation, and livelihood enhancement through tourism. Local Environment, 27:5, 605-621, DOI: 10.1080/13549839.2022.2048812

Gohori, O., & van der Merwe, P. 2022. Limitations to community participation in tourism from local people’s perspectives: Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. Development Southern Africa, 39(6), 841–855. DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2021.1913099.

Hansen, M., Islar, M., & Krause, T. 2015. The Politics of Natural Resource Enclosure in South Africa and Ecuador. Conservation and Society, 13(3), 287–298. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-4923.170406

Hansen, M., Ramasar, V., & Buchanan, K. 2014. Localizing global environmental governance norms: Implications for justice. In: Sowman, M., & R. Wynberg, R. (editors). Governance for justice and environmental sustainability: Lessons across natural resource sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. New York: Routledge. pp. 43–62

Htoo, M. H. C., Steenhuisen, B., & Verschuuren, B. 2023. Different natures of reality inform different realities of nature: What Karen perceptions of forest reveal about nature conservation in indigenous contexts. Conservation and Society, 21(1), 28-37. https://www.conservationand society.org.in//text.asp?2023/21/1/28/364435

Imran, S., Alam, K., & Beaumont, N. 2014. Environmental orientations and environmental behavior: Perceptions of protected area tourism stakeholders. Tourism Management, 40:290–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2013.07.003

Jamal, T., & Camargo, B. A. 2014. Sustainable tourism, justice and an ethic of care: Toward the Just Destination. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 22(1), 11–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2013.786084

Jhala, H. Y., Pokheral, C. P., & Subedi, N. 2019. Wellbeing and conservation awareness of communities around Chitwan National Park, Nepal. The Indian Forrester, 145(2), 114–120. http://www.indianforester.co.in/index.php/indianforester/article/view/144261

Kaeser, A. S., Willcox, A. S., & Panti, N. C. 2018. Attitudes and perceived barriers to women participating in a proposed community-based conservation programme in Belize. Oryx, 52(1), 89–97. DOI:10.1017/S0030605316000715

Kamuti, T. 2014. The fractured state in the governance of private game farming: the case of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 32(2), 190-206. DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2014.936678.

Kamuti, T. 2018. Intricacies of game farming and outstanding land restitutions claims in the Gongolo Area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In: Brandt, F. and Mkodzongi, G. (editors). Land reform revisited. Boston: Brill. pp. 124-148.

Kepe, T. 2009. Shaped by race. Local Environment 14(9): 871–878.

Kideghesho, J. R., Røskaft, E., & Kaltenborn, B. P. 2007. Factors influencing conservation attitudes of local people in Western Serengeti, Tanzania. Biodiversity and Conservation, 16(7), 2213–2230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-006-9132-8

Kiss, B., Sekulova, F., Hörschelmann, K., Salk, C. F., Takahashi, W., & Wamsler, C. 2022. Citizen participation in the governance of nature‐based solutions. Environmental Policy and Governance, 32(3), 247-272.

Lee, T. H. 2013. Influence analysis of community resident support for sustainable tourism development. Tourism Management, 34, 37–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2012.03.007

Liu, J., Qu, H., Huang, D., Chen, G., Yue, X., Zhao, X., & Liang, Z. 2014. The role of social capital in encouraging residents’ pro-environmental behaviors in community-based ecotourism. Tourism Management, 41, 190–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2013.08.016

MacQueen, K. M., & Namey, E. E. 2012. Applied thematic analysis. California: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Martindale, G., & Naylor, S. 2017. Mun-Ya-Wana Conservancy Management Plan Version 1.0. Howick, South Africa.

Matarrita-Cascante, D., Brennan, M. A., & Luloff, A. E. 2010. Community agency and sustainable tourism development: The case of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18(6), 735–756. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669581003653526

Mbaiwa, J. E., & Stronza, A. L. 2010. The effects of tourism development on rural livelihoods in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18(5), 635–656. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669581003653500

Mehta, J. N., & Heinen, J. T. 2001. Does community-based conservation shape favorable attitudes among locals? An empirical study from Nepal. Environmental Management, 28(2), 165–177. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002670010215

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. 2014. Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook, 3rd ed. California: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Musavengane, R., & Simatele, D. M. 2016. Community-based natural resource management: The role of social capital in collaborative environmental management of tribal resources in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Development Southern Africa, 33(6), 806-821, DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2016.1231054

Musavengane, R., & Leonard, L. 2019. When race and social equity matters in nature conservation in post-apartheid South Africa. Conservation & Society, 17(2), 135-146. DOI: 10.4103/cs.cs_18_23

Musavengane, R., & Kloppers, R. 2020. Social capital: An investment towards community resilience in Collaborative Natural Resources Management of community-based tourism schemes. Tourism Management Perspectives, 34, 100654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2020.100654

Muzirambi, J.M., Musavengane, R., & Mearns, K. 2020. Revisiting devolution in Community-Based Natural Resources Management in Zimbabwe: Towards an inclusive governance approach. In: Stone, M. T., Lenao, M. & Moswete,N. (editors). Natural resources, tourism and community livelihoods in southern Africa challenges of sustainable development). London: Routledge. pp. 143-158.

Muzirambi, J.M., Naylor, S. & Mearns, K. 2022. A review of post-restitution land rights agreement conflicts and their resolution at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In: Musavengane, R. & Leonard, L. (editors). Conservation, Land Conflicts, and Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa. New York: Routledge. pp. 101-118. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003188902-9

Nchanji, Y. K, Ramcilovic-Suominen, S., Nchanji, E. B., Mala, W. A., & Kotilainen, J. 2023. Tackling conflicts, supporting livelihoods: Convivial conservation in the Campo Ma’an National Park. Conservation and Society, 21(1): 61-72. https://jukuri.luke.fi/handle/10024/553158

Ngubane, M., & Brooks, S. 2013. Land beneficiaries as game farmers: Conservation, land reform and the invention of the ‘community game farm’ in KwaZulu-Natal. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 31(3), 399–420. DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2013.811790

Ogawa, M., Soga, M., & Yoshida, T. 2021. Participation of diverse actors and usage of traditional and local knowledge in local biodiversity strategies and action plans of Japanese municipalities. Ecology and Society, 26(3):26. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-12612-260326.

Pfueller, S. L., Lee, D., & Laing, J. 2011. Tourism partnerships in protected areas: Exploring contributions to sustainability. Environmental Management, 48(4), 734–749. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-011-9728-y

Queiros, D.R. 2020. Towards pro-conservation attitudes and behavior by local communities bordering protected areas in South Africa, Unpublished PhD thesis, Pretoria: University of South Africa,

https://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/26663/thesis_queiros_dr.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Queiros, D., & Mearns, K. 2019. Khanyayo village and Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, South Africa: A pragmatic qualitative investigation into attitudes towards a protected area. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 27(6):750–772. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2018.1436177

Rylance, A., & Spenceley, A. 2016. Applying inclusive business approaches to nature-based tourism in Namibia and South Africa. Tourism: An International Interdisciplinary Journal, 64(4), 371–383. https://hrcak.srce.hr/170564

SANParks. 2019. Brief history. Retrieved August 27, 2019, from https://www.sanparks.org/about/history.php

Shereni, N. C., & Saarinen, J. 2021. Community perceptions on the benefits and challenges of community-based natural resources management in Zimbabwe. Development Southern Africa, 38(6) 879-895. https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2020.1796599

Sherka, T.D. 2023. Factors affecting women’s participation in soil and water conservation in Abeshege district Southern Ethiopia. Cogent Economics & Finance, 11:1, 2192455, DOI: 10.1080/23322039.2023.2192455

Sihabutr, C., & Nonthapot, S. 2021. The effects of economic factors on sustainable community-based tourism in Upper Northeast Thailand. International Journal of Management and Sustainability, 10(3), 79–91. https://archive.conscientiabeam.com/index.php/11/article/view/1093/1538

Snyman, S. 2012a. Ecotourism joint ventures between the private sector and communities: An updated analysis of the Torra Conservancy and Damaraland Camp partnership, Namibia. Tourism Management Perspectives, 4, 127–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2012.07.004

Snyman, S. 2012b. The impact of land management systems on community attitudes towards tourism and conservation in six South African countries. Parks, 18(2), 20–31. https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/parks_18_2_final_1.pdf#page=20

Snyman, S. 2014. Assessment of the main factors impacting community members’ attitudes towards tourism and protected areas in six southern African countries. Koedoe. 56(2),1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v56i2.1139

South African Lodges. 2018. Phinda Private Game Reserve. Retrieved July 26, 208, from https://www.south-african-lodges.com/lodges/phinda-game-lodge/

Stats SA. 2012. The Big Five False Bay Municipality. Retrieved July 30, 208, from http://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=993andid=the-big-5-false-bay-municipality

Stem, C. J., Lassoie, J. P., Lee, D. R., Deshler, D. D., & Schelhas, J. W. 2003. Community participation in ecotourism benefits: The link to conservation practices and perspectives. Society and Natural Resources, 16(5), 387–413. https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920309177

Stoll-Kleemann, S., De La Vega-Leinert, A. C., & Schultz, L. 2010. The role of community participation in the effectiveness of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve management: Evidence and reflections from two parallel global surveys. Environmental Conservation, 37(3), 227–238. https://doi.org/10.1017/S037689291000038X

Stronza, A., & Gordillo, J. 2008. Community views of ecotourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 35(2), 448–468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2008.01.002

Thornberg, R., & Charmaz, K. 2014. Grounded theory and theoretical coding. In: Flick,U. (editor). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Data Analysis. London: SAGE Publications. pp. 153–169.

Tran, L., & Walter, P. 2014. Ecotourism, gender and development in northern Vietnam. Annals of Tourism Research, 44(1), 116–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2013.09.005

Van Putten, I., Ison, S., Cvitanovic, C. Hobday, A.J., & Thomas, L. 2022. Who has influence?: The role of trust and communication in the conservation of flatback turtles in Western Australia. Regional Studies in Marine Science 49, 102080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2021.102080

Varty, D. 2008. The full circle: To Londolozi and back again – a family’s journey. Johannesburg: Penguin Group.

Waylen, K. A., Fischer, A., Mcgowan, P. J. K., Thirgood, S. J., & Milner-Gulland, E. J. 2010. Effect of local cultural context on the success of community-based conservation interventions. Conservation Biology, 24(4), 1119–1129. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01446.x

Wazimap. 2011. Umkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal. Retrieved March 28, 2017, from https://wazimap.co.za/profiles/district-DC27-umkhanyakude/

Yin, R. K. 2009. Case study research: Design and methods, 4th ed. California: SAGE Publications, Inc.