Base Closure in South Africa

Reclaiming the Land, From Defense to Development

Natalie Tabacchi

Topics History Thesis Argument Social Aspects Land Ownership Environmental Issues Economics Recommendations

History Historical military land use controversial Decisions have been imposed in the name

of national security 1993: Mandela stated that govt. would

redress land inequality by using SADF land As of 1996 176,000 (434,720 acres)

hectares of land handed back to the DPW

International Shift in Thinking New notion of security Greenwar Cycle:

Defense does not protect the environment; it damages it

Quote:“A world that wants to make peace with the

environment can’t continue to fight wars or sacrifice human health and the earth’s ecosystem preparing for them.”

Four Thesis Arguments Military gained access to land through the

dispossession and displacement of native peoples Current process for regaining the land is difficult

and protracted Military has caused negative environmental

impacts Converting the land requires economic, social, and

physical planning, and the empowerment of of local communities

Social Issues Removed communities relocated to

desolate areas Upon return, there is no infrastructure for

basic living needs Very difficult to relocate bushmen

soldiers and their families Need for moving away from authoritarian

decision procedures of land control

Land Ownership Issues Military is often slow in finding new land Conflicts between ethnic groups leaving

the land and those trying to regain it No established procedure for returning

land No timelines set to avoid court delays

Environmental Issues Military feels they have been successful in

protecting game populations Militarization of Parks SADF involved in poaching of rhinos and

ivory People are returning before the removal

of UXOs Difficulties in assessing impact

Economics Military often occupies prime land Tourism and recreation is prevented by

military use

Lesson Learned Need for basic infrastructure Must build development capacity within

communities and govt. Development planner should be

appointed to coordinate efforts

Recommendations Need database for land holding info. Sound mgt. For UXO cleanup Environmental education incorporated into

basic training Bases with recreational/tourist value should

be opened to the public Ongoing research of impacts on

environment Develop time frames for conversion

Questions?