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Base Closure in South Africa

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

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Base Closure in South Africa

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  1. Base Closure in South Africa Reclaiming the Land, From Defense to Development Natalie Tabacchi

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

  3. 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

  4. 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.”

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. Economics • Military often occupies prime land • Tourism and recreation is prevented by military use

  10. Lesson Learned • Need for basic infrastructure • Must build development capacity within communities and govt. • Development planner should be appointed to coordinate efforts

  11. 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

  12. Questions?

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