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Carbon Footprint Assessment in Nature-Based Conservation Management Estates Using South African National Parks as a Case Study

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  • Paulina A. Phophe

    (Conservation Services, South African National Parks, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Mmoto L. Masubelele

    (Conservation Services, South African National Parks, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
    Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa)

Abstract

Nature-based conservation management (NBCMs) estates are seen as natural solutions to climate change and hence immune to harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, NBCMs, in their daily operations to protect and conserve biodiversity, may result in GHG emissions. These may come as a significant carbon burden. This is the first study based on a literature review to look at the carbon footprint of an entire conservation estate operation and management. South African National Parks (SANParks) aimed to contribute to national targets by reducing their fossil-fuel-generated energy consumption by 2% per year until achieving carbon neutrality. The objectives of this paper were (1) to quantify the SANParks C emissions profile at the organization and individual park level and develop recommendations to sustainably reduce carbon emissions and (2) to suggest alternative scenarios that SANParks could follow to achieve zero energy emissions. The study presented an audit analysis of the emission sources linked to SANParks’ daily activities over a five-year period (2015–2019) using the GHGs protocol corporate accounting and reporting standard methodology. Over the reference period, SANParks emitted an average of 73,732 t of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO 2 e) per year. Most emissions came from electricity usage, 40,681 tCO 2 e (55%), followed by fuel usage for stationary combustion at 26,088 tCO 2 e (35%), and both account for 90% of SANParks’ total emissions. Results have shown the variation amongst individual parks in GHG emission and intensity ratio among the different parks. Total SANParks emission showed a significant relationship with Scope 2, followed by number of employees, building size, Scope 3, and Scope 1, in order. This work recommends how SANParks estate may reduce their carbon emissions at a national and individual level. SANParks achieved 1% year-on-year energy emissions reduction through its renewable base; however, an ambitious target of 8% would be appropriate for a 1.5 °C future based on the energy scenario planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Paulina A. Phophe & Mmoto L. Masubelele, 2021. "Carbon Footprint Assessment in Nature-Based Conservation Management Estates Using South African National Parks as a Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-29, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13969-:d:704977
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. S. A. Montzka & E. J. Dlugokencky & J. H. Butler, 2011. "Non-CO2 greenhouse gases and climate change," Nature, Nature, vol. 476(7358), pages 43-50, August.
    2. Walwyn, David Richard & Brent, Alan Colin, 2015. "Renewable energy gathers steam in South Africa," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 390-401.
    3. Shilpa Rao and Keywan Riahi, 2006. "The Role of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases in Climate Change Mitigation: Long-term Scenarios for the 21st Century," The Energy Journal, International Association for Energy Economics, vol. 0(Special I), pages 177-200.
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