Abstract:
Impact assessment (IA) follow-up is necessary to determine the environmental effects of
a project or plan to inform ongoing management. No previous research confirms if visitor
surveys may be used to this extent for developments within a protected. This paper explores if
and how visitor surveys may be used as a tool for supporting EIA follow-up within protected
areas. Relevant EIA documentation was appraised to determine EIA performance expectations
for management of the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre development in the Kruger
National Park. Forty-four expectations were identified, translated into questions, and included
in a survey scale. Eighty-nine conference delegates completed the survey where after an
Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method was used to map the responses in four IPA
map quadrants: 1. Possible overkill, 2. Low priority, 3. Q3 Keep up the good work, and 4.
Concentrate here. The IPA map displays 29 items of statistical significance in the four IPA map
quadrants with 12 items in the ‘Concentrate here’ quadrant. The IPA results mapped the need
for management to concentrate on responsible building, waste, water, energy, compliance,
awareness, cumulative impact management. The paper shows that visitor surveys may be used
as a simple but effective tool for supporting EIA follow-up monitoring.
