SANParks steps up efforts to protect environment
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The South African National Parks (SANParks) has received a new helicopter, increasing its competence to protect the country’s biodiversity.
Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk accepted the AS350 B3 s/n 4091 helicopter at the Lanseria Airport near Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The helicopter is the first of two bought by SANParks. The second will be delivered in December 2006.
The sale negotiation involved a trade-in of two EC 120 helicopters at a value of R5 577 600 each, with a total cost of R17 256 727 per helicopter.
Minister Van Schalkwyk said the country’s protected areas were an integral part of world conservation and biodiversity.
“Government supports this investment which will ensure preservation of our national heritage and its accompanying natural resources for the benefit of all our citizens.”
He said the investment could not have come at a more opportune time.
“In the run up to important international events like the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the country is currently busy revamping its tourism infrastructure to ensure that these meet the required world standards.”
The two EC 120 helicopters that SanParks owns were bought in 1999, and served their purpose well, flying more than 3 900 hours over six years.
But they have reached their optimum buy-back value, major routine and obligatory engine overhaul.
As a result SANParks made a decision to upgrade the helicopter fleet by acquiring more versatile machines with advanced capabilities.
SANParks chief executive David Mabunda said helicopters were an essential tool in the country’s national parks.
“…They are often used in day-to-day park management activities, specialised and highly sensitive game capture operations, fire fighting, anti-poaching and law enforcement, wildlife census projects as well as emergency rescue operations.”
The AS350 B3 s/n 4091 helicopter is well equipped with advanced systems such as dual vehicle and engine monitoring displays.
With a sling capacity of 1 400kg, its features are essential for manoeuvres which require high performance, including hot and high missions and sling work.
“Safety is an important element of park management, conservation and biodiversity management, and since the old helicopters had already reached their optimum use, this is a good investment to SANParks, park management staff and the animals,” added Dr Mabunda. – BuaNews
The helicopter is the first of two bought by SANParks. The second will be delivered in December 2006.
The sale negotiation involved a trade-in of two EC 120 helicopters at a value of R5 577 600 each, with a total cost of R17 256 727 per helicopter.
Minister Van Schalkwyk said the country’s protected areas were an integral part of world conservation and biodiversity.
“Government supports this investment which will ensure preservation of our national heritage and its accompanying natural resources for the benefit of all our citizens.”
He said the investment could not have come at a more opportune time.
“In the run up to important international events like the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the country is currently busy revamping its tourism infrastructure to ensure that these meet the required world standards.”
The two EC 120 helicopters that SanParks owns were bought in 1999, and served their purpose well, flying more than 3 900 hours over six years.
But they have reached their optimum buy-back value, major routine and obligatory engine overhaul.
As a result SANParks made a decision to upgrade the helicopter fleet by acquiring more versatile machines with advanced capabilities.
SANParks chief executive David Mabunda said helicopters were an essential tool in the country’s national parks.
“…They are often used in day-to-day park management activities, specialised and highly sensitive game capture operations, fire fighting, anti-poaching and law enforcement, wildlife census projects as well as emergency rescue operations.”
The AS350 B3 s/n 4091 helicopter is well equipped with advanced systems such as dual vehicle and engine monitoring displays.
With a sling capacity of 1 400kg, its features are essential for manoeuvres which require high performance, including hot and high missions and sling work.
“Safety is an important element of park management, conservation and biodiversity management, and since the old helicopters had already reached their optimum use, this is a good investment to SANParks, park management staff and the animals,” added Dr Mabunda. – BuaNews
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Last modified 2006-08-25 11:05 AM
Last modified 2006-08-25 11:05 AM
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