When completed BMML WHS will be the first site declared by UNESCO in the Province and possibly the eighth WHS declared in South Africa. With the title of WHS, it will take its place alongside other WHSs in the country e.g. Robben Island in the Western Cape, Isimangaliso Wetlands Park in KZN, Mapungupwe in Limpopo and Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng. A World Heritage Site in Mpumalanga will provide a global marketing boost for tourism that can reach even beyond that of our established National Parks.
The economic benefits for a region or site, appointed as a World Heritage Site are substantial. The international recognition and raised marketing value of a site result in:
- Tourism enterprise development opportunities
- Related enterprise development opportunities
- Sustainable employment opportunities in a range of businesses
- Associated infrastructure, social and welfare service upgrades, to cope with increased tourist volumes within the region
- Allocation of conservation and access rights over key heritage resources, to protect from unsustainable and/or destructive development
- International acclaim and prestige for the region and the Province.