In 1989, a mining company seeking titanium and other metals sought to bulldoze the dunes along the eastern shore of Lake St Lucia.

In 1996, the South African government followed the recommendations of an environmental assessment in barring the mining proposals - and began work on an integrated development and land-use planning strategy for the entire region. Under the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative, the governments of South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique aim to foster sustainable investment and job creation in the area, using the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park as the core.

The variety of natural settings, the abundance of wildlife, and the sheer beauty of the place draw tourists to the area in increasing numbers. There is plenty to do – from fishing, boating and scuba diving to hiking, horseriding, game viewing, whale and bird watching.  

The park is also one of South Africa's most popular fishing destinations, lending itself to rock and surf fishing, kite fishing, spear fishing, fly fishing, estuary fishing and deep sea fishing.

There are plenty of hiking trails through the park– ranging from a few hours' to a few days' worth – offering the opportunity to see a huge variety of animal and bird life. Accommodation options are extensive, ranging from camping to private game lodges, and including hotels, flats and chalets in the nearby town of St Lucia.

Internationally, there are 812 World Heritage sites, in 137 countries. Africa has 65 sites and South Africa a total of seven - three cultural, three natural and one of mixed cultural and natural heritage.  

The other six are Robben Island, the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, the Cradle of Humankind, the uKhahlamba Drakensburg Park, the Vredefort Dome and the Cape Floral Region.