Protests involving tree felling and road blockades at iSimangaliso are rooted in a broken co-management agreement. Local communities, previously displaced for conservation efforts, were promised inclusion, benefits, and decision-making power. Instead, they report experiencing top-down governance, harassment, and restrictions on their livelihoods. Unpaid compensation further exacerbates the situation, fueling community frustration. These actions are not simply criminal acts, but rather a visible expression of systemic failures within the conservation model. The unrest highlights a governance crisis impacting the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and its surrounding communities, raising questions about equitable conservation practices. The situation demands urgent attention to address the long-standing grievances and rebuild trust.