Sandton: The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has emphasised that safeguarding South Africa's biodiversity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, anchored by a shared national mission. 'Conservation without people is hollow. True success hinges on inclusive, transformative biodiversity management, where local communities are not just beneficiaries, but co-architects and custodians,' the Deputy Minister said on Friday.
According to South African Government News Agency, this approach echoes the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2050. The framework outlines four goals for 2050 and 23 urgent, action-oriented targets for 2030. These targets are designed to address the drivers of biodiversity decline, such as habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species, and to promote sustainable use of natural resources. South Africa is integrating these efforts into its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
Singh highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts, referencing his attendance at the World Tribal Alliance gathering. The gathering brought together traditional leaders from 15 countries to discuss the protection and economic benefits of indigenous knowledge. Singh reiterated the commitment to the Cali Call for Action, established at COP16 in Colombia, to protect Indigenous Knowledge holders and ensure they benefit economically from their innovations.
During the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) South Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sandton, Johannesburg, Singh called on the WWF to lead initiatives such as community-based natural resource management and co-management agreements. He urged for the promotion of skills development, enterprise creation, and market access for youth and women, along with strengthening access and benefit-sharing so communities can thrive from biodiversity-based economies.
The Deputy Minister expressed concern about transnational wildlife crime and trafficking, describing it as an assault on rule of law, security, economy, and biodiverse tourism sector. He warned about criminal syndicates that exploit communities and corruption to traffic high-value species and are also involved in other criminal activities. Singh acknowledged WWF's support in combatting succulent poaching by providing dedicated personnel.
Through the implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, approved by Cabinet in 2023, the government is also contributing to the fight against wildlife crime.