Pretoria: The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, has announced the publication of the draft Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for Pelargonium Sidoides in South Africa. This draft has been made available for public comment in the Government Gazette No. 51662 Notice No. 5592.

According to South African Government News Agency, the draft BMP has been published under sections 43(1)(b), 43(3), 99, and 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEM: BA). It seeks to ensure the continued survival of all sub-populations of Pelargonium Sidoides across South Africa through effective conservation management and sustainable use for traditional and commercial purposes. The plan also aims to ensure equitable benefits to rightful beneficiaries.

This draft BMP is set to replace the previous management plan for Pelargonium Sidoides that covered the period from 2011 to 2020, as outlined in Government Notice No. 433, Government Gazette No. 36411, p
ublished on 26 April 2013. The new BMP focuses on the long-term survival of Pelargonium Sidoides in the wild, while also respecting the livelihoods of stakeholders involved. The Minister plans to assign the responsibility for implementing the draft BMP to the Pelargonium Sidoides Working Group, established during the first iteration of the BMP.

The public is invited to submit written comments on the draft BMP within 30 days from the publication date of the notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever is later. Comments can be sent by post to the Director General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Attention: Ms. Humbulani Mafumo, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001. Alternatively, comments can be submitted by hand at Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, or by email to [email protected].

Inquiries can be directed to Mashudu Mahada via email at [email protected] or phone at 012 399 9586. Electronic copies of the draft BMP for P
elargonium Sidoides are available for download at https://www.dffe.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices. Comments received after the closing date may not be considered.