Title: National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004 (“NEMBA”): Publication of the Draft National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Bill for Public Comment 

Gazette reference: GN 4887 in GG 50706 on 24 May 2024 

Deadline for public comments: 23 July 2024 

On 23 May 2024, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published the draft National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Bill (“the Bill”) for public comments.  

The Bill will enable: 

• More effective implementation of the NEMBA’s objectives; 

• More flexible management of species and ecosystems; 

• Greater protection for species and ecosystems through the implementation of international agreements and restrictions on wildlife trafficking; and 

• More effective achievement of economic benefits in the biodiversity sector. 

The Bill’s primary purposes are, among others, to: 

• Provide for the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems and species; 

• Provide for the duty of care towards all components of biodiversity and for the well-being of wild animals; 

• Provide for the development and alignment of biodiversity planning tools; 

• Provide for the management of invasive species; 

• Address historical imbalances, enable and facilitate transformation, facilitate cultural practices and achieve equity within the biodiversity sector; 

• Provide for appropriate measures in response to climate change.