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.