FEATURE
Services in the Global Assessment
work and the National Protected
on Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Areas Expansion Strategy are ac-
Exceptional biodiversity
Services.
knowledged in the report as im-
SANBI also referred to South
portant existing policy instruments
Africa as a special country with
Important ecosystems
for the protection of species and
exceptional biodiversity, much of
Minister Creecy said the impor-
ecosystems.
which is unique.
tance of ecological infrastructure
The Minister added that the
The institute said the biodiversity
and healthy catchments for
report will allow the department
wealth possessed by the country
securing South Africa’s scarce
better targeting of protected area
gives people tangible benefits
water resources are already ac-
expansion as it moves forward.
like food, clean water, medicine
cepted within the country’s policy environment. She said the NBA reports help
She said it will also assist the
and materials.
department with national and
“It supports agricultural and
international reporting obligations
fisheries production and helps
to direct attention to the most
such as the State of Environment
protect us from natural hazards
important ecosystems that un-
Report, the Convention on Biologi-
like floods and droughts; and it
derpin water-related benefits for
cal Diversity Country Report, Aichi
provides the basis of a vibrant
people.
Biodiversity Targets and the Sus-
tourism industry while offering
tainable Development Goals.
natural spaces for recreational
“The department already has significant programmes to reha-
“Armed with the scientific
and cultural activities,” said
bilitate water sources, wetlands
evidence, we will now be able to
and estuaries including the
take further action in a systematic
removal of waste, in particular
way to protect our most strategic
comes with the responsibility
plastics, and alien species that
eco-infrastructure and catchment
and challenge of ensuring that
suck up the water available to
areas and monitor the effective-
species and ecosystems are
us. These programmes will now
ness of interventions we are
conserved and used sustainably
become more targeted,” she said.
already undertaking,” the Minister
to the benefit of all South Africans
said.
and future generations.
The National Biodiversity Frame-
66
SANBI. It added this rich endowment
Public Sector Manager • November 2019
