Dr Dion George is urging citizens to take an active role in caring for the country’s heritage, as the world celebrates international day for biodiversity.
This year’s theme, Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development, highlights the link between biodiversity and the broader goals of human well-being, including poverty reduction and sustainable growth. Minister George emphasized the importance of halting biodiversity loss as key to achieving long-term development goals.
“Biodiversity is not just about plants and animals, it’s about the future of our children, the health of our communities, and the resilience of our economy,” said Minister George.
In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hosting the National Biodiversity Offset Guideline Conference. The event brings together conservationists, scientists and decision-makers to discuss how development can go together with protecting nature.
This initiative builds on global commitments made at last year’s biodiversity summit in Colombia and aligns with international frameworks aimed at living more sustainably with the planet.
Minister George highlighted the urgent need to raise public awareness and align national policies with global biodiversity goals. “Every South African has a role to play in restoring and protecting our ecosystems,” he said. “Together, we can build a future where nature and people thrive side by side.”
