South Africa's biodiversity crisis: Government calls for private investment – LNN

Nearly one-third of South Africa's terrestrial ecosystems are now classified as threatened, prompting a high-level call for the private sector to intervene. Deputy Minister of Forests, Fisheries and Environment Narendra Singh has warned that the country's ecological infrastructure, the foundation of the economy, is under unprecedented pressure.

Speaking at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Johannesburg on Thursday, Singh highlighted a 'concerning picture' painted by the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA). Mining, agriculture and urban expansion, as well as habitat loss due to climate change and invasive species, are rapidly degrading the landscape.

Increasing threat to the ecosystem

The crisis is most acute in South Africa's freshwater systems, including rivers, wetlands and estuaries, which are among the most vulnerable areas in the country. Singh said the pressure is intensifying due to species decline due to infrastructure development and over-exploitation.

According to the Deputy Minister, through concerted, collaborative efforts, South Africa can slow this loss. However, this calls for smart spatial prioritization to ensure that every rand invested in restoration delivers maximum impact, particularly in degraded coastal areas and wetlands.

Securing South Africa's water future

The importance of these habitats cannot be underestimated. “Our water source areas, mountain catchments, wetlands and rivers, cover only 10% of our land, yet supply more than 50% of the country's water,” Singh revealed.

These vital catchments face serious threats from pollution and altered flows, endangering national water security and marine fisheries alike. While some progress has been made through protected areas and management programs, Singh stressed that far more immediate action is needed to protect this vital ecological infrastructure for environmental well-being.

Power of Public-Private Partnership

The Government believes that meaningful progress depends on policy reforms, targeted finance and strong partnerships. Singh stressed that the private sector is a 'crucial' partner in this mission.

By using environmental, social and governance frameworks (structured guidelines used to measure and report sustainability data) businesses can turn conservation into a driver for job creation. Public-private partnerships enable the private sector to increase investment and pursue shared goals through innovation and corporate responsibility.

Call to action: protection of natural assets

“Ultimately, our success will be measured by strong livelihoods, restored ecosystems and strong environmental governance built on trust,” Singh said.

He issued a direct challenge to the business community to partner with the state in enhancing the conservation and infrastructure of South Africa's national botanical and zoological gardens. Such support will expand these sites, advance important research and contribute directly to achieving national biodiversity targets.

This article was the first Published on SAnews.gov.za

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