Advancing the 30×30 Protected Areas Initiative: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Workshop

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hosting a consultative workshop to advance the implementation of the 30×30 Protected Areas initiative. The workshop, which aims to address Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, will take place in Boksburg, Gauteng, from June 6-8, 2023.

Commitment to Global Biodiversity Framework

South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and is committed to the GBF, which includes four goals and 23 action targets. Target 3 calls for 30 percent of the world’s terrestrial and coastal marine areas to be under effective protection and management by 2030. South Africa will implement the GBF within the context of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity, focusing on conservation, sustainable use, fair and equitable sharing of benefits, and transformation.

Workshop Objectives

The three-day workshop will explore opportunities for expanding protected areas in marine and terrestrial realms, develop an action plan to achieve the 30×30 target, and identify financial needs and gaps for expansion. Experts and stakeholders from various sectors will come together to share knowledge, insights, and solutions to tackle the challenges in implementing the initiative.

Importance of Protecting Biodiversity

The protection of our planet’s precious biodiversity is crucial for the survival and well-being of future generations. The 30×30 Protected Areas target is an ambitious yet essential step towards preserving the Earth’s rich and diverse ecosystems. The initiative’s successful implementation will play a vital role in safeguarding the planet’s natural wealth in the face of climate change, habitat destruction, and other threats.

South Africa’s Role in Global Conservation Efforts

South Africa’s rich biodiversity makes it an essential player in global conservation efforts. The country is home to diverse ecosystems, including fynbos, savannas, wetlands, grasslands, and forests, each hosting unique plant and animal species. The successful implementation of the 30×30 Protected Areas target in South Africa will contribute to the country’s long-term environmental sustainability and support the broader global mission to conserve biodiversity.

Collaborative Approach to Address Environmental Challenges

The workshop’s consultative approach reflects the importance of collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges. By fostering dialogue and promoting the exchange of ideas among experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers, the event aims to generate innovative and effective strategies for achieving the 30×30 target in South Africa and beyond.

Leading Towards a More Sustainable Future

Initiatives such as the 30×30 Protected Areas target represent a much-needed shift towards a more sustainable and equitable future. By hosting this workshop, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment demonstrates its commitment to addressing these critical issues and leading South Africa towards a greener, more sustainable path.

The workshop will be an opportunity for experts and stakeholders to contribute to a collective effort towards safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity. Its success will play a crucial role in shaping the future of conservation efforts not only in South Africa but also globally, as we strive to create a more sustainable world for generations to come.