Cabinet approves SADC Protocol on environmental management

Friday, September 29, 2017

Cabinet has approved Parliament to ratify the SADC Protocol on Environmental Management for Sustainable Development.

“The objective of the protocol is to promote sustainable use and transboundary management of the environment, which is of interest to SADC member states,” Cabinet said in a statement on Friday.

As chair of the regional bloc, South Africa is committed to strengthening regional efforts to conserve transboundary natural resources and promote sustainable development within the SADC region.

“This is aligned to the NDP, which prioritises the deepening of integration of the SADC region as well as ensuring environmental sustainability and an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.”

SADC recognises the importance of sustainable use and management of the environment in the fight against poverty and food security.

South Africa assumed the role of chair of the regional body in August after taking over from the Kingdom of Swaziland. The SADC chairmanship rotates among the bloc's member states on a one-year-term basis.

On other regional matters, Cabinet congratulated Angola on conducting successful national legislative elections.

President Zuma attended the inauguration ceremony of President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço in Luanda on Tuesday.

Government has committed to working with the new government to build on the already solid bilateral relations.

South Africa and Angola share a common history of the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

Since 1994, the two countries have continued to grow and expand strong bilateral ties.

Angola is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners on the African continent and continues to grow its bilateral relations.

To date, the two countries have 33 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding that have been signed within the JCC framework to enhance cooperation in a number of areas.

Meanwhile, Cabinet extended its condolences to President Enrique Peña Nieto and to the people of Mexico following the devastating earthquake, tsunami and hurricane which resulted in more than 225 deaths and severe destruction of infrastructure. - SAnews.gov.za