Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called on the private sector to partner with government to slow biodiversity loss, restore critical habitats, and secure the ecological infrastructure that supports the economy.
This as the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) paints a concerning picture of the state of the country’s biodiversity, showing that nearly one-third of terrestrial ecosystems are classified as threatened.
“Pressures on biodiversity are intensifying habitat loss from agriculture, settlements, mining and infrastructure development, invasive alien species, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change continue to drive ecosystem degradation and species decline.
“Freshwater systems — rivers, wetlands and estuaries — are among the most threatened,” Singh said on Thursday at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Johannesburg.
According to the Deputy Minister, through concerted, collaborative efforts, South Africa can slow biodiversity loss, restore critical habitats, and secure the ecological infrastructure that supports the economy and environmental well-being.
“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.
“These areas face severe pressure from pollution, invasive species and altered flows. While some progress has been made, far more urgent action is required to protect this vital ecological infrastructure for water security.
“Healthy freshwater flows to estuaries and oceans are equally important for marine fisheries and coastal resilience. Our terrestrial and marine ecosystems are vast, but pressures are concentrated in specific landscapes,” he said.
This demands smart spatial prioritisation — ensuring every rand invested in restoration delivers maximum impact, especially in degraded wetlands, estuaries, and coastal zones.
“Encouragingly, some species have shown improved protection status through our protected areas and stewardship programmes. These successes prove what is possible when conservation efforts are sustained and well-supported.
“Ultimately, our success will be measured by strengthened livelihoods, restored ecosystems, and robust environmental governance built on trust. This is where the private sector plays a vital role,” the Deputy Minister said.
He emphasised that meaningful progress depends on policy reform, targeted finance, and strong partnerships.
“Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have proven powerful, enabling the private sector to drive investment, create jobs, and advance shared goals through corporate social responsibility and innovation.
“Sound environmental governance requires modernising our regulatory frameworks to make them more transparent, efficient, and aligned with the objectives of people, planet and prosperity. Strong institutions — both public and private — are essential for building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies,” the Deputy Minister said.
He pointed out that by forging innovative partnerships across government, business and civil society, South Africa can overcome barriers such as data gaps and regulatory challenges and fully unlock the potential of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks and sustainable investment.
An ESG framework is a structured set of guidelines, metrics and standards used by companies to measure, manage, and report their Environmental, Social, and Governance performance.
The frameworks facilitate transparent disclosure of sustainability data to stakeholders, covering areas like carbon emissions, labour practices and board diversity, allowing for consistent evaluation of risks and opportunities
“A collaborative, whole-of-society approach to conserving our natural assets will be central to achieving our social and economic development goals. It requires coordinated action, secure livelihoods, and a nation united in purpose.
“I therefore call on the business community to partner with us in the conservation and infrastructure enhancement of South Africa’s national botanical and zoological gardens. Your support can expand these spaces, improve visitor experiences, advance research and education, and contribute directly to national biodiversity targets,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
