South Africans have been holding their breath, awaiting the outcome of what has been one of the most tightly contested elections since the dawn of democracy. After much speculation on what form the next government will take, and what coalitions and partnerships might arise, we now have clarity on what our leadership will look like.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) has been formed, with the combined votes for the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance totalling over 60% of the votes cast during the general election. In the absence of any single party winning an outright majority, this is a welcome development. However, they are ideologically classified, the 10 governing parties must lead in the best interests of the country and the unacceptably large number of citizens who continue to live in abject poverty.
It would be wonderful if the new government was to apply the same spirit of collaboration in developing for our country a strong partnership with nature. While we have been engaged in domestic politics, as democratic imperatives demand of us, the world has continued to grapple with the irreversible consequences of environmental degradation.
It has become increasingly evident that we cannot turn back the clock on the destruction of nature. But we can and must change course. Amidst the dire circumstances, there exists a glimmer of hope.
There is a path forward – through the embrace of nature-based solutions – if we choose to take it.
In this regard, the South African government now has a real opportunity to firmly position itself as a leader by demonstrating our profound understanding of the intrinsic connection between the wellbeing of the land and our people.
It is a truism that human activities have inflicted severe harm upon our planet’s ecosystems. Deforestation, pollution and climate change have ravaged landscapes and significantly reduced biodiversity, in the process threatening the livelihoods of countless communities.
In South Africa alone, 14% of species and 50% of ecosystem types are threatened. The consequences of these actions are far-reaching, impacting everything from food security to climate stability.
It is gratifying to note that in spite of these challenges, South Africa has to date refused to succumb to despair, instead choosing to champion innovative approaches rooted in the rejuvenating power of nature.
Across the public, private and philanthropic sectors, South Africans are choosing to invest in nature-based solutions. These solutions encompass a diverse array of strategies that harness the regenerative capacity of ecosystems while fostering sustainable development for local communities.
From restoration initiatives such as those seen at Tswalu, Somkhanda and Samara Game Reserves, which are bringing back species and providing livelihoods, to the promotion of regenerative agriculture by organisations such as RegenAg SA, which are raising awareness, and educating farmers and consumers about the true cost of unsustainable agricultural practices.
This support for nature has risen to the highest political levels too.
Following agreement on the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15, it was our Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment that hosted one of the first domestic workshops on delivering the seminal 30x30 target.
In addition, addressing the inaugural Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on industry, finance institutions, philanthropies, civil society and traditional leaders, healers and practitioners to collectively embrace the government's vision for a transformed biodiversity economy.
This same ambition to work with and not against nature is what drives the Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation. This is a unique organisation working to bridge the gap between cutting-edge African research into nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis, and practical implementation on the ground to drive social, economic and environmental prosperity across the continent.
Their annual research conference brings together the best African scientists, researchers and policy experts from across the continent to share their proposals for protecting and restoring nature in a way that supports development. Set to return this October, it will undoubtedly provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity for African scientists, philanthropists, corporate leaders and policy makers to exchange ideas, and, in doing so, drive real action.
Opening the plenary last year, Minister Naledi Pandor noted: “What we need to do is act together as the African continent, to save our continent, but also be an example to humanity, which we often forget we are, as South Africans.”
I think she is right, I’m not sure that we have fully recognised the breadth of expertise and insights we have, and the change we can make if we work together to prioritise nature. My plea is that our new government must do so. Put simply, our country is brimming with ambition and ideas on nature restoration, and I believe the world could learn a lot from us.
By revitalising ecosystems that have been degraded by human activity, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also create opportunities for ecotourism and sustainable livelihoods.
This fact is backed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute, whose study assessed that about 418,000 jobs are related to biodiversity, a number that will only increase the more we prioritise nature-based solutions.
Moreover, by involving local communities in conservation efforts, these initiatives ensure that the benefits of ecological restoration are equitably distributed, empowering people to become stewards of their natural heritage.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, to be sure, and addressing the root causes of environmental degradation requires sustained commitment and collaboration across all sectors and governments.
The impacts of climate change and nature loss are already being felt. Witness, for instance, the impact of the 4 June tornado in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and severe weather events in the Eastern Cape and Free State.
In KZN alone, 12 people lost their lives and more than 7,000 homes were damaged. Bridges, schools, roads and other infrastructure were destroyed. The severity of these destructive events led to the National Disaster Management Centre declaring a national disaster.
Urgent action is required to build resilience and adapt to our changing world. Such action comes at a price. Realistically, countries in the Global South cannot bear this burden alone.
So, while we are ready to bring our expertise and solutions to the table, so too must developed countries deliver on the financial commitments made in both climate and biodiversity agreements. It is our fervent hope that the deadline will be met when developed countries are expected to deliver at least $20-billion a year in nature finance to the Global South by 2025.
So, as we now move forward with a newly formed government – one that I hope will work together for the benefit of all citizens – my plea goes to South Africans in politics and civil society alike to embrace what nature-based solutions offer as a compelling vision for the future where the health of the land and the wellbeing of the people are prioritised in tandem.
Apropos our national government, investing in strategies that restore ecosystems and promote sustainable development would demonstrate that it is possible to forge a path towards a more resilient and prosperous future that is harmonious with nature.
Many of us who are passionate about the protection of nature stand ready to support the government in this effort. DM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REeWvTRUpMk
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The GNU's leaders have a unique opportunity to embrace nature-based solutions for SA
The South African government now has a real opportunity to firmly position itself as a leader by demonstrating our profound understanding of the intrinsic connection between the wellbeing of the land and our people.
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